Day 15 - A visit to the Wharf, Consulate , and saying goodbye to friends

Today was our final day of any adoption appointments - One of the BIG ONES -- Our consulate visit. Before the Consulate appointment we visited the local Wharf where we were able to see several types of local fish and other sea life caught by local fishermen. In addition to sea life, one of the other big items in the market were snakes.

A funny thing happened while walking by the snakes, one almost got Dawn. Apparently one of the snakes slipped out of the tub and was going toward Dawn who was screaming and jumping all over -- the locals thought it was hilarious to watch her. Here's some pictures of the market.....


Then we were off to the consulate where we would take an oath and obtain Lize US visa. First, we loaded up our group on the bus were on our way.....


Sorry, no pictures or videos were allowed in the consulate. What an amazing scene. A large room full of new moms and dads (regardless of how many kids they already have) along with many family members just waiting for this last step of the adoption process. As you see all the children finally with their families it's hard to think that just a week or so before these same children were homeless without families and now they all are headed to their homes in a promise land of hope and opportunity. On this day, 40 families from 26 states will soon head home with their blessings.

Here's some pictures right after the ceremony with all of us holding our children's passports, visas and immigration documents:


We closed out the day by having our last dinner as a group. It's amazing how so many people can come together half way around the world as strangers and end up being friends. These people were brought into each other's lives and forever will be a part of one of the biggest and best moments of each others lives. God is good!


Only a few more days until we get to be together again as a whole family. WE CAN'T WAIT!