Ni Hao Y'all

when east meets south

news. great news.

Our Article 5 has been picked up from the Consulate and has been dropped off with the CCCW@.

Which probably sounds incredibly confusing, if not totally boring, to any non-adoption folks.

But to us? It’s spectacular news.

The Article 5 letter is issued by the Consulate after all the necessary paperwork has been received and reviewed. This process usually takes two weeks from the time the Consulate receives the cabled information from the NVC, and ours was issued right on schedule.

So as of today, we are one big step closer to bringing Tallula Mae home.

Next up is our Travel Approval, which is issued by the CCCW@ and is a bit less predictable than the Article 5 – but I am guessing 2 to 3 weeks. And then travel will be anytime after that.

Which means, I could be in China in less than a month.

*gulp*

We have had so many bumps and hiccups in this journey, it just seemed to be one delay after another. But finally, it seems that things are moving forward.

And rapidly.

Have not even begun to think about packing. Or prescriptions. Or meals for the kids while I’m gone. Or what to bring for Tallula. Or even who will go to China with me, if anyone.

Guess I’d better get workin’ on that.


Comments

  7. Woo-Hoo!!!! Maybe we’ll be in GUZ at the same time! 🙂 And if it makes you feel any better, I have no packing done. Oh, and painting to do. I did buy baby girl some socks today, though. Pitiful, right?

    Reply

  9. We are awaiting our TA too!!!!!!!! This is our first adoption and we are soooooo excited to meet Mia. I stalk my computer waiting for TA or anyone who has gotten theirs recently. LOL!!!!!! We are on day 8 of waiting for TA. We will be in the Gansu province. What province will you be in?????? Maybe we will see you in passing in China. We are from the Lonestar Sate near Houston. Congratulations

    Reply

  17. I’ve been reading your blog since before you brought Vivi home & I’m still confused as to what any of this means but when it’s bad news I feel bad, when it’s good news I couldn’t be more excited for your family.
    Last week I started reading a book about traveling to/living in China. There’s certainly more involved than I ever though. So you will definitely be in more of my prayers for this trip.

    Just for curiosity sake have you ever thought of bringing a kid (or all of them) back to China at any point?

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  18. Stefanie this is GREAT news indeed!!!!! You are soooooo close!
    I WANNA GO TOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! 🙂
    Wuhan will have much better weather in March….we went in July–hot hot hot.
    I am so very excited for you!

    Reply

  20. Wonderful news! We are right there with you, waiting on TA! We are two weeks into our wait, praying it comes soon. Who knows maybe we will cross paths. Just so you know, I’m not ready to go either.

    Reply

  25. I am so excited for you and hope you’ll post some of the prep you do…I’m in the process of prepping for our 3 wk trip to China so I would definitely appreciate knowing the details….like what your doing to feed the kids while your gone, packing list, etc.

    Is it too selfish of me to ask for prayer? We’re LID 9/21 for our son Dalton (love that name) and also waiting on LOA for our daughter, Analina. Would you please consider praying for the Lords perfect timing in both LOA’s? Also, peace/patience for us while we wait. Thank you so very much!

    Reply

  27. Congratulations!!! SO exciting. Not packed…no problem. You should be able to do that with your eyes closed this time. 🙂 HAPPY PACKING and hope you get TA real soon!

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  28. Yeah for Article 5! Can’t wait to see your baby home! I was A5 on 2/14, but it took me from getting PA on 3/30 of last year to finally get to this point. It’s been a long journey, but I’m here.

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  36. OH MY GOODNESS….. How can you stand all that cuteness??

    I cannot wait to see you in China with sweet little Tallula in your arms!! CONGRATULATIONS….. you will be on your way to China very soon!!

    xoxo,

    Lisa

    Reply

  37. You know what I’m gonna say …

    HOORAH

    So who’s traveling, where are you staying in GZ, you’re a BTDT so packing should be easy for y’all! 😉

    hugs – great joy –

    aus and co.

    Reply

  41. I wish I could go to China with you!!!!!!! YAY!! Great news!!!! Pretty soon that bundle of love is going to be in
    your arms!!!!!!

    Love,
    Diana

    Reply

  44. I LOVE Tallulah already!!! She is so blessed to be coming into such a large, happy family! I’m so excited for all of you! Such a beautiful baby girl!

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  45. Okay, I’m sure I’m not the first to say this … but I’d go with you 😉
    heehee–what a get-to-know-ya trip.
    Actually, I’m voting Victoria. Has she gotten to go East yet?
    I know that so much has happened paperwork wise before you actually spilled the beans a few weeks ago … but for me, the lurker who was clueless, it sounds like it’s gone so incredibly fast!!!! And I love that photo of her, she does have her arms open wide for you. What a blessing awaits you and your family!
    -Valerie

    Reply

  46. Great news! And she is so adorable! We should have our Article 5 in about a week so we are right behind you! Finally got updated photos today so that has helped a lot! I am going crazy with this wait…

    Reply

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