CLICK HERE FOR THOUSANDS OF FREE BLOGGER TEMPLATES »

Friday, August 24, 2007

Done!

Posted by Alex at 4:59 PM

We went on Wednesday to our USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) appointment. We've been waiting for the Certificates of Citizenship for the children. Just about naptime, we arrived at the monolithic Federal Building, waded through security and finally found our waiting room. We waited and waited. The kids became more and more hyper. We were finally called back to the office of a woman who introduced herself as "Officer Jones". Within seconds, Lily made the most noxious poopy diaper in the United States AND Guatemala. Brett took her down the hall to clean her up. I endured many specific and odd questions from our Department of Homeland Security Officer. After signing many pieces of paperwork, another long stint in the waiting room, and a "swearing in" ceremony, we finally have the documents proclaiming Thomas and Lily to be Citizens of the United States of America. I cried (not prettily, but in long, gasping sobs) all the way back to the car.

It has been a long 4.75 years since we began this process. Please shake me or give me a margarita if I ever contemplate another International adoption. I am so relieved to have this all finished! Oh, and for those who might be wondering, the kids retain dual citizenship -- chapines y americanos!

 

9 Comments:

  1. Magdalene6127 said...
    5:17 PM  
    Alex, this brought tears to my eyes, as an adoptee and as a mom. What an odyssey, what an ordeal. And how strange and mysterious that your children are "officially" what they have been all along: your children.

    I am so happy for you.

    Love and hugs, Mags
    Liz said...
    6:06 PM  
    Oh, but there are so worth it, these precious, precious children.
    Pastor Peters said...
    6:19 PM  
    this is so exciting!

    i uplift my margarita glass in celebration! cheers!
    LittleMary said...
    6:35 PM  
    I am dying to know what questions they asked!!! and did the kids know why you were sobbing all the way to the car? congratulations love.
    PPB said...
    6:39 PM  
    I always feel like citizenship should involve some baptismal questions of the country---like do we promise to give them a decent environment and respectable public schools---I hope we do.

    I'm glad it's over, and I'm glad they are now officially "ours" in addition to "yours."
    Iris said...
    7:10 PM  
    This made me cry, too. The happy about what's good in the world kind of cry. I am so happy for you all.
    Rev Kim said...
    9:47 PM  
    Thank you for allowing us to share in this beautiful, special time. The future of our country is in good hands!
    Joy said...
    11:08 PM  
    YAY!!!! The sobs of a mothers relief. I am so happy this is over for you. Thank you for sharing this with us. I know how important this was to all of you. Lets celebrate with some Beach Bum Pale Ale. :) Actually a Margarita at Mariachis sounds good too. Let me know when you can get away. I'll buy!!!!
    more cows than people said...
    7:58 AM  
    What everyone else said! Hooray! Praise God!

    So happy for you all.

    Love, S

Post a Comment



Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)