First, let me say "Thank You" to the many of you who contacted senators, reps, the governor, etc... And to everyone who prayed. It made a big difference. There are 96 families here in Guangzhou who were waiting on visas and need to leave tomorrow. We all contacted family and friends who contacted their people in office. The Consulate's Office was absolutely flooded with calls! On our way here we befriended a couple, John and Lisa, who were adopting with another agency. Lisa used to work for a senator and has a close friendship with him. She got a hold of this senator who called Condoleezza Rice who had the Consulate General called in the middle of the night and told to get everyone's visas processed today!

We got the word around 11:30am that our visa was ready. However, two couples in our group had visas that weren't ready. We were very sad about having to leave them here. I spoke to one of them who I have gotten to be somewhat close to. She had a wonderfully positive attitude but the whole time she talked she swiped tears. As we were going upstairs to the Consulate's Office, Shiyan got a phone call and it was the news that both couples had their visas. It was a happy tearful moment. So... the girls and boys (3 boys in the group) are ours and we are free to leave the country with them.

We are scheduled to arrive in Springfield at 4:40pm on Saturday. We are so very thankful to God for making our dream come true and very thankful to our family and friends who have supported us in so many different ways during this journey.

It has been our "Amazing Race" and yes, we did win the million dollar prize! We can't wait for you to meet her.

Love,
Carmen, Kyle, Sydney and Lydia