Final Itinerary

I received our final day by day itinerary from Hope yesterday. I will list it below. I was very happy that there were no surprises on it and of course even happier that there were no surprises in the fees! We were given the hotels and the suites we requested- so perfect! I get to go to Caleb's school today to read a book about adoption to his class. I chose the book Waiting for May. It is a great book that talks about a little boy waiting to go get his sister from China. This will be my first "public" talk about adoption and answering questions about Shelby from people (kids) who don't really know what politically correct means. This is going to be a great opportunity to educate the kids and I hope that might spread to the parents a little bit. I am going to use this chance to help me be better prepared for some of the ignorant comments I expect to get once Shelby is home. I will read the same book to Travis' class on Monday. I don't expect the 4 year old questions to be quite as intrusive as the 8 year old class though :) Here is our final day by day agenda and of course Shelby ready and waiting for us!

Oct 31- Leave Atlanta at 12:30PM (go thru Detroit and Tokyo)

Nov 1- Arrive in Beijing at 9:30PMNov 4- Fly to Nanning from 2PM-6PM

Nov 2-Great Wall and Peking Duck Dinner

Nov 3-Sightseeing and Acrobatic Show at 6:30PM

Nov 4(Sun) – Your guide in Nanning, Belinda, will pick you up at the Airport in the evening and escort you to the Wharton Hotel. Relax and rest at the hotel

Nov 5(Mon) – You will pick up your daughter in the morning and do some paperwork.

Nov 6(Tue): Complete Adoption Registration and Notarization process. You will also take your family picture and apply for your daughter’s Chinese passport.

Nov 7(Wed): City tour and sightseeing at the Mountain Park.

Nov 8(Thur): You will visit Yongning Orphanage and try to meet foster family

Nov 9(Fri): Sightseeing at the zoo/park. You will pick up your daughter’s passport in the afternoon.

Nov 10(Sat): Depart Nanning at 6:10pm and land in Guangzhou at 7:25pm. Jophy will pick you up at the Guangzhou airport and check in at Victory Hotel

Nov 11(Sun): Complete USCIS paperwork with Jophy, then she will take you sightseeing.

Nov 12(Mon): Your daughter’s physical exam; more shopping.

Nov 13(Tue): Consulate Appointment at 11:30am (Jophy takes your INS paperwork in for you).
Nov 14(Wed): You will go to the Consulate for your Oath Swearing Ceremony.

Nov 15(Thu): Sightseeing at the Baiyun Mountain.

Nov 16(Fri): You will leave to go home. Arrive in ATL at 5:36PM on Flight NW 469