January 24, 2006
We Are Family
[GUANGZHOU, 1/23 8:30PM]
So we did a little shopping in the morning while other families were getting their medical exam done. We were kind of split into two groups, one group will have their swearing in on Friday. We, however, had ours today. The Consulate didn't allow cameras in the building, so there is no picture of the big event described below, but this one was from our walk in the park this morning:
We were warned that this is the most emotional moment of the entire trip. I have to say that after driving to the Consulate office, going up three stories of escalators, and waiting in a sterile DMV-like seating area, plus also trying to keep Ben out of trouble for over half an hour, I didn't believe that this was going to be such a big deal.
Meanwhile, the room was being filled with roughly a couple hundred people, over fifty families in all. A bureaucratically-nerdy-looking woman got up and addressed the group explaining the visas we were about to receive and told us what we needed to know to clear customs in the US. Then, without much warning, she asked us to stand and take the oath.
I have no idea what I said. Honestly.
I don't know if I pledged on Ben's behalf to be a good citizen, or if I promised to take care of him, or if I swore an oath to feed him more spinach, or what. I just know that tears welled up as I stood there with my right hand held up, holding Ben's hand with my left, and repeating the words that the nerdy lady was saying. When the oath was done, the crowd cheered, people were kissing and hugging each other, and Ben and I high-fived.
I think the whole thing got to him, too. I don't know if he understood at all what had just happened, but he's been in a really oddly quiet mood all night.
So that's it. We have a son. And Ben has a mom and dad. Tomorrow, bright and early, we are on a plane for home.
Oh yeah btw, because of the flight, no new post until Wednesday night EST at the earliest.
Posted by: ken at January 24, 2006 08:09 AMHey Ken,
Not sure if you got the email from me about the VPS setup or not, but there will be no interruption of service until Saturday (28th) at the earliest.
I'm hoping the down time almost coincides with your 15 minute, around the world flight back home.
No worries ...
-Tom
Ooops ... looks like you're actually back by then. I'll call you when the switch is planned to maximize uptime.
Posted by: Tom Cousins at January 24, 2006 09:09 AMYay, it's official! Wishing you a safe trip home.
Posted by: jane at January 24, 2006 12:05 PMCongardulations!!! Much love safe journey!!
Posted by: Kay at January 24, 2006 04:25 PMCingratulations Ken(and Kari) Ben is so handsome, what a happy boy! Natalie wants to know when do they get to play? Lets get together once things come down for you. I hope you remember us we met at Stephanie and Wil's wedding. Anyway..talk to you soon. Safe travels, Janet Ruppel
Posted by: Janet Ruppel at January 24, 2006 04:27 PMPlease allow us to add our voices to the chorus of well wishers! My husband and I are very, very happy for you! Congrats!
Posted by: Linda at January 24, 2006 11:42 PM
Hope you have a safe and happy trip home. We are waiting to meet Ben as soon as he is settled in and ready for company or travel to PA. We love you all!
Posted by: Mom at January 25, 2006 07:34 AMHope that flight goes well. Vivi and I are getting in line to meet Ben, so we're probably standing somewhere on Seneca Ave...
Posted by: Mike at January 25, 2006 07:50 AMThe kids are so excited!! They waould like to schedule a play date. Emily is alresdy talking about her bithday 3/11 hoping Ben is able to come.
BTW how are the dogs??? Are they getting used to the idea? Kari have you been preping them for the change?
can't wait to meet Ben!!! I've enjoyed checking out your updates...
jen hale
Posted by: jen hale at January 25, 2006 11:33 AMhey ken this is great!!
matt told me about it..
The List is seriously boring.
george is still pontificating.
hillary is still all prickly and
angry..I'm so happy for you and your family.Carol
YEAH!!! We are so happy for all three of you and like the rest of the population in your lives we can't wait to officially meet him, and to see what has changed since you 2 are now officially proud parents, but ONLY when you three are all settled and ready for that next step. We love you guys! CONGRATULATIONS!
Posted by: Uncle Matt and Aunt Stacey at January 25, 2006 05:17 PMBen-Lag
Capitalism, Chinese-Style
Year of the Sleeping Dog
Learning from Each Other
Home at Last
We Are Family
Ladies Man
Feeling Blessed
Traveling in a Pack
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