The Home Stretch...

Yesterday afternoon (Monday) we went to the Shamian Medical Center for the standard medical examination. This triggers the final acceptance of Gwen's American Visa (later today, Tuesday), and once that is finalized, we will go with her to the American Consulate (tomorrow, Wednesday) and she will take an oath in order to become an American citizen (I assume we will take the oath for her).

She did pretty well at the doctor, although it is quite apparent that she has a natural fear of people in white coats. The trauma was accentuated by the fact that we were there with 10 other kids, each in their own state of trauma... lots of crying and screaming at different intervals. The great thing is that Gwen finds comfort with Mom and Dad- so not such a bad thing. Her height is 78 cm, her weight is 9.7 kg, her eyes, ears and throat seem fine, and her chest examination still shows a pretty good cold, but getting better. In fact, we are happy to report that she is taking the medicine just fine now.

After the scene at the doctor, we stepped outside toward the river with a close circle of our new friends, children Alia, Kimberly and Kate (with their parents) and the four kids played with the bubbles that Kimberly's mom Carol brought. It was the perfect cure for a rough half-hour at the doctor. Within minutes each of the kids had forgotten about the experience and were mesmorized by the floating clear circles... laughing and popping them and of course asking for more. Caleb, Seth and Madelyn- we have the perfect Christmas present for Gwen... Bubbles. I wonder if they freeze if we blow them outside in the winter? I think we should experiment!

Pictures from our day-