From Sea to Shining Sea

        Wearing our Stars and Stripes 

Today we traveled to the US Consulate for Carter's visa appointment. We weren't allowed to take any cell phones or cameras inside the building so we don't have pictures from the actual event, but this was a big day for us! Once we pick up Carter's visa and fly home, he will be granted U.S. citizenship as soon as he lands on American soil. It really hit me, as we walked past the long line of those non-U.S. citizens wanting visas to enter the our country just how fortunate we are and how much we take our own citizenship for granted. Carter waved and smiled at everyone waiting for hours in the hot sun as if he knew that he was getting to cut in line big time. What made this day even more special was that a friend of my mother's and our new friend, Meg Katsumi, who works at the consulate was there to meet Carter. As a special treat, she was allowed to administer our oath and take Justin's fingerprints.  I did not expect to be emotional at all today, but this melted my heart. I believe that God is most often present in our lives in the hands, feet, and faces of others who love as God loves. Today, Meg was just that- a very special reminder of God's presence even in the most unexpected of places. Someone who has been praying for us and with us all this time was there for this final step in our journey. I still can't get over the beauty of it all.  

      After dinner with Meg

We have one more day here and then we begin our long journey home!

        Silly faces and sweet kisses 

Too cute not to share- Carter put on Justin's shoes and then decided to use the shoe laces as handles so he could walk and keep the shoes on.  I'm beginning to think this boy is a genius. 

      He loves his new backpack from Meg! He patted his back as soon as he saw it to tell me to put it on him.