Big Brown Envelope

Two days ago we received the "Big Brown Envelope" from the American Consulate General in Guangzhou, China. Basically, all the envelope contains is notification that the Department of Homeland Security has sent our adoption approval to the U.S. Consulate in China and more paperwork for Tim and me to fill out and bring to China in order to obtain our child's visa to travel to the U.S. The city of Guangzhou will be the last stop on our adoption trip. Many people who adopt do not receive the "Big Brown Envelope" (We were told not to worry or be upset if we don't.) and just fill out the paperwork when they are in China, but it was exciting to receive in the mail. It marks another step in our process!

Below are what the first couple of lines of the cover letter read. Thought you might like to see:

"Congratulations! The U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services recently notified U.S. Consulate Guangzhou that the Department of Homeland Security has approved your petition to adopt an overseas orphan...."