paperwork hurdles

And the great paperwork chase is on. But at this point, those papers are seeming elusive.

I know that for anyone who goes through the adoption process gathering the papers is overwhelming and at times frustrating. But doing it from another country is just adding a new dimension to it.

The papers we can request online are not a big deal. But unfortunately, there are few of those. But the first hurdle is. . . any guesses?

Notarization.

Ugh. Okay, let's be fair. It is possible to get things notarized in China. BUT it means making a trek to Shanghai. What in the States would be a 5 minute trip to any post office, bank, . . . (and the list goes on), is going to be a 2+ hour drive each way. Just to get the forms notarized. So I am currently gathering everything that could possibly need notarization for a trip in to the consulate this Saturday.

But as I was filling out a form today, I came across this: We cannot accept personal checks, please send a money order or cashier's check for $2. Umm. Money order? Cashier's check? From China? Somehow I don't even think that the consulate will be able to help me with this one. I am seriously tempted to send this in with the form:

Thoughts?