BUREAUCRACY COMPLETED (until we get to Arizona!)

The government agencies in Honolulu are well-known for providing fast service to Americans who have adopted internationally and need to get their children's US passport fast. This means that many Americans residing overseas enter the US through Hawaii as a first stop after an adoption.

In a few days we have been able to get Eleni's passport and Certificate of Citizenship (like a birth certificate). The officials were so friendly, familiar with all the adoption documentation, and were flexible when it was logical to be so. After almost 4 years of adoption bureaucracy and officials who don't know what to do when you don't fit into the standard mold, Honolulu was a huge breath of fresh air.

Here are some photos of our various trips to the passport office and Immigration. Some moments were more peaceful than others.