Second Day in Can Tho

This morning we were up early and ready to go back to the Center. By 9:00 we met Trinh and her friend and headed to the Center. Levi was in his walker again when we got there. Trinh tried to get him to come towards us n the walker but he just kept pushing backwards. I got him out and they put a mat on the floor so that we could play with him there. We pulled out some of the toys and tried to get him to smile. We could tell he wasn't as tired today. He did start to get a little fussy and the caregivers brought in a bottle. He wasn't too interested in it but rather wanted to be held. What was really neat today was that two of the caregivers were so good about sitting next to me and showing me some of the things they do to get him to smile and laugh or to calm him down. We got to hear some great giggles out of him today and found out in the process that he has 4 teeth on top as well as the 2 on the bottom. I got to feel those teeth as he bit down on my finger. I'll have to be a little more careful about that. Yesterday he was fascinated with granpa's sunglasses. Today grandpa tried to put them on him. He couldn't do it very well but the caregivers did. He even left them on pretty goo. When grandpa tried to put them on the other little boy, he backed away. It was funny because he acted as if he wanted to try them on but when the opportunity came, he changed his mind. We were there nearly 2 hours and at the end, he was getting tired but just didn't want to give in. Eventually, one of the caregivers showed me where to lay him down and showed me some of the things they do with him to get him settled down. He just looked up at me as if to say, "Please take me out of here!" It was difficult to walk away. But, I left there knowing what a wonderful job these women have done taking care of my little guy the first 8 months of his life. They are so good with the children. I will be forever grateful to them for their love and care until I could come. I pray that God will bless them richly!

The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made.

Psalm 145:13b

First Meeting

Today was the day I have been waiting for since I received the referral on July 31st. Today I got to meet my son for the very first time. We left our shoes at the bottom of the steps and walked up the stairs and into the orphanage. There in his walker was Levi. He was hesitant and didn't want to move. Trinh encouraged him to move towards us. I asked if I could get him out. They said yes. He just looked at me with an unsure kind of look. Then, he started to cry. And boy does he have a good strong set of lungs. I tried looking at a Baby Einstein photo book I brought that had pictures of family in it. We tried sitting on a mat on the floor to play and that didn't work. We gave him first one and then another toy and that didn't work. Then, we tried a bottle of water and that didn't work. I stood up and grandpa got out one of the toys we brought. He started to settle down as I rocked back and forth with him and before long, his eyes were closed. At least I know that he wasn't crying because of me but because he was tired. He cuddled close and slept for a little bit. Before long they brought his pillow and had me lay him down on the mat so that I could sign some papers and write in a special book they have of the children who have been adopted. The other little boy, who is 22 months, came too close to Levi and he woke up. I picked him up and Trinh and grandpa tried to get him to smile. He was still a little sleepy so they weren't able to get him to smile. He liked grandpa's glasses. In fact, when we got ready to go, grandpa had to work a little to get the sunglasses out of his hand. By that time, he was getting sleepy again and didn't want to let go of me. I think he was getting ready to cry again. Trinh told me that he likes to be held and that he is very flexible. She showed us how he did the back bend that Natasha saw him do when she was here last month. She also told us that he is crawling a little. We will go again to the Center tomorrow morning. I can't wait!!

Ho Chi Minh City Slide show

Day 3

Today we went to the Cu Chi Tunnels. It was about an hour and a half drive to get there. We had the same tour guide as yesterday. The Cu Chi Tunnels is a labyrinth of narrow tunnels built by Vietnamese guerillas during the war. They were used to hide during bombing raids and to stage surprise attacks. There are over 200 kilometers of tunnels in the area, all of which were dug by men and women of Cu Chi village using only hand tools. There are two sections of this tunnel that are open to the public. The underground tunnels include a hospital, kitchen, dining area, meeting area and sleeping quarters on the first level. This was 3 feet down. The second level of tunnels was 6 feet underground and the third level was 10 feet underground. It was very interesting. Neither dad nor I did go down into the tunnels because he can't maneuver it with his knees and I can't do the close quarters thing. You will notice that I included Flat Stanley in my pictures. I had him along yesterday but forgot to take pictures with him. Sorry second graders! Our guide thought it was so funny that we were taking pictures with a "cartoon" but was great about helping us to arrange pictures with him.

We are constantly amazed at the things they can carry on a scooter here. Today we saw someone carrying a small refrigerator and someone with a very large speaker on their scooter. I also have seen people carrying some large and unusual loads on bikes as well. I have put some pictures of them in my slide show (which should be posted soon).

Tonight we ate at one of the hotel restaurants because they gave us a voucher for staying at the hotel for 3 nights. Each place we have eaten, we have been amazed at how much food you get for the money you pay. Every place has had delicious food. Tonight we had more of a Western meal as opposed to the Vietnamese fare we had been eating the past two nights.

We packed up as much of our things as we could tonight as tomorrow morning we have to be checked out by 8:00 to go to Can Tho. Finally we will get to meet Levi for the first time! We can't wait!! I am hoping that we have internet access in Can Tho so that all of you will not have to wait until Monday to see pictures of Levi with us.

Day 2

Today we got up by about 6:00 and spent some time relaxing before getting ready for breakfast and a morning of sightseeing. We had breakfast at the buffet here in the hotel. The food was good but definitely not what we think of breakfast to be in the States. I have decided I wish we had peach juice in the States. It is very good!

Our guide was at the hotel by 9:00 this morning. His nickname is Typhoon. When we got outside, as we were waiting for the car and driver, he said to my dad, "You are a happy buddha!" as he patted my dad's stomach. From that time on my dad gained a new nickname. He then told me that I looked like I was in really good shape and asked what sport I do. That was funny as I had just started using the elliptical I bought right before I came over here. I haven't used it that long but I guess it must be paying off.

The first place we went was the Reunification Palace. This is really a fascinating place to see. Our guide did an excellent job educating us on the history of the place and explaining each of the rooms in this four story building where the President would live and do business. It used to be called the Presidential Palace. While we were there, there was a large group of children from one of the primary schools touring as well. They came out running from the Palace to the tanks outside that were used to break through the gates at the end of the war. They were all dressed in uniforms. We learned that all children wear uniforms to school.

From there we went to the War Remnants Museum. It is a museum about the Vietnam War that contains photographs and other relics. We left there feeling rather sad as it contained photographs that showed just how cruel war can be. If it had not have been for my dad marrying my mom and me being born, my dad would have been in Vietnam during that time. I'm glad that he could experience Vietnam as it is now and not what it was back then.

We followed up this by going to a place that was started the year after the war ended to help those handicapped by the war to earn a living. They make some of the most beautifully handicrafted items and we were able to buy two pieces to help them out and to help us remember this beautiful country with its friendly people.

Next we went to see the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Post Office. Both buildings are beautiful pieces of architecture with the French influence. We weren't able to go in the Cathedral but did get to see a bride and groom having their picture taken in front of the Cathedral. We were told that this is a common practice. The couple let us take a picture of them. The bride's dress is amazingly exquisite! We were able to go inside the Saigon Post Office which serves not only as the post office but telephone service. At the end of the large arched building that has a glass canopy and enormous wall maps, is a picture of Ho Chi Minh.

We ended our tour at the Ben Thanh Market. I was able to get a few items but decided that I would like to go back when we have a little more time. Perhaps we will do that tomorrow after touring the Chu Chi Tunnels.

This evening for supper we took Lisa's advice and ate at Pho 24, a Vietnamese noodles restaurant. It was very good! Thanks for the suggestion, Lisa! We did a little more shopping and then returned to the room.

I'll try to make a slideshow of all of our pictures tomorrow so that you can see more of them as I can only post 5 at a time on blogger.

Day 1 Pictures

Here are a few of the pictures I took on Wednesday after arriving in Ho Chi Minh City. From reading the comments you have all sent, I feel that I need to clarify a few things about our trip over here. Even though we had some glitches in checking in and transferring planes, all of our flights went really well. There was very little turbulence and both take-offs and landings were smooth on all 3 flights. On our flight from LA to Hong Kong, we got to sit behind an 11 month old little girl who was adorable! She enjoyed looking at us and smiled with the cutest little dimples. Made me long all the more to hold my little boy in my arms. The service on Cathay Pacific was wonderful. Neither of us had heard of this airline before but after our experiences we would recommend it to anyone traveling this direction.

We Made it to HCMC!!!

I am going to tell you right away that this post is going to be a little shorter than I would have liked because I am seriously having an issue keeping my eyes open. My dad has already crawled into bed. I maybe got a total of 3 hours of sleep the whole way over. We had an interesting trip over here that started with the ticket person for United thinking we didn't have any tickets. Thankfully that was cleared up rather quickly. For those of you who have never flown into LAX, well let's just say that it is not my favorite airport. After asking not one, not two, but three people how to get to the international terminal (you have to take the bus under the blue sign) we were met with another bump checking in with Cathay Pacific. When we did get checked in and over to the gate, we found out we had to move to another gate on the other side of the airport and because they are doing construction, it was so small we couldn't all find a place to stand, much less sit. We hopped on buses and drove for what seemed like a very long time, before boarding our plane, now well beyond its departure time. We ended up facing some strong headwinds and a delay crossing over from Alaska to Siberia that caused the pilot to have to slow the plane way down so we had only about 15 minutes to make our connecting flight to HCMC. And we had to go through security again as well and dad had to be "wanded" once again. We finally arrived in HCMC only to find out that two of our pieces of luggage had not made it. After talking with lost and found, my luggage was found but dad's was to be delivered later this evening. It has since been (Praise God!!).

After settling into the hotel, which is a very nice hotel, we took showers (hooray) and went out and did some exploring around the area on foot. We ended up booking a half day tour for tomorrow and eating at a very good Vietnamese restaurant.

I'll post some pictures tomorrow as I am too tired to mess with anything else tonight.

Last Post from the USA

This is the last time I will post here in the States. The next time I post, sometime on Wednesday, we will be HCMC. We will be only 3 days away from meeting Levi for the very first time. My dad and I will be flying out at 6:50 tomorrow evening. I can hardly believe it! It seems so unreal!!

It has been a busy weekend but a good one for the most part. Today was a special day because my pastor had me come to the front of the church and he prayed for us as the rest of the church extended their hands towards us. Two things really stood out about this moment. First of all, he talked about how special it was that God would choose to bring Levi, who is on the other side of the world, to be placed in our family. A very special friend shared this same thing earlier in the week. He also talked about remembering that the day of my husband's funeral, he prophesied over me that the Lord had plans for me and that they were to prosper me and to give me a future and a hope and that Levi was a part of the fulfillment of that prophesy. He of course said it much more eloquently. As I talked with a friend from another state, I realized just how blessed I am to be a part of such a wonderful church family.

I am sitting here trying to finish report cards as they have to be finished before I leave because my sub will have only been with them 2-1/2 weeks before they go out. It is really hard because my heart isn't really into it. It doesn't help that my nose feels like soomebody turned on the faucet and left it running. I am on antibiotic so I should be over it before I leave - thank you Jesus!

Today I finally found out who the sub will be while I am gone. She is planning to come in tomorrow to observe and talk. Boy, I sure wish she could have come in a couple of days because I have lots to share with her. I'm thankful that I work with some terrific people who will come along side her and support her until she gets into the swing of things. I know she'll do a great job!

Well, I guess I better get back at things. There are so many last minute things that creep up on you. I thought I was pretty organized - and I am for the most part - but boy there were many things that this week had to be done. nd when you're not feeling 100% it sure makes it harder to get them finished.

GNR

On Monday, March 2nd, Levi will officially become my son and Rachel's little brother! This will be my last week at school until May! I can't believe that in a week I will be on a plane to meet my son!!!! I have soooo much to do before then, including report cards for my students for third quarter! Good thing my daughter is such a great organizer and will definitely help me keep things under control this next week.

Today we picked up the crib for Levi. Now all we have to do is put it together and get the mattress and we are ready to go!!

Happy Valentine's Day and Happy 8 Month Birthday Levi

"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him;" Psalm 103:13

This is just one of the verses that I read yesterday morning for my quiet time. It was good to remind myself of this as I had been feeling really discouraged waiting for pre-approval. The devotional I read reminded me that God is the God of the little things and the big things and that even when no one else seems to notice or pay much mind to what we are going through, God does indeed notice and has compassion on us.

God has certainly had compassion on us and heard our cry, not just in this situation but in so many others that we often forget or fail to recognize. I am so thankful that He is an awesome, mountain-moving, miracle-working God who loves me more than anyone else ever could and who never gave up on me, even when I rejected Him and His ways for years. Now I can spend the rest of my days trying to show Him how much I love Him and value the gift of life He has given me.

Last night I was so blessed to be able to go out with Rachel, my friends Rhonda and Sue and their daughters - who happen to be good friends with Rachel. We went out to celebrate our pre-approval. We haven't done this in sooo long and I can't tell you how good it was. As we were driving home after dropping everyone off, Rachel and I, although tired because it was later than we would have stayed up otherwise, commented over and over again how much we enjoyed this. These are the good things in life -faith, family and friends.

And speaking of family, this evening we got to spend a very enjoyable evening with my in-laws for Valentine's Day. We hadn't planned to do this prior to this afternoon when we stopped there after Rachel was finished with work. We were going to have a quiet evening at home watching the movie "Fireproof". Instead we had homemade pizza, mozzarella breadsticks and cherry pie and watched the movie with them. If you haven't seen the movie, I would definitely recommend it to you. It is well worth it. I am so thankful that what I saw in the movie my daughter can see lived out in my in-laws marriage. I am glad that she has such a good model to pattern her marriage after.

I am so excited that this will be the last time I will have to say Happy Birthday to Levi on my blog only. The next month I will get to say Happy Birthday to him in person. How in the world am I ever going to be able to make it through any time of teaching or doing anything else now that I know I am traveling soon?! On Monday or Tuesday we will know for certain when the Giving and Receiving Ceremony is so we can make the travel arrangements. I am praying for 2 weeks not 3 but have learned it is best to just let God do what He has in mind because it is best - not always easy but certainly best.

Pre-Approval At Last

Hi Everyone!This is Rachel.This last week my mom has been checking her email every morning and every morning there has been no pre-approval in her inbox. Needless to say, she was getting more and more frustrated as the week has gone by. So last night she told me, "I'm not going to check my email tomorrow morning because it just makes me frustrated and ruins my day. So you can check it instead. Then if there's no news, you can tell me later." So last night I really prayed and pleaded with God to let today be the day. I told him that whatever happened He was still in control and I would trust him anyway. This moring I came downstairs after mom had left for school and as I brought up her email sight I just prayed again that it would be there, and guess what? It was! So praise God today because we FINALLY have pre-approval! I think my mom will be floating on a cloud for the rest of the day. She probably won't be able to concentrate on her meeting very much, but that's ok, bcecause we're just really happy to finally have news!

Thankful Thursday

1) I am thankful that I have found a pediatrician that I feel comfortable with. Today after school I went to meet with the pediatrician that I plan to take Levi to once I come home with him. I am really glad that I did. I am very impressed with her. She seems to be quite knowledgeable and very easy to talk with. She was able to answer all of my questions and explained a little bit more some of the information that we received in the medical report we received at the time of his referral. I left there feeling very positive about the care she will provide to Levi.

2) My daughter Rachel
I have to brag on my daughter a little tonight. I really could brag on her a whole bunch but tonight she was so thoughtful. Seeing that I was gone to the doctor and wouldn't be home until after 5:00, and seeing that I have been a little down waiting for pre-approval, she found a recipe online and made it for supper. She did have a little help from her grandpa, who is an excellent cook, but did most of it herself. It was delicious!! I am truly blessed!!

Peek-a-Boo! I See You

This afternoon I found these two pictures in my inbox. Isn't he just the most adorable little boy you have ever seen? I hope these are the last pictures I receive and that in just a couple of weeks I will be there to see that toothy grin myself.

I know you're all checking because today was the day I was really hoping to get preapproval. Well, it didn't happen today. But that's okay. I am not discouraged because I know that it is coming soon.

This weekend we enjoyed a nice time with my parents who were visiting. They brought a dresser for Levi's room and some other things for us. My dad and I got to talk about some of the details of our upcoming trip to Vietnam. I could seriously be ready to travel in a week if they allowed me to, although we would have to wait a little longer as my dad won't be back from Mexico until the 18th. On Saturday, we went out for lunch at the Olive Garden (one of my favorite restaurants)and then shopping. Living about 45 minutes from the Olive Garden and not being able to afford eating there very often, this was a real treat. I also got 3 really nice gifts from Rachel and my parents.

This morning, as I was getting ready, Rachel brought in a piece of the dessert I made for my birthday treat. It had a candle on it and she sang Happy Birthday. SHe is so thoughtful and this alone made my day because it was followed with a hug. When I got home tonight there was a small chocolate cake and a birthday card with money from my in-laws waiting for me on the counter. And in just a short while, Rachel and I will be going out to eat with my friend and her children. What more can a girl ask for on her birthday?

I can honestly say that if I had to leave in 2 days for Vietnam, it wouldn't be a problem. I spent time packing yesterday and getting all my documents ready. I only have a few last minute things to take care of. I've made a list and I'm checking it twice.

So, check back tomorrow and hopefully I will have some good news to post about the adoption.

DNA Results Have Arrived in HCMC

The good news keeps on coming this week. Today I received word that our DNA results were received at the Consulate on Monday or Tuesday. That means the only hurdle left to jump is preapproval!!!! Can you tell I am a little bit excited? When I read the email this afternoon at school when my students were gone, I was doing a happy dance. It was sure hard to contain my excitement! I can't imagine what I will be like when I finally get the coveted preapproval.

Height and Weight Update

Today we received what I hope will be our last height and weight update. I am hopeful that at this time next month, my dad and I will be in Vietnam and will be able to see for ourselves how big he is getting. He is now 27.6 inches long and weighs 16.76 lbs. It is good to know that he continues to grow. That means he must be well taken care of and eating well.

Another Hurdle Jumped

Today I finally received the email I have been waiting for - the DNA results are complete! Hooray! The woman who relinquished Levi is truly his birthmom. So, it looks as if everything is a go! Now, all we need is for the results to travel quickly to HCMC and then on to Hanoi for preapproval. Once we have that, it is 2-3 weeks for travel time. I am hoping for 2 weeks. I will definitely be putting in a word that I will take the earlier time. I have been packing things little by little for the past month or so, so it shouldn't take me long to be ready to go.

Look Who I Found!

Well, we didn't get any word about the DNA testing but at least we got some pictures of Levi today. Tomorrow has got to be the day the testing is finished. I was told it could take 5-10 business days to be finished. Today was day 10. I guess I'll just enjoy the pictures until I can hold him for real.

A Turkish Evening

Tonight Rachel and I went to a ladies event for our church in which we got to experience what it is like to live in Turkey. The host for the evening was a woman that our church supports, along with her husband and children, in serving with YWAM in Turkey. This morning they shared at church during the service. I also had the opportunity to talk with her prior to the start of the morning service. She is a wonderful woman of God who makes you feel like you matter right from the minute you meet her. Right from the minute we walked in the door of the home where the event was being held, we were introduced to Turkish culture. We were instructed to greet one another the way that they do in Turkey. We got to sample some Turkish food in the way they would when someone comes over for tea. I am so glad that I went because I think that I now have a deeper understanding and appreciation for the people of Turkey and for the ministry that this family is involved in. I believe that now I can pray for them in ways that I would not have been able to prior to this evening. It is amazing to me how many misconceptions we have about people living in other countries. As I am writing this, I keep going back to something that our pastor said when he spoke on Right to Life Sunday, just two weeks ago. Every life matters to Jesus Christ so every life is sacred. He wants everyone to come to a saving knowledge of the truth. The thing that our host for the evening wanted us to take with us most I think is not only to pray for the people of Turkey, but even more importantly to pray for and reach out to those right around us who need Jesus as much as the people of Turkey. We don't have to go to a foreign country to find people who are dying and in need of a Savior.

Lord give me Your eyes to see, Your words to speak, Your hands to touch, Your feet to go, and Your heart for those right around me who need You! You are the only source of peace and comfort that will ever satisfy the longings deep within us!
In Jesus' Name,
Amen