Some fun adventures...

Okay Leanne, this first picture is for you. You were so concerned with what we had to eat around here. Well, here is the snack wine. No we didn't drink any, but I thought you might enjoy the picture.

For everyone else here is a new picture. This was taken earlier today. As you can see Samuel is really doing well. Today we took a taxi to the Big C which is kinda like a Wal-Mart. That in itself was interesting, three adults and two children in the back seat and Jim in the front with the driver. Talking about tight. Anyway, we got there and they had moving sidewalks that went uphill. I felt so much like Glenda on her trip to Ridgecrest. I was so out of my element. Anyway, Dawn told me that they are magnetic so the buggies attach when you bring them down. It was pretty cool. So we go through the market and buy a few groceries so that we can come back and cook. We bought some ham, corn on the cob, and a few boxed things. I really liked the market. I would have liked to look around more, but Thomas couldn't handle it. We paid for our things and then went down to KFC for lunch.

We got back to the hotel and just hung out for a while. Then we met up with the Lee's and walked around the streets for a while. When we returned I made spaghetti in our kitchen. Now this was no ordinary meal. I cooked the entire thing with chopsticks. I know that doesn't seem difficult, but my mother in law would be proud. We ate and Samuel ate two full bowls. I think we have finally filled him up. Just as I was leaving to come post I blew him a kiss and he blew me one back. That was so sweet. This little boy is absolutely wonderful. He is truly 100% boy, but a dream all the same.

There has been no word on a flight. Todd is hoping to get something, but I guess we will have to wait and see. Anyway, things here are going great.

Sittin' on ready waiting on go...

We have a Visa in hand and are so excited. This means we can go whenever. However, the flights are all booked. This place is really nice, but I would so like to get home to my babies. The Visa interview was very short sweet and to the point. We ran into some other families who are with a different agency and it makes me appreciate Dillon. We saw these guys at the health checks also, and they told of going in and just "ripping the kids out of the orphanage" The girls were 3 and 4 and seem to be having a hard time adjusting. I can't praise Dillon enough for all that they do. They have been absolutely wonderful in helping us and interacting with the kids. Also, the nannies have really taught the kids alot. Samuel folds his own clothes, picks up his toys, I mean he is truly a blessing.
We don't know what we will be up to if we have to stay longer, but we will let you guys know if we go anywhere. So far we have stayed close as it is very cold and we were not really prepared for that. Oh, Tina, Thomas is one. He is really a cute little boy. I forgot to bring down the port thingy to download pics. Maybe I can do that later. Hope all is well.

Here in Hanoi

Okay, we are now in Hanoi, but let me back up briefly to HCMC. The day we were to leave Jim decided he wanted street food. You know, the people who cook right there on the street. No chairs or tables just a little pot and some food. He said he wound up with some soup stuff with a lung in it. He wasn't sure what kind of animal though. I couldn't believe it. He said it was good. (Ugh!!)
Anyway, we left Monday afternoon for Hanoi. The flight was amazing. Samuel didn't like being buckled but when we told him to leave it alone he did. He and Jim played and he crawled in my lap to look out the window. Thomas (Sang) on the other hand, wanted to be up. He didn't really fuss, just was vocal about not sitting. He was fine as long as Shawn was up. They have long flight ahead.
Tuesday it was rainy and cold. We didn't go out, but just hung around the apartment. Let me tell you, when Dillon says bring a jacket, do it! I really didn't think it would be that cold, but it is. We had Samuel some long clothes but only one set for us. Anyway, being in the room was great rest time. Today, we got out and walked around the city some. This is not my favorite city. It is too Americanish for me and more expensive. Anyway, we spent the morning out and the afternoon in the playroom. We came back to the room and watched a movie while Samuel slept. This evening we went down to the Citimart (by the way it is in this building) to do some shopping. We bought some food for dinner and went back and prepared it. For those of you yet to come, do all souvineir shopping in HCMC. Anyway, we have an appointment for tomorrow afternoon at the consulate. IF all goes well we hope to leave on Friday and be home Saturday. As much as I have enjoyed VN I am so ready to see my babies back home. I think Samuel will do great. However, he is very shy and does not look at people when they talk to him. So if we make it to church on Sunday please don't overwhelm him. One on one is fine, but crowds are a little iffy. Hope all is well. Heather, I'm still working on the little girl for you =)
Pictures will come tomorrow.

Various Ramblings

Okay, the massage was great. It was so relaxing and fun. They served some of the most delicious dragon fruit. I really could have stayed longer. Not only was it relaxing, but they thought I was beautiful. Why do I want to leave this country when a pale curly headed person is so gorgesous!?!?
I wanted to share about our close call with the law. The other night we walked down to the Ben Thanh market and were having a look around. The streets were very crowded and all of a sudden we hear sirens. Everyone turns to look as a moto comes speeding down the street with the police moto in hot persuit. Everyone stopped and watched. I was so thankful that Jim was holding Samuel. It was quite an experience.
Also, we ate at a resturant down the street called Zen Viet (or something like that). It was swanky. It was where the presentation of the food was wonderful and it tasted great. In the states we could never have afforded to eat there, but here is was a mere 24 bucks.
Okay, as much as I am trying to have some fun, Jim is working away. He has a whole marching show planned for next year. He wants to do asian music. Now all we have to do is find a huge dragon! All is well and we leave in a few for Hanoi. We hope to be finished there Thursday, fly out Friday and be home Saturday. Keep checking to find out more =)

An Amazing Transition

Samuel seems to be transitioning really well. We go out and he is really shy and quiet. He won't make eye contact with others. Most of the time he holds his hands up for Jim to tote him. In the room, wow, he is a wild man. Jim has become the human jungle "Jim"(HaHa) Anyway, Samuel is climbing all over him, rolling off the bed, etc. He laughs and loves it. He really makes great eye contact with us and takes to either of us, but prefers Jim(only if he will pick him up)
We went over to the tax center today and Samuel loved the Hot Wheels. Blake, I think you guys will have a great time together. Picked up my Au Doi sp?? just a few minutes ago. Boy will that do something to your ego. I really like it but will honestly only wear it for pics. I will have to go on a serious diet if I convince Jim to move here.
Oh for those of you who know me well it will be interesting to know that God put us with a family who lives in China teaching English. They have told Jim they could easily get him a music job in China. (Crossing my fingers!!) Although now I think I would rather live in VN. It doesn't seem as up tight and the air is cleaner. NT is my preference. (Hmmm wonder why?) Anyway, I have to go for now. I am off to get my massage that is absolutely dirt cheap! Hope all is well in the states! Someone please love on my kids!

Another great day!

This is when Samuel saw pics of Alex. Thanks Tina!

Jim going down the desert mountain in NT.

This is the second day we visited Samuel.

Jim climbing the desert mountain.

I'm not the best with adding pics but I hope this helps those of you who want pics.

Okay, I just wanted to update. I forgot to mention how great NT was. Not only is there a beautiful beach, but we also visited a desert like area and saw mountains. You should have seen Jim "skiing" down the desert mountains. I was so afraid he would get down there and not be able to get back. The Cham towers are great. Also if any of you are buying things from your childs province that is the place to get them.

On to more. Samuel didn't want to sleep last night. So I started rocking him and singing hymns. Guess what, he was out in just a little while. Mike, that is another plug for praise and worship. =)

Anyway, he slept like a dream last night. We woke up this morning and went to breakfast and then hit the streets. We walked all over Saigon. Samuel is such a trooper that he did not fuss. We found this great restraunt called Au Pac over by the Catherdral. Then it started to rain so we headed back for the hotel. We got in and rested for a little while then the Lee's came to visit with Sang(Thomas) and we went to the zoo. The outing was fun. The boys weren't to interested but it was nice to be out. We were so had by the cab driver going over. He wouldn't turn on the meter. We got there and ended up paying 40.000 dong. On the way back the driver used the meter and it was only 15.000. Be sure to use the meter or get out. I think we will just hang out for the rest of the day. I really want to go get a massage tonight. Plus there is still shopping to do.

Wow is all I can say!!

I am typing this from the Rex hotel with my sweet son sitting contentedly in my lap. He has been a dream. He pees, poops, brushes teeth and bathes all without incident! This is absolutlely wonderful. For you NT families let me tell you the nannies are great!!! The hotel is an absolute beach front dream and cheap! We spent roughly 150.00 bucks for two nights, a tour, laundry and phone calls home! We can't even get one night in the states for that! The hotel is gorgeous and the people are kind.
Samuel really kinda kept his distance yesterday. He ate great and was no problem. We hit the road for the seven hour journey back and he and Thomas (another NT guy) did absolutely great. About half way Tam (Samuel) climbed out of my lap and onto the seat between us and proceeded to throw up. We stopped, cleaned him up and changed him and kept going. A couple of hours later he again climbed out of my lap and threw up. Do I have a thoughtful son or what? I think he got a little motion sick because let me tell you the ride was rough!!!! I can't begin to count the number of times I saw my life flash before my eyes! If ever I lived here I would have to have a driver because I could never do it. Brother Andy, I think you might could be my driver! The rule is there are no rules, you drive at top speed and toot your horn as you pass cars. When you meet a car you wait until the last possible moment to get over and if you are the bigger vehicle they have to get over. =)
Anyway, so today we have run all over creation applying for this and doing that but it has been great. Tam has really warmed up to us and is making much more eye contact and talking to us. He follows Jim like a shadow. He loves to play ball with us. Last night he slept like a dream. He is a very shy child and will not make eye contact with others, even Vietnamese. We have been teaching him to eat with a fork. It's not that he doesn't know how, but he is used to being fed. At lunch today he was able to spear his fruit and eat it himself.
Blake, he really likes cars so you guys should have a great time together. Grace, I have some really pretty dresses just foryou. Anyway, we are about to go to dinner. I know this utopia will problay end soon, but boy is this child just easy.
Bonnie, I am glad to hear what you are having. A boy for Randy to play with will be fun. Hope all is going well and i will update again tomorrow. Maybe then I can post a picture.

In Ninh Thuan!!

Beware, this may be a book. We arrived in NT yesterday and checked in to the most wonderful hotel. This place is so great I am trying to convince Jim to let's move to VN!! Anyway, we then went to the orphanage and visited. Samuel was at school so they sent someone after him. We watched Dawn and Shawn be united with their Thomas and that was sweet! Then Samuel arrived and his nanny changed him and then just put him in my arms. I loved on him and just held him. We sat on the floor and tried to play a little. We also gave out candy and Cheerios and Gold fish. All were big hits!! I was really doing more parallel play because he wouldn't look at me. At one point I noticed his nanny crying which really broke me up. We mostly just sat with his beach ball we brought. After the big kids got there he got up and played and we actually kicked the ball back and forth. At one point an older girl took the ball and ran to another room and wouldn't let Samuel in. He looked at me and pointed for me to get the ball. Such a wonderful mommy moment! Jim asked a few questions and was disappointed to find that he does not like fish. An asian who doesn't like fish??(Remember Jim is Japanese) Soon it was time to go.
Just a note, Jessica, the nanny really loved the pictures you sent. They all oooohed and aaaaahed over it. For you other NT families, we have tons of pics and even some video that I will try to get to Jynger ASAP! The kids are amazingly healthy and well cared for.

Today we visited again. This time they kept Samuel from school. He more or less just hung out. I was able to make eye contact a few times which was great! The Lees' brought some beenie babies and he picked out a fish and elephant. Then he still had his ball and train from yesterday. We also gave him one of the bears we brought. You should have seen him trying to hold all of this stuff. He would not let it down. He would stack it all in his flattened ball and tote it around. Then he would dump it and start again. We were able to ask a few more questions. He really is a great child! Just before we left the nannies were feeding him. Unfortunately his nanny was not there today. Oh, Tina, I gave them the pictures of Alex and everyone was so excited. When I showed Samuel he just smiled. Not sure what the others were telling him, but he liked it.

Notes to those yet to come. This place is an absolute dream! Relax and enjoy it!
For those at New Life: The bears were an absolute hit! Thank you so much! The kids are great and we are really having a great time.
To my sweet babies: I love you and we will be home soon.

Ribbit, we are here!!!

Okay, I know that sounds funny but those who have been before understand that it is like playing frogger. I now know how much my husband loves me (not much) because he told me he wasn't waiting on me, it was do it yourself=) I have to say I have mastered the roads a little better. The 36 hours of flying was fine. We have spent the afternoon walking all over HCMC. Minh told us that we leave tomorrow instead of Wed for NT. This gives us another day at the center which is great!
Okay some notes before I forget. Tamara, Mike, Carol and Joanna you may want to request bulkhead seating for the mission trip. I forgot how cramped it was on these long flights. Also, Joel, could you please bring an EMC crew over here and work on the power lines. Just wait till you see the picture I have.
Some other interesting things from our flights. I was able to see the windmills from the plane while we were out west. That was pretty cool. Also, the crops are planted in circles out there. I kept seeing all of these cut out circles and Jim said that was what it was. We also found that rednecks live in LA because several things in the airport were duct taped. The one other observation I found fascinating was that in the east our roofs are black, but out west they are mostly brown. I know these sound trivial but really I want to remember it all.
We are having a blast. I hope we can download pictures later. The Rex is absolutely fabulous. Uncle Brian tell the babies we love them and we will talk with them soon. Hope everyone else is doing great.

Last minute details....

Okay, well this is my last post before flying off. My stomach is all of a sudden a jumble of nerves. I have been cleaning today and trying to get everything together. A friend is keeping the kids so that I don't have helpers while I clean. As part of the cleaning I have put the new comforters on the boys' bed's and that was quite emotional. It just makes things seem so much more real. We leave GA at 1:52pm our time on Saturday and arrive in VN at 10:20am their time. We are so very excited and appreciate all that our friends and family have done for us. As it stands, Samuel will be ours Thurs morning VN time. Thanks for your prayers and I hope to post when we arrive.

Goin' to Vietnam!!!!!!!

We have just gotten the wonderful news that we will be traveling to Vietnam in a little over a week. We are to be in the country by the 18th and hope to have our son in our arms the 21st. This is really so unexpected this week with TET going on. Anyway, I am a jumble of emotions and nerves as I try to prepare for this trip. I covet any prayers that those of you in blogger-land wish to send up. Thanks for following thus far and I hope to be able to post while on our trip.