Lan's Entry - Reflections and Impressions
Trip Start
Dec 05, 2008
1
10
18
Trip End
Dec 18, 2008
Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam
Friday, December 12, 2008
Up to now I have been so exhausted that I pass out by 8:30. We've been so busy with the schedule of paperwork appointments that I have not had a moment to process what has just happened to my life. I am overwhelmed by all the sights and sounds of Vietnam. And I am overwhelmed by all the memories flooding in of my years in this country. And I am overcome with emotions for my new daughter and the renewed purpose and meaning she is bringing to my life.
It seems so long ago and so trivial now, some of my previous concerns....would I bond with her, would it take a long time, would I go through the motions but not really feel it in my heart. Well, I felt it...the very first moment Madame Chau pointed her out to me. I loved her instantly as I held her and she grasped her fingers tightly onto me and put her cheek against mine. It was love at first sight!
When I look at her little smiling face and her scrawny little body, I can't help seeing images of where she came from just a mere few days ago. The conditions she lived in were nice compared to many other places, I am told. I believe it since we have seen some horrible living conditions on our drive to get her. The poverty in these villages is unimaginable. I thought I had prepared myself to see these things but now I realize that I could never have prepared myself enough.
Robert, Harrison and I wanted to save a childs life. What we have found is that she has saved ours. She has brought us on this journey to open our eyes and see the world around us with clarity, purpose, and joy. Robert and I have layed awake in these past few nights talking about our children's future. But mostly, we talked about the clear vision of how we should live our lives because we are forever changed by everything we have seen and experienced.
Speaking of my boys...I have never been more proud of them. Harrison has been such a terrific big brother. He thoroughly enjoys her and hates it when she is napping. It could also be because that is the time he is supposed to be doing homework. Robert is a loving, caring papa. He carries her everywhere in the baby pack and she loves it. He is so patient and calm with the kids but mostly with me, because as some of you well know, I can get a little nutty at times.
To all of you, our family and friends, thank you so much for your love, support and prayers. Please continue to pray for us as we go to Hanoi to finalize more paperwork. Please also continue to love and support us when we return 'cuz we'll be real tired and we'll be needin' it !!! You guys are awesome and we are so blessed to have you be part of our lives and part of our "adventure".
Much Love,
Lan Lan
Comments
Lan, Robert & Harrison
This is a great Christmas present for all of us at Fountain Point. My thoughts and prayers have been with you on this very difficult but exciting journey you have taken this season to find this precious child in such a romote place just for you. I'm so happy Harrison is there with you and love the photos of your adventures with him. A hug and kiss to Alisa from Auntie Susie at Fountain Point and to my dear Harrison whom I already know. I can't wait to see you again and hopefully it will be soon. I love the journal entries and treasure them and thank you for sharing all of it with me and everyone else who loves you so much. Your friend Susie at FP
So happy for all of you
Lan,
Your entry was so touching. I can not tell you how happy I am for all of you. I was so moved reading your entry. It is funny how a child can touch your life and repurpose it in an instant. To me, there is nothing like a child, especially a baby, to show you God's goodness in this world. I thank you, Robert, and Harrison for sharing this exciting and wonderful journey with us. I have so enjoyed the pictures of Anelise and Vietnam. We look so forward to meeting Anelise. You know, I will be around to babysit so you can get some shut eye!!!
:) To Lan
Yes, I was wondering how are doing & feeling about all of this. I can't imagine how overwhelm it is for you. I am glad that you let us know how you feel. It's wonderful that you bond & love her right away. I know that you would. Anelise will change all of our lives for the better. We will help babysitting so you can get some rest & get your family situation together when you get back.
Love
Nhung
:) hello
I can not tell you how happy I am for all of you, i was so moved by your entry, you have done the thing i have always wanted to do and that inspires me greatly. and you and robert will give those children a great life im sure of it. i can not wait to meet her. you always no im here for babysitting if you need a little break here and there! :) well i love you all and i hope everything goes well.
lovee becca.
Lan,
Okay, you know I'm not the emotional type but your entry really touched my heart. Aiden has made me so emotional that I cry over everything! I just can't imagine what you must be going through... you guys are so blessed to have Anelise in your lives, and she is so lucky to have you, Robert, and Harrison in her life.