The First Step is Always the Hardest

Trip Start Dec 05, 2008
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17
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Trip End Dec 18, 2008


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Flag of Vietnam  ,
Wednesday, December 17, 2008

As we make our last entry from Vietnam, we can't help but remember a few times in the past where we faced challenges and difficulties with the adoption process.  During these times, we would ask each other, is this still something we want to do?  Perhaps these difficulties were signs from God that adoption was not the right direction he wanted us to go.  Or maybe the challenges were tests of our faith and our willingness to stick with it and endure.  We remember the concerns we had when we first considered adoption.  Concerns any new parent has for their children.  Will they be healthy, what will they look like, will we be able to handle all that the child brings to our lives?  Through faith and the support of family and friends we were able to take that first step 31 months ago and we are so thankful that we did.  After only 10 days with Ani, it is hard to think of our family without her.  We came to Vietnam with one great kid and we are leaving it with two!
Just to share what we did over the last day or so, yesterday we spent time souvenir shopping and buying artwork.  We went to the Hanoi water puppet theater in the afternoon.  Ani made it through about 3/4 of the show before she began choking on cheerios.  We both froze and waited for her to start to breath again when she promptly began to throw up a partially masticated mass of cheerios into my (Robert) hand.  I gladly accepted her gift while Lan whisked her out of the theater.  Of course Harrison and I stayed for the final 10 minutes of the show (hey, we paid full price for admission) with a hand full of warm yuckios.  Ah parenthood.

We ate dinner at a restaurant specializing in Pho.  Harrison was in heaven.  Today we went to more galleries, had a nice lunch at a local place along a lake, visited a Tao temple and returned to the hotel in time for Ani's nap.  Everywhere we went, Ani drew a crowd.  It has happened ever since we got her and fortunately, she is good with strangers.  Saying that, she does tend to favor women over men, Asians over whiteys (I'll have to continue working on that).  Currently, Lan is taking care of packing while I run to a local store to buy some diapers and snacks for the flight back.  We are so excited to see everyone.  We depart for the airport in 3 hours.  See you all soon!
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Comments

amykat2002
amykat2002 on Dec 17, 2008 at 06:35AM

stop it...you're making me weepy!
You're words of faith and love are making me weepy. Cut it out! I can't start the day crying! Seriously, we can't wait for you guys to get back. Safe travels. We will be praying for you!

Amy

P.S. I'll never look at Cheerios the same again.

gracekerr
gracekerr on Dec 17, 2008 at 05:17PM

I am going to take a big bite out of Ani!!
I am going to take a big bite out of that cute little baby girl when I see her!!!! She just makes me want to eat her up...her photos are just great! I can't wait to see you guys!!

tt2006
tt2006 on Dec 18, 2008 at 12:47AM

Wow ... what a trip
I have been traveling the last couple of weeks for work and this is the first time I had a chance to catch up on your amazing trip. What an great read. We are so happy for your family. Your words reminded me of how the people in our lives can bring us such happiness. Have a safe trip back and we will hopefully see you soon.

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