Just Having Fun!

Well, it has been quite an adventurous couple of days. Sunday, the whole family came and we had lunch. It was wonderful to hug, talk to and lay eyes on them. It was too cold to swim, (which we had been telling Isaac since we left Vietnam, we would swim when we got home). Oh well, the best laid plans. I would love to tell you that everything went smoothly and without any trouble. However, our precious Anna Claire had a great, big reality check. She melted when she realized that all eyes were on Isaac and that all the talk was about him. Both Jennifer and I talked with her on separate occasions and tried to comfort her. We knew this was to be expected and we would be fools if we didn't think it would happen, but it still did catch us off guard a little. I mean, let's face it, she has had six and a half years of nothing but undivided attention. So I tell you all this to ask, just pray for her. She has had some really good days since then and we know that God will take care of this issue. And.....all this to say, she really, really loves her brother. In fact, we have had to tell them on more than one occassion, to "stop running and chasing each other up and down the hallway!" They like to hide from us too. This is a really fun treat.

Isaac is remarkable in his adaptation to our home and family. After the first night, he has slept in his room all by himself (so much for the $$ we spent on the futon!). Although we did nap on it one day and he loved it. Monday we spent doing a few errands like looking for shoes for the boy! It is hard to kick a soccer ball in the front yard with sandals!

Tuesday was interesting in that we took Isaac to see Ms. Debbie. For those of you who don't know, Ms. Debbie is the precious lady who took care of Anna Claire before she started school. There is no better day care than hers, HANDS DOWN! He had a chance to play with the other kids and really did great. After a little while, he just got right in there and played in the toy cars with the others. He also learned how to pick up dirt and bring it to us! After leaving Ms. Debbie's, we went to Wendy's. Here is where we encountered one of the firsts of many. Isaac had gone with Jennifer to the restroom when a man behind us yells from across his table and ours to ask....."Where'd ya get him?" To this, many replies came to mind, none of which I could have gotten by with without some sarcasm.

Today, we went to meet and greet at Badin. Anna Claire returned to school today and was very happy to introduce her new brother. You would have thought that we had brought Troy from High School Musical to town! Literally, window blinds went up and kids just standing there waving at him. One entire class came out in the hallway to see him. There is a visually impaired little girl named Kayla there and she came out of her room so that she could feel him and get to know him. Thank you Kayla, you made his and my day!!! One substitute asked as we walked down the hall, if we could come in and just let her class see him. I'm telling you, he was a celebrity. This was a little overwhelming, but he was a trooper.

We went to get the dogs at my parents house and he loved them. He wanted to stick his face in theirs so they would lick him. I also rode him around on dad's lawn mower. This he really enjoyed. So for now, we are just having fun and hanging out. We just can't thank each of you enough for all you have done for us. You all have blessed us in a way we never knew possible. From folks coming up to us in restaurants telling us that they loved our blog, to folks who brought food our first night home, to the phone calls just to check on us. You all have been so wonderful. I pray that God will bless you just as much and more than he has blessed us!

Home, Sweet Home

We have an amazing peace at finally being home. God has been so good to us. His hand of protection has held us up and covered us through this entire, amazing journey. We look forward to seeing what He still has in store for us as we become a family of four.

We left our hotel at about 9:00pm to travel to the airport. You can't imagine how relieved I was when we arrived and saw that it was well lit. I couldn't get over the last time we were there in the pitch black darkness and the storm, locked out. Unorganized chaos would be the best description for the airport. No one seemed to know where they should be. Finally, Marty asked a lady who worked there, and she directed us to the other side of the airport to get in the "line" there.

Once we checked in, we had about 2 hours to wait. It was an endurance test. We were all so pooped. Finally, we boarded and headed to Seoul, South Korea. We went through immigration and then found something for the boys to eat. Marty had Dunkin' Donuts and Isaac had french fries. Our flight from Seoul was delayed about 45 minutes once we were on board. (What's 45 minutes, when you are already going to be trapped for 13 and a half hours.)

On this flight, we had seats in the middle section of the plane. We shared the set of four with a really sweet man from Atlanta. He had been in Malaysia helping set up a Christian school, I think, for street kids. Isaac spent a lot of time watching the tv on the back of the seat in front of him. He ate pretty well and slept about 6 hours. The flight was very smooth, and I have to hand it to Korean Air, they really have it together. One of our favorite features on the plane was the Skymap you could access on the tv. It showed a map of where our plane was enroute. There was also a screen giving other information about speed, flight time, and anticipated time of arrival at your next destination.

We ran into one more glitch in Atlanta. Because Isaac will not be an official US citizen until we refinalize his adoption in the US, he had to be processed at immigration. We missed our connecting flight to Charlotte. It was about more than we could take. It seemed we were so close we could almost touch Anna Claire, but we couldn't.

After finishing up in immigration, we went to the rebooking counter to get another flight to Charlotte. The attendant there was so sweet. Delta must take the kindest people they have and let them work that counter. She booked us on a flight to Charlotte at 2:44. Our other flight was at 12:35. So, we only lost about 2 hours. The flight was packed. God was so good to get us seats on it. We didn't all get to sit together, but I believe I would have been willing to just hold on to the wing as long as they would get me home soon.

The flight attendants were hysterical. I have never been on a flight like it. Before we took off, one of the male stewards was walking up and down the aisle wearing "Bubba teeth". (If you are ot from the South, you may not know what these are.) Anyway, he pretended to steal some peoples' seats, etc. Meanwhile, the head steward kept making jokes over the intercom. It was just what we needed.

Our greeting in the airport couldn't have been sweeter. I think we dragged Isaac as fast as he could go to get to baggage claim. I'm not sure his feet even touched the ground. It was so good to see our family. Isaac's sister, Aunt Cindy, and all his grandparents were there. They brought him a big stuffed car and his favorite candy, Skittles. We could have held Anna Claire forever. Speaking of Anna Claire, she and Isaac connected at once. They were holding hands, hugging, and running around. You would never know it was the first time they had ever met. While Marty and our dads waited for our luggage, Isaac lost his mind a little. I think it was all just overwhelming. Plus, according to his body's clock, he was supposed to be fast asleep.

Once we had all of our luggage, we headed to the car. Isaac let Aunt Cindy carry him there, and she was on Cloud Nine. We were concerned about how he would feel about being confined in a car seat. He climbed right in though, and let me buckle him in. He loves to ride, and he just chattered away. about 20 minutes from home, he fell asleep.

Once we arrived at the house, he was ready to go again. There was a wonderful welcome home sign with balloons. It was so precious to us. Sharon and Inga also brought supper. (I was so glad there were no noodles or rice involved.) Isaac toured the yard with Anna Claire. Karen, Aiden, and Zach Brown came over to meet him. Then, we went inside. He loved his room and began playing with a few of the toys there before the tour continued. He was thrilled to see the pool. He was familiar with that from the hotel. He and Anna Claire also played on the swing set.

We ate our dinner with Grandma and Pop before they left for the hotel. Then, Anna Claire helped Isaac ride his new bike from Tammy Palmer. It was precious. He also rode his motorized scooter (think Barbie Jeep, but motorcycle). I guess he felt like he was right back on the streets of Hanoi. Of course, there was no horn blowing or 3 zillion people. Our neighbors the Emery's walked by and met him. All I could think of was how elated I was to be home.

Then, it was time for baths. Isaac jumped right in and began to play. He still loves a bath. Afterwards, it was bedtime. Marty walked him around the house to show him where all our beds are. He wasn't thrilled about being in his own little room. We left his door open and decided to see how things would go. He stayed in his bed, but didn't go to sleep. All of a sudden, I heard him. He was quite upset, because our cat Molly had crawled into his bed and under the covers. ( I don't like that myself.) He was shook up for a while after that. Marty came in and slept on the futon in his room. Then, he went to sleep. We assume we will have to do that for a while until he is more comfortable sleeping on his own.

We all slept through the night peacefully. Did I mention how good it is to be home? I woke up this morning at about 5:30. After reading my Bible a little, I decided I wasn't going to be able to go back to sleep. I got up and went downstairs to watch Charles Stanly. His message was on fear. Boy, do I wish I'd heard it before we left. Anna Claire was up at about 6:30. We snuggled some before the boys got up. Everybody was so well rested. We have had breakfast and the kids (boy does that plural sound weird to me) are playing as hard as they can go.

Later, our families are coming over to cook out and spend more time with us.

We cannot say enough how much we appreciate you all keeping up with us during our journey. We pray God has blessed you as much as He has us. Your comments and prayers were used by God to keep us going and make us not feel so far from home. Please continue to pray for us as we all figure out our place in The Ingram Four. We are looking forward to things being "normal".

Enjoy, these pictures of the new siblings. We'll post more as the days go by. We love you all. God bless.

Hard to Believe

It is hard to believe, but we are finishing up our final things and ready to travel. We have Isaac's passport complete with a US visa. We also have our traditional Vietnamese clothing and a few more tree decorations. We ate supper at one of our favorite restaurants here, the Paradise Cafe, and we are back at the hotel. Isaac is playing with some leftover bubble wrap.
We are all getting ready to take baths since it will be a while before that is an option again. The bell man is planning to get our luggage at 9:00 (about 2 hours from now). From there, we will take the hotel car I mentioned earlier to the airport.
We may be able to post another blog when we arrive in Seoul. If we can, we will. It helps us feel closer to everyone.
Please pray. We love all of you so much! Hang on Anna Claire, we're on our way.

Our Last Day in Hanoi

We cannot believe that it is almost time for us to head home! This morning, we spent a lot of time packing. We think we have it all together. We are leaving the hotel at about 3:30 to head over to the US Embassy to pick up Isaac's passport with visa. After that, we will take a taxi over to the shop where we had our traditional Vietnamese clothing made. There are just a few other things we want to pick up after that. We think we can find them in the shops near the clothing one. Then, it is back to the hotel to finish putting our bags in order.
We checked with guest relations yesterday about getting a ride to the airport. They are providing us with a 7 passenger car to accomodate us and our luggage. (My goal in the future is to learn to pack lightly.) It is to cost $20, but I hope it will be well worth it.
At the airport, we will check in, go through security, and find our gate. Then, we'll wait until time to board,
Isaac is taking a nap right now. I am hoping he will be able to stay happily awake until we can get on the plane from Hanoi to Seoul at 1:05am (12:05 pm your time on Friday afternoon.). It is about a 4-5 hour flight. Our flight from Seoul to Atlanta is about 13 hours. We have a few tricks left that he hasn't seen yet, but I don't know how it is going to be entertaining him all that time. He likes to be up and moving around. Marty did get him several videos in Vietnamese yesterday that we can play on our laptop on the plane. He really seemed to enjoy the ones they previewed last night. None of our layovers are very long, but hopefully it will be enough time for him to stretch his legs and work out some energy.
Please continue to pray for us. You all have helped us get through this far. We will update as soon as we can. Can't wait to post pictures of our homecoming in Charlotte. Be prepared, we won't look like our usual super model selves. :) We love you all. You know what to do.

A Tiny Set Back

Our visa interview went well. The only less than good thing about it is that we have to go back tomorrow to get his passport with the visa in it. We are to be there at 4:00.
This afternoon, we are meeting with the local travel agent who took care of our hotel rooms and local tour. It is time to pay up.
We went by the Korean Air office and have vouchers for our flight home. It took a long time, so pray that they are correct. We are planning to leave the hotel tomorrow night at about 9:30 to go to the airport by taxi. That is about 10:30 your time on Friday morning. We are so excited about coming home. Please pray that everything will go smoothly between now and then. We love all of you.
See you soon, Anna Claire!

Getting Things Finished

This morning, we went to the S.O.S. Clinic for Isaac to have a physical exam. This is required for him to get a visa into the US. First, we saw the nurse. She checked his height, weight, temp., blood oxygen, and a few other things. Everything looked great! Her picture is the top one below.
Next, we waited to see the doctor. She was so very sweet to Isaac and had such a good way with him. She explained a lot of physical characteristics common to the Vietnamese. For one thing, he is double jointed in his hands. For another, he has some large spots on his back which look like bruises. We were concerned about those. He has had them the entire we have been here. He is rowdy, but they didn't seem to hurt when touched. The doctor explained that these are called Mongolian Spots, similar to our birthmarks. They just happen to look blue. She is including that on our medical report which we will bring home with us. She said in the past parents have faced trouble with others thinking their children were abused. After checking him out, she pronounced him to be a very healthy boy.
Truong has a copy of her medical write up and the visa application. He is picking us up this afternoon in the Holt Vietnam Van to head over to the US Embassy. We are still hopeful that we will have his visa today. You'll know, because it will be a shout heard round the world!
We also have some super news ! ! ! We were able to get a flight home on Saturday. As of now, we are scheduled to fly out of Hanoi at 1:05 AM. It will be about 12:00 (lunchtime) for you on Friday. All of our flights are scheduled back to back all the way to Charlotte with minimal lay overs. It is amazing. We should arrive in Charlotte on your Saturday afternoon at about 1:30. We are so excited. We have to go by Korean Airlines this afternoon and have our tickets reissued. You know what to do.
We will plan to post more later today to let you know about the visa. We love you Anna Claire. We love all of you. Pray, pray, pray.

One More Step . . .

Today, we went to get Isaac's passport. We expected another long wait at the Ministry of Police. That was where we went last Wednesday to apply for the passport. Our social worker, Truong, knows the ropes, so we just sit where he tells us to. Anyway, we were to meet him there at 2:00. We walked right in the door and barely had a chance to get out a snack for Isaac before we had the passport in our hands!
Tomorrow, we are still scheduled for his medical exam and our visa interview. We'll let you know tomorrow how that goes. Truong thinks we can have the visa tomorrow or Friday at the latest! Remember, that is the thing we need in order to bring him into the United States. TO GET TO COME HOME ! ! !
Here is the good news. We are scheduled to fly out of Hanoi on Monday morning at 1:00ish. We have confirmed flights all the way home. In a later post today, I'll have Marty include the flight numbers, etc. We are trying as hard as we can to get an earlier flight. We are waitlisted on Saturday and Sunday. As of now, they say the flights on those days are full. You know what to do. Pray, Pray, Pray.

A Pleasant Evening

This will just be a short post. We went out walking again tonight before dinner. It's good to just get out. On our return trip, we ate supper at a restaurant called Paradise Cafe. The food was inexpensive and, of couse, much cheaper than room service. We ended our meal with some ice cream. We were surprised that Isaac liked the cookies they put on the side even better than the ice cream. He was sitting beside Marty looking out the window of the restaurant during most of the meal. He loves watching the cars and buses.
Bathtime was a thrill again. He threw the boats in and climbed in after them. When you meet Isaac, you will see that he has beautiful teeth. Let me tell you why. I hesitate to even tell him when it is time to brush - it becomes a marathon. He got pretty upset at me tonight when I finally made him quit brushing.
He is now trying to fall asleep in his little bed. We are about ready to turn in also. Remember, pray, pray, pray. We love you all.

A Long Walk

This morning, we headed out by taxi back to the street where we were measured for traditional Vietnamese clothing yesterday. There are lots of really neat shops there. I am trying to find lots of little things for Isaac to place on his own Christmas tree this year. Anna Claire has her own tree each year with ornaments that are special to her. (Although, the first year we let her decorate her own tree, she kept sneaking back and forth to the kitchen where I was working. The next thing I knew, she had decorated her tree with a spatula and some plastic containers. Forgive me, I had to have a "Mommy moment".) Anyway, I am trying to find small things we can turn into ornaments. Don't worry Anna Claire, I am bringing you some things for your tree too. You have been a real trooper through all of this. We had some really great finds today.
After a little shopping, we walked by the lake. It was on our way back to the hotel. Two of the pictures we included were a bridge across and the entrance. There was a small charge to cross, but we were headed to a restaurant on the side we were walking on.
We ate lunch at a restaurant called Pho 24. Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup. You could get lots of different things in it. We had thinly sliced beef. They also bring bean sprouts, onions, limes, hot peppers, and some greens you can use to dress it up a little. The picture of Isaac was taken at the restaurant. Marty had very wisely packed his colored pencils from Anna Claire in our backpack. He turned his placemat over and drew on the back.
On our walk back, Marty took some video of a school here. We walk past it almost everyday, as it is very close to our hotel. The children waved to us from the courtyard where they are having physical activity with their teacher. I felt bad because I know how it is to handle a distracted class. Anyway, the students all wear uniforms and most seem to come by bike or a parent's scooter. (You have to be 18 here to drive one.) Some walk. There is no school bus. They begin school about the same time as us, but close at 11:30ish to leave for lunch. They are due back around 1:00. Before you get too excited about this, let me tell you that they then stay until 4:30 or 5:00.
By the way, you may notice from some of the pictures that the scooter riders do not wear helmets. Our tour guide on Saturday told us that there is a new law about to go into effect that will require it. Beginning soon, the government workers will have to wear one to set the example. I think he said by late fall all drivers must comply.
We did hear from Truong, our social worker here from the adoption agency. We are scheduled to pick up Isaac's passport tomorrow afternoon at the Ministry of Police. Truong is going with us. Remember, he will have a Vietnamese passport.
On Thursday morning, Isaac is scheduled for his required physical at the SOS clinic. That afternoon, we have our visa interview back at the US Embassy.
We are back to the hotel for a nap now. Later, we will venture out again. The four walls of our hotel room tend to close in on us otherwise. Continue to pray for us. We love all of you.

Our Afternoon Out

Yesterday morning, we asked the lady at the front desk where to go to get traditional Vietnamese outfits. She recommended this place in the Old Quarter and gave us the address. We took a taxi (much to Jennifer's dismay, but she said it was not that bad! I think she is coming around!) to the shop and the people there were wonderful. We were all measured (don't worry AC, we got you one too!) and picked out cloth with their help. They are making them so we can pick them up by the end of the week. We can't wait to wear them for you all!!!! I realized we didn't post anything yesterday evening. After Isaac's nap, we walked to a restaurant called Le Tonkin. It is in a beautiful colonial building tucked away on a side street. If we hadn't gone there with out tour the other day, we never would have known it existed. When we arrived, they weren't open yet. So, we had about 45 minutes to spend. Let's just say we took a good walk. We went all the way to Hoan Kiem Lake. It is a beautiful lake right in the middle of the Old Quarter. It was nice and breezy there, a welcome relief.
By the time we returned to the restaurant, they were serving dinner. They remembered us from the other day. It's hard to forget our little bundle of energy. While we waited for our food, Isaac and I used our chopsticks to pretend we were stealing food from each other's empty bowls. Nothing but class, I know. It began to thunder when we were finishing our meal, and we were afraid we wouldn't make it back to the hotel, but we did. By the way, if anyone could learn to make stewed pork chop in a clay pot before we get home, we would sure appreciate it. YUM! YUM!
Isaac had another hysterical bath time. He is a real hoot in there. I should just make him take his bath with his swim trunks on so that you all could see him. He might not thank me for that in later years. He keeps diving under the water. At least once a night, he gets choked on the water.
I have to tell you about a specific answer to prayer. God is so good. Last night was the best night of sleep I'd had in a while. It was so peaceful and we are all well-rested. There are so many things on our minds, but God kept them from bothering us last night.
Welove you Anna Claire and are one day closer to getting back to you.
Keep praying for us - peace, safety, health, and our return home. We love you all. God bless.

I have just freed myself up to blog after finishing some emails and cleaning out Isaac's backpack. Oh my! You wouldn't believe the things he has stashed in there.
He and Marty are getting some well-deserved napping in. Last night, there was a bad storm, and we didn't get much rest. When you are on the 16th floor, you are a little closer to the thunder and lightning action.
This morning, we ventured out by taxi and did some shopping in the Old Quarter. It was fun. We even did a little bargaining. One woman was hopeful that I was going to buy out her store, but most of you know that I am the cheap one.
Isaac continues to entertain people everywhere we go. He continues to identify us as his father and mother, so that is good.
We are planning on an early supper at a restaurant we have been to once already. We'll let you in on any excitement.
Alec Hudson asked about the cost of gas. The be honest, we haven't seen a gas station in Hanoi. I know there must be plenty. I'll try to check on that for you.
We should hear about the status of Isaac's passport in a couple of days. Then, we will start working on his visa.
Boy, are we still loving the comments and the prayers. Please pray for peace and safety. Isaac's cough seems fine today, but remember it in your prayers too. We love you all. God bless.

Not Much to Tell

Today has been really low-key. We had breakfast in the hotel. Then, we found a tiny play area in the hotel that is tucked away. It had asmall plastic slide, a rocking toy, and some stuffed animals. Isaac had a ball climbing up the slide and walking down the steps.
We took off in a direction we hadn't walked before. We were trying to find the restuarant we ate in yesterday on our tour. We found it, and may try to go back tomorrow.
We spent the rest of the day at the hotel with Isaac's nap, swimming, and supper in. Isaac couldn't wait to get his bath so that he could play with his boats again. He is unwinding now to go to sleep. We're learning to communicate more and more. It's amazing what he is picking up on.
We are hoping to hear something in a few days about Isaac's passport. Then, we can take steps toward his visa. He has had a little bit of a cough. Please pray that it doesn't amount to anything. For one thing, we don't want him to be sick. For another thing, there is a physical exam he will have to have before he can get his visa. We sure don't want any delays.
Please pray for peace and protection for Marty, Isaac, and me. I'm a real wimp at being away from home and things that are normal to me. We can't wait to see Anna Claire and things that are familiar. We love all of you. God bless.

Backpacks, Noodles, and Cyclos, Oh My!

What a day this has been. We went on a tour of Hanoi with a wonderful tour guide and driver. We began with lunch at a restaurant very close to our hotel, Le Tonkin. Basically, they served us a variety of Vietnamese food. It was great, and we are planning to eat there again before we head home. Then, we went to the Museum of Ethnology and learned a lot about the different ethnic groups in Vietnam, present and past. Our tour guide was so knowledgable. We also visited the One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The picture in which I am kneeling beside Isaac was taken there. If you notice, we are both looking off to the side. That is because about the time Marty took the picture, the security guard was blowing his whistle at me. It is okay to have pictures made there, but it is not okay to kneel. We quickly walked on.
The final stop on the tour was the Water Puppet Theater. This was Isaac's favorite part. The stage truly is water. There are puppeteers behind the curtain manning puppets on long sticks. It was wonderful. I told Marty I would never be able to explain it well, so he has added a link to the blog. Check it out.
After the show, we were taken by cyclo around the Old Ouarter District of Hanoi. I was thinking it might be death by cyclo. Imagine 20 scooters heading straight toward you as you are crossing the lane of oncoming traffic. The drivers didn't seem too worried, but remember, we were in front! Marty's driver was almost hit by a bus, and our cyclo ran into a scooter. Believe it or not, it was fun. I was glad Marty's cyclo was right with us the entire time. (You know me, I was already planning how Isaac and I would jump out if necessary.) Our sweet drivers brought us all the way back to the front of our hotel. I accidentally kept the fan our driver let me use. So, I went chasing him down the street with it. (As if we aren't standing out enough already.)
We also wanted to tell you about Isaac's backpack. Marty thought it would be nice for him to have one, so we bought one for him at Walmart (never thought I'd say this, but I can't wait to see one) before we left. He puts everything in it, and I mean EVERYTHING. I was trying to find a small notepad to write some notes about what I wanted to include in this blog. Guess where all the notepads are. I have had to go scavenging in there another time or two. He definitely likes having his own stuff. I do have to say it keeps things neat in the hotel room.
I brought him some little plastic boats for his bath. I couldn't find them until tonight. Actually, Marty found them in a place I'd already looked twice. He absolutely loved them. He was in the bathtub hugging them. It would have been a cute picture, but you know . . .
We had supper in the room again tonight. Our tour was from 12:00-6:00 and we were beat. We ordered Isaac some noodle soup with chicken. Let's say he left no noodle unslurped. This is a waste not, want not kind of boy. He also ate four chicken wings. Marty told him that his Uncle Joe would like that.
Well, I am ready to turn in. Please forgive all typos, etc.
We still miss home terribly and can't wait to see all of you. Lots of love to Anna Claire. We sure did love the pictures Wendy posted of you. Remember, pray, pray, pray.

Just Pictures

Happy Birthday Daddy

I love you very much. I miss you. I am having fun with Katie. We are playing dress up. Hurry home.
I love you too, Isaac - I mean Hoang.
I love you mommy - I miss you so much and can't wait until you come home.

(The words of Anna Claire)

We love you guys.
The Lees

My Two Cool Fellas

This afternoon and evening has been about my boys. I told you earlier that Marty went to the spa for his birthday. Isaac woke up while he was away and I was afraid he would be upset that Marty wasn't here. He is so attached to him. When he got out of his bed, he did go look in the bathroom for Marty, I guess because that's where Marty was when he went to sleep. However, he was fine when I told him he would be right back. Boy, was I wrong. We had about 2 hours alone together. It was wonderful. We played cars, watched tv, went online to Starfall (one of Anna Claire's favoite sites), fought over the phone, and ate Skittles. We are using the Skittles to teach him "please" and "Thank you." He gets and gives a thumbs up when he does things well. We say "Good job!" and he repeats us. It is quite cute. While we were waiting for Marty to return, he made our two thumbs kiss. It was so cute He laughed and laughed. Of course, we did it a hundred times after that.
I was startig to get a little worried about Marty when the phone rang. He wanted Isaac and I to come down to the spa. The girls who work there wanted to meet him. When we arrived, Marty was standing there with arose they had given him for his birthday. There were 4-5 girls there and they made all over Isaac. At first, he was very shy and kept hiding behind me. He finally came around. They were speaking to him in Vietnamese and translating for us. It was really sweet.
After that, we went to the pool. The very COLD pool. Isaac loved his swim ring. (Thanks Mrs. J. Eudy.) He stayed in it the entire time we swam.
Wec came back to the room and Isaac had his bath. This was the first time I gave him bubbles. He liked that a lot. Anna Claire, you won't believe how much you two have in common. We had room service for supper and then our doorbell rang. It was a man with half a dozen roses for Marty for his birthday. They were from our travel agent here. She is the one who took care of lining up our hotel rooms and our tours. It was so sweet of her.
I hope we will have some great pictures and text tomorrow. We are going on a guided tour of Hanoi. Pray for us. I am still very nervous about getting in a vehicle with someone else in charge of it. However, we want to see a lot of Isaac's country before we head home.
I guess I will sign off for the night. We love all of you so much. Pray, pray, pray. God bless.

A Good Morning

We have had a great start to our day. After eating in the restaurant (because it's free) downstairs, we headed out on another walking trip. We are learning our way around a little better on foot. (You already know my opinion on taxis.) We found some really neat storefront shops with local art work. Super cool. We spent 445,000 Dong! Before you get too excited, that is about $28, and you wouldn't believe all we came back with. We also found another restaurant that was very nice and super cheap by American standards. Huge meal, 200,000 Dong ($12.50).
Today is Marty's birthday - and happy birthday Donna Shaver. Our gift for him for now is to send him to the hotel spa while Isaac naps. Don't worry Anna Claire, I remember that you and I have gifts for him in Albemarle for when we get home.
We both had a huge bout of homesickness this morning. Please pray for us. We are so ready to see some familiar faces (especially you AC) and places. I know we have said it over and over, but the comments you are leaving are an amazing blessing to us.
We'll post more later. We love you all. Pray, Pray, Pray. God bless.

I scream, you scream, Isaac screams for Ice Cream!!!

Well, after meeting with our travel agent here at the hotel (the travel agency pays for our hotels and then we meet with the agent to pay her), we struck out on foot. Before I tell you about that, let me explain the travel agent. Trong, our Holt rep here in Hanoi met us in the lobby with the travel agent. She was a very sweet, young pregnant lady who whips out the credit card machine (the old kind), makes an impression of our card and writes down all of the information on our card (including the pin # on the back!) For all we know, she is on a flight to Cancun right now to soak her swollen feet from the pregnancy! It just goes to show you, you have to have a little faith every now and again! Anyway, now I will tell you about our little jaunt! The streets here are very crowded with people, cars, scooters, scooters and more scooters! Crossing the street is a treat! Everyone should experience it once in their life. Whoever said that once you start crossing, just keep going, don't stop...They are most correct!!! If you even hesitate, you will be mowed down by someone (or an entire family loaded down with 2x4's and some drywall)!! Anyway, I digress! We started walking and Isaac spoke to just about everyone we saw! Including the police officers who I was sure were going to ask us to prove he was ours! We went looking for a place to eat besides the hotel. We found a great little place that served Vietnamese and Thai. The food was wonderful and like most other meals we have had since we got to this country, came complete with one or two people to stand by your table while you eat. This is very interesting to me, because as our son babbles on in his native tongue, they can understand, but we can't. So you have these people that sometimes just laugh at whatever he is talking about, but we just sit there like....duh???? The man tonight saw that Isaac was a little out of sorts going on about something, so he came over and took his shoes off and had him cross his legs in his chair. This made all the difference in the world! After eating, I paid the bill. Now, get this, there is 16,000 dong to 1 US dollar. The bill was 137,000 dong. I paid, I think 152,000 dong. Well, evidently, this was the best tip these people had ever seen. Everyone at the restaurant on the way out, folded their hands in front of their mouths and nodded to us as we left. They kept thanking us all the way out the door and a little bit down the street. Once we got back to the hotel, we ordered ice cream from room service. Let's just say, the pictures speak for themselves. So...as we go to bed, enjoy the latest pics. Love to all and again, the comments keep us going. We just keep saying to each other how wonderful it is to have so many friends and family follow us on our journey. We could not have made it this far this happy without them! Marty

Pictures from the day

OK. I can finally post pictures and the blog (for our view) is in English. This is a miracle from God, because I was getting tired of trying to read Vietnamese and remember where to go. These pictures are of our day. Isaac loves to look out the window of our hotel at the city. He is also mesmerized by the TV. We had to take this picture because he just stood there for a long time in a trance. Now, the last one is of Isaac getting shoes at the mall. What an experience. Once we picked out the shoes, ladies came out of the woodwork with a stool and they shoes were on his feet before we could even get the camera out!
We just returned from the US Embassy. We actually rode in the Holt Vietnam van. That was nice. Isaac continues to be amazed while riding. He stood and looked out the front window at all of the traffic. I don't imagine he is going to be a fan of the car seat we have waiting at home.
Our I-600 interview went well. The officer at the embassy asked us questions mostly about the process ofour adoption. Basically, she said, they want to be sure things have been done appropriately. As we were getting ready to leave, she said she would send our paperwork by fax to Ho Chi Minh City and recommend that our adoption go through. Please pray about this, it is one step in the process of getting Isaac's visa so we can come home in a timely manner.
This evening, we are meeting with the travel agent here in Vietnam who lined up our hotel reservations. We must pay up. We are also planning to ask her about some sight-seeing.
We may try to swim in the hotel pool later this evening. We'll post again soon. Pray, pray, pray. God bless.

Just a short one

We ventured out into the city of Hanoi today. We needed to buy Isaac some new shoes. The ones we brought him were too small. His toes were hanging off the front. We asked the kind ladies at the reception desk where we should go They whipped out a map and gave us directions. Now we're talking. I am a map kind of girl. They asked us if we wanted a taxi. I hope I didn't holler when I said no. I'd be fine not to take another unchaperoned taxi ride the remainder of our stay. I don't care if I have blisters all the way up my legs and I wear out the bottoms of my shoes.
It really was only about 5 blocks to a "mall". Don't go thinking South Park on me. Anyway we walked there, risking our lives crossing the street, and bought some shoes. You should have seen the two ladies swarm him to let him try them on.Before knew it, they had a little stool under him and they were taking off the ill-fitting shoes. We are going to try to include a picture. We bought Isaac some toy cars that make noise.
On the way back, we were followed by two ladies who wanted us to buy their wares. They had some rolls and some fried crispy looking things in baskets they were carrying. We politely said no, but they followed us along for a while anyway. I found the very thing I was looking for for Anna Claire on our way back to the hotel. Can't tell. It's a surprise.
This afternoon, we are to be at the US Embassy at 2:00 for our I-600 interview. We'll let you know how it goes. Truong is picking us up at the hotel. I am so glad.
Isaac slept for about 10 hours last night, and he is finishing up a nap right now. He has been eating well, too. At lunch he learned to love french fries from Marty's room service plate. He also loves little cups of yogurt.
We called Anna Claire this morning. It was bedtime for you all. It was so wonderful to hear her voice. Man, are we homesick. She got to talk to Hoang. He loved that. Oh, one thing I almost forgot to tell. Isaac and I were standing outside the hotel this morning waiting for Marty to exchange some money. A security guard was talking to him. He asked him who I was and Isaac told him I was his mother. How sweet was that!
Well, it is almost time to head out to the embassy. Keep praying. God bless.

Stickin' Out Like a Sore Thumb

Our adventures here in Hanoi continue. On our Wednesday at 2:00pm (while you all were peacefully sleeping, I might add), we met our "knight in shining armor" here in Hanoi. His name is Truong and he works for Holt International - our agency. He helped us get all our paperwork together in the lobby and then we headed out to the Ministry of Police to apply for Isaac's passport. It is will be issued by Vietnam, and then we get a visa from the US Embassy for him to enter the US. This scene was very similar to my bank experience back in Danang. Forget a line, forget keeping your documents to yourself,think more like Day After Thanksgiving Sale and everyone wants the same item. Truong told Marty and I to sit in the rows and rows of blue chairs out of the way - which we gladly did. The pressing crowd went from window to window to deal with the government officials. At first, we were a commodity to the people there. Let's face it, we each make two of them, we are lilly white, our "hick" American is unfamiliar, and we are holding a Vietnamese boy. At first, Isaac was still sleepy from his nap. Once he was awake, he came alive. That's when Truong began to need Marty to be present at the counter to sign some things and be seen by the officials. Let's just say that Marty is Isaac's current favorite. I had to do some big talking, like he understood, and coaxing to get him to stay with me. And, Skittles go a long way. Right now, that is Isaac's bribe of choice. After about and hour and a half to two hours, we left with Truong assuring us that in a week we will have Isaac's passport. Then we wait for the US visa.
I mailed Anna Claire a postcard when we returned and then we played in the room a little with the mini remote controlled cars. He loves to pick them up and watch the wheels spinning. He also likes to make them crash. After the driving he has seen on the streets of Vietnam, I can see why. Vu, back in Danang, told us that about 40 people die per day in Vietnam in car accidents. Yes, we will be doing a lot of walking over the waiting period here.
Next, we ventured down to dinner. There is a restaurant with a buffet in the lobby. We arrived there about 10 minutes before they were ready to serve. So, we had to pass a little time. Marty decided to try out the escalators with Isaac. BIG HIT ! He squealed with delight. We took him up and down the two sets several times. Get this in your mind. Everyone else in the lobby is dressed in business attire and quietly talking over whatever in small seated groups. Not us. obody seemed to min though.
We went back into the restaurant and fixed Isaac's plate. I tried to feed him while Marty went to fix his. Isaac lost his mind when Marty turned the corner out of sight. Sprite is also a great bribe. Isaac likes to put a little food in his mouth, chew it up a little, put in more, chew it up a little, and so on. Notice the word swallow is missing. We have been told that this as well as crying over Marty's absence are to be expected.
When we returned to the room, Isaac had his first bathub bath with us. He loved it. He did not want to come out. Later I washed his hair and body, we kept rolling around in the 2 inches of water in the tub. I finally got him out and put him into Spiderman pajamas. Every new outfit thrills him. I forgot to tell you something he did right before dinner. I changed him into some clean clothes. He immediately ran to the bathroom door to pose so Marty could see how good he looked.
While we were out earlier, the hotel staff brought a crib to our room. We didn't rquest it, and didn't think he would want to sleep in it. However, after I brushed his teeth, he ran right over and jumped, literally, into it. It was about 8:00. Marty and I went to bed also. He is still asleep, an it is 6:09 here.
This afternoon, we are to go to the US Embassy with Truong. This morning, we are planning to head out on foot to see our part of Hanoi called the Old Quarter. We can't wait to tell you about our adventures. God bless, take care, and keep praying. Anna Calire, we love you!

Next stop Hanoi

Pic explanation:
more 022: Jennifer and Isaac on the plane from DaNang to Hanoi

more 013: Isaac trying to wake up to get ready to go on his first plane
ride. (He doesn't like to wake up!)

more 014: men raking the beach. This makes Myrtle look like the ghetto!

more 016: men doing Karate or something similar on the beach in the
morning.

more 017: view from our floor of the beach and the mountains behind it.
Beautiful site!

more 020: Isaac in his Property of North Carolina shirt. We were getting
ready to leave the hotel in Danang. (FYI - he loves the elevator!)

more 021: Daddy and Isaac looking out the window of the plane.

Several of you have often asked about the language. Well, I will tell you
that he speaks NO English and we speak NO Vietnamese. He gets excited
when telling us things and we just nod our heads. We have probably
promised him his first scooter and a car when he turns 16! The people
here just look at us when we go places because they know what he is
saying. I think they also know that we DON'T! Love to all. More later!

Have more time now

OK. We ate lunch, had a slight melt down over some cars he wanted to play with, but all was better when I just held him. He is down for his nap and sleeping very soundly. I guess trying to sleep in an orphanage with a bunch of other kids will do that to you. The phone has rang once (our Holt contact in Hanoi) and the doorbell (yes, hotel rooms have door bells here!) has ran twice! Any way, I thought I would use this opportunity to say some things. First of all, today was the first day we have been able to read your comments. Both of us had cried our eyes out at the support we have. Your words are so very comforting that I can't even begin to describe how they have made us feel. I am feeling very homesick today. But we know that our time here has a purpose and we press on. God is with us every step of the way and we are continuously feeling his presence with us. I can't explain how our fears of taking Isaac away from his surroundings have been vanished due to the amazing power of God!!! I am going to email pictures to David and Wendy and have them post. It is much easier that way. For some reason, now I can get into the blog, but can't post pics. Thanks to them for working on this for us. Oh, Anna Claire, daddy bought you a souvenier in Danang. I know you will love it!!!! Ask Aunt Cindy or someone to let you comment on here or email us. We love you very much!!!

Explanation of pictures and Arrival in Hanoi

OK. Here we are in Hanoi. We just checked into our hotel and the flight went well. Isaac did not like the seatbelt (which being overweight, I don't like them either!) We have a meeting with the Ministry of Police at 2pm and it is now about 11:45 am. This is to apply for his passport. So, the pictures from the ceremony... There was one of the officials handing us our official papers. There is also one of a family who shared our ceremony with us. They are from Italy and we were very grateful to share our and their experience with them. Also, one of Isaac and daddy in the pool. He loves the water. The last one was of Isaac's birth family. His birth mother and two sisters. It was very strange and sweet at the same time to meet them. The birth mother told us that her pregnancy was good and the he was born about 11pm. Almost a Christmas baby. This is all for now. We will give more this afternoon! Love to all. If Lydia Gill is reading this, we were in our hotel room for less than 5 min. before we saw an advertisement for HSM2!

Giving and Receiving

Get ready for a long read:

What an amazing day this has been. God has had His hands all over us. Vu
met us at the hotel this a.m. Our first stop was the VietcomBanc. We
needed to exchange our travelers checks for dong. (The exchange rate is
16,000 dong to one US dollar.) We were just going to do it at the hotel,
but they weren't able to help us due to the bank being closed yesterday
for a national holiday. The bank was quite an experience. (I can't wait
to tell neighbor Steve, our favorite banker about it. I'll be glad to see
my SECU.) Anyway, I went in with Vu because te travelers checks were in
my name. Marty stayed with the taxi and all the gifts we had piled in it.
There were people everywhere in the bank, getting in line meant nothing.
If it weren't for Vu, I'd still be in there.
On our way to the orphanage, we passed by two different schools. The
students all traveled there by bike or motor scooter. They were all over
the road. They were dressed in their school uniforms. We took some video
of them and will try to share with you after we get home. At the second
school, the students were in their gym uniforms.
Now for the Giving and Receiving Ceremony at the orphanage. When we
arrived, one of the first people we saw was Hoang's birth mother. This was
not as awkward as you might think. Her two daughters (about 1 year old
and 18 years old) were there also. As soon as Hoang spotted us, he
screamed with delight. We went on into the orphanage director's office.
Her name is Mrs. Dao. There were lots of papers to sign. Next, we moved
on to one of the children's rooms. There were plates of food - cake,
yogurt, fruit, candies - lined up along the floor in two rows. We were
directed to sit and then the children, the birth family, Vu, Mrs. Dao, and
other workers sat also. One little girl, Thum, I think, is taken with me.
She sat on my lap the entire time. Vu said she has an American family
coming to get her. 'd love to talk to them if they are reading this. We
were on both sides of the food. We were given an opportunity to speak
with the birth family and Vu translated. Marty made a little speech. As
hard as this may be to believe, I was speechless - just taking the
enormity of it all in. Then we gave the children's gifts. However, they
do not open them with you there because they think that looks greedy. I
so wanted to see their faces when they saw the toys, shoes, etc.
Next, we took lots of pictures. Marty is going to try to send some. Mrs.
Dao was determined to have her picture made with just me for some reason.
When Marty walked over to get into the picture,she pushed him away,
literally. We had 4 pics. together. I told Marty I think she is trying
to butter me up. She keeps saying we are coming back in two years to get
a girl. I told Marty that I am not even ready to think about that yet.
From there, we went to the Department of Justice. There were more papers
to sign and a big board in the room with the particulars of our adoption
on it. The table was set with bottled water, tiny apples, and cakes
(buns) There was also an Italian family there. We had our ceremony
together. That was neat. Their little boy is almost two. Our Vu
translated for all of us. The head government official addressed both
families thanking us and wishing us well, but also charging us with the
repsonsibility of raising our children and preserving their heritage.
They took our picture as he presented a certificate of adoption to us.
Hoang was hard ot keep still. All of the "officialness" of it didn't
impress him. He got down from his chair and crawled under the tablecloth
to play peek-a-boo with us. The head official complimented him on how
smart he is. We took Mrs. Dao back to the orphanage. We hugged her 100
times before leaving. She kept saying 2 years.
We then returned to the hotel. Hoang loved it. He wasn't at all shy
about looking around. We went back and forth between the pools and the
front of the hotel where the "autos" were dropping off. Marty and I took
turns finishing up some info. gathering with Vu. We paid him back for
tomorrow's flight to Hanoi. It was 2,687,000 dong. (I want a math class
at Badin or New London to send us a comment telling us how many US dollars
that is. See the bank paragraph above for the exchange rate.)
We then took Hoang swimming. He loved the water. Anna Claire, he is ready
for you to teach him to swim like you. He would jump off the side, but he
wanted to be held the rest of the time.
Room service and a nap came next.
We just received some great news. Vu will be able to go to the airport
with us in the morning. He is so wonderful, and helps set us at ease.
God knows exactly what we need and He has provided this wonderful man.
There are so many more things to tell, but I have been deserted by the
boys. I'm going to catch up with them at the pool again.
You can't imagine how much we miss you all, especially my little blond
girl. We love you Anna Claire.
Keep praying for all of us. We feel your prayers and have been amazed by
the things God has taken care of.

Explanation of pictures:

The family you don't recognize, is a family from Italy who shared our
ceremony at the Ministry of Justice.

The one with us and the other people, this is Isaac's birth mother and two
sisters.

The one that looks official is the head man at the Ministry of Justice
handing us our certificate that makes the adoption official.

The one with me and him in the pool is after all was said and done, we
came back to the hotel and had fun. We think this was Isaac's first time
in a pool. He loved it!!!

Sorry, I was distracted. . .

This was the post that Marty did for the pictures. I was distracted by my tears from the pictures.

Wendy Lee


Just so you know, had a little trouble with the flights getting here,
could not enter Vietnam until Sunday, so....we had to spend the night in
Seoul, Korea. Very interesting. Then, when we did get to Hanoi last
night, we had to leave the airport (it was closing) and spend the night in
a very shady hotel. Think KOA but in the ghetto! Hole in the door,
didn't lock, water from the airconditioner dripping in the bathroom,
etc...and God knows what on the beds. Needless to say, we didn't sleep.
Haven't slept now in about 48 hours except for a few cat naps on the
plane. When we got to DaNang this morning, we were met by Vu, a wonderful
man who has been by our side all day!!! We love him. We came to the
hotel, (5 star resort and loving every minute of it, especially after last
night!) threw our bags in the room and went to the orphanage to meet
Isaac! There he was and as full of energy as any child I have ever met.
He discovered that I would carry him on his back. Lots to tell here, but
I will tell more later. We came back to the hotel, Jennifer took a power
nap and I played on the computer trying to figure out how to view the blog
in English! Then we went back to the center to play some more. Jennifer
took Skittles and was a big hit! Oh, I didn't tell you that the first
time we went, when we started to leave, Isaac sobbed and wanted to go with
us. Isn't God good???? He did better the next time. So, for now, we are
going to see the beach and then come back, eat and sleep

Ingram's newest family member

Marty emailed me lots of pictures to post. They are having trouble with their internet service due to the fact that it is not in ENGLISH! I will try to keep it updated for everyone to see.
Wendy Lee