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.