We've been in touch with some of you, but, for others that may be interested, Lulu's baptism has been rescheduled to the morning of 8/18. We had originally planned to do it 8/11, but, even if we get back by then, we won't be in much condition to host anything. Even on the 18th, we're not sure what all might be going on, but, preliminarily, we'd considered having a get-together for friends and family that afternoon. Whatever announcements that are made will likely be through this blog, so, if you're interested in attending such an event, keep checking this site after our return.
If you didn't know about the 11th, don't feel left out. We really hadn't made any announcements precisely because of the delays we are now experiencing. The good news is that Father Mike Simone, the priest that officiated our marriage and baptized Gabe, is still in the country and has agreed to baptize Lulu. We have already purchased traditional Vietnamese clothing for Lulu, Gabe, Joni, and I, so the baptism pictures will be a special treat.
Take care,
Aaron, Joni, and Lulu
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
From Prison to Puppets
We had a very busy day. We started with a trip to the local Cathay Pacific Airlines office to work on our return itinerary. Much is still undecided, but, assuming Lulu's visa is approved by the end of business on the 9th, it looks like we'll all be headed home that evening together. It's four days later than we had originally planned, but it's 4 days sooner than we had feared and will allow us all to travel together. Although we have considered sending Joni home earlier, we would like to avoid that if we can all leave without too much delay.
From the airline office we literally went next door to the Hao Lo prison, "the Hanoi Hilton." Only a portion of the facility remains, and what does remain has been turned into a museum. It chronicles the history of the facility, which began as a French prison. There are some exhibits and discussion of the Vietnam War and our POW's (including McCain's flight suit). Not surprisingly, some very rosy glasses are used to view the treatment of American soldiers during their stay. However, I think it would not be a stretch to say that our troops faired better than the Vietnamese at the hands of the French. We saw one of two original guillotines that had been used on Vietnamese revolutionaries during French rule. It was a pretty odd feeling, to be so close to an instrument of death and to be walking through cells and halls that had been witness to over a century of brutality, first against the Vietnamese and later under their control.
After walking through more of the "Old Quarter," we regrouped at the hotel for our evening trip to the Water Puppets. As it sounds, the show consists of puppets controlled by sticks/ropes underwater and manipulated by puppeteers hidden by bamboo screens. It may or may not sound all that impressive, but it was a good show. Lulu really got a kick out of it, as did we. Unfortunately, we knew Gabe would've enjoyed it most of all.
We ended the evening with dinner with another adoptee couple at a restuarant where "Everything is Bun" (pronounced Boon, or numbers 45-48 on the menu at Saigon for those in Wichita). Although it was a closer question than previous meals, there's no beating the food back home. Joni decided to tempt fate and tried a "Soursop" shake. We still don't know what she drank, but it tasted a bit like a blend of mild coconuts and cantelope. It wasn't that bad. I tried some hot Lotus tea, which tasted a lot like the dirt the bulbs came from.
All in all, it was a good day. Tomorrow we have our first appointment with the U.S. Embassy to get Lulu's visa. Wish us well, as this will likely determine when she/we'll be coming home.
As always, thank you for continuing to keep us in your thoughts, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon. And don't forget to check the photo posts put up by the folks back home. We try to send back a few photos (particularly of Lulu) each day.
Take care,
Aaron, Joni, and Lulu
From the airline office we literally went next door to the Hao Lo prison, "the Hanoi Hilton." Only a portion of the facility remains, and what does remain has been turned into a museum. It chronicles the history of the facility, which began as a French prison. There are some exhibits and discussion of the Vietnam War and our POW's (including McCain's flight suit). Not surprisingly, some very rosy glasses are used to view the treatment of American soldiers during their stay. However, I think it would not be a stretch to say that our troops faired better than the Vietnamese at the hands of the French. We saw one of two original guillotines that had been used on Vietnamese revolutionaries during French rule. It was a pretty odd feeling, to be so close to an instrument of death and to be walking through cells and halls that had been witness to over a century of brutality, first against the Vietnamese and later under their control.
After walking through more of the "Old Quarter," we regrouped at the hotel for our evening trip to the Water Puppets. As it sounds, the show consists of puppets controlled by sticks/ropes underwater and manipulated by puppeteers hidden by bamboo screens. It may or may not sound all that impressive, but it was a good show. Lulu really got a kick out of it, as did we. Unfortunately, we knew Gabe would've enjoyed it most of all.
We ended the evening with dinner with another adoptee couple at a restuarant where "Everything is Bun" (pronounced Boon, or numbers 45-48 on the menu at Saigon for those in Wichita). Although it was a closer question than previous meals, there's no beating the food back home. Joni decided to tempt fate and tried a "Soursop" shake. We still don't know what she drank, but it tasted a bit like a blend of mild coconuts and cantelope. It wasn't that bad. I tried some hot Lotus tea, which tasted a lot like the dirt the bulbs came from.
All in all, it was a good day. Tomorrow we have our first appointment with the U.S. Embassy to get Lulu's visa. Wish us well, as this will likely determine when she/we'll be coming home.
As always, thank you for continuing to keep us in your thoughts, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon. And don't forget to check the photo posts put up by the folks back home. We try to send back a few photos (particularly of Lulu) each day.
Take care,
Aaron, Joni, and Lulu
Monday, July 30, 2007
Lulu's glamour shot!
Well, we started the day off by getting Lulu's passport and Visa pictures taken. Other than refusing to wake up for a bit, she shined in front of the camera. She's actually coming quite the Diva. She looks to cuddle, and demands it! Which is a good sign, as babies from orphanages sometimes have trouble bonding and don't want to be touched. Not our Lulu - she loves attention!
As any good Diva demands, we spent the afternoon shopping in the Old Quarter with our friends Becca and Sam, and their daughter, Claire. We found a traditional dress that Lulu will wear to her baptism - and some new frocks for Mommie, Daddy, and Gabe to wear as well. They came from the oldest running silk shop in Hanoi - the same place where heads of State shop - we feel very fancy.
Lulu picked out a lovely wooden cricket that chirps for her brother Gabe today. It really does sound like the real thing - she thinks Gabe will love it!
Her appetite continues to grow, and we couldn't be more thrilled. She is up to 4 oz on a good feeding, a huge leap from the 1 1/2 oz she could barely get down just a few days ago.
Aside from that, and some very ancient and bad cable TV (although I did stumble upon a Vietnamese soap opera that was subtitled in English - absolutely fabulous!), we are just trying to pass the time until we can get home to Gabe and you all can meet our Lulu! Check out her pick today, we took it at lunch - she's in a rickshaw!
Tomorrow is our first interview with the embassy - so keep us in your thoughts!
Love,
Joni, Aaron & Lulu
As any good Diva demands, we spent the afternoon shopping in the Old Quarter with our friends Becca and Sam, and their daughter, Claire. We found a traditional dress that Lulu will wear to her baptism - and some new frocks for Mommie, Daddy, and Gabe to wear as well. They came from the oldest running silk shop in Hanoi - the same place where heads of State shop - we feel very fancy.
Lulu picked out a lovely wooden cricket that chirps for her brother Gabe today. It really does sound like the real thing - she thinks Gabe will love it!
Her appetite continues to grow, and we couldn't be more thrilled. She is up to 4 oz on a good feeding, a huge leap from the 1 1/2 oz she could barely get down just a few days ago.
Aside from that, and some very ancient and bad cable TV (although I did stumble upon a Vietnamese soap opera that was subtitled in English - absolutely fabulous!), we are just trying to pass the time until we can get home to Gabe and you all can meet our Lulu! Check out her pick today, we took it at lunch - she's in a rickshaw!
Tomorrow is our first interview with the embassy - so keep us in your thoughts!
Love,
Joni, Aaron & Lulu
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Lulu's First Mass
Lulu attended her first Mass this morning, and performed quite well. The fact she was drinking a bottle the first 30 minutes and eyeing the many pretty and shiny things on the altar the rest of the time didn't hurt. We went there anticipating a Vietnamese service, but it was celebrated in French. Lulu understood about as much of it as we did. St. Joseph's Cathedral, the "Great Church" as it's known by the locals, was built by the French in the mid 1600s, and really is impressive. Take a gander at the photo once the folks post them.
Despite the language barrier, participating in the Mass while our son and families slept on the other side of the world made the distance seem a bit smaller, for a few moments anyway.
The rest of the day was spent enjoying the cafes and craft/souvenir shops that occupy the "Old Quarter" of Hanoi. Gabe scored a few surprises and Lulu got her first jewelry, including a baby-sized Jade bracelet. As if there was any doubt a daughter of Joni would be well-accessorized. Lulu is already committed to learning the issues of the day and helped Joni read a magazine over lunch.
Tomorrow will be passport photo day for Lulu. I'm sure her photos will be far better than her parents'. It'd be pretty difficult to shoot a bad photo of a face that cute. We also hope to visit a tailor to have a traditional dress made for her to wear at her baptism once we get her home.
Take care,
Aaron, Joni, and Lulu
Despite the language barrier, participating in the Mass while our son and families slept on the other side of the world made the distance seem a bit smaller, for a few moments anyway.
The rest of the day was spent enjoying the cafes and craft/souvenir shops that occupy the "Old Quarter" of Hanoi. Gabe scored a few surprises and Lulu got her first jewelry, including a baby-sized Jade bracelet. As if there was any doubt a daughter of Joni would be well-accessorized. Lulu is already committed to learning the issues of the day and helped Joni read a magazine over lunch.
Tomorrow will be passport photo day for Lulu. I'm sure her photos will be far better than her parents'. It'd be pretty difficult to shoot a bad photo of a face that cute. We also hope to visit a tailor to have a traditional dress made for her to wear at her baptism once we get her home.
Take care,
Aaron, Joni, and Lulu
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Learning About Lulu's Ancestry
We spent a good portion of the day at the Museum of Ethnology, in the "suburbs" of Hanoi. It was a very impressive museum. The interior exhibits gave an account of the many linguistic and cultural groups that make-up Vietnam. We believe Lulu is part of the Muong tradition due to (1) the province she came from and (2) it being the predominant cultural ancestry. The Muongs are/were very ritualistic and have a clearly-defined political structure. They are also known for their use of varying musical instruments.
The museum also included a number of artifacts and accounts from the post-war economy in Vietnam. I was a bit surprised to see no hostility expressed toward the French, Japanese, or U.S. (all previous 'occupiers'). Instead, the museum focused on the lives of the Vietnamese people and how the government's glasnost-esque reforms (Doi Moi) in the late 80s have led to Vietnam's current economic relative prosperity after the previous state-controlled system failed to adequately provide for the people. As expressed by this museum, the people of Vietnam have a clear sense of pride and identity, and a willingness to see other people and countries as friends first, despite prior hostilities.
The exterior exhibits of the museum were a collection of preserved, original homes of the various tribes/cultures. There were a number of points of interest. One included a multi-structure home from the Cham culture that included a house just for the daughter. Lulu insisted on pointing this out to me. Women are in charge of the house in that culture, as evidenced by the mother of the house having the only key to the family's chest of prized possessions, only to be opened at her discretion on an appropriately "lucky" day. Again, Lulu and Joni thought this all sounded quite impressive.
We learned that our first appointment with the U.S. Embassy for Lulu's visa will be on Tuesday afternoon. So, until then, the three of us will continue to tour Hanoi and learn more about Lulu and her homeland.
Take care,
Aaron, Joni, and Lulu
The museum also included a number of artifacts and accounts from the post-war economy in Vietnam. I was a bit surprised to see no hostility expressed toward the French, Japanese, or U.S. (all previous 'occupiers'). Instead, the museum focused on the lives of the Vietnamese people and how the government's glasnost-esque reforms (Doi Moi) in the late 80s have led to Vietnam's current economic relative prosperity after the previous state-controlled system failed to adequately provide for the people. As expressed by this museum, the people of Vietnam have a clear sense of pride and identity, and a willingness to see other people and countries as friends first, despite prior hostilities.
The exterior exhibits of the museum were a collection of preserved, original homes of the various tribes/cultures. There were a number of points of interest. One included a multi-structure home from the Cham culture that included a house just for the daughter. Lulu insisted on pointing this out to me. Women are in charge of the house in that culture, as evidenced by the mother of the house having the only key to the family's chest of prized possessions, only to be opened at her discretion on an appropriately "lucky" day. Again, Lulu and Joni thought this all sounded quite impressive.
We learned that our first appointment with the U.S. Embassy for Lulu's visa will be on Tuesday afternoon. So, until then, the three of us will continue to tour Hanoi and learn more about Lulu and her homeland.
Take care,
Aaron, Joni, and Lulu
Friday, July 27, 2007
It's our "Nuk"y day
After struggling to get Lulu to eat, we tried a new bottle system, Nuk. We also changed formula from what she had been receiving at the orphanage to a high-end Vietnamese formula. Whatever the reason, she finally started drinking in earnest and was willing to hold her bottle and self-feed a bit. She would still benefit from a stronger appetite, but at least we're getting some liquids in her.
I filed the paperwork to apply for her Vietnamese passport this morning. She'll get it next Friday, and hopefully get a chance to use it very soon thereafter.
Unfortunately, we know she won't be able to make our original departure date of August 5th. She should be approved by our embassy to travel August 7th or 8th. We're on wait lists starting August 9th, but the outlook is not good before August 13th. Joni and I don't want both of us away from Gabe that long, so we have decided (absent a literal act of congress to clear our departure by August 5th) that Joni will return on our original flight, and I'll wait until Lulu is cleared to leave and then bring her home on the next available flight (likely August 13th). It's not the best of situations, but it appears to be a necessary choice. We miss Gabe so much, and we hear daily how much he misses us. We appreciate so much our families' commitment to care for him while we're on this trip, and we know he's in good hands. We also know there's no replacement for momma's reading of Curious George each night. We also have to think of Joni's law practice and what an additional week's delay could mean. I had already planned to be on leave from work through the rest of August, so this will simply mean I'll be spending more of that leave in Vietnam than at home.
Your prayers and positive thoughts continue to be appreciated. Joni and I would rather neither of us would have to make the 30+ hour trip home by ourselves (or with Lulu), but we've got to do what's best for both our children, and this appears to be it.
God bless all of you who are continuing to participate in this journey with us. Lulu's smiles and gaining strength are our daily reward, and we look forward to sharing that reward with each of you soon.
Take care,
Aaron, Joni, and Lulu
I filed the paperwork to apply for her Vietnamese passport this morning. She'll get it next Friday, and hopefully get a chance to use it very soon thereafter.
Unfortunately, we know she won't be able to make our original departure date of August 5th. She should be approved by our embassy to travel August 7th or 8th. We're on wait lists starting August 9th, but the outlook is not good before August 13th. Joni and I don't want both of us away from Gabe that long, so we have decided (absent a literal act of congress to clear our departure by August 5th) that Joni will return on our original flight, and I'll wait until Lulu is cleared to leave and then bring her home on the next available flight (likely August 13th). It's not the best of situations, but it appears to be a necessary choice. We miss Gabe so much, and we hear daily how much he misses us. We appreciate so much our families' commitment to care for him while we're on this trip, and we know he's in good hands. We also know there's no replacement for momma's reading of Curious George each night. We also have to think of Joni's law practice and what an additional week's delay could mean. I had already planned to be on leave from work through the rest of August, so this will simply mean I'll be spending more of that leave in Vietnam than at home.
Your prayers and positive thoughts continue to be appreciated. Joni and I would rather neither of us would have to make the 30+ hour trip home by ourselves (or with Lulu), but we've got to do what's best for both our children, and this appears to be it.
God bless all of you who are continuing to participate in this journey with us. Lulu's smiles and gaining strength are our daily reward, and we look forward to sharing that reward with each of you soon.
Take care,
Aaron, Joni, and Lulu
Thursday, July 26, 2007
1st day with Lulu
Well, although we are experiencing yet more delays with the government and paperwork, it all seems a little more tolerable because Lulu is here with us.
It is unclear what her schedule was at the orphanage, and exactly what and how much she ate at what times. Its proving to be quite a little puzzle that we are trying to solve.
Getting her to eat has been challenging, as the other families have confirmed. She is eating, and we believe she is getting used to the new bottles and nipples - slowly, we see her eating more at any one given time.
She is also in love with her rice cereal - just like her brother was. The highlight of the day was she pooped. Funny, huh? After all those troubles, delays, government woes, and having everything out of our control - our days now are consumed with her bodily functions! We're just glad she's getting enough food in to make something that comes out!
We hope to make her passport application tomorrow, and hopefully get home within the next 2 weeks. Everything moves at an almost mid-evil pace over here, and we miss Gabe desparately. We just can't wait for the day that our children are together - and we're a complete family.
Who knew Wichita would ever be missed so much! Love to everyone, please pray for our safe journey, Lulu's continued health, and Gabe back home.
Love,
Joni & Aaron
It is unclear what her schedule was at the orphanage, and exactly what and how much she ate at what times. Its proving to be quite a little puzzle that we are trying to solve.
Getting her to eat has been challenging, as the other families have confirmed. She is eating, and we believe she is getting used to the new bottles and nipples - slowly, we see her eating more at any one given time.
She is also in love with her rice cereal - just like her brother was. The highlight of the day was she pooped. Funny, huh? After all those troubles, delays, government woes, and having everything out of our control - our days now are consumed with her bodily functions! We're just glad she's getting enough food in to make something that comes out!
We hope to make her passport application tomorrow, and hopefully get home within the next 2 weeks. Everything moves at an almost mid-evil pace over here, and we miss Gabe desparately. We just can't wait for the day that our children are together - and we're a complete family.
Who knew Wichita would ever be missed so much! Love to everyone, please pray for our safe journey, Lulu's continued health, and Gabe back home.
Love,
Joni & Aaron
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Welcome to the Family, Lulu!
As of approximately 12:30 pm local time, Lulu officially became a member of our family (at least as far as the Vietnamese government is concerned). We enjoyed a little naptime with Lulu in our arms on the long and bumpy ride back to the hotel. She's a cuddler, grandmas, so get ready.
The ceremony was relatively short and straightforward once the flurry of paperwork and signatures was complete. The Vietnamese official wished our families' well, we had an opportunity to thank them with a few words (and some boxes of chocolates), and Lulu was ours.
Back at the hotel, Lulu is putting on quite a show. She's rolling over (both ways), holding our head up in the prone position, and generally having a great time with her teething toys and other small toys we've given her. She continues to be a very cheery little girl and hasn't fussed much at all. She does jibber jabber a little bit, and she grunts a lot (she's either working on something or simply fond of that sound, :) ). In any event, we're having a great time with her, and now we can focus on her and getting us all home as soon as possible.
On that issue, we're a bit concerned. The two day delay on the front end will likely mean we'll need to reschedule our return flights. We have e-mailed and will later call our travel agent to get that ball rolling and see what our options are. We're still hoping to get all of us home before the 11th of August (the date we had previously set for her baptism). So, continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers and wish us well in our efforts with our embassy and the airlines.
We can't wait to introduce Gabe to his little sister!
God Bless,
Aaron, Joni, AND LULU!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Soon to be ours . . .
Joni and I will be leaving Hanoi within the hour to travel the 2+ hours (each way) to reach the Phu Tho province, where Luong has been waiting these many months for us. We are very excited. We spent most of last night picking the outfits we'd like her to wear (and those that the locals might prefer--she must have the majority of her limbs covered, even in this heat) for the handing over ceremony.
We hear the pics from our earlier visit to the orphanage are up on the blog. Soon, more pics will be up (with the help of family back home).
We miss Gabe so much. Once we have here, we'll finally be able to begin the process of working with our embassy to get her home to meet her big brother.
Thank you again for your continued thoughts and prayers, and we look forward to sending more pics soon.
God Bless,
Aaron & Joni
We hear the pics from our earlier visit to the orphanage are up on the blog. Soon, more pics will be up (with the help of family back home).
We miss Gabe so much. Once we have here, we'll finally be able to begin the process of working with our embassy to get her home to meet her big brother.
Thank you again for your continued thoughts and prayers, and we look forward to sending more pics soon.
God Bless,
Aaron & Joni
Our ceremony is confirmed!
We are sooooooooooooooo excited! We did get confirmation that our ceremony will be tomorrow - which means Lulu will finally come home with us! We are beyond words, and very excited for the day tomorrow.
It will be a full day, but we will do our best to get some photos of the ceremony - and more of our darling daughter soon. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Our next post should be made with little Lulu in our hotel room with us!
Love,
Joni & Aaron
It will be a full day, but we will do our best to get some photos of the ceremony - and more of our darling daughter soon. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Our next post should be made with little Lulu in our hotel room with us!
Love,
Joni & Aaron
Monday, July 23, 2007
Monday still waiting.
Unfortunately, the Pho Thu officials are not cooperating. Our local agency staff here explains that they are "irresponsible" and "lazy." Corrupt is also a word that was tossed about. Fortunately, this behavior on average seems to last between 1-3 days, so we are hopeful we will receive Lulu on ,Tuesday or Wednesday. Please pray for us and especially her. It literally breaks our hearts that she cannot be with us, that she is laying in the orphanage another night. But we know that God will get her to us, and we hold onto that hope.
We did explore the city a bit today after finding out that we would not go to Pho Thu. I have to say, the traffic here has a life of its own. The sheer number of motor scooters is astonding, and the traffic patterns are non-existent. Most of the time they happily co-exist - but one of our cab drivers today did run over a bicyclist! Everyone was fine.
We are exhausted - more tomorrow - and hopefully good news.
Love,
Joni & Aaron
We did explore the city a bit today after finding out that we would not go to Pho Thu. I have to say, the traffic here has a life of its own. The sheer number of motor scooters is astonding, and the traffic patterns are non-existent. Most of the time they happily co-exist - but one of our cab drivers today did run over a bicyclist! Everyone was fine.
We are exhausted - more tomorrow - and hopefully good news.
Love,
Joni & Aaron
Sunday, July 22, 2007
lulusadventure@gmail.com
Though we have hotmail addresses up & running, we've opened this address (lulusadventure@gmail.com) to better facilitate picture sending and centralize e-mailing. So, if you would like to reach us or tell us what you're posting, send us a note to this e-mail address. Please do continue to post comments to the blog as well, even if we can't read them. We want your comments to be part of the story of this trip and how Lulu came to be part of our family.
God Bless,
Aaron & Joni
God Bless,
Aaron & Joni
Lulu live and in person!
Today was a glorious day, we met our daughter. I can hardly believe it, even though I was there. All these months, all this waiting - she is utterly georgous. She is so tiny, I'm not sure she has put on any weight since she's been at the orphanage. But overall she looks perfect.
I am now sure however that if we did not adopt her she would die. The enormity of that hit me today, and the reality of the plight of all these abadoned children was overwhelming. Just as I know I am meant to be Lulu's mother, I know I was meant to adopt - and I was meant to see what the real need of the orphaned children of the world is.
The caretakers do their best, but there are up to 100 orphans in this orphanage alone. The children are cared for, but they have little one on one attention. They are not fed in person, but instead a bottle is propped up on a towel. They are left lying for most of the day, and their cries mostly go unheard except for the necessities of life. God bless these few women whom are responsible for some many tiny lives - the stress must be incredible.
We were heartbroken when we had to leave her today, but we promised her we would be back as soon as they let us to take her home forever. Our ceremony was supposed to be tomorrow, Monday. It does not look like it will happen then, and instead it will probably be Tuesday or Wednesday now. Please pray for us, Lulu, and all the other children and families. We posted some pictures that we took today. Unfortuately, since we cannot view the page, we do not know if it posted or not. If it did, you will see our tiny little beauty - she is breath taking.
Much love,
Joni & Aaron
I am now sure however that if we did not adopt her she would die. The enormity of that hit me today, and the reality of the plight of all these abadoned children was overwhelming. Just as I know I am meant to be Lulu's mother, I know I was meant to adopt - and I was meant to see what the real need of the orphaned children of the world is.
The caretakers do their best, but there are up to 100 orphans in this orphanage alone. The children are cared for, but they have little one on one attention. They are not fed in person, but instead a bottle is propped up on a towel. They are left lying for most of the day, and their cries mostly go unheard except for the necessities of life. God bless these few women whom are responsible for some many tiny lives - the stress must be incredible.
We were heartbroken when we had to leave her today, but we promised her we would be back as soon as they let us to take her home forever. Our ceremony was supposed to be tomorrow, Monday. It does not look like it will happen then, and instead it will probably be Tuesday or Wednesday now. Please pray for us, Lulu, and all the other children and families. We posted some pictures that we took today. Unfortuately, since we cannot view the page, we do not know if it posted or not. If it did, you will see our tiny little beauty - she is breath taking.
Much love,
Joni & Aaron
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Techincal difficulties in Vietnam
Hello everyone,
We are currently experiencing great diffculties both with email and our Skype telephone service. This blog might be the only contact we have for the most part. We'll keep you posted as best we can. We can also post, but can't read yours - its very frustrating. Sorry for the hassle.
We are going to the orphanage at 12:30 p.m. today, so hopefully we'll have pictures to post later.
Love,
Joni & Aaron
We are currently experiencing great diffculties both with email and our Skype telephone service. This blog might be the only contact we have for the most part. We'll keep you posted as best we can. We can also post, but can't read yours - its very frustrating. Sorry for the hassle.
We are going to the orphanage at 12:30 p.m. today, so hopefully we'll have pictures to post later.
Love,
Joni & Aaron
Good Morning From Vietnam
We arrived safely in Hanoi this morning at about 10:00 a.m. local time, 10:00 pm back home. After a very eventful car drive 26 km from the airport to the hotel (we saw late night traffic at LAX, and that looked like Hutchinson compared to these crazies. Bicycles, mopeds, buses, cars, you name it. Lane markers are merely advisory, not to be relied upon. Oh, and did I mention people just randomly crossing highways, vehicles driving against traffic, and simply backing up on the highway when they miss their exit. When Joni and I were able to tear our eyes from the whirling dervish of automotive mischief around us, we saw a beautiful countryside, being tended to by people in the same way they have for thousands of years. Our hotel is nice, and the staff are helpful. We'll get some pictures up eventually.
We did venture out to the local Mall, which is very Western. It was a bit odd to see another culture so interested in ours. Having said that, everyone seems very nice, and we felt no fear walking the sidewalks and streets (except for the cars, scooters, etc--which also drive on the sidewalks). We had a bit of local cuisine, though, so far, Saigon restaurant back in Wichita winds in a walk.
The big news of the day is that we've learned we should be able to go to Lulu's orphanage tomorrow to meet her and those caring for her. We still won't be able to take her home with us, but it will obviously be wonderful to finally lay eyes and some comfy arms on her.
Joni and I are both very excited to be here, though we miss Gabe and the family back home. Continue to keep us in your thoughts, and we'll keep in touch.
Love,
Aaron & Joni
P.S. Although we have good web access, we continue to have troubles with e-mail. If you need to reach us while we work on this, feel free to post a comment to this page. We check it regularly.
We did venture out to the local Mall, which is very Western. It was a bit odd to see another culture so interested in ours. Having said that, everyone seems very nice, and we felt no fear walking the sidewalks and streets (except for the cars, scooters, etc--which also drive on the sidewalks). We had a bit of local cuisine, though, so far, Saigon restaurant back in Wichita winds in a walk.
The big news of the day is that we've learned we should be able to go to Lulu's orphanage tomorrow to meet her and those caring for her. We still won't be able to take her home with us, but it will obviously be wonderful to finally lay eyes and some comfy arms on her.
Joni and I are both very excited to be here, though we miss Gabe and the family back home. Continue to keep us in your thoughts, and we'll keep in touch.
Love,
Aaron & Joni
P.S. Although we have good web access, we continue to have troubles with e-mail. If you need to reach us while we work on this, feel free to post a comment to this page. We check it regularly.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Officially in ASIA! ! !
Hi Everyone,
Aaron and I have arrived in Hong Kong safely! We are about 25 plus hours into our 30 hour journey. We only have a 2 hour flight left to Hanoi, and we board in about an hour for that.
We've been able to call home using Skype on our computer - its awesome, although accessing email has been a little more tricky with all the airports having different wifi - some of them charge. Hopefully, this will settle down once we are in Hanoi. We have also readjusted a couple of my computer settings and that seems to have helped.
I can't express how utterly excited Aaron and I are. Although we miss Gabe terribly (we talk to him on the phone - well talk is a strong description for a conversation with a 2 year old!), we can't believe we are so close to actually meeting and greeting our daughter!
Once we're settled in Hanoi we will start uploading some photos - so far nothing exciting, just a few exhausted shots of us in various airports. Love to everyone, and please keep praying for our family!
Love,
Joni & Aaron
Aaron and I have arrived in Hong Kong safely! We are about 25 plus hours into our 30 hour journey. We only have a 2 hour flight left to Hanoi, and we board in about an hour for that.
We've been able to call home using Skype on our computer - its awesome, although accessing email has been a little more tricky with all the airports having different wifi - some of them charge. Hopefully, this will settle down once we are in Hanoi. We have also readjusted a couple of my computer settings and that seems to have helped.
I can't express how utterly excited Aaron and I are. Although we miss Gabe terribly (we talk to him on the phone - well talk is a strong description for a conversation with a 2 year old!), we can't believe we are so close to actually meeting and greeting our daughter!
Once we're settled in Hanoi we will start uploading some photos - so far nothing exciting, just a few exhausted shots of us in various airports. Love to everyone, and please keep praying for our family!
Love,
Joni & Aaron
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Up, up, and away ! ! !
After a very terrifying experience waiting for our VISAS (and passports) from the UPS this morning -we are officially on our way! We will be boarding in a manner of minutes and our first of four flights over the next 30 hours! But it will all be worth it. We already miss Gabe, and we were a bit teary to leave him - but we know he is in good hands. Please keep praying for us, as we are traveling a very long way for a very special purpose. More later! Love to everyone.
-Joni & Aaron
-Joni & Aaron
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Pending Departure
Hello everyone,
Aaron and I are very busy getting ready for our long awaited journey to Vietnam, to finally meet our daughter, Luong "Lulu" Jeanette Breitenbach in person! Since finally getting the news, on Friday the 13th no less, its been a whirlwind (mostly an expensive one) of VISA applications, plane tickets, and that daunting "to pack" list. One thing I can check off my list is setting up this blog site. It is done! Hopefully, we'll be able to post from Vietnam, and you will get to see every moment of our journey. Thanks to everyone who has been hoping and praying for us! We leave Thursday, July 19th, and we'll arrive in Hanoi Saturday night (Saturday morning our time). I'll blog again soon!
Love,
Joni & Aaron
Aaron and I are very busy getting ready for our long awaited journey to Vietnam, to finally meet our daughter, Luong "Lulu" Jeanette Breitenbach in person! Since finally getting the news, on Friday the 13th no less, its been a whirlwind (mostly an expensive one) of VISA applications, plane tickets, and that daunting "to pack" list. One thing I can check off my list is setting up this blog site. It is done! Hopefully, we'll be able to post from Vietnam, and you will get to see every moment of our journey. Thanks to everyone who has been hoping and praying for us! We leave Thursday, July 19th, and we'll arrive in Hanoi Saturday night (Saturday morning our time). I'll blog again soon!
Love,
Joni & Aaron
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