We have Haven

We're having internet difficulties, so I'll keep this brief. We have Haven though. She's a very easy, happy baby so far.

We're very busy here in Vinh with appointments but will hopefully have more time in Hanoi. The internet should be better there as well so that's when we'll try and get photos up.

Our G&R is supposed to be today, Monday the 20th at 1:30pm. Right now we're supposed to leave for Hanoi tomorrow at noon on the 21st. Please pray for that journey. It's been raining (pouring) for 2 days straight. It can take at least 7-8 hours in good conditions.

Also, Haven looks great, but she has a really bad case of diaper rash we can't get a handle on as she is going through a lot of diapers. So please pray for her that she is more comfortable with her diaper rash and a neck rash.

Thanks,
Shae

Visiting the Horses

Today (Sunday) Dave took all five kids to see some horses, and I got a few hours all to myself. The kids had a blast (and so did I). Now, we're ready for another busy week. I'm really hoping to see some pics from Vietnam yet tonight. They should be holding Haven in their arms by now, if everything is going as planned!!!

A Day at the Farm

Yesterday (Saturday) Dave hunted pheasants so we all went out to my parents' farm for most of the day. We took bikes out with us and the kids rode around on the bikes and the little gator. Ethan liked to drive back to the apple trees and pick up apples and bring them to the house. Eric is helping me with this and he says he is ridiing the "semi" in the picture.

Good Morning Vietnam

That's right! We're here. We made it to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) safely this morning. Probably even more amazing and a blessing is that all of our checked bags made it as well on all 4 flights so far.

We're at the Park Royal Saigon Hotel tonight and it's been a nice oasis amongst the grueling flights. We stay here tonight and fly to Vinh city tomorrow at 11AM. We land in Vinh about 1:30pm and then will hopefully drive straight to the orphanage, about an hour, and go to get Miss Haven. If all stays according to schedule, her Giving and Receiving Ceremony will be Monday morning at 10AM (which is Sunday night at 10PM CST back in the States). Hopefully we'll have internet there as well and can post. Otherwise it might be a few days until we can get to Hanoi.

Now, we're going to get something to eat and crash. I only slept 1 1/2 hours total during all the flights, so the last nights sleep I had was Wednesday. Mike did a bit better, but we're both still very weary and glad for this night's break in the travels.

Getting very excited,
Shae and Mike

Playing in the Leaves

Thought I'd post an update on the boys. We're having lots of fun here with the cousins. Everyone is still very excited to have extra playmates. I suppose that will wear off in time, but for now all is well. Today we played in the leaves and then took a bike ride to the park.

According to the itinerary from Mike and Shae they should be on a plane right now - beginning the long journey!!

Sherry (aka "Uncle Sherry")

Haven Here we Come

Well folks this is it. Less than a week from now, Haven should be in our arms and a day later...ours forever.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) we drop the dog off at friends. Thanks Todd and Shelley!

Then we take the boys to Watertown, SD to stay with Mike's brother and his family. Say a prayer for Dave and Sherry as they'll have 5 kiddos 6 and under to take care of for the next few weeks.

Wednesday we drive back.

Thursday we get on a plane. Omaha to Denver, Denver to San Francisco, San Francisco to Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City to Vinh. Whew!!!

Saturday we'll get to Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon in the South of Vietnam. We stay there a night.

Sunday we fly to Vinh city, the capital of Haven's province. Then we'll drive about an hour to the orphanage. We should be able to take Haven with us back to the hotel from there.

Monday, October 20th is when our Giving and Receiving Ceremony is currently scheduled for. Please pray that this stays the date. This ceremony and paperwork is the official adoption.

We are unsure when we'll leave for Hanoi (capital of Vietnam), but hopefully on the 21st or 22nd. It's a 7-8 hour exciting car ride.

Then we should be in Hanoi until we receive Haven's visa allowing us to come home. Hopefully we can get the visa on the 31st so that we can keep our flights for November 1st, arriving in Omaha on Sunday the 2nd. This is another prayer request for many reasons, but we'll just mention one. Eric's 3rd birthday is Monday, November 3rd which obviously we'd like to be home for.

We hope to have internet and blog access at least in Hanoi so we'll try and keep you posted.

Thanks for praying,
Shae

Travel Approval

Well, it came this morning. We have the email granting Travel Approval from Immigration. Whoooo! Hoooo!!! Now we're trying to work out the details and timing. Tentatively we're looking at leaving 2 weeks from now. Nothing is final at all yet though. We'll keep you posted.

Please pray for us as we try and get everything done in the next 2 weeks.

We're so excited!!! Haven here we come.

This is the big one,
Shae