We returned a few hours ago from our exit interview at the US Embassy to receive Sarah's visa. All 5 families were in and out in an hour and all cases were approved. Yea! It really wasn't much of an interview and we couldn't believe that we were all delayed a week for a 7 minute (per family) interview!
The room we entered was very small and plain. We sat down at bank teller/ticket kind of window. Five American people sat behind the window and spoke to us through a microphone. They were fairly stern-faced people, but Sarah was able to make a few of them crack a smile. One woman said, "Well, she's full of spit and vinegar, isn't she?" After a few basic questions, they slid our papers under the window for Michael to sign. If all goes well, we will pick up her visa at 4:00pm tomorrow.
We are excited for everyone to meet Sarah. With each day she just becomes sweeter and more affectionate and we just love her to pieces. She is becoming more and more of a toddler and less of a baby each day, too. She is a little delayed with her walking, but we feel blessed that we will get to see her take her first steps. We have lots of standing time each day and her legs are really getting strong, so it won't be long now...
The past two days have been rainy and VERY muggy in Hanoi, so we haven't done anything too exciting. There is lots of great shopping all around us, but I think we are shopped out (is that possible??)! Our biggest suitcase is full of only things we have purchased here and I'm hoping we can get our other stuff packed in the two smaller bags. If not, we will be purchasing another bag. They are very cheap here, so it isn't a big deal.
Tomorrow will be our final post from Vietnam! Our long journey home begins Thursday evening. We will post our itereneray tomorrow. If it is possible, we hope to see you at the airport Friday morning. I'm not sure what we will look or smell like, but Sarah will at least look cute! :)
Until next time...
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8 comments:
yea!!!!!!!!!!!! We are so excited to finally have a solid date to meet our granddaughter. Hopefully all the people won't scare Sarah to bad, we hope you all have a good trip home, you're all in our prayers.
Love ya Mom & Dad (Grandma & grandpa)
Congrats!!! I know what a relief that is and know you are happy to have all the clearance you need. Safe travels home!
Laura
DH Mark
DD Annslee JiaNa (Hubei, China)
waiting on 171 for DD #2 in Vietnam
Dearest Sarah,
What a joy it is to welcome you as a new citizen to the United States of America and especially into our family. As you grow up we hope that you will always know and experience the love and devotion that comes from being part of a family. As you get to know us, you will realize that our family tree has many branches bringing into it a diversity of heritages. We are thankful that we can add you to this family tree. Your heritage and diversity will add to our family, and we welcome it.
We have waited for a long time to welcome you. We thank God that the time has arrived for you to come to the United States of American and be forever a part of this family.
When you were born in Vietnam, all of the Cail-Duncan side of your great-grandparents were deceased. You still have some great- grandparents on your Homan branch, and we are hopeful you will get to meet them. Older generations are revered in Vietman and are a treasure to us as well. You will have the opportunity to know your grandparents and us know you. To my knowledge your eldest living relative in the US will be Aunt Rita Alston, age 104 and the sister to your great-great grandmother Neva Duncan. Through the years we hope you will seek to know more about the many peoples who have come before you. Many, like you, have entered the US as immigrants and many arrived at the start of settlements in this country.
There will be times of joy and times of sadness. But, always know that in all times, family is here to embrace you, love you, and support you. And, should all fail, God who sent you to be with us, will not fail you.
You are a very special person, our precious second granddaughter, and we love you dearly.
Welcome home, Sarah!
With love, Grandma Barbara
Dearest Sarah, Watching you through the blog site has been very exciting but nothing compared to see you in person -- Wow that is going to be exciting. We are very anxious to persoanally welcome you to your extended family and give you the love that you deserve. Family is very important to us and having you be part of it makes us feel very special.
Travel safe and keep Mom and Dad in line --- make sure they keep you well fed and rested -- after all there are two of them to do this so it should be easy -- we want you to arrive ready to go -- right!!??
Lots of Love Papa Roy
Heather and Michael, Great news on the visa -- it seems wrong you had to be delayed a week for this but --- the end result is fantastic -- plus you had more time to bond with Sarah. I have looked at the pictures of Sarah many times and it is easy to see how she has progressed and how comfortable she feels with you.
Have a safe and uneventful trip. We will be waiting for you. Love Dad
I'm just bawling reading these sweet comments from grandparents!!! What a great moment it will be when they finally get to meet their granddaughter! (I wish I could be there to see it.)
Oh- and Sarah not walking yet is no big deal. Neither of my boys (both bio) walked until they were 15 months old. I thought they were so behind!!!! Turns out- God just knew I needed them NOT to walk for just a little bit longer.
Safe travels,
Erin L.
Your story is so amazing. I am thrilled for you and just "met" you this afternoon. Thank you for sharing.
My daughter and son-in-law will be bringing home their daughter from Veitnam sometime in Dec./Jan./Feb. God willing. They have invited my husband and I (Grandma and Grandpa) to come along. Your blog is really wonderfully full of information and great pictures and tear jerking stories.
My new Granddaughter has down syndrome so your story about your trip to the country really touched me. Josie is 4 years old, from Hanio and will be joining a 1 1/2 year old brother. Thanks again for sharing, May God bless you and keep you safe on the trip home.
YEAH for the Visa!! I have been following your journey closely and am so happy it is time for Sarah to come home. The comments on here from Sarah's grandparents are just amazing. How neat! Travel safely.
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