December 5th
As Government officials debate the fate of my near future, Evleyn and I tried to enjoy our day.
It was beautiful here today. A very clear, crisp 80 degrees with a little breeze. I decided not to waste the day, but to enjoy what will hopefully be the last of our good weather until Spring in NE.
We went to Hoan Kiem Lake for a walk and then lunch at the garden restaraunt on the lake. It was very pleasant. The walk only takes about 1/2 hr. but with Evelyn in my arms it take a little longer due to her wiggling around to see all the sights and to stop for all the people who want to see her. Today was no different than most others. People asked me how old she was and if she was Vietnamese. One very kind gentleman told me how lucky she was...and then tried to ask me to make his day a lucky one by me purchasing the postcards and books he was peddling. I told him I had been there for 3 months and had everything I needed by now. He of course tried to remind me that if I did buy something it would be a lucky day for him. Luck is very important to the people here. I have heard that they try to look at the calendar to predict the lucky days and then schedule important event s on those days.
The next person to try and peddle something to us was a pregnant woman. She was selling t-shirts. Of course she began the conversation by asking how old Evelyn was and then she asked me how long I had been there. I of course told her 3 months and she answered back, "oh yes..I think I have seen you before" I realized I had definately been here too long when the peddlars on the street are beginning to recognize me. She mentioned that I looked tired and wouldn't I like to sit down and talk to her for a bit....then she hit me with the t-shirts she was selling. I declined politely and thanked her for asking about the baby. It is very interesting to notice that most of the people peddling postcards, t-shirts and travel books are able to converse with you in some basic English. I wonder if it is essential to them making any money?? or have they just picked it up from the people they are selling to?? or are they well educated but can't find jobs in this poor economy??
The next gentleman we talked to was our cab driver. He knew quite a bit of English. He asked where Evelyn was from (which province) and then told me how lucky she was to be heading off to a good life in America. I told him I was lucky also to have such a wonderful daughter to bring home with me! He asked if I would tell her about Vietnam and would I return here with her some day. I said of course to both although the latter is hard to think about at this point. He thanked me for being so kind to one of their babies and mentioned that there were so many children in need of a family. I complimented him on his English. This embarrassed him a bit and he tried to downplay his ability. I told him it was much better than my Vietnamese. He asked if I would be learning the language so that I could share it with my daughter. I mentioned how hard that would be for me, but said some day I might look into it for the baby.
He seemed pleased to hear me tell him I would share the culture with her and that she would grow up knowing where she was from.
All in all....it was a very pleasant day. The people of Vietnam continue to be very polite, kind and caring. Americans could probably take a lesson in social graces from this culture. Someone mentioned to me that in Asian countries, politeness is so very important given the vast numbers of people living in such close quarters. I had to agree with this theory and particulary notice it on the road. Many Boston drivers could take some etiquette lessons from the drivers here. They negotiate extrememly crowded streets with just a polite beep of the horn.
Evelyn fell asleep early tonight practically while eating her dinner at 7:00. I am hoping the fresh air and good food will keep her sleeping for the night!!! and maybe, just maybe we will wake up to hear we will be coming home soon.
I have been told that a decision in my case should come by the end of the week!!
Sue
It was beautiful here today. A very clear, crisp 80 degrees with a little breeze. I decided not to waste the day, but to enjoy what will hopefully be the last of our good weather until Spring in NE.
We went to Hoan Kiem Lake for a walk and then lunch at the garden restaraunt on the lake. It was very pleasant. The walk only takes about 1/2 hr. but with Evelyn in my arms it take a little longer due to her wiggling around to see all the sights and to stop for all the people who want to see her. Today was no different than most others. People asked me how old she was and if she was Vietnamese. One very kind gentleman told me how lucky she was...and then tried to ask me to make his day a lucky one by me purchasing the postcards and books he was peddling. I told him I had been there for 3 months and had everything I needed by now. He of course tried to remind me that if I did buy something it would be a lucky day for him. Luck is very important to the people here. I have heard that they try to look at the calendar to predict the lucky days and then schedule important event s on those days.
The next person to try and peddle something to us was a pregnant woman. She was selling t-shirts. Of course she began the conversation by asking how old Evelyn was and then she asked me how long I had been there. I of course told her 3 months and she answered back, "oh yes..I think I have seen you before" I realized I had definately been here too long when the peddlars on the street are beginning to recognize me. She mentioned that I looked tired and wouldn't I like to sit down and talk to her for a bit....then she hit me with the t-shirts she was selling. I declined politely and thanked her for asking about the baby. It is very interesting to notice that most of the people peddling postcards, t-shirts and travel books are able to converse with you in some basic English. I wonder if it is essential to them making any money?? or have they just picked it up from the people they are selling to?? or are they well educated but can't find jobs in this poor economy??
The next gentleman we talked to was our cab driver. He knew quite a bit of English. He asked where Evelyn was from (which province) and then told me how lucky she was to be heading off to a good life in America. I told him I was lucky also to have such a wonderful daughter to bring home with me! He asked if I would tell her about Vietnam and would I return here with her some day. I said of course to both although the latter is hard to think about at this point. He thanked me for being so kind to one of their babies and mentioned that there were so many children in need of a family. I complimented him on his English. This embarrassed him a bit and he tried to downplay his ability. I told him it was much better than my Vietnamese. He asked if I would be learning the language so that I could share it with my daughter. I mentioned how hard that would be for me, but said some day I might look into it for the baby.
He seemed pleased to hear me tell him I would share the culture with her and that she would grow up knowing where she was from.
All in all....it was a very pleasant day. The people of Vietnam continue to be very polite, kind and caring. Americans could probably take a lesson in social graces from this culture. Someone mentioned to me that in Asian countries, politeness is so very important given the vast numbers of people living in such close quarters. I had to agree with this theory and particulary notice it on the road. Many Boston drivers could take some etiquette lessons from the drivers here. They negotiate extrememly crowded streets with just a polite beep of the horn.
Evelyn fell asleep early tonight practically while eating her dinner at 7:00. I am hoping the fresh air and good food will keep her sleeping for the night!!! and maybe, just maybe we will wake up to hear we will be coming home soon.
I have been told that a decision in my case should come by the end of the week!!
Sue
It is amazing what you miss in an hour! The last I checked no new blog and now I read about what a great day you two girls had - Yeah!!! and good for you. Keep enjoying the warm temps and your walks - you will NOT be walking around your house when it is this cold!! :)) We continue to pray and send you both our wishes for a speedy, correct decision and that you get it soon. Hope you both have a great night sleep and we will catch up tomorrow morning for you - tonight for us. Love, Tricia xoxoxo (Comment this)
all of the Bowler's and Sawyers and all of our extended
family are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. we hope you get great news at the end of the week. hope to hear good news soon!!!!!
love mary (Comment this)
all of the Bowler's and Sawyers and all of our extended
family are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. we hope you get great news at the end of the week. hope to hear good news soon!!!!!
love mary (Comment this)