Sue's journey

Well...it is my last night in Vietnam and I am spending these last few hours watching my daughter sleep peacefully as I pack up to go home.  It is such a pleasure!!!  Who would have ever thought that packing would be joyful.

OUr day was so busy.  WE had a 1:30 appt. at the Embassy to provide final documents, pay the fee for the Visa and to speak to one of the EMbassy employees. I was so nervous...you can imagine how worried I was they would ask me some new question and I might answer incorrectly therefore puttinge everything in jeapordy.  I was relieved that I was asked to pay before I was spoken too...I thought at this point they wouldn't be asking for me nearly $400 back!
The interview was easy...they asked several questions about the baby, thanked me for my patience, reminded me they had to do what they thought to make sure this was an ethical adoption and then said because I had been there for so long i could pick up my Visa today at 4:00...normally you must return the following day after 4:00.  It was then that we decided I would leave first thing tomorrow morning.  So after going to two different airline offices to straighten out my tickets, made a stop at the store for a few last minute things it was back to the Embassy to pick up the Visa.
I don't think there was anyone as happy as I was at that moment....o.k. maybe An!!!

We got Evie's passport and left quickly!!  Then it was out to dinner with AN and Nga for one last final gathering. We went to he Hoi Son restaurant and enjoyed a variety of Vietnamese cuisine. Evie had her last crab soup.  I had spring rolls, grilled prawns and steamed grouper..(and yes they come to the table with the head on). I declined the pigeon that was on the menu.  It was a fabulous ending to such a long, long stay.
We will miss An and Nga very much and I know they will miss us.  I thanked the profusely for all they did for me and Evelyn .  IN the Vietnamese tradition they said , "Please..don't thank us..it was our pleasure!"  They are so polite in this culture and I know i will miss it greatly!!

WEll..I have to get my things in the bags!!  and then to bed. We are on our way to the airport at 8:00 a.m.  Will spend the day in Bangkok and get on a plane Thursday mornign to Boston.  We are hoping for good weather and no excitement along the way.  I hope to write from the various airports but if not....I will try to get in one last blog after we get home!!

Thank you again for all the support and love that has been given to me and Evie through this website.  I am not sure how I would have survived if I couldnt correspond with my family and friends....and  with some complete strangers as well!!  I appreciate it greatly and can't wait to see you all soon!!

Love for the last time from Hanoi!!!
Sue and Evelyn