First Visa Interview and Lan warms up to David - a little
We had our first visa interview at the US Embassy yesterday. The embassy was not very impressive looking from the outside or in - I'm not sure what I expected, but, dingy and grungy was not it. Anyway, our interview was very quick and now we are waiting for Lan's passport to be issued by the Vietnamese government. There is a possibility it may be issued tomorrow, so, cross your fingers. We are supposed to stay at the hotel all day tomorrow and wait for the Holt staff to phone regarding the passports.
Lan threw up again in the Holt van on the way back from the Visa interview. I think it was a combination of car sickness and also that she got upset when Son, the little boy who was fostered with her in the same home, got out of the van. His family is staying at the Somerset Grand, and we are staying at the Somerset Westlake. She quietly cried when his parents took him out of the van, and then she threw up a few minutes later...fortunately, we were almost back to the Westlake when that happened.
After that, we had a play date with the other Holt family who is staying here at the Westlake. Lan, Max (age 5) and Danny (age 2) played and laughed and chased eachother around. It was nice. Then, we all went for a walk and took a cab to the Old Quarter to have dinner at the Green Tangerine. It is a very very swanky restaurant (none of us realized that when we chose it!). Lan actually ate some fish and some potatos - it's the first thing she has eaten that wasn't fruit, yogurt or crackers since we have had her. I think it was good for her to see Max and Danny eating - she ate too.
Lan is beginning to open up to David. She played a game with him this morning with a ball and then she fed him some papaya. She wouldn't let either of us feed her papaya, but, she did feed both of us and then ate some herself. She is laughing and smiling and talking (only in Vietnamese though). She likes to wash dishes and clean up. She is very particular about things being tidy.
She is still stuck to me like glue, and I ended up sleeping with her last night. She refused to let go of my pajamas when I tried to get out of her bed. She also slept clutching the Tinkerbell chapstick we gave her yesterday...curious. She is awake and we are going to go out and do some exploring.
More later,
Gretchen
~Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused~
posted by Gretchen W @ 12:13 AM
8 Comments:
Oh I feel for you! The throwing up, yuck! I was a "puker" when I was little. Car sickness, stress or change could set me off. So I think you are right about why she get sick. Very, very sweet that she would not let go of your pj's. It is very fortunate that Lan is your child, you are both very perceptive, loving and patient. Thank you for sharing.
Ugh - her nervous stomach sounds like no fun for any of you. :-( This must be so scary for her and so hard for you! It sounds like she is REALLY doing well though. And funny about the chapstick!!
Small steps towards Daddy are good--that's what our Micah did & today, they are great buds! Sounds like Lan is slowly, but surely feeling a part of your family.
We'll be praying the passport/visa are in order SOON!!
Sheri, David, Micah & Noah--in DaNang
You should have seen the US embassy in Cambodia! Looked like something from a war zone. (they've since built a new beautiful building) ... in compairison the Hanoi embassy looked nice to us.
All things considered it sounds like Lan is doing very well. I think it's sweet she wouldn't let go of you. But I know it can be tiring to not get a break. Hope that VN passport comes tomorrow so you can get home soon!
I'm just trying to imagine having everything and everyone I know and love jerked out of my life without understanding what it all means. She's a brave little girl.
It's a bloody good thing you, Gabe and David are a solid family she can rely on and that this is the last time her child life is going to be turned upside down. When do you get back?
Best Love,
Harriet
Wow! It sounds like things are getting somewhat easier. I can't wait until you guys are back. I think she will mesh well with Gabe since she is so comfortable with the other boys. Take Care and keep in touch.
HUGS!
Jami, Doug and Lilli
I am so glad you have little Miss Lan. I can't imagine how difficult all of this is for her to process...but hugs and love and kisses go along way to making her feel better; and apparently...shrimp flav crackers :)
take care
julie westphal
Gretchen, thanks for your honest and forthright detail of events. It is quite an experience but hang in there. You seem to be doing all the right moves. Bless you for who you are and Remember 2 things: Nothing worthwhile comes easy and Love is patient. You can do it and you are. Helen
Post a Comment
<< Home