Home...a great place to be!

We arrived in Richmond Thursday afternoon and made the drive back to Newport News with a very full load. Every single seat in the Suburban was filled and we had all our luggage to boot. Good thing we packed light! At least that's what Henry said.

Our journey to receive God's blessing, now known as Grace Ann Nhi Klein, began over 3 years ago with a decision to adopt a child from Guatemala. We began the process w/another agency after having worked w/All God's Children International for our adoption of Andrew. It became readily apparent that all agencies are not created equal. We abandoned that endeavor and returned to AGCI - one of the best decisions we've ever made. If you're considering international adoption, we encourage you to check them out. We've met myriad adoptive parents from many agencies and this theme is constant, "AGCI is fabulous."

Why Vietnam? Many people have asked us that. You know we have Andrew from China. We'd have returned to China again except, at the time we began our pursuit, China would not allow us to adopt into a household where 5 children already lived. That has since changed. We thought it would be good for Andrew to have a sibling who kind of looked like him. Vietnam qualified and had recently opened again. As it stands now, however, we may be the last Americans to work with Henry in Vietnam for quite some time. Our window was small and God blessed us, providing our official referral w/only 8 days to spare before Vietnam quit offering orphans to Americans.

Now that we're home Grace is adjusting pretty well. She really lights up around Andrew, who has been nothing short of wonderful in his new role as big brother. She's been particularly fond of his little cars...which she piles into the doll house. Temperatures here in VA right now are in the 20s to 40s. That is something she's never experienced. We bundle her up and she does well.

We are so thankful for God's blessing through Gracie. She is truly "unmerited favor." Thank you for joining us in this journey and, particularly for your prayers on our behalf. We will likely update this blog from time to time over the next 6-12 months so feel free to check back if you're curious of our life with Grace - a constant reminder of our Saviour's goodness to us.

Blessings!
~Jack

We're home!!!!!!!!!

We awoke about 52 hours ago, spent a day in Hanoi getting a visa, changed a reservation w/American, and flew home via Tokyo, Chicago, and Richmond. Quite a trip, and Gracie was an absolute trooper.

She's upstairs right now playing w/Andrew. They're getting along just fine!

Thanks for all your prayers. We'll try to get some more pictures up tomorrow.

~ Jack

Coming Home!

Debra and Mike at American Airlines have hooked us up! We leave tonight around midnight for a long ride home...but it'll be home! Hopefully the next posting will be from VA.

Please pray for the Richardsons who have shared this time in VN w/us. They leave on Friday and little Ema is sick w/a fever. (www.meetingema.blogspot.com)

God be praised!
~ Jack

Got visa...neeeeeeed tickets!!!!!!!!`

We got Gracie's visa this afternoon but American Airlines in VN is telling us we can't get seats until 8 December. I'm on hold w/AA in the US right now trying to get some help. If you're reading this...please pray. VN is beautiful, but we'd really like to get home!
~Jack

VN Pottery + Passport + Medical...Home soon????

Sunday we visited a local pottery village. It was lots of fun and we purchased many things. Christmas is coming so we're not going to tell you Alex and Margaret! Some of the pots were bigger than Billy and if we sawed off the top he could have fit in them.



We saw some pottery that we could have painted ourselves, but it would have taken to long to get it done so we decided to skip that.



On the way we passed this bridge in progress. This one's for you Grandpa

Yesterday we went to go get Gracie's passport. When Thuong picked us up she already had the passport and told us we were able to get Gracie's medical exam completed yesterday. On the way we passed the hospital in which Gracie was born.



When we got to the international medical facility we learned that Gracie was 24lbs and 33 inches.



Finally, a delightful French (we think) Dr. very patiently and kindly examined our little girl.



We're expecting to get her visa today. After that we'll try to push our airline reservations up. We figure Friday is the earliest we'll make it home.
Here are more pictures of Gracie in the hotel which she now views as home.














Coveting your prayers as we go to the embassy this afternoon for her visa.

~ Sarah

"Frogger" illustrated...not for the faint of heart!

This circa 2004 video is in our part of the city ...things haven't gotten any better. (Bill...don't watch this until we get home!) Imagine doing this with 2 adults, 2 teens, and an adopted 3 year old. Feel free to keep praying! Actually, we could avoid this...if we didn't eat. However, every trip to get any food involves at least one trip like this.

We hope to get Gracie's passport tomorrow (Monday), but Tuesday is more likely. After that she has a medical exam and then we apply for a US Visa. Though we're not holding our breath, if it all transpires w/o a hitch we could be headed home by Friday. Again...feel free to keep praying.

Today was a banner day. Gracie let both Jack and Billy hold her! Sarah was a great blessing to the other American couple here as their daughter Ema won't go to anyone but her Mom, who really needed a break, and Sarah was able to coax Ema away for a bit.

Thanks to all of you who have been adding your comments. It's a real encouragement.

Blessings,
~ Jack