Our first morning in Hanoi! We had a rough night last night. It was New Years Eve for us last night and our floor must have been the party spot for the hotel. Hanna added to the excitement by getting sick and that had us up off and on all night. The good news is we woke this morning and all seem to be fine. We had a good breakfast and that at least lets us know that we will eat well in the mornings.

Happy Birthday Mom! We love you and hope you have a wonderful day! Jeff and Dedra

Hi nana, I hope that you have a happy birthday. Love Hanna

We are trying to find an adventure for the day. Two other families are here at the Hotel, one of the families have some sickness issues to deal with today so we are on our own.

New Years Day and no football games! What am I going to do?

We have arrived in Hanoi. We are staying at a nice western style hotel, had hot showers, good food, and went to sleep. I woke up and decided that I would try to catch up. It is amazing here! Hanoi is very densely populated and scooter or mopeds are everywhere. There are 25 mopeds for every 1 car on the street. I will have pictures for you on the next blog. Dedra and Hanna are both doing well. We are going out tomorrow to meet the other families and go see some sites. Please continue to pray for all of us.

We Love You All,

We have made it to Hong Kong!!!

We just landed in Hong Kong after a 15 1/2 hour flight from LAX. We are on the ground. The trip was fine and the service that Cathay Pacific provided was excellent! We were on a 747 and every seat was full. The highlight of the trip so far was me jumping up during our landing to run for the restroom. I am sure all my parents are laughing right now. I have had a history of motion sickness and I believe that at one time or another I threw up in every car that they owned. Well today it got me again.

Our flight took us over Alaska and across into Asia. It was quicker to go north and then back down than to fly straight across the Pacific. We now have a 6 hour layover and then on to Hanoi. Hanna and Dedra did great on the trip. I am not used to sitting for more than a couple of hours and did not fare as well. It is Sunday the 31st here.

Pray for me, PLEASE!!!!

Travel Day Has Arrived!

Can you remember what it was like to lay in bed on Christmas Eve waiting for morning to come? That was the night that we had last night. We all ran around packing and organizing, charging batteries, planning everything we could down to the last detail. Dedra made and list and has checked it many more times than twice. Six suitcases, three backpacks, a diaper bag, a webkin, and a pillow. I think it is all here. We even packed a suitcase with food items so that if it gets too bad we can ration some Dedra snacks. (Jim and Allison) I think we can make it about six days off what she has packed.

Some of you have called and asked for a itenerary for the trip. We really don't have anything that is set in stone, but here is what we do know:

1. We leave today@ 6pm for LAX. We have 4 hours there and will leave sometime around midnight for our second leg.
2. The second leg is from LAX to Hong Kong. It is a 14 hour flight and that with a time change puts us in Hong Kong sometime early Sunday.
3. We leave Hong Kong and fly 2 hours to Hanoi, and will arrive in Hanoi on Sunday @3 pm.

Then we will wait until they tell us what to do next. It looks now like we will not get Haden until Tuesday. Pray that God will continue to provide us with patience. I am trying to just keep a smile on my face and not let the distractions take me off the course that God has set for me. I will try to keep this updated daily with pictures and information. I appreciate each of you who has been able to post comments for our family on this new technology. We can all struggle together to learn how it operates, and it is awesome to read your thoughts and comments.

We Love You All,

Jeff, Dedra, and Hanna

Dear Family and Friends,
I'm really excited to travel to Vietnam. I know it will be a long trip but that is OK because I am going to get my little brother! I pray that we will fly safely and that we will get around Vietnam safely. I am feeling great about being a big sister! I have been praying that Haden is safe while we are away from him. Please pray for me because I think I am getting a little sick with a cold.

To all my friends,
Thanks for being encouraging during the adoption. When we get back, I promise that you will get to see Haden. That goes for Mrs. Brand too. Please write to me, in the comment section, while I am gone. I can't wait to see you when I get back from Vietnam.

Love, Hanna

We are getting ready for our trip, and are trying out our blog spot. Three days before our departure and we are ready to go! It is going to be great for all of us to talk with you through this comunication portal while we are on the trip. Please test this by sending us messages so we know it is operating properly. We would like to thank each of you for the wishes and prayers that we have received. If all goes as planned we will have Haden with us this time next week!