(HALLE-GRACE SAYS "CHEERS TO USCIS" *the can was empty...I promise*)
We just received the pre-approval letter dated September 22nd. It is FINALLY HERE! Lulu has her pre-approval and most all of the hens do at this point and time. Looks like all 40+ cases are getting approvals, it's just a matter of time! HALLELUJAH! Just like her name *HALLElujah-Grace*
Hanoi Adoptions Unit
United States Embassy Vietnam
Dear Mr./ Mrs. Devine:
Greetings from the Hanoi Adoptions Unit at US Embassy Hanoi.
As you can see in the attachment, based on a preliminary determination of orphan status by the US Citizenship and Immigration Service you are now authorized to travel to Vietnam to complete your adoption....
Tomorrow, Halle-Grace will have her medical exam at the SOS clinic...then it's the Embassy appointment....then we will be coming home. I am anticipating by the middle or end of next week but I am not certain. I will let you all know ASAP! Dana, call the magazine...Granny, get your depends on, Suzie...get your 15 boxes of tissues and bring some for Kay Kay and BOTH Papaws! I say that because both my dad & Dale cried when I was leaving for Vietnam! I don't know if it was tears of JOY or sadness!!! LOL.... GOSH, I miss all of you! I can't WAIT to see the look on Hunter & Hannah's face! They are so excited to see her on webcam everyday, so I can't wait to see their expressions when they see her in person. Sherry...get Kaitlyn and come on down for the celebration and Uncle Scott & Krista, it's time for the 2X celebration we talked about!
Nanny leaves tomorrow night. I am SO glad she will be able to go to the SOS clinic (they are drawing BLOOD....mama will have to leave the room)!
PLEASE continue to pray for Gabby! She is not feeling too well. Our "soap dog" is just not feeling well. The amazing staff at Carolina Vet. Specialist tell us the soap basically ate her stomach lining. They are pretty certain with a few days of barium coating her stomach and the lining re-growing, she will be OK and be able to go home! WE LOVE THE STAFF there and they have been through so much with us! THANK YOU ALL...I know they are reading the blog too! I will bring Halle-Grace to see you all. Thank you for taking care of MY GABBY GIRL! Jason visited with her last night and is going back tomorrow as well (I PRAY he can bring her home)! Life is full of ups & downs, isn't it? I am estatic to receive the approval as we have been waiting on this piece of paper since MARCH...yet, worried sick about Gabby! I guess God throws something in the way so we don't think about the 27+ hour flight?
We are all (Nanny, Mer, Lulu, Halle-Grace and me) headed downtown to finish some "adoption day gifts" for the girls and eat at KFC! FUNNY HUH??
I have to be honest and say I enjoy Hanoi...if nothing else for the laughs! The people here are SO nice!! And there is no way to describe the motor bikes...pictures don't do it JUSTICE...you have to be here to believe it!
God Bless you all...we can't wait to SEE EVERYONE! Calling the Vet. hospital to check on my other baby girl! Please continue to pray that Gabby gets her approval to come home from the hospital!
Shannon & Halle-Grace *and Nanny for another day* in Vietnam
HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAMBO...aka...Uncle Danny! Thank God you are still with us. After your numerous heart attacks and life-flight to Charlotte (CMC) a month ago, I am BLESSED to be able to tell you HAPPY BIRTHDAY and you will get to meet Halle-Grace soon!
