A crutch

I admit it, we haven't eaten straight Vietnamese food while we've been here. In fact, since we found the peanut butter and jam (delicious blueberry jam) we hav eaten it quite regularly. Now don't get me wrong, I am already looking for a Pho cook book, and Mason and I have loved all the delicious shrimp dishes. We have purchased a knife so we now can enjoy the beautiful and interesting fruits I spoke of in an earlier post, and we've tried coconut juice, winter melon juice and papaya juice just to name a few. Hot pot has been a delicious dish and the hot noodles at breakfast is a winner. But, a few "American" items have crept into our regular diet here. A little bakery by the grocery store makes wonderful whole grain bread. Pringles-most every variety-are sold in the grocery store, although it does seem they've all be shaken or dropped. And Coca-Cola has become a staple for us. Our Agency director advised us to drink one a day with one of your meals to kill any unwanted bacteria and keep us from getting sick (now what does that say about Coke? It is strong enough to act as a bacteria killer...doesn't sound like something that should be consumed in such addictive abundance, does it?). We've also found p-nut m&M's (not pictured because the photographer had recently consumed them) and even oreo cookies-but oreos just aren't worth it unless they are the HOLIDAY oreos (I love you Laura Asay, for teaching me that colored frosting between those chocolate wafers = fresh fresh and yummy). We figure we are eating so many meals here in Vietnam, we can afford to waste a few on good old fashioned american food. So here's to our crutch; pb 'n j on wheat. Bon Apetite!

Katie shops

It's all we do besides wait. We are about a block away from the giant market, and it is natural to walk in that direction whenever we need some fresh air. Shop for what you ask? Nothing, and we seem to find it too. nothing of real value, nothing we would buy if we saw it at Target in the States. But so far I think I've filled a suitcase with nothing...

Truth be told, I'm sick of shopping. I'd rather be sitting in front of government officials, thanking them for the opportunity to adopt our little Lucy. I'd rather be making hotel reservations for the Zephyr in Hanoi, our final destination on this journey to bring Lucy home. Heck, I'd rather be standing in line at the passport office trying to get Lucy's passport expedited. But, instead I am shopping, for nothing. Wonder what I'll find next time i head out...

This picture of Porter, our 4 year old, was taken with the camera the night before we left for Vietnam. I'm so glad it was. I miss you Porter! I can't wait to get home and show you your little baby sister! It will be so fun to have your swimming party with Lucy, who will you invite to come swimming? Please remember how much we love you and that we are going to come home as soon as we can. I love you silly muffin...