Nothing...

Zip, zilch, nada, inte, nothing from the Department of Justice today. No word on when we'll sign the papers and have the "giving and receiving ceremony" that will make Lucy our daughter in the eyes of the Vietnamese government. Our hope is fading that I will return to Salt Lake with John and Mason next Monday. Our big accomplishement today was changing our flight arrangement to keep us here in Vietnam another week. Not the most enjoyable errand. Not much fun at all.

Thank you for your faith and prayers right now. I know without them we'd truly feel beaten. But, because of them, we have resolve. We know this will not last forever. We will outlast the delays. The conviction in our hearts that Lucy belongs in our family keeps us standing strong. I felt such a sense of courage today as I read a quote from Richard Scott. "...we must trust in God and in His willingness to provide help when needed, no matter how challenging the circumstance."

I'm of the belief that God hears our prayers, and it is usually through the actions of others that He meets our needs. In this time of need for our family, so many of you have come to our aid; and have therefore been the Hand of God in our lives. Some of you have;
*read this little blog and promised to say a prayer for our family
*shown a willingness to help one or all of the Utah Graham kids while we are away from them
*moved into our home to help with the daily tasks of so many little ones (love you mom and dad!)
*been chauffer and activities coordinator, pre-school registrar and the like
*many have shown support from the beginning of this process, which started all the way back in Boise
*you've offered to come to Vietnam and "wait it out" with me should John and Mason leave before Lucy and I.
*You've graciousley given of your means for the children of the GoVap orphanage
*Some of those we've met in Vietnam have offered support and encouragement, without even really knowing us.
*Youve shown me a great example of motherhood, and that raising 6 children is actually possible, and that it can be done with grace, dignity, joy and laughter.
*You love my children. Already you've showered Lucy with acceptance.
*You've placed great trust and confidence in John, who has had to leave career responsibilities to support our family in a different way for this long while.

I'm sure that you are doing and have done many many other things as we wade through this process. And all I can say is "thanks". I'll try, I promise I'll try, to be God's hands in answering your prayers-but for now I humbly thank you for being his answer to my prayers.

Here's praying for better news tomorrow, and miracles in the form of papers to sign and the assurance that Hiep Duc Nguyen will be Lucy Evelina Duc Graham for all of her days.