We have had a couple of miracles over the last 24-hours and I wanted to share them with you.

First, yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, our representative told us that our 5:30 flight to Hanoi had been canceled and we would not be able to leave until 8:30pm on a different flight.  Our representative suggested that we stay at the hotel where we were comfortable and head to the airport later in the evening.  However, we really felt like we should go to the airport anyway.  When we got to the airport, they had initiated a different 5:30 flight and we left HCMC on time.  Thank you, God.

Then, when we arrived in Hanoi and were getting our baggage, we received a call from our facilitator.  When we had met with the INS in HCMC, Ms. Russell told us that she was doubtful that we would get out of Hanoi by Friday night.  She said that the Hanoi office was very backlogged.  Our facilitator called us to tell us that our appointment in Hanoi would not be until Wednesday of next week!  This was a tremendous emotional shock.  Everything had moved along so well and this was supposed to be the easiest part!  We were fully prepared to have to wait until Monday, but Wednesday seemed like an eternity!  I immediately e-mailed the consulate myself and asking if there was any way to expidite.  In addition, we e-mailed many of our friends at home to pray for a quicker appointment.  I found that the part the bothered me the most is that I really, really miss the kids and I couldn’t imagine having to be gone another week!

To make matters worse, our hotel in Hanoi is not the greatest in the world.  It isn’t bad, but it is old and dingy and very, very noisy.  All night last night we were woken up by construction noise, people noise, TV noise, radio noise.  I think they turn the lobby into a disco or something at night!  We continued to keep upbeat, although it was very discouraging.  Kelly and I woke up this morning and started making plans.  First, we have to get water and formula from the grocery store.  We were not prepared for a week in Hanoi.  Next, we needed to find a new hotel.  Finally, we had to figure out what we were going to do for the next week!

At 8:10 this morning (Thursday), our representative called and said that he had good news.  Our appointment had been moved to TODAY at 2pm and his representative was coming to the hotel to pick up our paperwork and file it.  Praise the Lord.  I felt awed that God would move so quickly on our behalf, even quicker than I would have thought to ask.  We are going to get some breakfast and then go down to the Consulate around lunch time.  If everything goes as it should, we should have the VISA tomorrow and still try and make our flight.  We are going to ask the Consulate if they could please get the VISA prepared just a little earlier than the usual 4PM so that we can get to the airport.

God’s hand has continued to be in this process and will continue through the trip.  I will update you after our appointment this afternoon.

Thank you again for all of your continued prayers and support.

Cameron