Tet, the Vietnamese New Year

A huge celebration has begun throughout Vietnam. It's the new year, the biggest event of the year. Traditionally it's a time for friends, families and loved ones to come together. It is also a time to pay respects to ancestors. Many people celebrate the occasion with a family meal before heading to parades and fireworks displays, which take place in most major towns and cities. Firecrackers are also common. It is believed the loud bangs scare off evil forces from the coming year. Officially, Tet lasts for three days; however, in practice it is closer to a week or ten days!

2008 is the Year of the Rat or Mouse. Specifically this is the year of the Brown (or Earth) Rat. This year is special as it marks the beginning of the 12 month cyclical zodiac of animals. Those born in Rat years tend to be leaders, pioneers, and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking. I wonder if Baby Wieds will be born this year or if he's/she's already here??

We anticipate a later referral date due to Tet. It is also taking longer than planned (currently up to 75 days) for the US to approve the Visas for the babies waiting to be picked up by their families. Unless things begin to speed up (which they may), this means that after we receive our referral, it is likely that we won't travel for approximately 5 months. We're hoping and praying to be home with Baby Wieds before the September 1 expiration date.

Peace~