The first visit

Thao's first appointment at Shriners was on Friday. She was understandably very nervous for her visit. It had been a long four days since we had left HaNoi and all the tension was leading to this appointment. We had to wait about a half an hour for to be seen by the doctors. As we waited Thao became more and more nervous.
Once we were in the room I carefully helped Thao into her gown. The first visitor was the photographer. He carefully explained to Thao, through an translator that he was only taking the photos to document her progress and not to make her feel uncomfortable. It was during this process Thao began to breath more easily and understand that the doctors were on her side.
Two doctors examined Thao's burns. They both decided that it is best if she is seen by two specialist. One for her hands and one for her face. It is during these appointments we will learn the details of her treatment.
However, upon initial examination they are hopeful they can help her right hand and at the least create some movement in her fingers. Additionally they are hoping to radically change the appearance of her face. This process will involve the stretching of the skin in her neck and using that skin to replace her scared face.
As you can imagine this is going to be a long an painful process for Thao. Her next appointment is later this week and we will post another update shortly after.
Thank you for all of your support.
~Annetta

A LONG joureny that has only just begun

Thao, her father and I safely arrived in California on September 11th. It was a long 36 hours, which included 13 hours in Hong Kong. It has been a trip of a life time of both of them. It has definitely been a case of sensory overload. So many new and exciting things all around them they don't know how to react to it all.
Anh Cong has been having some difficulties adjusting to the time difference and culture shock. Thao on the other hand is taking to it all very quickly. She is a very curious and happy child. Everything is new and interesting to her. It as been a wonderful experience watching her discover each new thing along the way. Whenever traveling to another country there are things to discover, but for Thao everything has been been a new discovery; the different plants, the cars, the asphalt, the lazyboy, the pumpkins, the water and ice dispenser on the door of the fridge, the automatic windows in the car, the carpet, the first bathtub experience, the kitchen sink, Dave's toy bugs, the stuffed kitty, the super market, the wind chimes... years of experiences all in 4 days. She's a bit uncomfortable with crowded areas, she doesn't like people to look at her, she's especially uncomfortable around children, but once she comfortable with you she's a crazy and funny little girl. We just got done playing dress-up with all of the clothes that have been donated to her. Very exciting!
I feel so lucky to be having this experience with Thao. It's going to be incredibly difficult to leave her in two days.
Tomorrow is the first appointment at Shriner's Hospital. It is then we will learn the treatment plan for Thao. It's going to be a long and difficult year for Thao, but it's also going to be an amazing year.

Wheelchairs have arrived

On Saturday September 8th our 8th container of 550 wheelchairs cleared customs in Hai Phong port. All 550 wheelchairs will be distributed in Ha Noi. HSCV will oversee the distributions organized by the Association the Support of Vietnamese Handicapped and Orphans of Ha Noi (ASVHO Hanoi).
HSCV will interview a number of the recipients. A few of these stories will be published on this blog. Be sure to check back in a few days.
The wheelchairs have been donated by Free Wheelchair Mission (FWM) with the help of our friends at Giving it Back To Kids (GBTK).

Just a few short hours

In just a few hours Thao, Anh Cong and I will board our first plane of our long journey to America. Every step of the journey will be a new experience for Thao. They arrive in Hanoi last night and are counting the minutes down as we finish the last of the packing for our trip.

Wish us luck and please thing of us.

~Annetta

Ready to go

Things for Thao have finally come together. Thanks to a lot of persistence and some work Thao and her father received their American Visas. On September 10th I will accompany Thao and Mr. Cong on their long journey to America.
Last week Cuong and I had the pleasure of visiting Thao at her home in Hung Yen. We were greeted by her father, uncle, grandfather, grandmother, grandfather's brother and her younger sister. We were honored by their hospitality and warmth. When I hopped off of my motorbike Thao waved, smiled and ran up and hugged me. Her sister looked on and I waved her over to join the hug.
Mr. Cong prepared a wonderful meal of chicken, shrimp, sticky rice, fish and vegetables. It was truly a feast. We spent the meal talking about the up-coming trip America. When I asked Thao if she is nervous, she said that she wasn't and she was excited about the flying on the plane and going to America. The entire family was delighted knowing Thao was going to America to receive the best treatment possible. Grandma continually thanked me for helping her granddaughter, she reached for my hand to pat and hold it throughout the meal. I was truly moved by the warmth of the entire family.
Half way through the meal Thao’s mother called from Twain. Cuong was able to talk to her a few minutes. She is very nervous about her daughter going to America. Apparently it took a lot of convincing from the other members in the family to allow her to go. Cuong did his best to reassure her that Thao would be in good hands. She said she knows it’s the right decision but it’s along way for her little girl to go.
After a few hours it was time for Cuong and me to head back to Ha Noi. We took a few family photos and said goodbye five times. It was a very toughing moment as I hugged grandma, then Thao, than Thao’s sister, then Thao and her sister and then her grandmother once again.
It was a wonderful afternoon.
~ Annetta