THE meeting

I couldn't sleep. I was still adjusting to the time change. And we were only hours away from meeting our son. We were being picked up at 8:30 to be at the office by 9:30. The alarm and wake up call were set for 6:30. I made it to bed at 2:30.

I had slept enough over the last 20 months

The feelings are indescribable. The meeting with our Thai SW, short and sweet. Very nice lady, to the point. Addresses what is necessary and we are done.

Works for me, I am through with paperwork.

Upon arriving at the orphanage we are meet by SW workers for the orphanage.

We are one of 3 families there to meet their child. The other 2 families are from France. The children's schedule is handed to me while the other couples are receiving their children.

Uumm, is there a copy in English instead of French?

I was an emotional mess watching one family's son be brought in to them. How was I going to fare in a few minutes when it was my son?

A few minutes later our Thai SW said here he comes, and he is ready to go! Backpack and everything on!

What a beautiful little boy! He knew who we were, he was tentative and shy, yet had an undeniable sparkle of excitement in his eyes. It was so amazing to hear him speaking in Thai. Within a few minutes he was warming up to us and had our camera figured out! He started taking pics of us!

We spent the next hour or so being given many items from our son's past. We were shown his cottage, his cupboard, his bed. We were given a huge book of scrapbooked pictures, an envelope full of pictures, his school uniform shirts and hat, gifts from volunteers, he got to choose 2 stuffed animals from his cupboard. He went to lunch and we followed, seeing how he ate and what the food looked like that he was used to eating.

There is no doubt our son was well loved. We are beyond amazed at the care he received and the many precious "gifts" he has been given during (and from) his first 8 years.

Our son has fallen in love with his Daddy. He tolerates his Mama. He has many english words, trying new ones everyday. He has learned no very quickly, how to say it that is, and to use it correctly! He tries new things with assurance from Mama and Daddy.

I love the way he says Daddy with a Thai accent.

And though "Mama" may not come as often as "Daddy", it sure sounds amazingly sweet!!