Sparkles

Munchkin #3 was quite full of energy during our first afternoon together. We were back to the hotel by 2pm or so and he was bouncing off the walls, actually he really was bouncing off the bed! So we headed to the pool where he bounced off the water and us for awhile!

When we were done swimming, we ordered room service and that turned out to be a very wise decision. Our sweet son didn't make it through dinner. While we were starting to eat I noticed he wasn't looking at the table/his plate, he was trying to turn the other way. He had started crying. Mama swooped him up while Daddy got his two crocheted dolls he had brought with and his new blanket from us. He fell asleep within 15 minutes or so, cradled in my arms.

We have had many fun moments since that first night. As expected, there are times when our son is withdrawn or quieter. It is hard at times to relay what we are doing or where we are going which I am sure makes it more worrisome for him. We have spent alot of time at the hotel. He loves to swim and the minute we get back from somewhere he is immediately signing and asking Mama if we can go swimming. It is one of the only times he initiates anything with Mama, so off we go!

We did make it to the Grand Palace/Emerald Buddha. It was incredibly hot and Munchkin #3 got very weak and shaky. We left rather quickly. It was an incredible place to visit.

Such a contrast to so many other parts of Bangkok, it is hard to take in or understand. As we were leaving there was a young woman dressed in a short skirt arguing with one of the guards/soldier. She was refusing to put on pants to cover her legs. While I may not understand the reasons for the displays of gold and jewels, it is part of the country I am visiting. (Never mind my son's birth country!) I am a VISITOR here. IMO we need to respect the customs another country holds if we are choosing to spend time there. Whether we agree or not! Worse, I am quite sure this woman was an American. If I hadn't been so hot and worried about my son I would have stopped and spoken to this woman. My hubby says it was a good thing I didn't. ;))

Big post coming tomorrow on our visit back to the orphanage to visit his friends and take lots of pics!

It's all in the eyes

I have been thinking about the adventure we are about to embark on for quite some time lately. (Nothing like an extra 2 weeks to contemplate it all!!) For our first 2 adoptions, our children were escorted to the US. This will be the first of many for me.

It will be my first time seeing the birth country of my child. It will be the first time I have ever been in a third world country. It will be the first time I have ever seen or been in an orphanage. It will be the first time I will be physically taking my child from his birth country.

You see, I love little ones, babies and children. I always imagined I would have a large family. I love adoption. I believe very strongly every child deserves a home. I cry easily at those commercials showing hungry children, children in need of surgery, children in need of someone to call Mom and Dad. It is in the eyes for me. There is no way for the eyes to hide that sadness, that need, that hunger....for love, affection, attention.

And I want to do something about that for them all.

Going to the orphanage and leaving with only 1 child is going to be difficult for me.

There is our sweet son's best friend. We have pictures and video of the 2 of them that is priceless! According to those that visited, they are best buddies. His family is desperately waiting STILL for their referral and he has known since last year as well that he has a family. These 2 little boys are family to each other and my heart hurts thinking about the separation. I pray we get to spend time with both of them to make lasting memories for the boys. I am so thankful we "know" his family and will be in contact.

Seeing all the children waiting for a family and wondering how many will not ever get one is heart-wrenching now. And I haven't even been there yet to see those eyes. It is hard to look at the statistics--@59 Thai children came home to the US in 2008, Munchkin #3 has over 320 in the Babies Home of his orphanage. (Age 0-5, he has been held there to wait for us!)

Yet, I know I want to witness it all. It is my son's home, has been for the past 8 years. I would love to spend many days playing at the orphanage with all the children. I could honestly spend the whole two weeks there!

I have also had this deep inner feeling the last few weeks. A need to spend more time with Jesus, talking, praying, reading. I have felt almost like nothing else matters but opening myself up to Him. I feel God is leading me on a path. A specific path. I want to be open to His will for this trip, these experiences. I have always wanted to be able to share my passion for adoption with others. To encourage others to seek out adoption as a way to grow their family, as a way to serve and love God, a way to love thy neighbor. I pray I am able to absorb it all, keep it close to my heart and use it in a way that will glorify God and help orphans.

4 days to departure!!

Orphanage Donations

The orphanage where our son lives has a wishlist for items they need. We, by no means, have to do this, however, we would like very much to be able to take a suitcase FULL of items to donate to them. They have cared for our son since he was 10 days old. He isn't too far from double digits now, so this has been his home for a long time. We would like to provide for some of the over 300 children that are waiting for their forever families in his orphanage alone.



We need YOUR help to fill the suitcase!





I have listed the items off their list below and would love to share our address with you if you are interested in helping. We have made this a service project for our children in the past when we have done similiar projects! They love to go with to help pick out the items and pack them up! If you would prefer to make a donation and we do the shopping that is fine, too. (More money can go to buying items without shipping costs.) I again, would provide our address to save on the Paypal fee or you can make a donation through Paypal. Please specify it is for the suitcase donations. Please leave me a comment!!

We also hope to take cookies or cupcakes when we are there for a party for the kids! They have sports items listed like soccer balls, basket balls, plastic bats and balls, etc....that we hope to purchase there and take with us.

Fun things to think about while we deal with this dreadful wait and uncertainty!!

Thank you for helping this orphanage provide for these little ones! God bless you~

M


Pencils, pens, texta colors, crayons, pencil sharpeners, rulers, paints and paint brushes, palletes, colored paper for collage, sticky tape, coloring in books, Baby shampoo, soap, baby talcum powder, heat-rash powder, toothpaste, toothbrushes, nail brushes, hair brushes, sun block, babies bottles, Dettol, bandaids, cotton wool, antiseptic creams and swabs, bandages (all types), saline, tweezers, eye wash cups, aloe vera gel, aeroguard or Rid, wool or cotton blankets