Our "new boy"

We had dinner with Tim and Iris Loomans and Mike and Liz Wockey at Mama Roma Friday night after having been up for I don't know how many hours. It was a bit of a blur but so good to share this meal together and hang out for a little while. The Loomans have become very special friends to us over the past few years. We also feel blessed to have met Liz and Mike. It's always nice to have friends to hang out with while you are over here. We really miss them tonight being in a different town for a few days.

Yesterday morning we got up after having slept not too long but felt pretty good. We repacked into a smaller suitcase and stored our extra stuff with Mike and Liz. :) Then we had breakfast with them. All I can say about the breakfast is...well...it's ok... Some like it better than others but I'm a little picky. Hot dogs at breakfast is just not right. haha

We left for the orphanage at 9:00 and drove 5 1/2 hours to get there. The scenery was beautiful. Even though we had to endure the car trip, I am glad we were able to see more of the landscape and know more about the country we have children from. It's important to us. We have experienced the culture and therefore have more of a window into where their heritage lays.

We go to the orphanage at naptime. So we waited a bit and then they brought him out. He was happy to see us. He was more happy to see all of the toys he could play with! I picked him up and he immediately clung to me. It was a great feeling. When I put him down he went for the toys...one after another...wanting to touch them all. He really liked playing with the big stuffed animals and having them ride on each other's back and such. He also enjoyed pushing them in the doll stroller. He carefully covered them up with a blanket. So cute. He also had fun playing with bowling pins though he thought it was a soccer game and kicked the ball instead of rolling it. :)

We stayed for two hours. He is very active. He never stopped moving. This is a stark contrast to Benjamin who just sat still most of the time and had to be prompted to be active. The plane ride should be interesting! We will visit again tomorrow and will be able to talk to the orphanage doctor. He has a few medical concerns though we are not concerned about them...we just need more information. Please pray for him as he has a lot of chest congestion currently.

This whole process is so stressful. You don't sleep. You don't eat. Everything in your world is turned upside down. But in the meantime, Gregg and I are following God's command to care for the orphan. We know that God's heart will be pleased when we share the gospel with this little boy for the first time. Thank you for your continued prayers.