Chae wrote.
Yesterday (Tuesday, Sep 2nd), we visited Joshua’s school. We met and said thanks to his principle and his teachers. Joshua passed around snacks that we bought for his classmates and said goodbye to them. They said “Ooooh” when the teacher announced he will be going to the US with his mom and dad. The whole class lined up for a group photo. It was very nice and thoughtful of his teacher!!
The whole school gathered in the school yard at the end of the day and lined-up nicely in a sitting position. The children cheered each time the principle said something on the loud speaker. Then they sang a song (I think it was the school anthem). After the song, each line got up and marched out to the school buses. Joshua and the other school aged children who also stay at the facility marched to the white minivan. The white minivan has the facility name written in red. We rode with them back to the facility.
At the facility, Joshua had a farewell party with his friends. We had one of Joshua’s favorite foods for dinner at the party. It was called sticky rice and roasted pork from a street vender. I tried each to capture the flavor so I can cook for him at home. So far, it was the best Thai food I have tasted.
After dinner, we just hung out with the other kids. Some played ball with Todd. Some did group dancing. Some played with balloons. Then they got very loud and I enjoyed every minute of it. I pray to God for them, for their forever home and for their reunion after they get older.
After the party, we got a taxi back to our hotel as his friends and caregivers waved good-bye. We were going to visit them frequently while we are here but I don’t think I can do that anymore. One emotional goodbye is enough for them.
Joshua was loved by so many people. We were told that he had only one backpack full of things (mostly gifts). So untrue!! We brought a big suit case with us just for him but I think either we will have to ship some stuff home or buy another suit case for all his belongings.
My favorites of his things are a kindergarten graduation photo, a small blue Christmas tree (I know, I am not kidding. It is sitting on our hotel desk right now), a stuffed Santa Clause, his baby blanket, school uniform, school journals and a tiny Spiderman T-Shirt. He will needs a huge memory box when we get home. Most were gifts but some belonged to the facility but they allowed him to take things he wanted to keep for his memory. This was so unexpected and I am so thankful for all the ladies at the facility. They were unbelievably nice and full of compassion for the children.
Joshua has a very tender heart. We thank God for His blessing to us.
Yesterday (Tuesday, Sep 2nd), we visited Joshua’s school. We met and said thanks to his principle and his teachers. Joshua passed around snacks that we bought for his classmates and said goodbye to them. They said “Ooooh” when the teacher announced he will be going to the US with his mom and dad. The whole class lined up for a group photo. It was very nice and thoughtful of his teacher!!
The whole school gathered in the school yard at the end of the day and lined-up nicely in a sitting position. The children cheered each time the principle said something on the loud speaker. Then they sang a song (I think it was the school anthem). After the song, each line got up and marched out to the school buses. Joshua and the other school aged children who also stay at the facility marched to the white minivan. The white minivan has the facility name written in red. We rode with them back to the facility.
At the facility, Joshua had a farewell party with his friends. We had one of Joshua’s favorite foods for dinner at the party. It was called sticky rice and roasted pork from a street vender. I tried each to capture the flavor so I can cook for him at home. So far, it was the best Thai food I have tasted.
After dinner, we just hung out with the other kids. Some played ball with Todd. Some did group dancing. Some played with balloons. Then they got very loud and I enjoyed every minute of it. I pray to God for them, for their forever home and for their reunion after they get older.
After the party, we got a taxi back to our hotel as his friends and caregivers waved good-bye. We were going to visit them frequently while we are here but I don’t think I can do that anymore. One emotional goodbye is enough for them.
Joshua was loved by so many people. We were told that he had only one backpack full of things (mostly gifts). So untrue!! We brought a big suit case with us just for him but I think either we will have to ship some stuff home or buy another suit case for all his belongings.
My favorites of his things are a kindergarten graduation photo, a small blue Christmas tree (I know, I am not kidding. It is sitting on our hotel desk right now), a stuffed Santa Clause, his baby blanket, school uniform, school journals and a tiny Spiderman T-Shirt. He will needs a huge memory box when we get home. Most were gifts but some belonged to the facility but they allowed him to take things he wanted to keep for his memory. This was so unexpected and I am so thankful for all the ladies at the facility. They were unbelievably nice and full of compassion for the children.
Joshua has a very tender heart. We thank God for His blessing to us.
hello, your post brought tears to my eyes again. So, many memories and also thankfullness for God bringing you and joshua together. I can't wait to show Samantha the pictures when i get home tonight. We are praying for you see you soon. Anita
ReplyDeleteI love reading these words! I hang on every one! Thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers~
Kam
Todd & Chae,
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I read you blog together last night. Couldn't help but cry with joy. I agree, Joshua couldn't have found more loving parents in the world. Our prayers are with you.
Brian and Bonnie
Todd and Chae,
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to include us in your amazing trip with God to get Joshua. I am so anxious to check and see if there is a new post because my heart is so overwhelmed with joy at how God is answering prayers. We are continuing to pray and praise God for what He has already done! Thanks for being so obedient and loving.
Love,
Lynn,Tom,Mitchell and Loren