The sweetest words

Our second day with Hin Hin went well.  He wasn’t as shy when we got to the group home, and lead us to the main room to play games together.  It was fun to play Uno, Connect 4, and Jenga together, but the most special part was when it was James or Laura’s turn and he called us mommy and daddy.   It melted our hearts and we feel very encouraged that he feels comfortable calling us that…..although now we need to get used to listening for that as Luke calls us Mama and Baba 😀. After some time together at the group home, we took an Uber over to another place he had lived and met his foster mother for lunch at a dim sum restaurant.  At the beginning of lunch his foster mother asked if chinese tea was okay for everyone.  We said yes as we have had it before in the US and enjoyed it.  Lunch was great, and we had fun trying some of Hin Hin’s favorite foods, and learning more about him from his foster mother.  As we were leaving lunch James mentioned that he was feeling a little dizzy but we ventured on to the next stop, a play area in the building where Hin Hin used to live.  The boys were having fun playing, but James wasn’t doing so well.  He was feeling even dizzier and wasn’t sure what was going on.  We decided to have him return to the hotel and rest.  Laura explained to Hin Hin’s social worker and foster mom what was going on and asked if they could help James get a taxi back to the hotel.  They kindly obliged and also solved the mystery of James’ dizziness, apparently Chinese tea here is different than the states.  We were glad to figure out the cause and decided no more tea for James during our trip.  After the boys finished playing we took a taxi back to the hotel.  During our ride back Hin Hin sweetly asked where daddy was.  His social worker explained what happened, and then he asked how mommy was okay 😂. We showed Hin Hin our hotel room, spent some time coloring together, and then ventured to the splash pad for the boys to play.  They had a great time playing in the water together, and also splashing daddy/baba.  The boys would have liked to play longer but we had to get Hin Hin back to the group home for a special celebration they were having for him, including his favorite mango cake.  

We are so thankful that he has had so many caring people in his life, although all the changes he has been through have made it hard for him to trust and understand what a forever family is.  Please pray that the Lord would continue to build our bond as a family, and that both boys feel secure in our love for them.  Today we will return to Hin Hin’s group home for the last time.  He will say goodbye to his aunties and the place he has called home since December.  We know that today will be hard for all. Our prayer today is John 14:27-Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.