Hotel living anywhere is not fun...its too confining and we have just about reached our limit! We had a wonderful day today but tonight, we are a little stir crazy confined to this room. We love the hospitality of the Filipino people but we miss the familiarness of our American life. We know we have a looong plane ride ahead of us but we are looking forward to returning home. We appreciate everyone's comments...it helps us feel connected to friends and families afar.
So, anyway, Friday, we enjoyed a wonderful day with the Director of Children of Promise in the Philippines. Children of Promise is the child sponsorship program through the Church of God. We sponsor a girl here in the Philippines and prior to our trip, arrangements had been made for us to visit. We were picked up this morning around 9:15 am. We went to the home of girl we sponsor. It was a very touching moment for both us and her family. We were given the opportunity to see some of the ways we have been able to help her family.
Twenty-five dollars goes far in the Philippines. Please consider sponsoring a child...here is the website: http://www.echildrenofpromise.org/Default.aspx
We visited the Church of God here and then went to the Chinese cemetary. Very interesting. Our church back home is very mission minded so we enjoyed visiting this church and talking to the people there about people we know back home. That helped ease some homesickness, too. We then went to the Mall of the Asia, the largest mall in Asia. We ate delicious Filipino food at Gerry's Grill. A feast of various Filipino dishes was set before us-wonderful food! We then toured the Mall of Asia via golfcart-people kept looking at us and a few even took pictures-we felt like celebrities-weird! We had an awesome time with Fely and her staff. It was an absolutely wonderful day!
After returning to the hotel, we spent the night swimming, spending some time in the Traders Club lounge, and watching TV. We ordered Pizza Hut again-it was good and familiar. Tonight has been somewhat trying. We have had meltdowns for apparently no reason. He starts crying and has been hitting and throwing things. When he doesn't get his way, the meltdown begins. I have more patience than I even realized I had. He tends to take these moments out on Kory more than anyone and that is hard on Kory. Right now, he is looking at his lifestory book from the orphanage with his Ate. I know he is dealing with grief, transition, and missing his friends and doesn't necessarily know how to share that with us. When we get back home, there will be new transitions and things to deal with, but at least we can try to establish boundaries and routines.
Okay, I will post a few pictures-Pizza Hut!, Jay-R's playroom at the orphanage, and
Ashleigh with the girl we sponsor-isn't she beautiful!
Ashleigh with the girl we sponsor-isn't she beautiful!
7 comments:
I think of you guys all the time, while remembering how awesome of a feeling it is to finally have/hold your little one in your arms.
I know that you already know this but remember that this is and always has been Gods plan. He created each one of you for the other. Jay-R was created by our awesome God for you! Isn't that just awesome to think about. That when God created this beautiful little boy, he had already known that you would be his mommy, daddy and ate!
Re: meltdowns....
Jay-R is trying to figure you guys out as well. I really think of his meltdowns as a great thing! He is already trying to establish his boundries with you as well. He takes in every reaction you make to his actions. I think his testing you brings security to him. As you know those babes are far far smarter than we sometimes give them credit for.
We are so in this stage at our house right now...she is so sly!
I promise to be patient but I can't wait for Jay-R and Olivia to meet one another and play together. I think that they are about the same size...livvy weighs a bit more...its those darn American cheeseburgers! They go right to your belly!
Love you guys with all our hearts!
Wishing you home safely!
Paul, Sherry & Olivia
Can't wait to see you. Tell Kory even these obsticles will be overcome. Just be patient and love this little boy with everything you all have (which I know you are all doing.)
We miss you
Jennifer, Jesse, and Doug and Tonya
Hey sister dearest! So glad to hear everything is going so well. We had some home computer issues so yesterday was my first chance to read the blog. Jay-R sounds like a wonderful child. I can't wait to meet him. Elena wasn't too happy with the picture of Ashleigh holding him. That is her Ash! Tell Kory to hang in there. He is a great father and Elena thinks the world of him as an uncle. She has big plans for everyone to go to the beach, so its a good thing Jay-R loves the water. Can't wait to see you again! Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love- Tonia, Ted & Elena
Hay guys!! She is adorable!!! miss you and cant wait to meet Jay-R!!!!
Ashleigh,stop looking so grown up. You are so beautiful.........WOW I miss you so much.........You are tops in my book.........Look into the sky at night if you see the stars, it's my hugs,my smiles and my love being send your way. Always,"Grandma" Pam Hugs to your brother,mommy and daddy.Forever in my prayers and knowing God is at your side.
We love and miss you all and can't wait till you are home.
Ashleigh, we know what a special big sister Jay R is getting!! And Elena misses you, she called you today on her play phone.
Have a safe trip home and will see you soon.
All our Love, M/D/G/P/L/L
Hi Ashleigh. It sounds like you're having fun and getting to experience some amazing things. Everyone misses you at school and is looking forward to hearing all about your trip.
Mrs. Hutch
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