Pam's perspective

I just thought I would add some of my thoughts about yesterday.  What
a day!  Kevin and I had prepared the kids to be especially patient
with Luke, that it was unlikely that he would bond to all of us at one
time.  But this little guy is exceptional!  Yesterday, he wanted to be
held by each of us.  While we were playing "throw the monkey" with the
new stuffed toy we brought him, he would point to who he wanted to
catch it next, making sure everyone was included.  He was so joyous
and happy right up until nap time.  He quietly submitted to laying down
(he was exhausted) but after a few minutes he started to quietly sob.
He is so brave!  He stifled the sobs and whimpered for about 30
minutes before he fell asleep.  It was heartbreaking.
 
Once he woke up and seemed ready to play we took him to the kids'
room.  He quickly resumed the monkey game.  A few minutes into the
game, Andrew took the monkey and Luke started to cry.  Andrew felt
terrible and started to cry and bury himself in the bed.  I took them
both back to our room, both sobbing at this point.  Both dealing with
grief and loss.  Luke dropped the monkey which he had adored and
picked up the stuffed toy he brought from the orphanage.  (He still
won't play with the monkey). Andrew identifies so completely with Luke
that Luke's pain is like his own.  My heart was torn in half.  Kevin
and I took turns comforting each of them.
 
This morning, both boys were tangled up together asleep.  So cute!
They are playing so sweetly right now (early Tuesday morning).  Luke
has a lot to say, his voice is so sweet.  I just wish we could
understand it.  He keeps saying "Xie Xie, GeGe" (thank you, big
brother). Last night when we met our guide Sophie for dinner, he
introduced her to Lauren, saying "that's my big sister!"
 
The whole family has been troopers!  Rob, Lauren and Katherine are in
a room together and they have dubbed themselves "The Power Team". They
are ready on time or early for everything.
 
Today will be another exhausting day. We go back to the adoption
office to finalize the adoption and then the 4 hour drive to Chaoyang
to apply for Luke's passport and visit the orphanage.  Then the 4 hour
trip back. Please pray for happy tummies and hearts!

I'm so tired I almost forgot to mention that today is Birthday Day!  Happy
birthday to Luke and Lauren! 

 
Thank you all for your prayers!   We need them!
 

from Pam via Elizabeth