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We started out the day with yet another blessing as our pastor's former exchange student, a local, met us in the lobby at our hotel and took us to the Thai Red Cross via the Sky Train. We would not have found it without him.
Things could not have gone any smoother than they did today...God certainly provides. We were SO nervous about everything and how it would play out but as soon as Ray ran into the room, all worries melted away. Of course, Daddy was the favorite for the day. Being around women social workers means that Bryan is a novelty. I'm just glad he didn't hesitate to come to us and I did get hugs later on.
Ray loved our camera and he actually took more photos than we did. We just keep thinking what a good memory this will be for him to have taken pictures of his friends. A lot of the children just wanted to be picked up and held and we certainly do wish we could adopt another child, but one at a time...especially since Ray is into EVERYTHING!
We were not sure how long we'd get to be with Ray today but it ended up being 9:30am-3:30pm...a full day for all. It was hard to leave him there but we know it will be harder yet tomorrow for the social workers to say good-bye as they are very attached to him.
Some surprises for the day were when the social workers pulled out the HUGE bag for Ray filled with clothes and toys that they said we could take with us. We were told he would not be able to take anything from the orphanage except the things we sent him and now we're leaving with a TON of stuff. Good thing we have an extra suitcase after emptying the one of the donations we brought for the orphanage.
Then, the social workers also had already scheduled the hospital Visa medical visit for us tomorrow with a specific doctor. We thought we'd have to figure that part of this process out on our own. Plus, they let us go to the mall for lunch with Ray for 2.5 hours so we got a little shopping in for a Mickey Mouse backpack to use as Ray's airplane carry-on.
I think we're both a bit overwhelmed by the whole day and SUPER happy to be the proud parents of this energetic little boy with a big smile. We cannot wait to get back there tomorrow at 9:30am, spend some time saying good-bye to the wonderful staff at the TRC, and to bring him back with us to the hotel.
Luckily, our pastor's former exchange student will again be available and is very willing to help us navigate our way back to the TRC and safely past the protesters. The ladies at the orphanage liked him helping us so much that he actually was asked to help another family's adoption coming up and he happily agreed. What a wonderful young man...a true blessing for us. We could not thank him enough and we will be thanking our pastor and his wife for making the connection more than words can say.
We are speechless.
Love to all!
Ann & Bryan
Welcome - ยินดีต้อนรับ
Hello all family and friends!
With great excitement, we started our adoption journey in August 2008. We are now first time parents through adoption of an 8-year-old son from Thailand. We have chosen to build our family through the adoption of a son from Thailand because this is where we feel God is leading us right now.
It took 1 year and 9 months to bring Ray home and it was totally worth it!
We appreciate all of your love and support. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Ann & Bryan
With great excitement, we started our adoption journey in August 2008. We are now first time parents through adoption of an 8-year-old son from Thailand. We have chosen to build our family through the adoption of a son from Thailand because this is where we feel God is leading us right now.
It took 1 year and 9 months to bring Ray home and it was totally worth it!
We appreciate all of your love and support. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Ann & Bryan
Why are we adopting internationally and not domestically?
While we think adopting domestically is extremely important, our hearts are drawn to the waiting children in other countries. Some of our closest friends and relatives have adopted, are adopted themselves, or are planning to adopt internationally. This has been a wonderful experience for them, as I am confident our adoption will be for us.
Why are we adopting from Thailand?
The number one reason is simply...that's where our son is living right now. Also, the Thai people are extremely laid back and friendly and the adoption process is very straight forward in Thailand and has been around for decades so there should be no surprises or corruption. After researching our other options, the requirements to adopt from Thailand fit our requirements. If we decide to adopt again, we will reevaluate the different countries and domestic programs.
While we think adopting domestically is extremely important, our hearts are drawn to the waiting children in other countries. Some of our closest friends and relatives have adopted, are adopted themselves, or are planning to adopt internationally. This has been a wonderful experience for them, as I am confident our adoption will be for us.
Why are we adopting from Thailand?
The number one reason is simply...that's where our son is living right now. Also, the Thai people are extremely laid back and friendly and the adoption process is very straight forward in Thailand and has been around for decades so there should be no surprises or corruption. After researching our other options, the requirements to adopt from Thailand fit our requirements. If we decide to adopt again, we will reevaluate the different countries and domestic programs.
6 comments:
Oh, Ann and Bryan!! I have been hoping you would have a chance to post. You all have been in my prayers and thoughts every day!! Ray sounds delightful, I can't wait to see pics! I am glad President Park is where you are staying and your guide sounds wonderful. Enjoy the next day, when Ray becomes yours!
Blessings~
I'm so happy for you! The first meeting are so special.
Malin with Saga Rungnapha
from Sweden
Happy Mother's Day Ann! The first one is especially sweet, and after such a long journey! We are so happy for you, and pray for your safe return. Please know that if you need anything at all, you can just email or call, anytime. I will forward our description of the US embassy visit to you just so you know what to expect...not a huge deal, despite all the hype.
Eat mangos and sticky rice, and drink coconut juice! :D
Jenn, Todd, and Sid
wonderful to read about your awesome first meeting, hope all is well over there and that the current political unrest isnt making things too difficult for your journey home.
P.S. Can't wait to hear about President's Park! That's where we plan to stay this time around!
Ann and Bryan!!! Wonderful to see this post! Cannot wait for more news from BKK! You're finally there with Ray! We'd love to see your photos sometime! I wonder if Jacob will recognize anybody. He was at the TRC till he turned 5. Sounds like Ray is a couple years younger than Jacob... There's a chance we have photos of him from when we went to get Jacob.
Have a wonderful time! Enjoy your time in BKK because it will soon be a memory. Praying for safe travels and a smooth transition.
Love,
Ellie
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