"I like America - Take me with you"

You guys might of noticed that we're blogging alot. Partially because 'hooray we figured it out' is in effect and partially because Adeye's website we shared with you in our last post really motivated us to try it.  Lorrie and I were looking at our site and realized that we really did not give you an idea of who we are working hard to bring home - never to be abandoned again.

First of all you need to understand that the privacy policies of the Philippines are pretty strict -no photo's of the children to be shared over the internet etc. etc.  So while we can't show you a photo or tell you his real name we can tell you about him.

We call him Jacob.  We met him while at the orphanage picking up our Naomi. Jacob really made a point to 'orbit' us.  I mean he was really checking us out. Naomi was quick to tell us - "...this is my beeesssst friend"  so we wanted him to stay in the dorm room  with us while we were connecting with Naomi.  Funny thing -we gave him a bar of chocolate and he quickly checked the door, shut it and took a bite while watching the door - it clearly was not the time to share.

We spent most of the day at the orphanage with Naomi and her caregivers, Jacob would check in on us then disappear for awhile.  After the fact - we found out that when he disappeared he was hanging with our son Noah - just  talking.  The time for us to spring Naomi from the Orphanage came and we were delighted to take our daughter home - finally after years of waiting.

But before we left Jacob appeared one more time and had something to say to us.  He boldly walked up to Lorrie and I and he said "...I'm Jacob (name changed) and I am Naomi's best friend - I really like America - will you take me with you?"  Ouch.  I'm looking for a bag big enough to take him right there but we knew we could not.  We left so happy to have Naomi and to bring her home.  Mission complete...but only in our minds at that time.

We're home about 2 months later....

Marshall to Lorrie:  I keep thinking about Jacob
Lorrie to Marshall:  Really!?  He's never left my mind...
Marshall:  Do you think...?
Lorrie:  YES!

So we present it to the kids - especially slowly with Naomi:  What do you think about adopting again from the Philippines?

Naomi - Will I still be special?
Mom and Dad - "<snif>  Honey you know that your special can never wear off - you are always special - forever
Naomi - "promise?"
Mom and Dad - We promise...

And Naomi has been the excited cheerleader ever since then.  Another very important thing to know.  Remember the times Jacob "disappeared" for awhile at the orphanage talking with Noah?  We found out what Noah and Jacob were talking about at the orphanage when we asked Noah about adopting again. During those conversations with Jacob,  Jacob asked Noah "..will you be my big brother?".

So that is the story and we are "Going for it"  He's our son and we're (with the Lord's help) going to bring him home - never to be abandoned again. By the way the picture - that's  Hannah leading the way into the orphanage to get her Sister in 2010.

May the Lord Break down your gates of bronze and bend the bars that he as bent for us to set everyone free.