BUILDING BRIDGES

Sept. 19th Morning

Yesterday we met the "geico Brothers". Two lizards like the ones in the commercial. They were running up and down the walls of our hotel room reminding us once again that we were not in Kansas anymore. Our hotel in the village of Vi Thanh was very quaint. Once again we were humbled as the staff went out of their way to meet our every need. I am sure we have said this before but we are like celebrities here. Everywhere we go, people stare at us and say "hello".
They do this because it is the only word in English many of them know and they love to hear us repeat it back to them. People follow us everywhere we go. The children are particularly enthralled with us. They follow us around the supermarket giggling behind our back. They are precious!!!

NO MORE PHO!!. Pho is a soup of sorts with meat, rice noodles, bean sprouts, and spices heavy on the mint. They serve it for breakfast, dinner, any time and all the time. But it is very affordable. On one occasion we ordered four bowls for our table and soda, all for $5.00. Angie says the entire town smells of Pho. I know for sure that the hallway leading into our room smelled of something I am unfamiliar with. Anyway we are surviving on Pho, instant grits, rice crackers, and fruit. We will lose weight on this trip. One more word on our room. The mattress is as hard as concrete. Our backs are taking a beating.

This was the morning we were going to make a connection with Jayden. We arrived early in the morning as the children were all having breakfast. Jayden's eyes fixed on us. I brought with me a new strategy today, a picture book. A couple of the older boys begin to gravitate toward me when I opened the book and sure enough soon Jayden followed. It was not yet a full surrender, but he cautiously made his way in my direction. it was a great morning as we watched Jayden grow more and more attached to us and we were certainly building a bond with him.

I must also note how difficult a time this is for the staff and especially Thouc. With each passing day I see him becoming more and more melancholy as he realizes his days with Jayden are drawing to a close. These care givers love these children. They have been the only families, mothers and father they have known. They know these children are going to a place where they will be loved and adored, but they do not want them to leave. We understand this. It is bitter sweet for them.

Jayden will be sad for several days if not weeks when we leave with him. We know the journey home will be diffecult for him.These days in the village bonding with him will help the transition and will help to eleviate any doubts the staff may have regarding our love and dovotion to Jayden.

On one occasion when Thouc, Jayden, Angie and I were visiting the landlord next door to the baby home, Thouc asked us, "what do you want Hau (Jayden) to be when he grows up"?
I wanted to say, "an American." Right now we just want to get him home to America, South Carolina and Pacolet. We are not conceerned about his future at this point. This question however conveys the deep love and concern Thouc has for Jayden and all the children.

It was a great day. We had held our son on numerous occasions, played ball, had him running and laughing and reaching out to us.He is feeling comfortable with us and now we can begin to build bridges to his heart. I am reminded of a popular song, "Love Can Build A Bridge" (between your heart and mine.)