More Paperwork

Our morning today was filled with paperwork, passport pictures and a stop at the notary's office. Not too much to take pictures of, just a lot of waiting around and trying to pacify children. I did snap a picture of Moses playing in the playpen the hotel has given us as his bed. It is certainly not his favorite place to be. However, with a few good toys he'll happily play. Just as long as we don't ask him sleep. :)

After lunch we had some free time so we decided to take Moses to the pool. As you can see from the pictures, he wasn't excited about it. In fact, when I tried to take his shirt and socks off to get in, he shook his head no. It didn't take long for him to see the benefits of being in water. Splashing Daddy was fun.

Every day we are learning new things about Moses. He is (in some areas) swinging from one extreme to the other. For example, he went from eating everything in sight, nonstop to eating very little and being picky about what he will eat. Very picky. He has now decided he likes apple juice and won't eat anything green. If he want to has something on his plate he doesn't want to eat, he insists on giving it to me, immediately -one small piece at a time. What he might eat at lunch, he might not eat at dinner. This morning, we learned Moses can put his own shoes on. He doesn't care for baths or water --at first. He doesn't let his disability get in the way of doing things. He simply adapts. It has been interesting to watch how he maneuvers himself to get things open or do things that require two hands. He uses his body or teeth and does what he must to accomplish what he wants. (It's exciting to think how God will use that perseverance he has had to develop.) He has learned well how to call out "Mama" to get my attention to do something, eat something, etc. He likes to laugh. He hates to brush his teeth. He is silly a lot of the time. He likes books and loves stickers. He gives us hugs and kisses and is generally a lovely little boy with a sweet disposition.

As a Mommy, it makes me sad when I think of what his life must have been like as we live out the consequences of his time spent in an orphanage. Take his speech for example. He speaks beautifully to us. He has repeated us in saying some new words, mommy, daddy, please, thank you, amen, Chloe, max, Lillie, no. But when our guide speaks to him in Chinese, no verbal answer comes. Only nodding of his head, yes or no. He clearly understands both our guide and us. He is smart. Really. My only answer for his lack of verbal communication must be a lack of reason. I wonder when the last time was (if ever) anyone engaged him in any kind of conversation? *sigh*

Thank you all for your continued prayers. We love you and are encouraged by all of our messages we have received. Good night!