To Know a Gentle Touch

Much like the last few days, today was pretty normal. We had two visits with Quinton which went really well. He is so stinkin happy in the mornings. He smiles at everything and squeals with joy when we pick him up. It is heavenly. We treasure these moments. While I feel so incredibly blessed to be able to provide such happy moments to Quinton every day, it absolutely breaks my heart to have to leave his other cellmates  crib buddies behind. They were all outside today in laying in their playpens when we took him back. The nannies were trying to corral them all back inside and fold up all of the blankets and it just did not seem like there were enough hands to go around. So, I asked one of the nannies if I could take Sonia (a beautiful little sweetie that I so desperately wish I could bring home too) inside. She motioned yes and I took it upon myself to continue carrying little ones in until they were all finished.

I was very gentle and soft spoken with them all and talked to them all the way until each one was back inside. These forgotten children smile if you even look their way. They crave attention so badly. They long for someone to hold them and love on them and it breaks my heart when I think about what they must think when we come in everyday and everyday we chose Quinton and not them. They all deserve a family. Oh how my heart breaks. One of the little boys in the group who finds himself in trouble quite often had 2 huge bruises and a busted lip today. I picked him up and rubbed his face and told him that he was a sweet boy and that I loved him. He looked at me sideways and stared at me like he was questioning why I was being gentle and kind. I do not think he knows what it is like to be loved. One of the more severely disabled children was outside today in a diaper and a tank top. I got a look at his little body and it was nothing but skin and bones. I am not exaggerating at all. There was nothing to him. I would almost be too afraid to pick him up and if I did indeed get the opportunity, I would be very careful. He looks as fragile as a porcelain doll. They do not see it that way though. The nannies pick the kids up by one arm and go about their business. They are slung around like you would not believe. Yet I really don't think it is because they are being ugly. I believe it is cultural and it's just the way it is. That is why something needs to change. They need to see these children as gifts and treat them accordingly. I am going off on a tangent. Sorry. It's on my heart and I think that I would like to go back someday when I am feeling sorry for myself and remind myself that my life is full of blessings and to remember to pray for these little ones. I am seeing change-slowly but surely. It seems like the more the nannies see us interact with the other children and the children respond so positively, the nannies grow a little more fond of the children as well. We have to learn to appreciate baby steps. Ok-off my tangent and back to the kids. I thank God for every opportunity I have to spend with them and it helps a little to know that if they do pass away, they would have died knowing what it feels like to be loved on even if it was just for a second or two and that they will be in Jesus' arms and He will heal them and love them unconditionally.

I wish I could post pictures of them, but we are not supposed to take pictures. I am hoping that when Rita comes on Friday, she can ask permission for me. She is also going to help us figure out what kind of a schedule Quinton is on and what he eats and does not eat. Great news Crystal-Rita is going to call the director and find out if Sonja (that's how she spelled it) is available for adoption. She knew exactly who we were talking about and said that she wanted her to have a home too, especially an American family :)

Sorry if the post was a little depressing today...I just post about what I am feeling and this is what was on my heart today.

There is a family who I have known for a while that I mentioned in an earlier post-the Lamphear's. Their little girl lives with a chronic pain disorder that is very (and I mean VERY) rare. She is so brave. God has been wonderful in blessing this family with wonderful doctors to help them along the way, but little Riley is having very bad pain episodes now. They have been compared to labor pains and she is fighting so hard and putting on such a brave face. We have so many people reading this blog and praying for our family as we are on this journey to bring Quinton. If you take the time to pray for us tonight, would you please include the Lamphear's as well? I would love for Riley to live pain free someday. Love you guys!

And now to brighten your day:

Score! He won't take a paci for us when he is awake, so we snuck it in his mouth for a picture while he was asleep :)

*Our 10 day wait period ends on Saturday and Gotcha Day is 1 week from today!