March 13-Accomplishment

Today we had our consulate appointment. As part of te process, the older kids are supposed to sign their name. Lia told the interviewer that she couldn't. The lady thought she was so sweet. Sean told the interviewer he wouldn't. The interviewer said good luck with him! If only she knew how lucky we have been with him.

This afternoon Sean picked up the puzzle app on the iPad and started putting 16 piece puzzles together (with rotation on). He did amazingly well and was so totally thrilled with himself (see images below). He is now doing 25 piece puzzles. He got board after a while and moved over to StarFall.

We started Lia on 4 piece puzzles without rotation. With a little help she was able to do them. The glee on her face when she completed a puzzle almost brought tears to her eyes. She has since moved on to do 16 and 25 piece puzzles.

Each little day leads to new growth. We are mostly packed and ready for our transfer to Hong Kong and then a flight home on Friday.

Excited and ready to be home,

Craig



Imagine the difference you can make.
Make the difference in a way only you can.

March 11-13:Lots of walking and some shopping on Shamian island & 9th street

March 13-Lia completes a puzzle!

March 13-Sean completes a puzzle!

Progress

I could not be more pleased with the progress we have seen in Lia and Sean. Lia's moods are substantially improved. She still loves to be held and told that she is my baby. She has substantially moved passed her sorrows and is making great progress in connecting to our family.

Sean has learned to manage his wild behavior and loves playing with sister and Mom & Dad but can also be quite pleasant when it is appropriate.

Along the way we have learned the following vocabulary:

No
No no no no no
Thank you
Please
More please
Come on.
Come on!
Eat
Pee
Nagalog (knock it off; mostly Sean)
You're my girl (Lia only)
You're my baby girl (Lia only)
And names of 4-6 siblings

All the basics and they both understand quite a bit beyond that as well.

Craig

Lucy's

March 9, 10-medical exams

Medical exam day can be illuminating. For Lia it was. She holds a history that only she can reveal. She lives in fear. Fear of rejection and abandonment. Fear of being hurt or forgotten. Fear of imperfection and fear that she is bad because of her history. She is an angel with a history that she perceives as secrets.

During the color blind test and vision test she wouldn't answer any of their questions.  We assumed that this indicated a learning disability.  This could certainly explain why the orphanage wouldn't put her in school.  During the medical exam, Lia revealed to the doctor and our guide that she wouldn't because she was afraid that she might be wrong. She didn't want Mom or Dad to be mad or disappointed. 

This is the same pattern that we have seen while out shopping or eating. She is reluctant to make a choice apparentlu out of fear of making the wrong choice. Now we are beginning to understand. 

In her infinite wisdom, Doll initiated the conversation when our guide visited us at the hotel. Through the guide, Doll told Lia that it didn't matter what happened in the past, she was a very good person. That we would love her forever. No matter what. Doll also encouraged her to help us understand her past so we can help her move past it. I doubt her fear is gone.  13 years of fear doesn't end in a single conversation.

Sean on the other hand is very open about his physical issues. I doubt he understands much beyond that at this point. 

Love to all.

Craig

Imagine the difference you can make.

Make the difference in a way only you can.