est. 2009
Lao, 7
She's the youngest of three and the most spirited of them all. She's feisty and sometimes pouty. She's jubilant and sometimes defiant. She's all the feelings and all the emotions and sometimes it happens all in the same hour. She's got sweet baby cheeks and a button nose ... and she's got an answer for everything!
Her Story
Each child's story is their own to tell so we share only the parts that are appropriate. In time, we believe the testimony that God is giving them is something they'll share to help and encourage others. Until that time, we will share those things which aren't too deeply personal but will still give you insight into the hearts and minds of these young people God has sent to us.
October 2024 Update
It's hard to believe that she's 7, honestly. I have no idea how she got there so fast. When she first arrived we got to keep her home with us during the days because she was below the mandatory age requirement for starting school. I remember her thinking she wanted to be in school so badly. Until the day came that we had to enroll her. She was up with the rooster, dressed and ready. By day's end, she'd had her fill. It's just not her cup of tea. Funny how we always want what we don't have until we get it and realize it's not what we wanted.
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Lao has energy to meet any circumstance (except school or chores) and she has a multitude of methods to try to convince you to see things her way. Her spunk is matched by the depth of her ability to love hard, though, and I feel bad for anyone who doesn't have a Lao to throw her arms around them, remind them constantly that she loves them, and even sneak in a squeeze of their cheeks while telling them how cute they are. She's so thorough in the sharing of her heart that we're sometimes are left wondering who's the adult and who's the child.
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Like her big sister, Chia, Lao loves to squirm her way onto the floor beside my sleeping mat (Robbie's often in the boys dorm for the night and I make my bed on the floor of our living room where it's cooler than the bedroom) rather than snuggling down into her own bed. In Thailand communal sleeping is extremely common; the norm, in fact. What these girls are really after is that strong sense of family that's eluded them. I can't say I mind too much when I wake to a random child with a leg thrown over me ... unless they've also stolen my pillow, that is.
