Sorta Like Santa Claus

I was REALLY tempted to continue sleeping this morning, mostly because I woke up at 4:30am and could NOT fall back asleep! But I dragged myself out and off we went! I made my daily stop at the fruit store..and once again..he didn’t have change. I will have to remember tomorrow to bring extra money to pay for today!

I had a quick shower and breakfast and then we were off early! The three of us wanted to donate to the orphanage. With the help of Khaly, we were able to ask them what they needed. However, after observing for a few weeks, we realized the “main” room really didn’t need much. The children who can function the best come down to this room and this is the room the volunteers spend all their time (and visitors). Apparently, this room also gets first dibs on donations. So needless to say, we wondered if our gifts could be used elsewhere. We went down to the rooms at the end of the hall that don’t have kids in the main room. They children there are either not able to move or they are too old (most of the kids in the main room are younger than 14ish).

After talking with them (or for me..after listen to Khaly translate) it seemed like they needed a lot of diapers and formula and they also asked for oil (for when the kids are sick) and a flashlight. I was excited to buy things for them..but a little nervous by the way they reacted. I was worried it was going to be the same old “nothing is ever good enough..we expected more..” as it seems like they had a list of 100 things they wanted. But, alas, we went with an open mind to a big grocery store by the orphanage.

First stop, diapers! They wanted two different kinds, kids and adults (for the older kids). We had no problem finding pampers and clearing the shelf but there was only one adult size! Surprisingly, they didn’t have any more in stock! So we continued on to the formula and again mostly cleared the stock (we had to make sure we could carry everything!) We were all really excited when we got to the school to hand everything out. I felt like Santa Claus..and think he is such a lucky guy to be able to give people gifts! It was VERY good to be able to give them things, but a bit disappointing. Sadly, even though I don’t speak the language, I could still tell they almost seem a bit dissatisfied. I asked Khaly to explain about the adult diapers (that they only had one in their size) and they very quickly told us how we could go shopping right down the road. They were also quick to point out we didn’t have a flashlight (again we couldn’t find what they needed).

Now, I can’t tell if this is a cultural thing (I felt the SAME way in China regarding giving gifts) or if it is what they think of Westerners (that we truly are millionaires). I know you shouldn’t give in hopes of receiving thanks, but I guess I was hoping they would be more excited and appreciative! Khaly did say they said thank you, but we both questioned the sincerity. However, when ALL was said and done, I thought about how it doesn’t matter if they were thankful or not. It doesn’t matter if they expected more or not. What matters is the children who need the diapers and need the formula will now have it. And I know if those children could speak they would be grateful, so that makes it all worth it!

We then spent some time in our room playing and then feeding! Another day, another mess of water and food everywhere! Still love him though! Afterwards, I decided to take Thuong for a quick walk. I have been so hesitant to do this because I was nervous I would get outside the room and something awful would happen. BUT now that I know him I felt completely comfortable. We struggled a bit because I couldn’t tell if he had shoes. I had Khaly ask and I think they said just put on any shoes. But the problem was he has bigger feet and there were only flip flops. I am not exactly sure what his disability is..but what I do know is: he doesn’t talk, he drools, and he walks a bit funny and his arms and legs aren’t “normal” (whatever that means). Other than that he seems “all there”. So needless to say, the flip flops didn’t work because he wasn’t able to grip them. I was at a loss but already saw his disappointment when we had to come back in to ask about shoes…. so I figured shoeless it was!

I wish you could have SEEN his face when we left the room. He was ecstatic and it only made me wish I had done this sooner! We walked out and around and into the Buddhist temple! He was ADORABLE because some of the Buddha’s had animals (a dog, a horse, I have NO idea why) but he would stop and pet them. He was all smiles..UNTIL he grabbed his crotch. Oh no!..THIS was what I was afraid of! I didn’t need to speak Vietnamese to understand this! I quickly hurried him back to the bathroom. When I went to check on him, he was standing there with a HUGE grin. He was supposed to be napping, but his smile suckered me in to taking him BACK out. We did another walk through the temple and then I brought him back in.

We didn’t stay for lunch today but instead went to the market for lunch. For some reason Khaly and I both thought we enjoyed it..but we HATED it! I think we enjoyed it last time because we had that AWFUL bus ride and were STARVING! But it was hot..EVERYONE was grabbing and pulling us (literally) to sit down at their tables. The food is ok but it is so LOUD and chaotic. We decided we would be willing to pay a little extra for a nice quieter setting!

After, I was on the lookout for shoes for Thuong! I couldn’t have my main squeeze walking around barefoot! The problem was..I couldn’t do flip flops, and sneakers were too much work. I had “sort of” measured his foot against my sandal to get an idea, and I ended up finding a pair of “Teva like” sandals. Pretty easy slide on but could Velcro (which I am HOPING will keep them on his feet!) Who knows if the size is right etc. but I am excited that tomorrow we can go for a walk in his new kicks!

Khaly and I came back and headed out to the internet café (wireless is pretty much nonexistent here) and I booked another flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. One flight at a time! I then treated myself to a MASSAGE (uuh Dad do you think you could work a little harder tomorrow..I might need some more money)! I have really been trying to be good..but yesterday was a LONG exhausting day for me (between the orphanage and the mental energy it took to watch everything that was happening..to the deaf school where we had NO idea what was going on) I thought I would treat myself. AND IT WAS AMAZING! Oh I just loved it and I am really glad I was able to do it!

We then had a really nice dinner and I got BREAKFAST! Oh SO good! Scrambled eggs, french toast and toast! I think it is the BEST meal since I have been here!

Hugs and kisses from a wanna be Santa Claus!