Wow! Today really expanded mine and Bruce’s hearts as we were touched by two “little” girls. Van is nine years old and an orphan at Hai Chau orphanage. Amidst a bunch of craziness when our team hosted 2 orphan groups at a water park, Van sought me out. This is my second year to have the opportunity to love on little Van…but today was exceptional. As her friends splashed about in the wave pool – jumping on each other and a bunch of big Americans, Van was quite content to be held in my arms for more than 30 minutes. No verbal words were spoken, but words of the heart were spoken loud and clear. Van just wanted to be loved. Later this evening we were joined at dinner by 4 young adults who have either left orphanages by their own decision or been required to leave because of their age (18 is the limit for the orphanages). One of the young ladies was Vi (19 years old) whom I have written about since 2005. Vi is now in fashion design school (paid by a charity) and has returned to live at “home” – with the family who could not take care of her when she was younger. As we caught up with her life through an interpreter and tried to determine her needs, our eyes filled up with tears. An unexplainable feeling – but she felt like a daughter to us. We shared pictures, lots of hugs, and promises to e-mail. As we placed her in the taxi to go home, Bruce said it was like telling a daughter goodbye. 2 Vietnamese sisters for you, Jessica. 2 more makes 3.

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