I talked to Michael

I talked to Michael on the phone yesterday.

Oh what joy to hear his sweet small voice. Oh what pain that he is so far away.

I wasn't expecting the call. Peter called me while I was shopping and just put Michael on the phone. Peter was so pleased with Michael's english.

I got this update about Michael from Pastor Peter today:

Michael:- I called him personally the bluff boy. By his physical look he is called by this name, but he is a hard working boy. He tries to build his house out of toys brought by his mom from oversea. He is one of the kids that are aware of their going to the states any time.

I am so happy that he still loves the Legos I gave him. I am sad that he is awaiting the undefined time of his journey home.

When I told the kids that I had talked to Michael, they wanted to know when they would get to talk to him. Evelyn asked me if he thinks of them as his brother and sisters the way they think of him. Even Mark choose "fatherof5" as a password recently.

We are so, so, so ready for Michael to come home. Christmas wasn't as hard this year as it was last year, but sometimes my heart just aches. I finally went to develop some of my favorite pictures of Michael and I. It's hard sometimes, to see us together. I reach back into my mind to pull back the memories of holding him while he slept, kissing his head, and singing to him. Those used to be dreams of mine, now they are my memories. But, it's not enough. I want him here, coming through the door after school, leaving his coat on the floor asking about a snack. I want to tuck him in bed, one more time, and say one more prayer. I want him at our table for supper. In our van on the way to church. I want the wait to be over. Please, God, please open the door for our son to come home.