Yes, it's a bummer that we can't post pictures. But, we don't want to jeopardize any Thai adoptions, in particular our own. So, we're being careful to follow all of the rules. We've had so many fun events lately, with Penny's graduation, visiting cousins and grandparents and now her first-ever birthday party. But, alas, we are not to post any photos of her. So, those will have to come later. And I'm thinking that I still may reserve them for our private blog. I'll keep you posted on that.
Her birthday was really special. Her 14th birthday was the very first one she ever celebrated. I asked her if they did anything at the Girls' Home for b-days, such as a song or special food. She said, "No". Maybe they figure it's too painful for kids to remember their b-day, since they are without families. Well, I decided that this one ought to be special. And for Penny, what makes anything special is having lots of people involved. She is such a social, outgoing extrovert. So, we invited about 30 people of which about 25 attended. We had 16 kids from the ages of 2-15. We played a game with water balloons outside and part of a game of croquet before a rain storm moved in. Then we ate pizza before opening gifts. She requested a strawberry ice cream cake, as she doesn't like regular cake. Note to self: Noisemakers and teenagers are a deadly combination! The day ended with the teens chasing each other all over in and out of the house playing a hide-and-seek game with boys vs. girls until finally Jay had to ask them not to remove screens from the windows. One thoughtful teen boy said, "This is why most people don't have parties at their homes." It was both exhausting and exhilarating. I'm just glad that our home is one where the teens like to stay and hang out. The party started at 4 and kids still hated leaving at 7:30 pm.
Well, since then she's kind of having an emotional low after the high of the party. She told me the day after the party, "Mom, I want to have 25 people living in our house." Oh boy! My reaction was, "I wonder how we'll feed that many people." I also reminded her of the fact that we only have one shower/bath tub. Yesterday she had a lot of fun as our neighborhood had a picnic at the neighborhood pool. We're blessed to have several really kind, friendly wonderful neighbors. They are all helping to make Penny feel welcomed. We met another neighbor for the first time last night who moved to this country from Taiwan 20 years ago. She asked Penny which she liked better right now, Thailand or America. Of course, Penny answered, "Thailand". But, when the woman asked her, "Why?" Penny couldn't really give her an answer. I loved it, as "Why?" is Penny's favorite response to everything we tell her. It was so funny to see someone else asking her, "Why?" and stumping her. This wise woman who has already raised two young people of her own told me that if we can understand her during this emotionally tumultuous time of her life that we'll end up later being very, very close.
We're thankful, too, that Jay has had several job interviews and calls for more this week. So, we're waiting in anticipation, wondering which job the Lord will provide. Penny has requested that she get a pet once we know what Dad's job status will be for the Fall. So, she's getting impatient for Daddy to find a job so that she can get a cat. She already started looking at pictures online from our local animal shelter. She has her eyes set on a cute little mix tabby cat named Montana.
