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We welcome our son, Reggie

Posted June 1, 2010 by Shannon Suda

Categories: Success Stories, International Adoption

Brandon and Ann have two teenage sons, Chris and Collin, and have added another teenage son, Reggie, adopted from the Philippines.

Brandon and Ann share their adoption story of traveling to the Philippines and meeting their son, Reggie.  Reggie was part of the Ambassador Program and is 13 years old and in the 7th grade. Brandon and Ann were introduced to Reggie by pictures and stories from an Adoption Ambassador who traveled.  The same Ambassador adopted a sibling group.

Their story begins….. (as written by Ann)

The trip to the Philippines went off without a hitch.  We had an amazing driver and guide that Lutheran Social services hooked us up with. They kept us safe and sound, and showed us the rich history of the country. We found the people of Manila to be wonderfully gracious, welcoming, and friendly. Everywhere we went people would say "Hello Maam, Hello Sir" They went out of their way to make us feel welcome.

It was an overwhelming feeling when we finally got to meet our new son. I wrapped him in a huge hug and told him I loved him and was so happy he would be part of our lives. My other sons each hugged him, and then Brandon wrapped a huge bear hug around him lifting him off the ground and spun him around. Reggie had a huge grin on his face, but turned away shyly and wiped his eyes.  We were able to visit him at the orphanage that day and were very impressed with that facility. The building itself definitely had some structural issues, but it was absolutely immaculately clean. The kids were clean, well fed, and loved. They were happy and singing and laughing. Reggie had spent the morning before we got there cleaning and cooking a delicious meal for us.

Reggie has a sweet, gentle, disposition, a wonderful sense of humor, and is very smart. He understands almost everything we say to him in English, but has a harder time coming up with the words he wants to say. He was quiet for the first few weeks and limited his interaction to a word here and there. He has begun talking more now.  We have been doing a lot of fun family activities including sledding, roller skating, swimming, and playing lots of board games and card games. He and Chris are in Tae kwon do.  He really enjoys pool and darts. Brandon stayed home with him until the semester break.   Now, he has been going to school and has made lots of new friends.