So much to pack...So little space...

Let me begin by giving you a little synopsis of what we are doing. As you know Hilary was adopted from Cambodia in 1992 at the age of two. When she was about 7 one of the fellows who helped us with the paperwork on the Cambodian side called me. He was heading back to Cambodia (he is American) "would we like him to see what he could find out about Hilary's birth family?" I sent him the only thing I had which was an approximate birthdate and the name of the woman who brought her to the Nutrition Center. In Cambodia they do not celebrate birthdays the same way we do. Everyone turns a year older on the first of the year so the actual date is not as important.

He did what he could until it was time for him to return to the states but had no success. To make a very long story short, the information was passed from one person to the next until the family was found through a midwife. I wish I knew who all these people were to thank them. I remember telling Jeff that someone over there needs to know she is okay. I didn't know why I had such a need to make contact with them. When we found them we were told that her father was dying and it gave him much peace to know where she was and that she was okay.

At the time we discovered them she had three sisters, all older. Her parents now deceased, the girls were living with their grandparents. She also had a brother who passed away. We were able to send letters, pictures and care packages thru NGO contacts. Always grateful for the gifts they in turn sent us pictures and letters. Several years ago we lost communication with our contact. Unfortunately we had not heard from them for quite sometime. Since that time both grandparents have passed away.

In April Lisa wrote me a letter letting me know that she was going back for yet a third visit and would we like to go. DUH??? We got Hilary a passport as well as visas for both of us and promtly scarfed up all of Jeff's frequent flyer miles (thanks dad we love your guts) for airfare.

After contacting Lisa's friend/guide in Pnom Penh we were able to let the family know that we will be visiting. He drove out to the countryside and gave them the news. Of course they were all very excited. During the visit he took some pictures for us. To our suprise they are women now with children. Hilary has a niece and nephew and one on the way! My how time flies!

Hilary is excited but nervous. I try to imagine what this must be like for her, but I'm not sure that I can. She seems very relaxed about the whole thing. She obviously does not remember them but I'm sure they remember the little infant sister who was taken away to the orphangage never to be seen again. I think we will have to take it one step at a time. The positive thing for everyone is that we have met through letters and pictures. We feel as though we already know them. We know their living situation, their faces and a little history.

It's now the fourth of July. Two more days until we leave. I am home by myself for the day. Hilary left to spend the day with her boyfriend John. Jeff is umpiring and Nate is working. Laundry calls! We are pretty well packed. We are each taking two suitcases. One carryon with the things we can't lose. The other bags have gifts for Hilary's family. Nothing expensive so if indeed they get lost it won't be the end of the world.

Yesterday Hilary copied most of the pictures from her childhood and put together a nice little photo album to give her family. Several years ago we received pictures of her parents. I am going to put them in lockets. One for each sister.

Thanks to the generosity of friends, family and total strangers we have raised over $4000! This will make such an impact. We hope to be able to help the orphanages as well as Hilary and Leanne's birth families. All donations go to make a difference in the lives of those we meet while traveling in Cambodia. I have made contact with a Missionary in Pnom Penh. He has a large program to help Cambodian families learn a trade so that they can support themselves and possibly start some type of business. I am hoping this is something Hilary's family may be interested in. I have no idea what the girls' husbands do for a living so we will have to see. One sister is expecting in August and I'm sure she could use help with her healthcare. A second sister is deaf and has not attended school. Perhaps this program is something that could help her. Lastly, her older sister has two children and will have her own unique needs. Again one day at a time.
Thank you again for your thoughts, contributions and prayers. I hope to keep everyone updated through this site. Please pray for us. Love you.