Joseph (You-Sype)
Anybody who knows me well enough shouldn’t be too surprised that this little man is one of my favorites; I just love the young ones, especially the boys, and Joseph just happens to be the youngest little boy that there is here. Joseph, called Seph by most of his brothers and sisters, is one of the most adorable kids that I have ever seen. Joseph isn’t actually an orphan, his mother works at the orphanage, so he lives there as well, along with his little sister Rachel. We call him monkey boy and let me tell you—he lives up to the name! Just today he managed to ascend a tree that didn’t even look like it could be climbed until he was yelling to us from the top branch. Before we came to the orphanage, Seph didn’t speak any English except for “hello.” And now, thanks to some coaching along the way, he can also say I am happy, monkey boy, what’s up, I love Jesus, I love you, and sweet—which is said long and drawn out, while simultaneously popping out the Michelle Tanner thumbs up sign. He has dazzled us with his best Michael Jackson impression, shown us his kung foo fighting moves, entertained us with a karaoke impression, and my personal favorite—given us all the hugs we need! Joseph is just so dang adorable that I could hold him all day long, and I have every chance that I’ve gotten. Joseph, I will miss you’re adorable little face so much and all the love that you have freely given, I love you!
Rachel (Rye-Chel)
Say hello to little Rachel! Rachel just happens to be the younger sister to Joseph, and she is pretty darn adorable herself. Although I usually tend to be drawn to the boys, Rachel was definitely one of my favorites. When we first arrived at the orphanage, and for the following two weeks, Rachel avoided us like we were the plague. I don’t think she had seen any white people before we arrived, because she would cry whenever got within ten feet of her. However, for the last week or so, Rachel has had a change of heart. It all started with a simple hello, which she yelled at me as I walked by her one day. I was pleasantly surprised and returned the hello along with a high five, which she happily received. Ever since it’s been a gradual but steady process. This past Sunday in church she even let me hold her, and would cry whenever someone tried to take her out of my arms. Now, whenever she sees me she yells hello and waves with a cute little smile on her cute little face. Rachel, you will sincerely be missed, thanks for warming up to me and for letting me love on you this last week. You’re too cute!
Ruh (Roo)
This young man didn’t actually warm up to me for the first week, because he stuck with the guys mostly, however, the past couple of weeks he has been sticking pretty close by and is another one of my favorites. Ruh and Joseph are usually together most of the time and sitting there watching them would often provide me plenty of entertainment for the afternoon. Ruh is about seven years old and is an orphan here at the Four Square Orphanage. Ruh loves to dance along to an iPod, play cards, and laugh at us eating peanut butter. Ruh has also taken on the challenge of learning some English, and can now say what’s up, sweet, yo yo yo, and x. And whatever he doesn’t know how to say, he makes up for in repeating most of what I say. Ruh is another one of the funny boys at the orphanage, his facial expressions are quite hilarious and say a lot more than words ever could. This young man yells my name every time he sees me, then waits for me to say his name back, and then shoots me a nice big smile when I do. Ruh, I miss you already little guy, you are a sweet kid and a barrel of laughs. Thanks for being yourself, I love you!
