THE POWER OF BEN

Here are some observations of Ben these past few days:

1. During the children's message at church on Sunday, Ben was almost successful in leading the entire congregation in clapping for me.  When the question was asked "What do you love about your mom", Ben raised his hand.  When it was his turn, he made a heart sign to me and then waved his hands for everyone to join in him in a ovation to me.  What. A. Charmer.

2. Last night at the boys' choral concert, Ben sang thru most of the songs.  This is a huge improvement from past concerts where he usually looked a little stage shocked and just stood there.  Good for him overcoming his nervousness and joining the performance!  

3. Previous blog of how Ben tricked me with the mouthwash!

These 3 observations showed me the resilience of Ben- he's always thinking how to promote himself to others and also has great determination to be the best he can be.  

This reminded me of a hilarious story from a photo we received of Ben before we adopted him in 2016.  

Ben is holding the hand of the president of Lithuania when she came to visit his orphanage sometime in 2015.  At the time we saw this photo, before we met Ben, our thoughts were "Isn't that sweet", and "How cool the president is holding Ben's hand"

Once we got Ben home and started to learn his personality, we had different thoughts about this photo.  I don't think the president initiated this interaction.  I think Ben marched up to her and grabbed her hand because it's what he wanted to do, and he knew it would be charming and self-promoting.  

Ben is one determined little fellow.  

This is also what probably helped him survived his first six years in a orphanage.  

The power of Ben.  

It has the possibility to get him in great trouble, 

but it also has the possibility to lead him to great places.    

That's what makes parenting him such an great responsibility- 

trying to do right by him and channel that power in the right direction.