Gabriel Howard Dunn

Today we want to introduce you to Gabriel. As you may have noticed, his middle name is Howard. That is after my father-in-law, Howard Moore. We did this in hopes that it would get us some free babysitting later on down the road... we'll have to wait and see I guess. Just kidding, Mary Jane's dad is a mighty man of God and we couldn't think of anyone better to name him after. Gabriel is 3 years old and is very energetic. When we first met him at the orphanage he ran up to us and hugged us. He then took my camera away from me and started taking pictures, lots of pictures. When I finally got my camera back he went to Maryssa and took her camera away from her and started taking pictures. I remember thinking, "oh my goodness, this kid's going to be a handfull!" And we were right. The first few days we were constantly on the run after him. He wouldn't listen to us until he realized that we meant business. Then when he knew he was in trouble he would put his big smile on, run up to us, pull our face down to his and plant a BIG kiss right on our lips! Like this was going to make everything OK... well, it did work I guess (and it still does, just don't tell him). He is just so cute. He obey's so much better now. He still tries to escape every once in a while but for the most part he listens very well. Even though he is only 3 years old we have caught him sticking up his middle finger to his brothers and sisters if he gets frustrated with them. Now I realize that we are in Brazil but I'm pretty sure that doing that still isn't a good thing!? Unless of course he is trying to say, Jesus is #1... i don't know. He is very giving and is willing to share without even having to be asked. He shares everything... even candy! If I give him a piece of gum and one of his brothers are in the area he will tear it in half and go and give it to them. He is a trip when it comes to meal times. He will eat just about anything. Do you know what 'floaters' are? That's when someone takes a drink out of a cup but they had food in thier mouth and in backwashes into thier cup... and when they set the cup down you can see things floating in thier cup. That's floaters. Well, to say that this kid's cup always has floaters in it would be an understatement. I've seen snow globes with less stuff floating around in them. Today he dropped a thing that looked like a hushpuppy into his glass and let it desintagrate. Maryssa had to move to another table because she said she was going to throw up just looking at it. But he just chugged it down and enjoyed it! That's our little Gabriel.

He has such a sweet personality for someone with such a rough background. They told us that his father used to carry him around by his feet, upside down. He would do this all over town, When people would try to stop him he would tell them that it was his son and he could do whatever he wanted to. Thank God Gabriel was taken away from that environment. I have the priveledge of putting him down for naps and at night and he loves to snuggle. He also loves to be sung to as he goes to sleep he is a sweety. I can't wait until you meet him.

Well, we've been stuck inside for a few days now. It rained AGAIN! But today was a good day though. We seem to be getting the hang of this thing (plus a lot of people are praying for us, thanks!). Not to say that we aren't seriousely bored and ready to come home. One of the State social workers came by and met with us and the kids today. She was very impressed with how well the entire family was blending together. Praise God! Well, that's it for today. Thank you for reading our blog. It really helps us feel connected with you... even though we're so far away.

Love ya,

Gabriels Mom and Dad