Thai children reunite half a world away

Published: June 1, 2010

Two years ago, when Samantha Morris left a Thailand orphanage after being adopted by an American family, her best friend Aaron was left behind.
But now, thanks to two Mooresville families, the children, now 10, have reunited. And they couldn't be happier.
The process of reuniting the pair, however, was a complicated one.
In 2007, Anita and Jay Morris of Mooresville decided to adopt after Anita was hit with what she called "empty nest syndrome."
She was persuaded to adopt by a fellow church goer.
"After talking to Jay, we both felt that this was what God wanted us to do," Anita said.
The couple filed adoption papers through WACAP, or World Association for Children and Parents. Nine months later, they met their new daughter Samantha.
"We just knew as soon as we saw the picture of Samantha that she was our child and we had to go get her," Anita said.
Not long afterward, the Morrises learned of Samantha's best friend, Aaron, who was still at the orphanage. That's when the Morrises told family friends Eric and Tamara Sutton of their experience.
"Always in the back of our mind, we knew we wanted to adopt, and have known it since we got married," Tamara said. "When Anita told us about her experience and about Aaron still being in the orphanage, Eric and I looked at each other and said, OK, we have no money to do this, but let's do it anyway.
"It was just as Anita said, it was like God wanted us to do it and He certainly provided the way."
The challenges in bringing Aaron to the U.S. were many.
The Suttons, who were already putting three children through college, received donations through their church, Peninsula Baptist, and friends and family members. The help came in handy.
In early May, shortly before Aaron's departure from Thailand, the Suttons learned they had to spend another $3,000 for Aaron's plane ticket because "the airline said the ticket we had was no good," Eric said. "God was there, providing for us."
In addition, political unrest that has plagued Thailand for years reared its violent head again recently, which slowed the visa process for the Suttons and their new son.
"The American embassy closed and the government was telling all Americans to evacuate," Eric said. "We were surrounded by razor wire fences, guards with machine guns and there was so much traffic trying to leave town; it was just absolutely crazy."
Seeing Aaron's quick acceptance of his new life made all the complications more than worthwhile.
Eric said he didn't expect Aaron to immediately call him 'Daddy' — which he does — or to have such a big personality. There is at least one adjustment Aaron has had to make, however.
"The first few nights he wouldn't sleep in a bed because he was used to sleeping on the floor, but he likes it now," Eric said.
When Samantha heard that her best friend was coming to America, she immediately had an idea.
"Samantha's favorite gift when she first got here was a bicycle, so she saved all of her allowance for an entire year so she could buy Aaron one," Anita said. "She absolutely would not buy anything else."
Both families said the orphanage from which the children were adopted was nice.
"They were treated extremely well," Anita said, "but they had to transition to a family setting."
Eric said both children are fond of the orphanage's manager and stay in touch with her regularly.
Samantha was shy when she was asked what she likes best about America.
"We know you like having a family who loves you, but what's different? What about the food here?" Jay asked, prompting his daughter.
She wrinkled her nose and said, "I still like Thai food better," as everyone laughed.
Aaron, meanwhile, has taken to saying Eric's favorite phrase, "Ya know what I mean?" with a big grin on his face. He is also teaching Tamara to speak Thai while she teaches him English.
Jay said that even though their adoption story turned out well, it is a very complicated and emotional process.
"There are a lot of forms for the government and we had a lot of work to do in Thailand," he said.
"It is a long process and you have to endure it, but focus on the end result," said Tamara. "I know we just got Aaron, but I am absolutely ready to do this again someday. It was so worth it."
All four parents said they would be happy to speak with anybody in the community who is considering adoption. For more information, e-mail Anita at ja1983@windstream.net