The Spare Room Photo Album

Here are some photos of people you’ve read about in The Spare Room!

MEET WAYNE, OUR NEW SPARE ROOM KID!

Wayne came to us the week of September 20, 2021, a boy born with hydrocephalus. His first surgery had gone wrong (quite similar to Teo) but the second seemed to help a lot.

When he was taken in by an international family, his eyes weren’t able to close, much like Teo. But unlike Teo, his eyes had flipped to the back of his head, so that only the whites of his eyes were visible.

We’re delighted to say that his adorable eyes are now facing forward!

Minki picks up Wayne (September 25, 2021)

Wayne gets settled in. (September 26, 2021)

Wayne joins me for a yoga session (September 26, 2021)

Wayne starts vomiting – stomach bug? (October 2, 2021)

Wayne becomes increasingly listless. (October 4, 2021)

run

I hit 15km runs while pushing Wayne! (January 20, 2022)

bowtie

Wayne joins us for a New Year celebration at the famous Peace Hotel on the Bund. (January 1, 2022)

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Wayne returns home after major surgery. His shunt had been blocked. (November 7, 2021)

cuddle

My little valentine and I have a cuddle (February 14, 2021)

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Wayne’s amazing progress! (January 23, 2023)

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Wayne’s amazing progress! (March 22, 2023)

THE OTHER SIDE (CHAPTER 2)

The Other Side | CH2

During the 2012 rebellion, many fled to HEAL Africa Hospital in Congo, where Harper worked. (Source: theatlantic.com)

The Other Side | CH2

Harper cooks dinner with Mama Noella, a counselor for women at HEAL Africa.

The Other Side | CH2

Harper attempting to help repair a broken-down car on the way to visit public healthcare clinics in rural areas.

The Other Side | CH2

Harper with HEAL Africa founder, Dr. Jo Lusi, an orthopedic surgeon who provided the only orthopedic care in the eastern half of the country.

The Other Side | CH2

Harper with 2 colleagues at HEAL Africa who led job training programs and counseling for women and for people with disabilities.

The Other Side | CH2

Harper with the sewing instructors at HEAL Africa who provided women with the opportunity to learn new job skills.

The Other Side | CH2

Harper with two counselors at HEAL Africa evaluating for a new clinic in an area that was destroyed by lava.

The Other Side | CH2

Let’s swoon over Harper’s adorable little boy JahJi! Shared July 2021

COMFORT FOR THE SPIRIT (CHAPTER 3)

Comfort for the Spirit | CH3

In the book, I mentioned one evening when Jaesin and Laini did face masks together. This was another time I was away on business travel – these three skyped me like this.

Comfort for the Spirit | CH3

Jaesin brought out Laini’s best funny faces with some of his own.

Comfort for the Spirit | CH3

More funny faces

Comfort for the Spirit | CH3

Jaesin and Minki could have passed for brothers.

Comfort for the Spirit | CH3

Jaesin would go out into the community with his violin, making friends wherever he went.

A PLACE TO DIE (CHAPTER 4)

A Place to Die | CH4

Toddler Laini feeds Teo his bottle. (Early 2013)

A Place to Die | CH4

Learning to hold a bottle. (July 2013)

A Place to Die | CH4

Learning to move his hands. (Aug 2013)

A Place to Die | CH4

Laini introduces Teo’s teal tub of tactile treasures. (Jan 2015)

A Place to Die | CH4

Teo’s first high chair, now that he can hold his head up for a full meal! (Feb 2015)

A Place to Die | CH4

Teo goes to school. (June 2015)

A Place to Die | CH4

Minki cuddling with Teo and Laini. (Jun 2015)

A Place to Die | CH4

Playing peek-a-boo with Laini! (Jun 2015)

A Place to Die | CH4

After work, I came home to a wriggling bunch of joyful bodies and snapped this photo with my iPhone! (Jun 2015)

A Place to Die | CH4

Teo’s first day in a wheelchair (graduated form a stroller!) (Sep 2015)

A Place to Die | CH4

Teo takes his first step! (Oct 2015)

A Place to Die | CH4

Selfies in the taxi! Many taxis didn’t have seat belts, so we always held him close. (Nov 2015)

A Place to Die | CH4

Teo loved filing his nails with mom! (Nov 2015)

A Place to Die | CH4

Teo getting all tangled up in bubble wrap! (Late 2015)

A Place to Die | CH4

Tea time with Teo. (2015)

A Place to Die | CH4

Siblings. (Fall 2016)

A Place to Die | CH4

Xmas 2016!

A Place to Die | CH4

Teo moves to US, McChangs Selfie. (Jun 2017)

A Place to Die | CH4

Teo standing, holding on to his big sis. (Dec 2017)

A Place to Die | CH4

Family Xmas 2017!

A Place to Die | CH4

Teo and his little sister in the egg chair with Laini. (2017)

A Place to Die | CH4

Visiting Teo in his new home. (2018)

A Place to Die | CH4

Reunion with Dada. (Dec 2019)

A Place to Die | CH4

Xmas 2019!

THE VACATION (CHAPTER 4)

ALLISON AT JASPER’S

The Vacation | CH4

Allison knows each dog’s schedule and personality. (Picture Credit: Minki)

The Vacation | CH4

Allison’s team built an innovative cat sanctuary behind the dog shelter. (Picture Credit: Minki)

The Vacation | CH4

Laini follows Allison into Campenado on a rescue mission.

The Vacation | CH4

Laini bathes a little rescue.

OLLIE’S GREAT ADVENTURE

Allison was always trying to get puppies off the island, so we volunteered to bring one back to the States. Ollie had all his shots and was small enough to travel under the seat with us. Here’s a glimpse of his great adventure from Utila to Seattle!