Finding David : Chaper 6 : The Long Wait

It has been almost 2 weeks since we found little David amongst the throngs of people in Bangkok. But it seemed like only yesterday where we sat down in that restaurant, when David was nervously fumbling through the tableware - being his first time dining away from a roadside stall.

It was a heartwarming moment to see little David all grown up but yet at the same time its heart aching to know what this child has been though in the last 3 years. A small boy forced to work long hours each day, living in a rough neighborhood where gangs and addicts thrive. "Home" to David is no longer a place of acceptance and love, but a rat-infested slum where he finds a corner to put his head down amidst the nightly shouting from the drunkard boss.

Parting with the child after dinner was especially difficult. It is not because it was immensely difficult finding the child, but rather it was the fact that I may not be able to see him ever again. Before we parted ways, I left him my name card and told him to drop me a call the following week if he's ready to come back.

David as I know him is a child that always kept his word, if he promised to call, it means that he will call. But a week passed and there was no call from David. Thoughts flooded through my mind. Could it be he does not have money to call back ? Could it be that he decided to go on with that life because of his new love ? Or could he be beaten up by his "owner" for wanting to leave.

We couldn't wait anymore. We called his number, our hearts sank.

The line was dead and the number has been terminated.

We can only pray.

Update : http://radionjournals.blogspot.com/2011/03/finding-david-chapter-7-unknown-number.html