4th orphanage

I have downloaded photos several times now and they just won't work. So, Here are some thoughts from a very tired me.

We ventured to our 4th orphanage this morning.  It was a 3 hour drive across Guangdong. Green trees, jagged mountains, we were in the middle of nowhere.  Then we arrived at the tiny poor town were the orphanage sits.

This is how it has been going on these visits.  We arrive and I get all excited to see the kids.  Then we sit for a very long time chatting with officials (remember the chatting is all in Chinese so I understand absolutely NOTHING).  I know this is important to do.  

Today was a little different as they whisked us away down and around twisty roads/alleys to a random unassuming restaurant.  With a green scum pond and stray little dogs.  They serve us lunch.  Let's just say when they serve oysters when you are landlocked I got a bit nervous.  I figured the soup broth would be a safe bet until I heard it was pigeon. . . NO can DO!  All in all the lunch was good and we were on our way.

We returned to the orphanage and only had to wait a few minutes to see the kids.  This is when my tummy does flip flops with all sorts of anticipation.  

This is the deal.  Kids are not meant to live in sterile institutions.  

There is very little human contact or connection.  Several of the kids had rope around their feet presumably to tie them to their beds.   

So many very very sad kids with little to no hope of a future.  There were no toys.  Kids were folded in half in walkers, lifeless.

There was a sweet tiny girl just a preteen.  We hope to get her out ASAP!  She will make an awesome addition to a family someday.  

A little one with cloudy eyes.  She is sad and void but I know she is in there she just needs a momma to scoop her up and give her a chance to grow.  She followed directions well and was scared of us white ladies, which is so appropriate.  A beautiful girl!

All I can say is this is so many layers of Fu&*ed up ness that I don't have words for.  

China - Monday

A walk in the park!

It was a day full of "official meetings" which means yummy food.  (do you see a trend here . . .food)  and a lot of talking.  One could think it would be interesting conversation, right? I could not understand a word that was said.  but I do know it was insightful and full of hope.

Next we headed to the airport for a short 45 minute flight to Dali.   A darn rooster woke me up at 4:30.

Today- Tuesday we head to another orphanage.  . .

China adventure - Day 1

Photos

Yummy lunch served by the orphanage

Not sure what these are called - plums

Happy me!  holding a precious wee  one

We took a 3 hour train ride to an orphanage full of locals,  

A few thoughts after a good night sleep and a yummy breakfast.  Chinese breakfast buffets are delightful.

So we took a 3 hour train ride to a little town in Southern China.  I like experiencing the "real" stuff.  I thought we were getting yelled at by an older Chinese woman b the memory of Evelyn often reminding me "mom Chinese people are just loud" popped in my very tired brain.  Turns out she was just very curious as to why 2 white woman were in China.  Like I said small town.

The orphanage fed us a fabulous lunch, I even tried pig ear . . . and no I did not go back for seconds but I did swallow it.  The lunch was delicious but really I was so antsy to get my hands on those kids.

This was a small orphanage, very clean with very kind nannies and staff.  But you know what the bottom line is it is an orphanage with lots of delayed children and the reality is many will never know what a family is.  Hard stuff!!  The good news is some will know that love.

Kelly these are for you!

I

Going to CHINA

I am headed to China!   for TEN days!

I am excited!  and Scared!

I have never really left my family for more than a night or two.  Except when I traveled to get my baby girl but that was almost 8 years ago.  I am working on a calendar to help hubby with the chaos. We have a great support system.

We (my friend who happens to be the director of our adoption agency)  are going to FIVE different orphanages.  FIVE!!! I  am bringing my camera.   We get to meet "the kids"  and hang out with them hopefully get to know them.  

You can't hear me squealing . . . but I get to hold and play with sweet little orphans.  The magnitude of this is still sinking in.

This is a dream!!!

I have a feeling I will be broken yet filled with joy when I return.

Stay tuned!