Orphanage visit day

Today was one of those days that only took up a few hours on the timeline of life, but had and will have a lifetime memory locked in. For me at least, and I hope for Josie as well.

The day started early, with a 7:30am van ride. Josie decided it was OK to sit in the seat next to me instead of on my lap. She's been pretty insistent on being within physical contact. I'm sure she just wants to make sure there are no more surprise caregiver shifts. We played some silly games on the van ride and Josie looked over her pictures. It was an enjoyable 3 hour van ride.

Little Josie 

We arrived in Kunshan City. It is a big city and close to Shanghai, so many people live here and commute to work. We were able to make a stop by the location of Josie's first orphanage. The grounds have apparently been transferred to the government for another project. They will be building new. All that was left was a pile of rubble.

We made our way to the current orphanage and it was clear the kids have a much more beautiful place to live. As we drove in we saw a digital welcome sign and on it was displayed "Gu JiaYun Welcome back to home". It was so awesome. Then at the entrance of the main building, an entire crew of people came to welcome us...all with joyful faces to say hello to Josie. They were caretakers, the Director of the orphanage, a few administrators and the Leader of the whole complex as there are many elderly that live on the grounds as well. We asked our guide Nancy, to explain to Josie that we are going for a visit, but she is coming home with us. Josie still looked a little stunned. She clung to me, which I was OK with :)

As I'm sorting through pictures, I'm noticing that we must have taken most of them with our other camera, and I haven't downloaded them all to this computer. And with all the commotion, and carrying Josie, we tried to take pictures, but it was challenging. Nancy also suggested we not take pictures with the other children in them, so we wanted to be respectful of that.

We proceeded up to Josie's floor and she seemed fine until they walked us into her room. The other children were just going down for a nap. She started to cry. Not sure if she was sad about being there or thinking she might go for a nap too, but we scooted out pretty quick so the kids could go to sleep and for Josie's sake too.

We saw where she eats meals and some nice rooms where they do crafts and music together. Josie was like a celebrity that day. The staff were taking pictures, we were taking videos. We were all talking about Josie. This little girl has had an unpredictable life, with so many losses for someone so young. Orphanage living is never ideal. However, I do believe she was cared for there.

After visiting her floor, they provided a lunch for us. It was very delicious. We kept talking about Josie, about their facility, the move, how adoption has changed in China, etc. We thanked each other for taking such good care of Josie and about how hopeful we are for her future.

Relaxing after lunch. Josie with her apple and toothpick.

We also told them Josie was singing in the van on the trip over and I asked what songs she likes. One of the nannies brought out her smartphone and found one. Josie smiled and all the staff laughed with her. The Director sat next to us and played another song for her. More laughter.

One of the sweetest moments was when the head chef came into the room to deliver desert. Apples on a toothpick. He saw Josie and let out a big grin and had smiling eyes. He looked like a proud grandpa to me. Then as we wrapped up lunch, we passed by him and he squatted down, said something in Mandarin and rubbed her cheek. Josie is only the third child placed for adoption this year, so this was a pretty big day for everyone and she was getting lots of special attention.

There are two other girls for which our agency has found parents. I have been able to connect with both of them. It's very sad, but we just found out one of the families is not able to proceed in adopting one of the girls. But the other family was really hoping to get a few pictures if we were able. I wasn't sure it would be possible, but our guide asked and they said "yes"! So, we headed back upstairs and they pulled out the two little girls into the main area.

This is "Celia". Look at that smirk! She is the one who needs a new family asap. 

She has a heart condition that needs monitoring.

Let me know if you want our agency's contact info!!!

It ended up being a sweet time with the kids playing a bit and the caretakers giving them lots of affection. The second time up to the floor Josie seemed much more comfortable. She gave some good bye hugs to the nannies and smiled big. She saw the other girl bring out the book of family pictures her family sent over and Josie went straight to her backpack to show us hers again.

The Director told us the kids like to see her watch. It's one of those fancy smart watches. So, they played with that for a little bit. It was a much more relaxed atmosphere and a beautiful end to the day. I'm very thankful we got to back up.

The orphanage director going through Josie's book of our pictures one last time before we go.

It was time for good-bye and Josie did great. I am hoping it wasn't confusing, but even if it was for a moment, she readily hopped back in the van to sit by big brother. As we drove away she looked out the back of the van. This was well worth the trip and she handled it like a champion.

再见 zài jiàn !

I must also give kudos to Kevin who was on camera duty (not his favorite duty) because of Josie's clinginess to me. And also because he worked diligently to suppress his cough. You would hardly have known he was sick. Josie missed her nap and so the ride home was not quite as peaceful and happy as the trip out there. But we made it. Kevin went straight down for resting and TJ, Josie and I headed out again for dinner in Nanjing.

It was moments like these where I was again thankful at God's provision for us. TJ is such a good helper and travel mate. He has his moments of pushing the goofiness too far, but we admit it's difficult to stop doing something when it makes Josie laugh so hard. It's been a joy to have him around.

The kids at home have successfully transferred back to their home and Papa T and Grandma Sue have swooped in with bundles of energy for their 10 day shift. Right mom and dad? They've brought their dog, Gracie, who offers a great comfort and distraction as the kids go through moments of missing having the whole family together. We're almost at the half way point here.

We found out one of the problems with our internet, but it's still unpredictable. Thanks for all your encouraging comments on the blog and facebook. It helps us feel supported and we hope it's blessing you too to see God's hand at work.

Write us anytime - it's fun to hear from the home front and honestly, there is quite a bit of downtime :)

Blessings!