orpanage trip

Hi friends,

Yesterday we all visited Mingzheng's orphanage. Before going, we asked our interpretor to explain to him that he was going back to the orphanage to say goodbye to his friends and nannies. We told him he would not stay but would leave with us. He nodded that he understood. As we drove up, he started to cry but we told him remember, we are hear to say goodbye and then he was off....off to passing out candy, hugging his nannies, and leading us around the place!

The orphanage is really nice, and more importantly, we could tell by the children's interaction with the nannies that they get lots of love! Half the Sky foundation has done a wonderful job providing the facilities. Each group of around 8 kids had 2 nannies and separate sleeping, playing, and classroom facilities. We met Colin's best friend who he shared a bed with. They were best buds and we hope to connect with him again once he is adopted. This little boy has a problem with his ears but did a great job talking to us. The nannies explained that we needed to talk to him looking at him so he could see our mouths and hear better. He was a happy little camper. MingZheng was the oldest and leader of his group. It was all boys except for one beautiful little girl. I would have brought them all home if possible.

Anne connected with a little boy who could not open his candy because his hands--really his fingers--are deformed. His fingers are grown together but I could feel the bones for each separate finger; he just needed surgery to separate them. We are going to contact half the sky about that little guy's surgery and see what we can do (you will see him in pictures when we get home).

We also visited a separate part of the orphanage run by two C's. They focus on the more challenged kids, most of whom are older (teenagers). Again, the facilities were great and the love evident. While these children will most likely never be adopted, they have created a home atmospher where they all pitch in and take care of each other. They are learning trades like woodburning and knitting. It was not at all depressing; rather, we were encouraged by what these ladies were doing for the least of these. It is rightly named "Dream Home" http://chinadreamhome.com/about.html

It has been interesting to watch MingZheng and all his new discoveries. He was very tenative at first in the pool but last night didn't want to leave. So many things are new for him. Food! It is something to watch him at the hotel breakfast buffet. From eating the basic food at the orphanage to food from around the world, with full offerings of Japanese, Aussie, American and Chinese cuisine. I think there is a sermon in there somewhere about what we are offered in this life.

Mia is doing well and is back to her normal happy self. She has learned to be firm with her brother (not be the victim) and this control has helped her to accept the new competition. They play together well most of the time and she has admitted she likes having a brother.

Today we are off to shop for Madeline and Christian. Madeline is ready to hit the town. Anne is over her jet lag and seeing the good shape of the orphanage was good for her. Hopefully, picture will follow.

Tommy