Went down for another buffet..took pictures but deleted them by accident trying to make space on my camera for the orphanage visit. We had a casualty...we HAD another camera, but Mason and I have no idea what happened to it, and when we last saw it. We had not even used it! It wasn't too expensive but had another battery and a new memory card! UGH! Very disappointing, but nothing we can do about it...
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| Front of Wuhan Children's Welfare Institute (basketball court to the right) Michael had said that he was too short to play basketball...we all know he can do anything all the other kids can do, it just may be in a different way! |
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| On our way in the taxi |
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| The gate to the Wuhan Children's Social Welfare Institute |
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| Origami made by the children living at the institute |
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| Reception area |
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| Teacher on left, supervisor, then director on the right (you know the rest of us!!) |
http://www.halfthesky.org/en check out the site!!
I looked at these children trying to imagine just going to a destination and placing my child there, and turning around a leaving...I can't imagine it, it is unimaginable...I choked back the tears several times...Once I entered the baby room and saw all these cribs, I couldn't take any more...I looked at these helpless gifts from God and just kept saying aloud, "how did they just walk way, I can't imagine leaving you. you are precious, oh Lord have mercy on these precious babies."2 little preemies...maybe 26-28 weeks...oh my Lord!!! Please protect them, please help their families find them, please, please, please...I talked to the guide about all these children in these cribs (maybe 30 ...what on earth??why??? We discussed back and forth...After speaking with her and the director, this is what was said...
In the past it was the pattern of only wanting a boy, so the girls would be abandoned...now that is still true to some degree (maybe a large degree, I do not know), but most of the children that are left are left because of a "special need" is more an economic situation...the parents can not give the child what they need, can not pay for therapies or surgeries so if they are abandoned they may be found and be taken to an institute and get what they need or possibly be placed with a forever family. Please join me in praying for the between
ONE HUNDERD FORTY THREE TO TWO HUNDRED TEN MILLION ORPHANS IN THE WORLD!!!
YES THAT IS CORRECT...
ONE HUNDERD FORTY THREE TO TWO HUNDRED TEN MILLION!!! It is number that is difficult to wrap around but try to remember them every day, and if you can contribute to a cause to help them, please do...if you want suggestions, I am happy to provide information, just let me know since our Lord calls ALL of us as it says in James 1:27: “to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
When we were finished with the tour we were standing outside with the director, supervisor and teacher, talking and taking pictures... we turned around and there was Michael's foster family! My dear Lord in Heaven! He saw her and hugged her and cried his little baby eyes out! My heart broke into a million pieces. As I had wanted to meet her so I could see who took care of him for the past 2 1/2 years of his life, I was not prepared for this!!! THIS IS NOT SUPPOSE TO HAPPEN!! THEY DO NOT APPROVE OF FOSTER PARENTS MEETING THE ADOPTIVE PARENTS!! EVER!!! His foster mom comes to the orphanage everyday for therapies for the other children in her care, and I believe some of them are in the preschool located there as well. So there we were face to face, we are all crying even our guide. The foster mom wanted to go back to her home to gather some other things for Michael. The director approved for us to follow her, to her home, we had to promise no pictures, no email exchanges or anything. As I said, I was ill-prepared for this meeting and visit, but will be forever grateful for it! She was gracious and thankful to meet me and Mason. She felt so much better seeing part of his family. I told the guide to tell her that we love him and will give him a wonderful life! I am able to send updates and pictures to the orphanage and they will give the information to her. That is the least I can do for all that she has done for our son. She gave him so much love and cared for him in the best way possible living in such conditions that they lived in.
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| with his foster family, Michael was the oldest and care for his younger siblings |
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After seeing in person where he has lived, I believe he is going to be more overwhelmed than I anticipated since he has been adjusting so well to us at this point. His apartment consisted of a kitchen with a refrigerator, smaller than an apartment refrigerator. a small kitchen table to seat 4 people (there were 6 or 7 in the family). no stove or oven to speak of, a rice cooker and a wok, the bedroom had 4 little "beds" all twin size or smaller that were on wood with a bamboo type layer with a sheet on top, no mattress, no mattress pad, they all had sheets and blankets, I didn't notice the pillows...I was overwhelmed trying to take it all in since I could not take any photos. The main room did have an old large, very heavy tv, maybe a 27". His foster mom was an elementary school teacher and she had some lessons on the wall with the English vowels listed and sounds. I did not see where the parents sleep or the bathroom, but it is basically 4 small rooms with a small entry area where their shoes are kept. She kept a tidy home and she was as sweet as she could be. I didn't know that I was going to be seeing her therefore I had no "gift." I talked to the guide about that and she expressed maybe donating some money. That is a little awkward, but I certainly would want to give her something to show my appreciation for caring for him for the past 2 1/2 years! She refused, and the guide was telling her to accept it! She didn't want anything for herself! She only wants for her children! I told the guide she was a true momma because she only thought of them! After a little time past she finally accepted it, and I told her that he would have a wonderful life. The oldest girl was sobbing uncontrolably with Michael leaving. Michael was crying and his foster mom told him to be strong and it was okay and to go with me. She and I hugged several times reassuring each other all would be well. One of the most emotional times of my life!!! Mason was also affected by everything we saw and also shed tears with us. He tries so hard not to cry! I have tried to talk with him a little, but he is not ready to share. His heart was in pieces as well. I'm sure he will share his feelings when he is able. Pray for his heart as well, as I know this whole trip is life-changing for him too!!
We went down the stairs, (4th floor) but before we started to walk down the street to his school we stopped so I could take a couple of photos of his apartment building.
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| Michael's home for the past 2.5 years (the one with the plants on the patio) |
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| Standing outside the gate at his school |
... then we walked his route to school
He walked to school everyday alone...it was a bit of a trek but he is so confident! Crazy, I don't even let my kids go down the street! It is very safe here and I have not had any uneasy feelings, with the exception of my arrival. That can also be attributed to exhaustion!!
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| The priciple saw him and came to say goodbye, they were all sad to see him leave, but happy he will have a good life! |
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| Chinese fast food across the street, had to try it! The chicken curry was different than what I am used to but was okay. Michael thought it was a little spicy!! |
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| A day complete with a McFlurry! |
Stay tuned for more news from China!! Next post may be coming from Guangzhou!
