3/14/06

Chang De Visit!

We feel so blessed to have been able to visit Chang De.  This is where Caroline and Mia both lived until they joined our family.  We invited the darling orphanage employee who brought Mia to drive back to Chang De with us the next day.   She was so sweet and smiled with everything she said.   She was so natural with Mia and was able to soothe her to sleep within a minute….you will see this photo on the Chang De page.   Suzanne and I asked her many questions through our guide.  We learned you could have one child if you lived in the city and two children if you lived in the country.  She is married and has an 8 year old son.  As I watched her cradle Mia, I wondered how it would feel to only be able to have only one child…not by choice.  I am so thankful to have two sisters and now to have 3 girls myself.

We arrived at the new Chang De orphanage where Mia lived for over a year.  The staff was so sweet and happy with all of the children.  We were not allowed to take photos of the children….so tough as they were smiling in their walkers and following us around.  The girls handed out toy links and they loved them.   There were 5 cribs in Mia’s room.  I have never been so happy to see an empty crib!!!  We are just so thankful this angel is finally with us!

We were able to see the other babies still waiting for their families. Two baby girls laid in cribs next to her for 10 months and two baby girls were born on 8/18 and 10/19…just together a few months until Mia was moved to foster care at Christmas time.   The youngest babies were laying snug in their cribs.   They had a bungee cord across them to keep the blankets tucked in tight.   They just had their little heads exposed.   Caroline kept stroking the hair of one of the girls and she would just beam.  Sarah was being sweet talking to the other baby and they were just so happy together.   Suzanne and I tried to move their blankets slightly so they could stay bundled from the cold but also turn and see one another instead of just staring into the ceiling.   The nannies were trying to keep them warm since there was not any heat on a cold winter day.   The babies on the balcony were walking in their walkers….like crabs on a beach following us.   13 of them will join their new families in two weeks….all of the others will wait much longer.

Caroline gave a toy ring to a baby named Zia (Ziya) and this sweetie would not let go of her finger.   Caroline just kept on giggling.   We walked into several rooms with babies in each crib.   Each time we checked on Caroline she was laughing with Zia.   Sarah passed out small chocolate boxes to each nanny with their photo on the outside saying “thank you” to each one.    All the nannies were excited to have Bin Bin come back and they enjoyed passing Mia around and making her smile and give them kisses.   When it was time to leave Caroline joked that Zia would never let go of her finger.   We later learned that Zia was in the same room with Mia….just one crib over !

The girls loved playing on the new playground.  So neat that they were able to “help” with the fundraising by holding a large garage sale.   Little did we know two years ago that this garage sale would benefit their future sister as she was able to play on the playground.  

We next went to both girls found locations.   They were both placed in locations where they would be found very fast.  I can not imagine if Brad and I were not allowed to keep our baby….trying to choose a place to leave them where they would be found…agonizing.

We had lunch and then headed off for the old orphanage where Caroline used to live.   This is very rural and “real China”.   We drove up and down on the craziest road.   We passed farmers taking care of their land and many local people…wonderful to see their daily activities.    We tried to explain to Caroline that the old orphanage used to be full of life.   We described our house if we had taken everything out….no photos, furniture, etc.   When we approached the orphanage Caroline found dandelions and wanted to pick a bouquet.   She had so much fun finding the flowers and loved just exploring.   It was so moving going down the road.   We explained to her that the last time she was on this orphanage road she was leaving the orphanage at 8 months….life had come full circle to come back but this time with her family to share the experience. 

We have so many special photos from this day…such a range of emotions.   Amazing to picture what life was and is like in Chang De, China.   Such a blessing to learn more about our daughter’s past and to be able to cherish it with them! 

List of Events

9/12 - Accepted Mia's referral                         3/21 - Shopping!!!

2/27 - Travel Approval                                     4/8 - We are Home!!!

3/1 - Consulate Appointment                           5/26 - Surgery update

3/3 - Travel Plans Complete                            6/18 - Surgery Prayer Request

3/13 - Forever Day                                           6/27 - Surgery

3/14 - Chang De Visit                                       7/1 - Making progress

3/15 - Girls photos                                            7/13 - Back home and happy

3/16  - Embroidery Institute                             7/25 - Casting update

 3/17 - Changsha to Guangzhou                        8/2 - 4th Cast day

3/18 - First day with group                                8/25 - Home from Iowa

3/19 - Caroline's Birthday                                 10/24 - Ready to enjoy life

3/20 - Medical appointment                              3/2/07 - She's Walking