We visited Lily's orphanage today...what a humbling experience. Our guide explained to Lily that we were going to visit her friends and teacher and nannies to say goodbye and she said she wanted to stay with her Mama and Baba. JoJo told her we were just visiting and that she would come back to the hotel with us when we were done. She said that would be okay with her. When our van pulled into the parking lot, the windows flew open and her nannies and classmates called out to her. She waved frantically and immediately ran to the front door. We posed for some pictures and she was off, up the stairs and into her old classroom. She was surrounded by her teacher and friends who were so happy to see her. You could tell she was a little confused with all of the attention. She sat at her old desk and the children all sang us a few songs. After the songs, Lily passed out lollipops to her friends and they all stuffed her coat pockets with little mementos. We then visited her room and looked at the cribs and posed for more pictures. Sophie noticed a Green Bay Packers stuffed man in one of the cribs, so it has to be a good place! When it was time for us to go, the children all gathered together and said "Goodbye" in English. Right in the middle of the group was Lily, waving goodbye. The director told her to come on, that she was coming with us and she followed quietly. We got more pictures of other kids who are waiting for their forever families and left. She was very quiet on the ride back, barely making eye contact with any of us. When we pulled back in the hotel driveway, she perked back up and hasn't stopped talking and laughing since.
I really don't know how to sum up this experience...for once, I am completely speechless. I only know that I will say extra thanks to God tonight for my family, for our incredible good fortune and for bringing us together half a world away.
11 comments:
We are glad everything is going well. It's fun watching your adventure. Katie is very excited when she gets to see the photo's. Well, they are packed and ready to hit the road for Wisconsin. Joy bought Katie some "warm" boots. Emily has a math competion in Tampa this weekend so I have FREE time this weekend. It's been a while since that has happend. I am thinking a double feature at the movies AND a pedicure!
Have a wonderful time. With all the kids it makes you wonder how they pair you up.... I think it would be hard to leave the rest of the kids. I am very happy that Lily has been laughing. How exciting for you all!
You guys are awesome!
Chris
How magical it is to see you all TOGETHER at least. Your Dad was up at 4:00 am to look for your photos! !
Your scrapbook is a work in progress,I am trying to capture your blog pages and photos. Your Dad made letters for Sophie and Lily himself! We shared your blog with our friends at WDW, so you may hear from a few! Our prayers are with you, can't wait for the FOUR of you to return home ! Love Gail and Pete
I can't wait to get up in the mornings to see if you have posted more pictures and written an update. I have told lots of people of your adventure to China and your new daughter Lily. You all look so HAPPY in the pictures. What else can I say except Lily's adoption was meant to be. I say a prayer each night for Lily and you guys. Molly ask last night how many days Sophie had been gone. The kids have enjoyed seeing the pictures of China and Lily as well. After Eli saw the first pictures of Lily he wanted to pick the girls up at school so he could tell them you had (Wily) Lily. At first he had a hard time prouncing Lily. Everything is great here at home. Fletcher sure is a BIG eater. We can hardly wait for your return home to meet Lily and here all about your adventure of a lifetime. Have a ton of fun and try to get some rest.
Love,
Stephanie
Hey Sophie its Molly with an update about school. The book fair is going on. Would you like me to pick up a book for you and Lily? Madison Dykes misses you to. We are still geting to ride in the back of the bus. Me, Mattie and Eli go with mom to check on Fletcher. We call Fletcher Arnoldswatzakitty!! Can't wait for you to come home.
Love
Molly
I was like a caged lion yesterday, pacing the floor and checking every half hour to see if there was a new post. I think everyone you know is making this trip vicariously with you and it is such great fun! It certainly is better than any old dumb TV show waiting on the edge of our seats to see what happens next. I'm thinking that maybe we should send your blog to HBO or Hallmark or the Discovery Channel for a made for TV movie/documentary (ha).
Blessings to all! Keep the good news coming. I CAN'T WAIT for you to get home. Love to all
We are so happy that you all are doing so well. I love the pictures and your updates...I read it and in my mind I hear and see you telling me the whole experience.
We ate at Golden Corral last night and our server was from China. We all told her about you and Lily being in China right now. She was very happy for you and for Lily.
We can't wait to see you, the kids ask everyday when are they coming home?? Even Sam.
We love and miss you. Give Sophie and Lily a hug.
Sophie, Nacho is wanting you to come visit soon after you return!
Allison
Debbie that is wonderful. Emily got the sad look when we took her to the orphanage, but the smile when I walked out of there with her will stay with me for the rest of my life.....It's a big emotional day....take care.
Our orphanage visit was the highlight of our trip - like you said, the whole thing left me speechless! Congrats!
I'm so glad that Lily did well going to the orphanage - that had to be a very emotional time for her....and you. But how important it was for you to see where she had spent her life and for her to say goodbye to it as well. Lily looks perfect with your family!! Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Joel, Donna & Eliza Sanders
Hi there! I am adopting a little girls from China, as well, and googled her orphanage name, and apparently you adopted your daughter from the same orphanage that we are adopting our daughter from. I am trying to find out more information on the orphanage, and the kind of care that they give the children. Would you mind sharing your information with me, so I can learn a little more? Thanks! Jen
Really happy to see that everything is going as plan and kids are enjoying it. Thank you for sharing it with us and keep us updated with further proceedings
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