Orphanage Visit

Yesterday was the orphanage visit.  The guide told us ChunMing wanted to show them his Baba and Mama.  When we arrived there were a few ladies waiting for us outside the gate.  When he saw one of them in particular, his face lit up and he nearly jumped out of the car.  It turned out to be one of the directors.  He gave her a big hug and started to walk off with them.  Our minds were at ease.  There was no concern that he was afraid to be left or had any negative feelings about the visit. 


Our car sitting at the front gate of the orphanage

ChunMing walking to the orphanage with one of the directors and his teaher

The front doors of the orphanage

They took us into ChunMing's classroom where he goes to school twice a day and met his teacher.  She gave us some photos and showed us some of his crafts.  The room was quite small, with only enough room for chairs against the wall and a table against the opposite wall.  The walls were adorned with crafts and colorings by the children.  We thought it was interesting that we saw quite a few Santa Clause pictures hanging around the orphanage, including the school room.

ChunMing Showing Baba his artwork in his classroom

With the teacher and school director

They had ChunMing's bunkmates sitting on little chairs in a row against the wall in the playroom waiting to greet us.  We were completely surprised when we saw them.  Most looked to be around 2 or 3 years old; although, some we understand are older.  Most had obvious special needs.  We were told that ChunMing was roommates with this group because he was so helpful and helped the children that couldn't do things for themselves.  He didn't seem too interested in seeing them, but I gave him some goodies to pass out to them that we had brought.  We stood in the room for 5 to 10 minutes and didn't see the children move.  It was heartbreaking to know they will probably never know the love of a family in this life.    


ChunMing's bunkmates

It was also interesting to note that in this tiny playroom there was a tv and a shelf for toys, which only had a small handful of toys sitting on the top shelf.

ChunMing's bedroom consisted of about 10 beds that were more like cribs.  They did have mattresses, unlike many other orphanages.  We asked all sorts of questions and took photos.  At various points in the visit, when ChunMing would see a caretaker he was close to, he would become quite emotional.  It was difficult for us to see, but comforting that he would go to his Baba for reassurance.

Bunkroom where ChunMing slept

I was able to take a few photos of other children in the process of adoption by families in the states, and see some others that are waiting.  We only saw about 15 other children, most of whom had obvious special needs. 

Leaving was full of sadness for ChunMing.  He lay on David's shoulder crying.  He was leaving everything and everyone he has known, but we were comforted knowing he wanted to leave with us.  It was a deeply moving experience we will never forget.

We had expressed to the caretakers early on that ChunMing was having a difficult time accepting his Mama, but looooves his Baba.  They later told us that ChunMing told them it was because his Baba was handsome and his Mama was different than his other Mamas.  As we were leaving, one of his main caretakers talked to ChunMing and from the body language and words we could understand, it seemed as if she was encouraging him to love his mama. 

Our group reception taken in the entry of the orphanage

Although nothing has drastically changed, ChunMing now reacts more to me and will look me in the eye without turning away.  It is almost like he has permission to love another.  It is a process he will work through and no doubt will take time.  In the meantime, it was beautiful to see the joy his baba brings into his life even if he is still very weary of his new mama.  I won't lie, it makes me sad at times because I so want to be a part of the joy and want to nurture, but know my time will come.  ChunMing is constant and very active, so poor David is running ragged. :)

Lunch following the orphanage visit.  We had a killer cold cucumber soup!

We skipped on the leg of mutton, but ChunMing devoured it.

The driver taught ChunMing how to suck the marrow out of the bone with a staw.  They wear gloves while eating them because they are so messy.  The guide said that there is no better mutton than Mongolian.  Most other people in the restaurant were eating it.

I don't have time to post photos, but will add them later.  We are getting ready to leave Hohhot and fly to Guangzhou, where we will be until the 23rd.