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Tuesday, October 10, 2006
ORPHANAGE VISIT

Not sure where to start but, a word of warning this is not the usual author. Momma decided to get a little shopping in after Zoe went to bed. Chenoa has made shopping into a game of sorts. There is not much here that cant be bargained for, so it is her goal to barter for the lowest imaginable price or get told to never come back to my store again.

Anyway, today we went to Zoe’s orphanage. The day started with breakfast at the hotel buffet, it just so happens that I like buffets they go well with my see food diet. Zoe finally ate some ham, banana, toast, and really seemed to enjoy the fresh pressed watermelon juice. Our guide picked us up and it took nearly an hour to get to the orphanage, the amazing thing is that we were still in HangZhou. This is a city of six million and is only considered a medium size city for China. At the orphanage we were greeted by the director, she seemed to be very kind. We went inside and took care of the paperwork and changing hands of money, I only mention the money because I messed it up. The night before, I counted the money three times right here at this desk and when I counted it out for the lady I was $200 U.S. dollars short(oh boy) my heart sank, I counted it three more times and it was short every time. I was beside myself that I could make such an error, especially since this was it, the big deal, and I blew it. The director quickly put me at ease telling me to give the money to my guide at the hotel and signing a promise note. Before we arrived at the orphanage Chenoa and I discussed if we were going to let the staff hold her, we decided no, because she does not do well right now with situational changes. The first thing that happened inside was one of the ladies snatched Zoe from her. I gave Chenoa (the look) like what are you doing? As it turned out, I think it was for the best because the director asked Zoe how she liked her momma and she replied very clearly (in Chinese of course) “I have a good momma”. What an awesome God we have! Zoe did not want to spend much time with them and went back to momma never looking back.

Once all the formalities and near heart failures were over, it was time to visit the building that Zoe lived in. on our way out of the directors building we were nearly attacked by a very large and seemingly upset german Sheppard. I thought he had hold of one of the staff just in front of me and luckily the girls ran back into the building behind me, I just stood there like a slug(it was my best defense) I yelled at the dog,but quickly realized he was not bilingual. The director came running out and took care of the dog and the lady in front of me was not hurt. On we went to Zoe’s old home. At one point in time it looked like it was an awesome facility, like in the fifties and sixties, it looks a bit run down now. I do have to say it was very clean. They even made us put booties over our shoes. I was nearly overcome with emotion as we entered the upstairs room that had the young babies, probably ten or more just in a row with nobody hugging them. One baby was a week old. The kids in this room were from 1 week to I think 8 weeks. Then we went down the very cold looking hall to the older kids, like up to 18 months old. We were pleased to see how much the staff really does care for them the best they can. Something that really got my attention was a young man sitting by all the babies in a row wearing sunglasses holding a baby on his lap very tenderly and lovingly. The director explained that he is blind and was raised here himself, but never adopted. He now gives the babies muscle massages ands hold them. What an awesome example of how God uses the gifts of people that society has shunned for the good of his kingdom. We then went into the room where Zoe’s crib was. She didn’t show any kind of emotion, just clung to mom. It was difficult for me to look at it. I just wonder how many lonely days and nights she spent there wondering if she would be loved. Words can not do what I am talking about any justice, I did take 250 pictures, but I can only post six (sorry).

ZOE BACK IN THE ARMS OF MOMMA

MOMMA LET'S GET OUT OF HERE

GLAD THAT’S OVER

PLEASE DON’T LET ME GO MOMMA

SO MANY BABIES

TRUST IS GROWING

I forgot to mention earlier that we had another big surprise when we got to the orphanage. They gave us the note that Zoe’s birth mom wrote. It was nice to find out why she abandoned her baby, and her real birthday.

I think I am done writing now. It has taken well over an hour of one finger typing to do this.

Zach & Bay! One more day and your buds will be there. It s impossible to tell you how much we love and miss u both. All I can say is Zach your ribs are mine and Bay, you will be peeing in your pants when I’m done with u. we will talk to u soon. ANGELS

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