Thursday,
January 1, 2009
The course of the day was somewhat uneventful... we went to an
antique store this morning and spent the afternoon shopping,
napping and packing for Guangzhou. I thought this would be a
good time to reflect back on our first day in China when we
spent the day visiting New Day Foster Home, the place where Cole
was fostered.
New Day is located about an hour outside of Beijing. Upon our
arrival, we were greeted by Grace who took us to meet Cole's
foster parents, who had been waiting to meet us. His foster
mother and father came to us, with pictures in hand that had
been taken just days before, pictures of themselves and Cole.
The foster father proudly showed us his favorite photo of Cole,
one he carried in his pocket. Over the course of the next hour,
they proceeded to answer all of our questions with enthusiasm
and love. They also recounted story after story of how funny,
smart, adorable, well-mannered and just downright amazing their
foster son was. It was so endearing and priceless, the time
spent with such special people sharing about a child that we
both love. They were both so much more amazing than I had even
imagined and to know he had been cared for with such love and
care filled me with a gratitude that I cannot express. After
meeting with the foster parents, Grace showed us all around the
facility. We got to visit with and hand out lollipops to the
older kids right before their 1:00 nap. They were all so
precious as they waited so patiently while we took a few
pictures. We then went upstairs to see the younger kids and
babies, most of whom were napping. They are even more adorable
than their pictures, it was so hard to leave!! After seeing the
preschool room and therapy room, Grace took us to lunch at a
local restaurant. During our meal, Grace shared with us about
all the current New Day projects and Stefanie and I were both
blown away by all the wonderful things New Day is doing to help
special needs orphans in China. Be sure to visit their site
here to learn more about the
children they care for, the foster care program and their
efforts to support other orphans in China.
We were so excited to visit New Day, I had such high hopes for
the day, and it was far beyond any of my expectations. How
blessed we are that our son was fostered through this amazing
organization and I am more determined than ever to support New
Day in it's efforts to better this world for the sake of the
orphan.
To Avery, Dane and Taylor:
Only 8 more days until Cole and I are home!! I am so sorry you
all have been sick, and even sorrier for your father, who is NOT
sick! I love you all very much and if you want to see a cute
video of your little brother, go
here.
|
A picture of Cole (aka "Jesse")
gracing the wall at New Day
Meeting Cole's foster parents
Kiddos at New Day, patiently waiting for their lollipops
Playroom at New Day
With Grace, as we left New Day |
