Friday, September
21, 2007
Today, we got to visit Louisa’s first home. Jane, our Hefei
guide, took us to see the Hefei Children’s Welfare
Institute. The outside of the institute looks very different
from the pictures we had seen, as they are widening the road
that leads to the institute and the main gate has been torn
down to accommodate the construction. Once we arrived at the
institute, Director Ying greeted us at the entrance. We
walked through the main grounds of the institute, which had
playgrounds, gardens and many animal figurines. The grounds
were well manicured and the dormitories where bright,
colorful and clean. Each of the dormitory quarters had three
separate rooms, one for playing, one for eating and one for
sleeping. Most of the children from Louisa’s age group were
playing in the playroom when we arrived.
Once we got to Louisa’s dormitory room, the Director
introduced us to Louisa’s nanny, Mrs. Du. Louisa was very
excited to see her Nana. Mrs. Du told us all about Louisa’s
sleeping habits, what she likes to eat, how she plays with
other children and much more.
The visit to the institute was a great for all of us. We got
to see that she was very well cared for during her the first
14 months of her life. It was quite apparent that Mrs. Du
adores Louisa and was glad that we made the trip to the
institute. Actually, all of the nannies were very sweet and
obviously enjoy being with the children. It was quite an
emotional morning, but in a good way. Before leaving,
Director Ying gave us some special gifts for Louisa: a jade
Buddha, a porcelain mask, and most importantly, a book about
Louisa including photos and journal entries for every month
that she lived in the institute. We even have a newborn baby
photo now. Priceless! We gave Director Ying a photo album
with pictures of us documenting our life in St. Louis. Our
guide told us that she really loves the photo album and
hopes that we will send pictures and updates and hopefully
bring her back to Hefei one day. Of course we will. Not
doubt about it.
Here’s today’s international twist. While at the institute,
we asked if Louisa had a favorite playmate. We were informed
that Louisa’s best friend is Lu Fang Ying, who was just
adopted this week by a Spanish family staying at our hotel.
We sought them out this afternoon and are so glad we did.
They are an incredibly nice family from northern Spain. I
was able to speak some Spanish to them – enough to explain
who we are and why we were stalking them. Fortunately, the
father could speak some English, so we enjoyed some time
together. The girls obviously recognized each other. Very
cute! We exchanged email addresses and will keep in touch.
After Louisa’s nap, it was time to fill out more paperwork,
this time from the United States government. We received her
Chinese passport today. We’re not sure when they took the
photo, but she’s wearing a tropical shirt and looks like
she’s heading to a Jimmy Buffet concert. Parrothead! Now we
just need to get her a visa to come into the United States
and we’re all set. One new American, coming right up!
The rest of the evening consisted of a hallway pizza party
with the other families and lots of packing. We leave bright
and early tomorrow for Guangzhou where the weather is in the
90s and s-t-e-a-m-y.
Just one last note today about Avery. So many people have
asked how she is doing with the transition from only child
to big sister. She has been absolutely amazing. She has been
a huge help with Louisa and is just being a really good kid
in general. There have only been a few “Hey, what about me?”
moments, but they are soon smoothed over in a snap. She has
made some good friends with the other big sisters in the
group and they are enjoying running laps in the hall and
having girl parties in the rooms. We are so very proud of
her! Way to go, Ave!
And thanks to everyone for signing the guestbook! We look
forward to reading them every day, as they help keep us
connected to home. Our time on the internet is mostly at
night after the girls have gone to bed. We do our best to
get the photos downloaded and the journal written before
sleep takes over, so please forgive us for not responding
right away.
Goodnight from our last night in Hefei! |
Entryway to the Hefei Children’s Welfare Institute.
Louisa was actually very happy to see her Mrs. Du.
Party in my crib!
Thank you, Mrs. Du! We’ll never forget you.
Louisa y Nola – hermanas de Hefei.
Our wonderful guide, Dennis, and Louisa.
He loves the kids!
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