Trip to China
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Wednesday, May 28, 2014 Hello everyone, We started our day at 8:30 this morning. We traveled two hours to Chuzhou City orphanage. Qian played on the i-pad and Sam on his phone. I enjoyed looking out the window and soaking in the scenery. I wish the van moved in slow motion so that I could get a better view of the farmers and oxen working in the rice fields. I got short snippets of rural life in Chuzhou. China’s rural land is so beautiful! I also enjoyed talking to the guide about the Chinese culture. We arrived at the orphanage and was greeted by a female official. She explained that today the children were having a special lunch prepared by a five star restaurant in honor on Children’s Day, June 1st. Qian led the way. When we entered the orphanage, the children were sitting, eating fruit. Across from them, chefs prepared fajitas. (Did I mention that it was 95 degrees and there is no AC.in the orphanage?) It looked delicious! The director greeted us and everyone took out their cameras. Sam took over a 100 pictures and I did as well. It’s so hard to hold a camera and peer into the eyes of a child who has no family and waits to be noticed – Waits to be chosen. All of the children were beautiful. I told my guide, “I want to take them all home.” Then ‘the lump’ formed in my throat and I couldn’t talk for awhile. I just took as many pictures as I could. Qian ate some fruit with her friends and then handed out goody bags. It became a chaotic scene. The children were so excited and appreciative. It warmed my heart to see them happy. While all of this excitement was going on, a young girl in a wheelchair kept sneaking smiles at me. I later discovered that she was Qian’s friend. After handing out the treats, the workers gave us a tour of the orphanage. Qian slept in a room with many children. There was one playroom and a T.V. This would explain how Qian knows the McDonald’s jingle. (She knows many more!) We were able to ask the orphanage director many questions. They confirmed that Qian is cognitively on track. This is good news! Then it was time for Qian to say her goodbyes. It was actually quite simple. She waved her hand, goodbye and marched out of the orphanage. I didn’t have time to feel sad. I followed her lead. She didn’t look back. She led us to the directors building and we shared a wonderful lunch with the staff. There was so much food to choose from and many toasts were given throughout dinner. The director made a toast and said “May brother protect and be good to his sister.” I’ll have to remind Sam of this when he’s picking on her! They also had a long discussion about Qian’s appearance. They seem to think she is from western China. They commented on how her nose sits high and her eyes are more round. (All of that chatter didn’t mean a thing to me. She could be green and I would still love her the same!) I really enjoyed my time with the staff and director. The director was a very kind man and the children adored him. It was also obvious that the nannies care for the children and do their very best. After lunch, there were no emotional goodbyes. Qian waved goodbye and quickly got into the van. Nothing more was said! When we arrived at the hotel, she clapped her hands and was the first one to get out. My guide whispered, “Qian is so happy to have a family.” We are so happy to have Qian. I would like to leave you with this thought. During dinner, the director referred to Confucius. My guide had trouble with the exact translations, but it went something like this… In life, you shouldn’t form judgments based on what other people tell you on paper. You need the experience and then make your own judgment. I looked at the director and nodded, then our eyes fell on Qian. Good Night from Hefei, Betty, Sam, and Qian

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