O C T O
B E R 2 8 - 2
9
Today was
the most amazing day we have had so far
(except the Gotcha day). Thankfully, we were able to
visit Hanchuan City, the city where Elizabeth was
found. It was about an hour and a half bus ride from
Wuhan where we are staying.
An interjection here....the traffic lights and double
yellow lines on the roads in China are there just
because the Chinese think they look pretty.. they don't
mean a thing! Many times, we would cross the double
yellow line, and be traveling in the oncoming traffic
lane swerving back just in time to avoid a collision.
Those of you who have been to China can certainly
relate, and I think the most dangerous profession in
the world should now be changed from Alaska King Crab
fisherman, to Bus Drivers in China.
Anyway, we arrived without incident and when we came
to the entrance of the city, we were greeted by a
police escort. They were able to quickly navigate the
back roads of Hanchuan to the exact locations of where
our babies were found. There were 5 families that were
in our group from Hanchuan, and each of us got to see
'the spot'.
We were advised we had to get out of the van only long
enough to take a picture and then get immediately back
in. They told us that the news travels very fast among
the locals. Given the situation with the Foster
Parents from Hanchuan coming to our hotel the other
day, our agency didn't want to take any chances
especially since we were in the exact area of the
birth parents and foster families.
When we arrived at our location, our driver pulled
over and parked along a busy street with our police
escort in front of us. We dashed across the road to
the entrance of the City's "Old Peoples' house". I
couldn't help but think.. "this is the path Elizabeth's
birth mother walked that chilly November morning
almost 1 year ago". It was a surreal moment and now
etched in my mind forever.
Several of the residents of the home came out of their
door to see
"what was going on". The ones that came out were the
people that lived right next to the spot where she was
found. They were very likely there on that day, and I
would have loved to have spoken with them. Time did
not permit.
After quickly photographing, we hurried back to our
van, and as we approached we saw quite a commotion.
Over 100 people had already gathered trying to get a
glimpse of the "Americans with the Chinese baby". We
had only been gone a few minutes and could hardly make
our way through the crowd when we went to get back
into the van. The police, our guide and driver paved
the way and we were quickly inside without a problem.
In this part of 'more rural China' (rural for Chinese
standards as Hanchuan and surroundings have 1 million
residents) Americans are rarely seen. Looking around
the city from our van, I didn't see ANY other
Americans. The very little exposure we had with the
Hanchuan people was extremely positive. They seem to be
diligent and hardworking, very poor, but very happy.
You never had to look far for a kind smile. Elizabeth,
seems to carry this wonderful trait. She will most
always offer a smile!
After we returned (safely) to our hotel, we met the
rest of our group for a tour of a Hubei Turquoise
factory. Turquoise is mined here in Hubei province,
and this is the only place in China where this occurs.
It was very interesting, and a few of you might be
seeing the results of our visit :). We also purchased
a few things for Elizabeth when she grows up from her
home province.
A long but wonderful day has come to an end. Before
our visit to Elizabeth's finding spot, I was just
anxious to leave and get on with our life and out of
our smoky and hot hotel as quickly as possible. I am
so very glad that we had the opportunity to see first
hand the very early 'roots' of our daughters' life.
At this writing, we have actually had Elizabeth longer
in our lives, than her Birth Mother did. We will never
know that piece of the puzzle, but we don't need to
know it for us to love her any more than we do without
it. We already can see the determined little girl
spirit, and this will serve her well throughout life.
She came to us with the clothes on her back, a special
bottle with a simple blue string tied to it slipped
over her neck, and the Panda we sent in the care
package several weeks ago. She still clings to 'Panda'
doesn't want it out of her sight. She has carried this
Panda everywhere we go, and rarely drops it. It's
quite amusing and adorable.
It is now up to us to with God's help, to channel this
little girl with a determined attitude and spunky
spirit from Hanchuan City, Hubei China in a direction
that brings honor and glory to her Creator, who
brought us all the way across the world to be her
parents.
With love,
Susan and Dave. |
On the
road to Hanchuan City
Smiling faces
The path her birth mother took the morning of November 17, 2004
View down a side alley adjacent to the nursing home courtyard
Exploring the courtyard of Elizabeth's finding location
Standing where she was found
You've come a long way baby
 |
