Red Thread to Her

We went to Abigail's orphanage today..  the Nanjing Social Welfare Institute.  When we arrived at the orphanage, several nannies called out from windows on higher floors "Rou Rou!" (her nickname).  We took an elevator to the third floor and went into her playroom after taking off our shoes.  About 8 nannies were playing with or holding babies.  Some children were mobile, some were just laying on the floor.  Abigail's special nanny ran over to her and both were happy to see each other.  Abby looked at me a couple times and I nodded, "It's good."

Abby's best friend is a little boy, Ankang.  He was overjoyed to see Abigail and gave her a couple sweet kisses.  Then a little later he hit her..  typical toddlers!  Our guide was translating everything for us and said Ankang will be adopted by a U.S. family next month.  I would love to connect with this family and keep the kiddos in contact with one another.

We saw the sleeping room, with rows of cribs lined up.  It looked like the mattresses were being aired out since they were all tilted at an angle.  They showed us the room where they give the children a bath.  I was interested in this part of our visit since Abby is having trouble with bathtime - she does not like it!  In the orphanage, she was held by one nanny, leaned back, then washed with a sprayer by another.  She did not sit and play in the bathtub.  I will keep trying to make bathtime more fun for her..  maybe William will need to show her how it's done.

There are about 300 children assigned to this orphanage, about 100 are in foster care in homes nearby.  There are about 200 children under the age of 10 living daily at the orphanage.  The building is not large enough to hold all the children so a new one is being built and will be ready in 2014 or 2015.  This is likely the last time we will see this particular orphanage --  if we have an opportunity to visit Nanjing in the future, the orphanage will be at the new location.

In general, the orphanage seemed clean and organized.  The nannies seemed happy and loving toward the children.  My guide shared that this is one of the best orphanages - I am so thankful Abby is coming to us from a loving environment!  When it was time to go, Abby's special nanny came down with us to say a final goodbye.  Abby was confused and started crying - she wasn't sure if she should come with me or stay with her nanny.  We walked around outside a bit after saying goodbye and she settled down.  Then I gave her a snack and a drink which she enjoyed.  So many big moments for such a small person!

View of the purple mountains

We ended the morning strolling around Xuanwu Lake.  Abigail fell asleep in the stroller.

Tomorow we receive Abigail's passport in the morning then fly to Guangzhou in the afternoon.

The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious.  Exodus 34:6