Thursday, March 31, 2005
HANGZHOU
This was a truly remarkable day. We were pleased to find out
that we were given permission to visit the Dongyang Social
Welfare Institute [the orphanage] where Eva and the other baby
lived for their first year.
We traveled about 2 hours by van to this mid sized city. En
route to the SWI, we learned more about Zhejiang. Apparently it
is one of the more wealthy provinces in China. We saw lots of
new buildings, including fancy homes throughout the drive as
well as lots of agriculture.
Upon arrival at the SWI, the nannies eagerly came to the van
chanting Sun Yusheng and the other baby’s name. Eva started
crying and did not want to be held by them, clinging instead to
me. I felt gratified on one hand that she decided I was a safe
person but I was also grieving for her and recognizing her
confusion. Oh what these babies are going though!
The institute was a new looking building, very clean and
spacious. It was established for both orphans and for the
elderly who had no family to look after them. The staff were all
warm and kind and eager to show us around. We got to see the
room where Eva stayed, including her crib. We were not allowed
to take pictures in this room or of any of the children. There
were only 10 babies and toddlers in this room. I went to each
child and tried to make contact with them. I just wanted to
scoop them up and find homes for them! Later we took photos with
the nannies and director and Eva allowed one of the nannies to
hold her, especially when she stuffed crackers in Eva’s little
hands and pockets. I feel sure that Eva was deeply loved and
cared for there and she has come to us snuggly, healthy and
chubby.
For lunch, the director treated us to Kentucky Fried Chicken. It
was very kind of him although we would have preferred Chinese
food.
Traveling by van was easy as Eva could sit on my lap the whole
time. No fussing at all. What will it be like to use car seats
in the US? When we returned to the hotel, for the first time
since Forever Family Day, she didn’t cry when we entered our
room. Her whole body seemed to relax as if she understood on
some level that we now belonged to each other. It truly was a
transforming day for her. |
Director's Office
Treats from Nanny
Babies and Nannies
Dongyang City |
