We have been in Guangzhou for two days now and we are having a good time. We are no longer the odd balls of China, now we are one of many adoptive families. All adoptive families have to make their way to Guangzhou before they can leave the country. We have met many wonderful people from all over the world. Tonight we ate dinner with a couple from Ohio that we met on our way to the restaurant. They waited fours years to adopt their precious daughter.
Evan was sick this morning and threw up a couple of times. He slept in and woke up feeling much better. I was able to feed him some cereal that I prepared in our room and he ate every last bite. He has been in a pretty good mood today and currently playing with his dad on our bed. Daniel is watching a Nihao, Ki-lan video. Evan got too close to Daniel so he pushed Evan. Evan was quick to report this to his dad.
Evan went to the medical clinic yesterday and we were moved through like cattle to see three different doctors. The hearing test was hilarious, they used a baby toy and squeezed it until it squeaked and then watched his response. It was very low tech. While we were there we met many families including one that was adopting a three-year-old and a 14-year-old both from different provinces. I wanted to ask her a couple of questions but we were rushed off to another doctor.
After the medical clinic we walked up the street to a Traditional Chinese Medical Spa to get a foot massage. Evan slept in Brian's arms and Daniel watched a Bob the Builder cartoon in Chinese while we enjoyed a 70 minutes foot and body massage all for the bargain price of $22.00 for both of us! We are going to go as many times as possible before we leave on Friday.
Today, Sunday, was amazing! We hired a driver to take us to visit Daniel's former home and foster parents. Daniel lived for about 5 months in a wonderful facility that is privately funded to care for children with special needs. They paid for and arranged for Daniel's lip and palate surgery. They also arranged for him to be in a wonderful foster home setting for 6 months. When we were last in China we were able to visit True Children's Home but were not able to meet his foster parents. Fortunately we had been given many pictures of Daniel with his foster parents. Before we came to China I contacted the executive director of True Children's Home and asked to visit. She arranged for us to visit True Children's Home and meet with his foster parents. We arrived at the home around 1pm and spent time visiting with the people we had met there the last time we visited. We also got to spend time with the children. Their disabilities ranged
from cleft lip/palate, club feet to spina bifida. They were all so precious and we met one special little boy who was 4 years old and blind. The back of his head was very flat and had almost a dent in it. I had never seen a head shaped like his but he had lived most of his life in an orphanage and on his back. He had only been in this home since June but was now able to sit up, walk and talk. He sang "Jesus Loves Me" and "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" songs to us. He was so cute.
Daniel was scared to be there but eventually he warmed up to everyone and started exploring the apartment. He went into his old room and played with some toys. We took a picture of him in the same chair that he was sitting in for his referral picture. The executive director, Jenny, and the director, Katrina, were both so happy to see Daniel. We had a wonderful visit and then it was time to meet the foster parents. We decided to take Daniel out to the playground so he could meet them there. As we walked to the park, I recognized the mother right away. She had a big smile on her face as she and her husband crossed the street to meet us. I felt so emotional as I waited to greet them. I have wanted to meet them since we decided to adopt Daniel and it was finally going to happen. Daniel was already climbing the jungle gym as she looked for him yelling "Jian,Jian". He was timid about meeting them until they presented him
with some gifts. Now he was happy to meet them. They gave him a pair of sandals, two shirts, pants and a variety of food. They showed him pictures of himself as a baby, he was excited and said "that's me". We spent about 20 minutes or so with them and they were so sweet and kind. They invited us to come to their house the next time we come back to China. As they were leaving, Daniel gave her a kiss on the cheek and gave the Dad a high five. We thanked them for taking such good care of Daniel and they thanked us for bringing him back to see them. They were so happy that he was healthy and happy.
After they left we walked to a Chinese restaurant and enjoyed lunch with Jenny and Katrina. The food was wonderful and it was a joy to visit with these two ladies who do so much for children. Besides meeting Evan, this has been my favorite day in China.
Kirsten, I am way too emotional to be following your blog! I'm sitting here crying as I read about your special day in Guangzhou. Priceless. Thank you so much for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteJill
Jill isn't the only one who is too emotional to be reading your blog. I am avidly following along with my kleenex by my side! What a blessing to have Daniel see the foster family (and for them to see him with his forever family). And I am blessed by your sharing the story. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteKim