Hong Mei woke up this morning and did not go into full-throttled grieving, instead just a little whining. She still does not like Mama.
Today was beautiful in Changsha. It had rained last night and washed the smog from the city revealing the blue sky; the first clear day in Changsha since we got here. Rulon, Hong Mei and I took a morning walk in the area around the city. We visited a few shops and stumbled across an alley open air market. The market was tucked between two large apartment buildings. The residents looked at us with a little surprise and amusement. We saw fresh vegetables, meat, and goods. We stopped and bought Hong Mei another pair of shoes. This, for me, was the real China. This was what I had read about. The experience was fun. As we returned to the hotel an elderly lady approached us. She was mad at us for something. She gestured at Hong Mei. We were not sure if she did not approve of her clothes or that we Americans had this Chinese child. A few moments later an elderly couple approached us with smiles. We pointed to Hong Mei and said her name and held up three fingers. We pointed to our selves, Mama-Baba. They smiled and gave us the thumbs up sign. Two differing opinions, I guess.
Hong Mei had a black egg for lunch and a nap. After nap we boarded the bus to go and visit the Changsha City Social Welfare Institute #1 where Hong Mei spent the first two years of her life. We took with us the big bag of pajamas that so many kind friends had donated for the orphanage. There were over 80 sets of pajamas. It was a lovely hour or so drive out to the village where the orphanage is located. We saw miles of rice patties. The orphanage is located behind a large metal gate. The outside is brightly painted and appears to be a nice place. We met with the director in a large conference room. We were presented with a plaque. We gave the director gifts for him, the aunties, and the foster family. The director opened the bag of pajamas, stepped back in amazement. I could tell that he was moved by your generosity. Those pajamas will go a long way in helping them keep the children warm in the winter.
We tucked a note for Grandma/Foster mother in the gift letting her know that Hong Mei loves her and that she is doing well. The director allowed us to see Hong Mei’s baby room. We were asked not to share the pictures we took. At the orphanage Hong Mei was princess for the day. All the older girls and boys came to shake her hand. The Aunties congratulated her on having a family. She played on the outdoor play ground for the last time; asked to shake the big girls’ hands once more and then she was ready to leave. We were afraid that this visit would set her back, but we think that it helped her. She has watched as her friends have been adopted. She would watch as they came to visit with their families; and now it was her big day. All I can say about the conditions in the orphanage is PLEASE CONSIDER THE WAITING CHILDREN OF THE WORLD.
Goodnight,
Joanna
Downtown Changsha
Chickens
Market
And I am filled with charity, which is everlasting love; wherefore, all children are alike unto me; wherefore I love little children with a perfect love; and they are all alike and partakers of salvation.
