August 17, 2006 Visit to Grace’s Orphanage Youxi County
Today was a very special day for Grace and us since becoming a family. We had the distinct honor of visiting Grace’s birthplace and the orphanage where she lived for the first seven months of her life. Grace was referred to us from Youxi County CWI, located northwest of Fuzhou about 219 km. It is a 2 ˝ hour car ride each way and the drive is very scenic and beautiful. Our drive to Youxi was filled with anticipation of seeing where she came from, and getting the chance to see the orphanage. When we arrived at our destination what we experienced was way beyond our expectations. We pulled up to the front of her orphanage and Mr. Zhang Qinwu, the Orphanage Director hopped into the van. He had arranged for us to have lunch at the You Xi Hotel, “it is the most important hotel in the county” according to the officials. As we entered room 209 our entire day changed from what was originally expected.
Greeting us were Mr. Wu – Head of the Youxi County Civil Affairs Bureau, Mr. Zheng – Dean (Mayor) of Youxi County, and three other government/orphanage officials. They are the leaders of Youxi County, and when introductions were made we felt distinctly honored. Unknown to Katherine (our guide), Mr. Zhang Qinwu – Orphanage Director had spoken with the County Officials about Sarah and myself. He explained how touched the orphanage officials were on the day we received Grace. He also stated that he felt honored when we requested to visit his orphanage. After greetings were exchanged we sat down for lunch, which included the “best foods” that are grown locally in Youxi County. We were all served local beer, including Kevin. Each one of our hosts toasted us, with no less than 2 –3 toast per person. During the meal they expressed tremendous respect for us as new parents and a long healthy life for Grace. Katherine – our guide was very helpful with translating and giving us direction on proper protocol. After lunch was finished we went outside and were greeted by Grace’s nanny. The nanny also brought along her daughter whom Grace used shares a bed with (Grace never slept in a crib). We let her hold Grace for a few moments, as we could see by her tears that she loved Grace. Sarah gave her a big hug and thanked her for helping take care of our daughter.
After saying good-bye to the City Officials, we loaded into the van and drove to the orphanage where we were taken to Mr. Zhang – the Orphanage Director’s office on the third floor. The staff offered tea and fresh fruit. During our visit other nannies and orphans came by to greet us. One greeter was an orphan girl who is 3 years old and deaf. Grace immediately recognized her and shrieked with joy. Sarah started laughing as Grace was kicking, wiggling, and trying to play with the girl. I got to hold another orphan girl that is 4 months old and very cute. She played with my finger and looked at me with her big brown eyes. Her eyes were telling me that she too needs a family. Too bad we couldn’t bring her home as well. We were shown a photo album of the last family to adopt from Youxi County, and Katherine explained that ours is only the 3rd adoption this year for this orphanage. Last year (2005) they only had one adoption, since there are very few orphans available. Before leaving the orphanage pictures were taken of us with Mr. Zhang and his staff in front of the orphanage sign. As we pulled away from the orphanage we felt very sad to see the struggles they go through to provide for the older men and orphans in their care. Sarah and I have connected with our hosts who took us into their lives, and we will be forever grateful to them for taking such wonderful care of our daughter. We came away from this visit with the most indescribable feelings of emotions.
