Meili had another great night last night. Continues to sleep thru the night ‘til around 8am. She’s so cute how she wakes up in such a pleasant little mood.
Today was another relatively cool day here in Chongqing. Only in the 70’s today with low humidity. Made for a comfortable bus ride to Fuling to visit the orphanage.
Meili was a real big shot on the bus ride sitting in her own seat and yakking up a storm. The countryside from Chongqing to Fuling was very rural and hilly, and not small bumps like the Blue Hills, we’re talking almost mountain type hills. It was amazing to see how the local farmers terraced the steeper slopes and had any possible square meter under the hoe with a variety of crops.
When we arrived at the orphanage the street was so narrow that the bus had to let us out about 50 yards from the orphanage entrance where, upon leaving the bus, we were immediately encircled very closely by a group of 20+ locals. These locals proceeded to follow us right up to the orphanage gate, all the while chattering away and reaching out to touch the babies. It was an uncomfortable moment!! The orphanage itself (the Fuling Social Welfare Institute) turned out to be a combination “baby orphanage-youth home-old folks home”. We walked thru the baby orphanage section and saw over 40 babies in their cribs. Tears your heart out. They showed us Meili’s old crib – at least hers was near a window. It was interesting that Meili would not go to any of her old nannies – she was glued to Bridget and Megan – so cute in such a short time. They also showed us the playroom, the bathing room, the TV/walker derby room and the infirmary. We wrapped our visit by making a small donation to have Meili’s name inscribed on a brick that will go into a “memorial gifts wall” of the new orphanage which will open in June 2008, at which time the current orphanage will be razed. All in all, a very emotionally draining visit.
Only 2 more days “hangin’ around” here in Chongqing waitin’ on the local officials to complete and issue Meili’s Chinese passport. Then on to Guangzhou to complete the U.S. required paperwork at the U.S. Consulate.
Jacquie, David, Bridget, Andy, Megan & Meili
Meili on the bus to the orphanage to say goodbye
Jacquie and Megan visiting the babies waiting to be adopted at the orphanage [couldn’t let Jacq in there with the large diaper bag or we might have ended up leaving with more than just Meili]
Meili discovers French fries – and loves them!!!!
Meili – Officially the newest member of Red Sox Nation!
May 13 --
Hi Everybody & Happy Mothers Day!!!!
Today was a great Mothers Day with Meili. She had another great night
ast night. Let everybody sleep until 8:30 am for starters and then
greeted everyone with the biggest smile when she did wake. Meili’s
discovery of the day today was “cookies” – look out Matt – looks like
another “Cookie Monster” is comin’ to town!!
Today was a “hang around” day and the weather took a turn for the hot &
steamy here in Chongqing. The mercury was in the mid 80’s and drove us
to the pool to cool off.
Tomorrow morning we finally get Meili’s Chinese passport and, late
afternoon fly to Guangzhou, our last stop on the adoption trail to
complete the U.S. required paperwork at the U.S. Consulate so we can
take this cutie HOME!!
