Wednesday, October 12, 2011

A visit to the orphanage (with pictures!)






(Millie Mei in the hotel)

On Wednesday we had the opportunity to go visit the Orphanage in Urumqi.  It is actually two places as there is a downtown branch and the main site out past the airport.  When we arrived, little miss rock star took over.  The teachers (nannies) all ran to her and picked her up and passed her around.  She saw a little boy that she used to play with and immediately started bossing him around.  It was obvious that she didn't lack for attention - rather she was probably pretty spoiled.  We believe she moved to the downtown branch a few months ago as it houses kids over 2.  Her teacher/foster mom was very nice and we toured the room where she lived.  We found out she loves grapes and she downed quite a few.  She also likes what they called biscuits (shortbread cookies) and ate two packages of those.  All of this was about an hour after breakfast. 

We then drove out to the main orphanage which was a very nice place.  We were greeted by two teachers who immediately carted Millie around.  They told us she was one of the leaders there which I think was code for bossy.  We were initially told she lived there but later found out she lived in a foster home nearby up until a few months ago.  I think the trip set us back a little in bonding because of all the attention she got from her teachers which caused her to reject mom and dad a little.  However, that was all over once we got in the van back to town.  It was good to see the place and to find out more about her.  I believe some pictures from the last two days should make their way onto this post.

She sure is a cute thing.  We'll work on the temper and bonding as we go along but we think that it is going better than we expected with a two and a half year old.  We're definitely ready to get home but will keep playing the Chinese waiting game for another week and a half.  We leave for Guangzhou on Friday.  


(At the orphanage visit)

Hopefully the computer situation will improve there as I know where there are internet cafes.

Lots of love to family and friends.  Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for the updates on Lindy.  It's comforting to know she is fine until we return.

Take care for now.

12 comments:

Unknown said...

OMG! She is too cute! She looks so happy and looks like she's happy to be with her family!

I know what you mean about the visit to the orphanage -- it set us back a little, but Jia was OK once we left and settled into the rest of our trip.

I'm sure Lindy is chomping at the bit to hug her new sister!!

You'll be home befor you know it!

Congrats -- you are now a family of 4!

Unknown said...

OMG! She is too cute and soooo happy! A happy little girl who appears to be happy with her new family!

I know what you mean about the orphanage visit -- it was a set back for us too, but just for a few hours -- hopefully yours passes quickly too.

I bet big sister, Lindy, is chomping at the bit to meet her new little sister!!

Congrats -- you are now a family of 4!

Kathy

The Byrd's Nest said...

Lindy...you better rest my sweet girl!!! There is alot of energy coming your way:)

She is too precious and I love her sweet smile:) Praying you guys home to your sweet Lindy!

Jenn said...

OHHHH!!! What we've all been waiting for!!!!!!! What a DOLL she is!!!!!!!!!!!

Continuing to pray for you and Miss Millie Mei!!! The Lord has a wonderful plan!! Just remember that time is your friend. :) The bonding WILL happen!!

Hugs and blessings to you sweet friend!
Jenn

Elissa said...

She could not be any cuter!!!!!! Sounds a lot like our newest arrival from China!!! Spoiled is annoying but so much easier to handle once you're home than neglect is. Will pray for continued bonding with both of you and for the days to go quickly so you can bring Miss Cuteness home where she belongs!! I'm also praying that you can stand the heartbreak of missing Lindy, I know that has to be so hard :(

Love you,
E

P.s. Took Lil to Magnolia this morning and reminisced about all our times there. Bittersweet...

DiJo said...

Hi!!!

She is ADORABLE!! And, of course I am smiling over the description of "Little Miss Bossy!" We have a couple of those over here!!!! So great to know she was loved! How can you not love that adorable face and those precious cheeks!!!!!

So happy to be seeing her smiling face!!!! YAY!

Love,
Diana

Heather said...

SHE IS IN THE PINK COAT!!!!!!!! Oh my word...no words...seriously, I need a tranquilizer, she is so sweet!!!! I love her...I love you! Need to go read every word again!

HUGSSSS
Heather

The Oswalds said...

She is beautiful! It's so wonderful to see her smiling that big smile!

Kate said...

She is breathtakingly beautiful. My heart literally skipped a beat when I saw her face. I am so glad you got to visit her orphanage and see how loved she was...and SO funny about her bossiness. LOVE that.

Keep on keepin' on.

Cristie said...

OH WOW SHE IS ADORABLE!!!
"Leader" ... hmmmm.... I have one of those. She's a darned cute leader too. Code word for bosses everyone around. Let me know when you do get that figured out. We're working on 5 years here and while this Mommy doesn't let her be the "queen" too much - she still thinks she's the one in charge and wearing the crown of the family is her job. I'll take any advice. HEHE. So excited to know you are all together -- and look at her SMILES! What sweet sweet blessings. Continuing to think of you and pray for you.

Football and Fried Rice said...

I love seeing her beautiful face!! So happy to know that things are going well - they will just keep on getting better!!

Amanda said...

She is so adorable! It is so exciting to be able to follow your story as it is happening. I'm so happy for you!