Today we got to visit Avery's orphanage. It was about an hour drive, Zhou went with us. You could tell the city (Foshan) is a little better off. Zhou said they have a lot of money there. The orphanage is in a high rise with the kids on the first 5 floors and senior citizens in the rest. I'm told this is better for the kids, more exposure to people. The picture with the building behind Keith, Avery and I is the one with the orphanage. There are a couple other buildings in the complex with seniors in them. It was very clean, neat. Avery saw some of her friends taking a walk as soon as we got there and went running to them. It was easy to see how much she enjoyed these people. And it was also easy to see how much they love her. The nannies were so thrilled to see her and they were all holding her, kissing her and talking to her. They said they couldn't understand everything she was saying, "she must be learning english"! We spent a good hour there. The kids were not shy and were all coming up to us to be hugged and held. It broke our hearts to see all of them. It was a very emotional trip for us. I told Zhou before we left that I was very nervous, wondering if she would prefer to stay there with them. He told me she wouldn't and not to worry. Well, she came to me several times while we were there, running up to me and hugging me, and when it was time to go, as much as she loved the nannies, she came with me without hesitation and waved goodbye to everyone when we got in the van. The whole trip was so worthwhile to us, but it really helped me knowing Avery preferred us. She's been a little different today, seems like she has warmed up to me more, which means so much.
Our whole group went out together for dinner, 34 people plus 11 babies! We went out for chinese and it was fabulous! Zhou ordered a multitude of wonderful dishes for us to share at each table. It was a nice (almost) ending to this adventure.
Tomorrow afternoon we go to the US embassy for the swearing in of some sort (I'm not sure yet, better read up!)and to get the babies visas. We have to be packed and ready to go tomorrow night, the bus leaves for the airport at 6a on friday. This is probably my last note before we leave unless I find a little extra time tomorrow afternoon. It has been quite the trip, seemed like the end would never get here, and now it's finally here!!! We can't wait to bring Avery home to meet everyone, especially her big brother Cole who is ever so excitedly waiting for us to arrive!!
I suppose our real journey is about to begin!
For those interested (you know who you are) our flight is American Airlines 658 out of Dallas and arrives at 10:25p on friday night.
Look out, we're coming home!!!
What an adventure! It must have been a wonderful feeling to know that Avery wanted to go with you after visiting the orphanage. She is definitely your baby now!! We loved all of the great pictures. Safe travels on your way home. We will be thinking of you on the long journey back. Bring lots of snacks! Can't wait to see you guys :)
ReplyDelete~jackie
That is so wonderful, how neat that you got to see where Avery was being raised, and even better that she knew she belongs with you. I've loved reading about your trip. Ben and I get on every morning to see if there are new pictures of Avery! Have a safe flight, I wish we could be at the airport when you get there, but we will hopefully get to meet Avery very soon.
ReplyDeleteWe are so happy to hear that Avery has bonded with you so well.. and so quickly! What an awesome affirmation of that at the orphanage. How reassuring to see that she came from such a caring place. I can only imagine what an emotional experience that was. We've enjoyed so much checking in on your trip and seeing the pictures. You'll have to keep them up when you get home.. you have to at least post brother and sister together.. of course! We can't wait to meet Avery... just say the word when she's ready for more family.. and we're there! We'll keep you in prayer for safe travel and a wonderful reunion and introduction with Cole!!
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers,
Steph and Doug
It's wonderful to know that you were able to see first-hand that Avery had been well taken care of prior to your arrival. I pray that the transition for Avery as well as You, Keith and Cole goes well. I believe that Avery has already learned how much she is and will be loved! Have a safe trip home; obviously we will not be at the airport, but look forward to finally meeting Little Miss Avery!
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers,
Kim and Denny