Thursday in Shenyang Orphanage

After louder frequent grieving last evening, we were a little unsure about traveling to the orphanage today.  We decided this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be able to give Saidie some answers and photos when she is older.  The area close to the orphanage was rather poor, but the orphanage itself was quite new and clean.  There seemed to be a good ratio of workers to children in each of the rooms that were separated by age.  The rooms were bright and colorful, the smiles were warm and inviting.  Jia Wen was very shut down for quite awhile at first.  One of the little boys that had been her foster brother gave her a gummy candy.  The teacher hugged her and tried to engage her, but she remained stoic.  Once the teacher asked each of the children in her class to come say good bye to her, she seemed to respond a bit to certain ones of the children.  By the time we were ready to go upstairs, Jia Wen would not take my hand and shook her head no.  I backed away to let her come on her own, but Grace and the teacher noticed and told her to take my hand.  Eventually she did.  Before leaving, I asked if we could see the foster family.  Mrs. Tan (who we found out is also the director of adoptions) said we could meet Jia Wen's foster parents in their apartment in the orphanage complex. 

Mrs. Tan holding Jia Wen

In Jia Wen's classroom with her teachers

We walked to that building, and the parents were so kind.  They invited us in to their living room, showed us the cot where Jia Wen slept in the room she shared with her foster sister.  It was an amazing experience, but very emotional for us. 

With China mom and dad

Foster family photo

Jia Wen's cot

Loved by two families

Watching Jia Wen with her china mom and dad was so sweet.  We know that she has been loved and given good care.  The family photos on the walls show a very happy Jia Wen.  There just weren't words to express the gratitude and love we felt for this special couple.