Visit to the Orphanage

Yesterday we were granted permission to visit the orphanage and so after making one quick stop at the Civil Affairs Office we started our 2 ½ hour trip. When we got close to the orphanage EmmaLin started recognizing things and started to get upset. She whimpered for a couple of minutes and Lisa comforted her and got her to calm down. As we arrived it was the time when they are to be down napping so we took a short walk about a block away for some lunch. Again we were served in the traditional Chinese way with all of their foods. We again were taken back at how much food they brought out to the table. We tried lots of things, much of which were just ok. But being in her town we wanted to experience her culture. The director of the orphanage and about 3 staff were there to eat with us. After we had just about all that we could stuff down, there was still some time to kill, so we went to the local market to pick up a few things.

Now it was time for the children to be getting up from their nap. So we went back to the orphanage and got to see most of what she would experience on a normal day. While we were there she held close to one of us all of the time. A couple of rooms she would whimper and cry and others she would be ok with. Her bedroom where all of the beds were was one at which she cried. I am sure she did not want to be left there. We reassured her that she was leaving with us and she was able to calm down. She was able to say goodbye to her teachers and all of her classmates. I think this was good for her. The whole time we were there she had a look about her that was very uneasy. As soon as she saw us all load up into the van to leave, she had the biggest grin on her face and sooo happy. Things are starting to come around for her and slowly she is starting to accept us. Some are more than others, but in time she will know that we all love her the same and she will never have to leave.

That is about all I have for today. Check the picture link, I just uploaded some videos of her laughing and giggling.