Orphanage Visit

Yesterday, we visited Harbin Social Welfare Institute, the orphanage responsible for Abigail's care. Harbin SWI, home to over 200 children, is known for its exceptional staff and nannies who have a heart for kids.

As our van pulled up to the security booth, an older man was waiting anxiously at the gate.  He pressed his face against the glass of our van to get a glimpse of our girl.  Abilgail's eyes lit up, and she began repeating "Yeye", the Mandarin word for grandpa.  (He reminded me of another Grandpa (Tom) who often waits at the gate back home when he knows his family is returning. 😘)  Once inside, Abigail's Yeye asked to hold her, and then he immediately broke down in tears.  So  tender.  He shared that he and his wife had cared for Abby since she was 12 days old, and they were going to miss her terribly.

Abigail had been in a unique situation.  She had lived on campus in an apartment with her foster parents and three other foster children, but she spent a portion of each day at the orphanage with other children in the care of a nanny.  Abby was closest to her foster mother and called her "Mama".

The orphanage staff didn't want to upset Abby so it was decided that only I would meet with the foster mother while Adam stayed with the children in another room. I immediately fell in love with the foster mother.  She was gentle and warm and became emotional when she spoke of Abigail.   I know I've already written a post on my deep appreciation of foster parents, but y'all, these people are so special!

The  foster mom went on about how thankful she was to see our family in person and that she felt peace knowing Abby would be surrounded by loving parents and siblings.  She hugged my neck over and over. She gave me some of Abby's favorite snacks to take along and also special treats for the rest of our crew.  We took pictures together and exchanged gifts.  As she left, she secretly peeked into the room where Adam was entertaining the kids to say her goodbyes from a distance.

We loaded back into the van to head home but stopped at the orphanage gate for one final picture.  And guess who shows up?  You guessed it....Yeye!  He needed one more hug from his sweet baby.  And then, he pulled Adam aside to hand him a slip of paper with both his and his wife's phone numbers on it so we could send pictures and updates.  I'm happy to do so.

The first day we met Abigail I could tell she had been loved and cherished by someone.  And now, I'm just so thankful I was able to meet them face to face so one day I can tell our girl all about her Mama and Yeye.

Outside Harbin SWI