Orphanage visit

Today, we all loaded up in the van and headed to the Social Welfare Institute of Longgang District in Shenzhen City, the orphanage Zeke called home for the last 18 months.  The traffic in China is awful so our 90 mile trip took over 3 hours, but once again, the kids were troopers.

We sat down with the director that allowed us to photograph Zeke's orphanage file containing information on his arrival there including the cutest, little ink footprint.   The director also gave us a few early pictures of Zeke.  I'm so very thankful for these as often with international adoption, there are so many pieces missing about your child's early life.

We discovered Zeke was quite the ladies' man as several young, physical therapy aides came in to 

greet Zeke, take a farewell photo, and give him candy.  Through the translator, these ladies told us they had awarded Zeke the title of "Most Handsome" in the orphanage.  I tearfully thanked them for 

loving our son, and they expressed their own gratitude that Mufeng will have a forever family.  

Then,  it was time to tour the orphanage.  No matter how many orphanages I visit, I never get used to the eery quietness of a place that is brimming with children.  No silliness, incessant babbling and talking, or squeals of delight that are so common with kids.  It was nap time in Zeke's room but there didn't appear to be much sleeping going on, but instead row after row of little ones playing quietly in their cribs.  The orphanage was fairly clean and well maintained.  It was open air without A/C but the weather now is perfect and the breeze was refreshing.  Our kids tried out the orphanage playground and enjoyed getting to stretch their legs a bit. 

Zeke was stone faced most of the time we were at the orphanage.  I was worried about the way he would react seeing his nanny again, and while there were definitely tears when it was time to say goodbye,  he went with us willingly.  As we left out the front door, we heard shouting overhead.  When we turned around, several of the orphanage workers were yelling "Farewell Mufeng!" from the third story window.  It warmed my heart to see the love they had for our son, and I will always be grateful for their care and provision.  I'm thankful we were able to visit the orphanage, and even more thankful that Zeke can now close that chapter of his life as he joins his forever family. 

Physical therapy aides 

Precious footprint