Every adoption in China takes place in the capital city of the province where the child is from. Our daughter is from Shaanxi Province, and we spent this week in Xi’an, the capital, to complete her adoption. She was found and cared for in a city called Baoji which is 2-3 hours from the capital. Though we knew this was quite a journey, we thought it would be a trip we had to make. So, we set out today for Baoji to see her orphanage and find her finding place. The drive wasn’t a bad one really. Since there are no carseats here, Lydia enjoyed her freedom in the back of the car with Mark and me. And, we enjoyed looking around and asking our guide many questions. We saw lots of farms with winter wheat, old houses, and lots of cave dwellings right up to the city even. We stopped at a dumpling restaurant for lunch and met up with some American English teachers who know my parents. So nice to meet up with them and know that we have a connection to Baoji through them.
Next stop, Lydia’s orphanage. The director met us at the gate and walked us onto the grounds of the orphanage which was in a sort of compound all gated with the home for elderly on one side and the home for children on the other. They told us that the children’s home is moving to another location entirely come May or June. Their current building will be used for more housing for elderly. We are the first family who has visited since before the swine flu scares and the last one to visit this location. There were no people except for a few elderly folks sitting outside when we arrived. But, we drew quite a crowd as staff came out to see us and dote on Lydia. They all were calling her name “YueYue” and trying to get her to smile which she was doing quite readily. Her favorite ayi came out and held her and told us that of all the children (110 they have, 95% of which are special needs children), YueYue was her favorite. And, you could tell that she was telling the truth. They all were loving on her and giving her kisses. Of course, we were chided once again for not dressing her warm enough despite the fact that I put a footed sleeper underneath her clothes so that no skin would show. The director said we could not go into the orphanage because of the swine flu and fear of hand, foot, mouth disease (really?) but that they would take our camera in and take pictures for us. So, they did while we visited outside with all the doting nannies. I am disappointed we couldn’t get in, but I’m thankful for the time we had there nonetheless. It was wonderful to see how much the staff cared for our daughter, and we can tell her much more about her history than we could have otherwise. They gave us a bag with the blanket she was found in (I was picturing a thin receiving blanket. It’s more like a big, furry blanket for a twin bed or something. I don’t know how we’re going to fit this into our luggage!). They could not locate the dress she was found in because they have reused it for other children. But, they did give us 4 pieces of clothing that Lydia wore when she was younger which was very gracious of them. And, finally, we took pictures by the front gate which is where our sweet baby was left and found. I took pictures up and down the street there on both sides as I know her birthmother or birthfather walked that street to bring her there to be cared for safely. Did they know she would be adopted? Did they live right there in the city? Did we drive right past their home? Did they come from the cave dwellings and bring her into the city to leave her somewhere better than in a remote spot where she wouldn’t be found quickly? We will never know. What we do know is that she was found. And, we are so grateful that we get to be a part of her story and she is such an important part of our story.
Tomorrow, after doing a sightseeing trip, we are headed to the airport to fly to Guangzhou where the U.S. Consulate is. We will do more paperwork there and apply for Lydia’s visa, then we’re coming home.
Oh, and I cannot forget to mention that Lydia walked today for the first time! She took about 10 steps without holding our fingers!
Dear Evan, Ashlyn, and Drew – So good to skype you tonight and see all of you. It’s so fun to watch you guys enjoy your sister already. She is going to be so happy to meet you guys. She really is a happy baby. Her favorite nanny at the orphanage said she is “outgoing.” We’re seeing that more and more everyday. I know you will see her personality come out quickly once we are home. She’s got a great little giggle. Love you guys and miss you more every time we see you!
seeing Lydia’s finding spot reminds me so much of such sweet redemption! I immediately thought of Ruth. Such a picture of salvation!
I can only imagine that if her birth parents saw you there with her, they’d know that all they wished and hoped for has come true for the little on they so carefully placed at that doorstep.
I’m so glad you guys were able to make this trip! Our stay in Evan’s province has been expedited and we’ll only be there about 36 hours. It is my heart’s desire to see his finding spot….I’m sure for all the very same reasons you have about Lydia’s. His spot is only 2 hours away.
Looks like you guys were feeling better? I’m hoping since you didn’t mention your health that you are all better! :) So glad you got the opportunity to visit the orphanage. We did on trip #2, but not on trip #1, and it was such a neat opportunity. Hopefully they took some good pictures for you! Looking forward to posts from Guangzhou!
Really…you were sick yesterday?! You guys look great in the pictures you posted from today – you’d never know! So glad you are feeling better and were able to make all the stops you had planned.
And how great that Lydia took her first steps today…so fun that you were able to see her reach that milestone! It made me pause because when kids start walking it’s like a whole new world opens up to them…it’s almost as though Lydia is literally moving on from her her life as an orphan and stepping into her new life as a beloved daughter and part of your family…her new world. :)
I love the part about her not being dressed warmly enough! Here at home you would have people telling you that you dressed her too warmly! She is beautiful and looks right at peace in your arms!
I’m just thrilled to read your post today and see your pictures at Lydia’s finding place and orphange! It is clear she has been a blessing to so many people. The caretakers at the orphange sound like loving and compassionate people! Loving and continuing to pray for you in Texas…Michelle
Kelly,
Today must have been a very emotional day for you! I so wish we were able to visit Sophia’s orphanage when we were in Chengdu! It is so wonderful that you know her exact finding spot! Lydia will be so happy to have that information and pictures to go along with it!! I am happy to hear that Lydia is doing so well! Have a great flight to Guangzhou! Can’t wait to see your next update from Guangzhou!!
Tricia
Precious…bittersweet…I was filled with emotion as read this. What a gift to be able to visit her orphanage and get that blanket. Do you have any packmates? Those space saver bag things…that might help you pack the blanket.
Did Lydia handle being there and leaving there ok? Bless her heart! I am so thankful that you all were well enough to go.
Continuing to pray…thankful to be able to follow your journey!
Not long before she’ll be racing :o) I am so glad you will be able to share with her someday how incredibly special she was to her nannies! Just more proof how God was watching over her every step of the way!
I got all choked up reading this. I think it might be the most beautiful post I’ve ever read about visiting a child’s finding spot/orphanage! What a wonderful blessing. I praying for you all day hoping that you’d feel well and be able to visit these connection’s to Lydia’s past! I’m so glad you did…I hope you really are feeling better! You look good!
And, Lydia took her first steps????/ That’s AWESOME!!! She’s blooming right in front of you!!! YAY!!!!
So glad you got to go to the orphanage. Those photos and information will be priceless to Lydia.
Violet
We had no internet for 48 hours and the biggest thing I missed was your blog! I’m all caught up now. This journey you are on is so special, I love seeing you giving this child an amazing family to love her forever and thinking of how much she’ll bring to your life as well. It sounds like you all had a bit of a rough few days, I’m glad to see things going better. How awesome that she walked for you today! Kelly – I’m sure she’ll warm up to you quickly. It seems like many of the people that cared for her were women so perhaps attaching to another woman is hard – or she may be like so many of the little girls we know who just go through stages where they prefer men! Either way it won’t be long until she knows you’re her mama and she’ll never forget it after that!
(Amy LoPresti)
This is so sweet. What precious and unforgettable moments. Thanks for continually updating those following the story. Is it sick that I personally love the creepy Santa mask on the window?
what a priceless and amazing day. I’m so glad you were one the mend and able to visit. I had such a visual in my mind of her birth parents walking those streets. I think it’s great that you thought to take photos. Lydia will surely appreciate them one day.
Praying for a blessed weekend and that everyone stays healthy. And how EXCITING that she took her first steps…I love that she waiting for you to take them!! :)
Have a Happy Easter with your precious little bundle of love! <>< Hugs,
Tanya
Kelly what a special day! It is so wonderful that you will be able to share with her one day about where she came from.
So glad that you guy’s are better!!
Have a safe trip on the next leg of your journey!
Nicole
Wow, what a neat experience this must have been for you both. I am sure it was an extremely emotional day, but what a gift this had to be for you. It sounds like Lydia was so loved! I am so excited she took her first steps, that is wonderful! You guys look great in the pictures, SO very happy! I hope you are both feeling better! You should be headed to Guangzhou real soon, then HOME!
Oh Kelly! I bet you were disappointed about not getting to go inside. But sounds like you made the best of it and Lydia did GREAT! That’s key. So amazing you were there just in the knick of time to see it with Children there–rather than elderly. God is so good.
That quilt–I bet they wanted to be sure that “teeny, tiny little baby was warm.” How sweet is that! Wow! I get tears thinking of them wrapping her up in that giant blanket so carefully! This is truly a very special item for her–a physical touch with them. It’s a HUGE blessing indeed. I’m still not convinced there is nothing from Izabella that day. I am going to probe deeper. She was 10 months old and sooooo clearly loved and wanted..they just couldn’t get her the lifesaving surgery she needed..it’s hard to believe she was left with nothing special. Perhaps not–but I’m digging anyway. This inspires me even more to do that. I have an email address for the orphange…I’m on it.
So…happy you’re feeling better too and the trip went well.
It is odd to be in a car with a child not retrained isn’t it. :)
But like you, I loved hanging onto my sweet thing. Most times she fell asleep in our arms.
So comforting to know she was soooo loved there. You can read about it–but when you see it for yourself it is so deeply moving and comforting!
Hope your trip to Guangzhou and Lydia’s first flight went well. And that she’s feeling better every day!