Mia's First Home

Our time here is going by so fast! We have loved China so much and every day try to soak in all we can. Saturday we had a free day, with the exception of a two hour paperwork meeting I attended. Keith and the kids went exploring around the hotel. Sunday we went to the Six Banyan Temple. It was really neat, but what I really want to tell you about is the orphanage visit we did Monday.

We had thought all along that we would want to visit Mia's orphanage. But when you get here, it is really a hard decision. She has been doing so well we were terrified that she would somehow regress. But, at the same time, how could we not take the opportunity to see where she has lived her whole life thus far. So, we went. And it was great.

We left the hotel a little after 1:00 in the afternoon. We were told it is about a 1 1/2 hour drive, add in a flat tire on the side of the road and it becomes 2! Yes, our van had a flat tire on what is similar to our interstate. Just remember the driving around here is Crazy. It was an interesting experience to say the least. We took so many pictures as we entered Heshan City. We saw a park like area where some of her pictures had been taken. Motorcycles are the main mode of transportation in some of the smaller cities, so they were all around. Her orphanage sits just right off the main road, just a small drive up and through a gate.

I will never forget the moment we pulled in. The orphanage director, assistant director and nannies were all waiting for her. Her favorite nanny, Mrs. Wang, was calling her name. Jia Jia, (pronounced guy, guy). She just lit up! It was something! I took her out of the van and handed her right over - you could tell Mrs. Wang had missed her and couldn't wait to get her hands on her! Mia was just adorable. She was talking and laughing. So sweet. Everyone was just loving on her and talking to her. You could tell she knew exactly what they were saying. And you could tell she was very loved. From a parent's perspective, we couldn't have asked for anything more. Anything else was just icing on the cake.

We spent the rest of the time there, about an hour, letting her play on her playground and just visiting with the staff. It was great to see the boys play with her there. They brought out a boy that was a special friend of hers. He was probably 8-10 years old. It was sweet to see them play together.

Leaving was tough. I just about lost it. It was one of those "ugly cry" moments, but I held it together the best I could. Mrs. Wang said goodbye and quickly slipped away. I know it was to protect Mia from a harder goodbye. We told them how much we appreciate all they had done for her, that we love her very much and will keep in touch and send plenty of pictures. I was sad for Mia, but because we know she will be ok, I think most of the emotion was for the orphanage staff. I just can't imagine how hard it must be to let her go. Mia cried for about 10 minutes but held tightly to the apple they gave her the entire ride home.

How is she now? Fantastic! Somehow, I think that trip might have given her some closure. She has been more open, playful and engaged with us since we left. It's like somehow seeing us all together made it all ok in her little brain.

Now for the fun stuff - pictures! I know that is what you all really want to see! :)


Mia and Mrs. Wang


Receiving the apple


Seeing friends in a window upstairs - they were calling her name


Showing her brothers the playground


She knows how to work these toys! Crazy girl!


Playing together


Seeing another nanny and more friends in the window above


This row of ride on toys was in just about every picture we received of her.


Everyone together


Goodbye Mrs. Wang and my first family