Several things came as a shock to us this morning - first we can't seem to fathom that it's actually our last full day here in China and second - that it's July. We have no idea how either of those things happened.
We had a pretty good night last night and a decent sleep in - 6:45 for me. After two cold showers yesterday, I broke into the girls' room and positively luxuriated in a long hot shower. Breakfast buffets are getting incredibly old at this point. And because we were in Maoming instead of, say, Guangzhou, there were no handy labels to tell us what 90% of the unrecognizable food was. So we stuck with our standard fare - pork buns, noodles, eggs, sticky rice, etc.
We met Sophie and Mr. Chen at 9:20 to make the short car ride to Maonan Social Welfare Institute. I knew, as soon as we pulled up, that it was indeed the same orphanage Flying Sparrow had occupied for two years. I had been convinced by the rumors that I had heard previously that the building had been torn down and the orphanage moved. I am so happy to be wrong. It was a wonderful feeling to be able to bring FS back and see her standing in front of the gate.
(FS in front of Maonan SWI with the Director who was there when FS lived there - and with the new Director who will take over when the orphanage moves at the end of the year.)
Apparently the Civil Affairs office just faxed over our visitation paperwork this morning, so they weren't 100% prepared, but we still had some nice surprises in store since Sophie had been using WeChat to let the Director know that we were coming.
The second great piece of news was that not one (as I had hoped) but TWO of the caretakers remembered SF and gave her multiple big hugs. The caretakers are just sweet, sweet people. Like Nanping SWI, Maonan is now 100% special needs children. I was told today that there is now a waiting list for domestic adoptions of non-special needs children. I guess this explains why the international adoptions have slowed so drastically.
(FS with one of her original caretakers from way back in 2003-2005. She kept telling FS how pretty she is.)
We were able to ask some questions and view SF's official file as well as take some photos of the early photos they have of her. And, importantly, we are able to confirm that her name is "little flying bird" or "flying sparrow."
(Never before seen - by us - photo of Flying Sparrow. Instant treasure! She still makes that exact face to this day!)
Next we took a tour of the orphanage and were able to see the rooms that FS slept and played in - and take a few photos. Then we went to visit the other children at the orphanage - currently about 60. It always takes the girls a few minutes to warm up to babies and toddlers they don't know but then they make eye contact with one and end up scooping then up.
FS was even talking about taking part in a orphanage volunteer trip when she's older - but changed her mind when she came to the realization that diaper changing would be on her task list. The babies were very sweet and I just have to shake my head at how much all four of mine have grown. And although these children are no longer with their families, I am glad they have the sweet amahs to give them love and attention.
During our visit, the staff did their best to make FS feel very welcome and even presented her with a lovely gift - a carved chop with her Chinese name carved on it - made from some type of large local nut. They also gave her about 100 lychees, of which she has already eaten many.
After our visit, we went to lunch with staff members and had another outstanding meal at which I tried some local specialties such as "beach duck" (fairly convinced this was seagull), squid (really delicious), octopus, and braised spare ribs - among at least another dozen dishes. For a picky eater, I have upped my game. I was really proud of the girls when Sophie told the orphanage director that the girls "try everything." Apparently some American adoptees have come back and refused to try even one dish. I'm also happy to report that ALL FOUR of us were presented with forks, but that we all politely declined and did quite well with our chopsticks.
After lunch, we said goodbye to the orphanage staff and proceeded to FS's finding place - which a few days ago - I didn't
realize had been recorded. Another minor miracle. We were able to find out a few more important details about how she came to the orphanage that are worth gold to us.
(Flying Sparrow finds her finding place.)
We rolled out of Maoming at around 2 and began the long drive back to Guangzhou. Fortunately we had the indefatigable Mr. Chen at the wheel - as we encountered two fairly interesting weather systems and some pretty bad traffic during our five-hour drive. At about 7, we rolled into The Garden Hotel. It's SO weird to be in Guangzhou and not at the White Swan - but Sophie informed us that The Garden is now where most adopting American families stay as the Consulate is nearby. And boy was she right - during check in we saw at least a dozen newly adopting families. What great memories for us! The hotel and our rooms are gorgeous and we're enjoying one last very comfortable stay before we begin our trek home.
Here's the star of the day today, enjoying drinking water from a wine glass at dinner. Please note the similarity of this face to the photo of her as a toddler, above.
Last night in China - I can't believe it. We are all equal parts elation and depression. Hoping that tomorrow goes smoothly and we get home without major bumps or delays.
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