Update on Day Four

I've been able to add a few photos to Day Four. I tried to do more, but it just won't go anymore. :o( It keeps timing out...will try again later.

Day Five: Zhanjiang

Today we went to the beach on Donghai Island, a scenic ride of approximately an hour from Zhanjiang city. The children had a great time playing in the sand, collecting shells and sand, splashing in the water, riding a camel, taking four-wheeler rides, and then eating a picnic lunch on the beach. The camel was happy with the many banana peels from our lunches. We joked that he would sleep very well that night after all the trips up and down the beach with the children.

The sun was shining brightly and some of us underestimated the length of time we spent there, ending up a tad on the pink side. :o) On the way back to the hotel, some were dropped off at an antique and flea market. In the evening we visited a beautiful seaside park, and then went to dinner at the China Star, a moored boat-turned-restaurant. We are anxious for tomorrow, when we plan to take some of the students from ZJ SWI a park with us.

Day Four: Zhanjiang

This morning was a day we had all been anticipating. It felt so good to finally be at a place where we would be unloading a lot of our things. Many brought gifts for the children.

We got on the bus for a short ride to the orphanage. I couldn't believe that they took the buses down the narrow street of Nong 2 Lu, but we did. As we got off the bus, we heard music playing in the courtyard. We entered the gate, and there were the children waving flowers at us beneath a huge red banner that read "Welcome Home." We were immediately surrounded by people, who instantly grabbed our children's name tags looking for ones they recognized. I saw many tears, and hugs, and smiles. It was the most incredible thing I've ever witnessed. The most poignant was the group of foster moms--approximately twelve--who were eying the older girls. They came armed with photo albums, and several were reunited with "their" kids.

We were led to stools in the balloon- and brightly-decorated courtyard, in front of a huge stage, again with a banner welcoming the children home. Behind the stage, in front of the banner, were risers where many photos would be snapped. Again, photos would make this so much easier to explain. Perhaps other blogging parents are having better luck. Be sure to scroll down to look for the "Blogging Families" post for those links.

A woman in a lovely red dress was the hostess for the event, and she introduced Dir. Su, as well as SWI directors from miles around, including Dongguan, Maoming, Dianbai, and a few others I recognized but forget. I'm hoping they got a good impression of this wonderful event and will allow families to return with great ceremony as ours was allowed to. The student-aged children from the SWI danced and sang for us, and then several local children's groups also did so. They did a lion dance and then invited those that wanted to, to try.

Our oldest adoptee group member, Cory, gave a lovely, moving speech. Vickie also gave another speech and did a wonderful job as she received a donation from BLAS for ZKO. How wonderful! When the speeches were over, the children lined up to give their gifts to the director and children. Many things were given that the children will be able to use. In return, the director gave each of the children Zhanjiang pearls and a mother-of-pearl pendant, each with their Zhanjiang names inscribed on the back. It was so incredibly touching.

THEN it was time to go up to the eighth floor to see the babies. How fun. Some babies tolerated it, others not so much. Adam, a dad in our group, got a giggle and huge smiles out of his little one. The children looked wonderful, and we're so grateful to Amy, the director of the Open Arms room for her job in leading the aunties. She takes her job seriously, and when I expressed my gratitude to her, her tears overflowed. The language barrier was nonexistent--something I would witness over and over as the day wore on.

We went downstairs to the room off the courtyard, and they had a humongously long table set up for us for lunch. Along with local fare, they had vegetables, baskets of bananas and oranges, and yes, TURKEY wings and a pumpkin dish. They remembered that today was our Thanksgiving. They did not miss a single detail.

After lunch, we went out in the courtyard to play. Gloria had brought along a Thanksgiving poster/sticker activity. It was good she brought sixty of them, as everyone got in on it. All the kids mingled, helping one another decorate them. After the stickers were done, then the mayhem started...one dad got plastered with the paper outlines of the sticker, by two of the little Zhanjiang boys. :o) Again language was not a barrier. We played jump rope and Dir. Su got in on turning the rope and even jumping. The man is amazing. Just amazing. Then it was time for tug-of-war, a three-legged race, and then a form of tag in which the children hold on to the shirt of the one in front of them, while the leader tries to keep an "it" child from catching the ones on the tail. It was a bit like crack-the-whip. We had such a great time. The children mingled freely with one another, and all the kids ran their legs off. The little ones on the tour were carried around by the older girls from the SWI. It was simply adorable to see them doted on. The afternoon wore on, and we stayed longer than scheduled, but it didn't seem to matter. The kids from the SWI were thrilled to have a day off school, and we look forward to spending Saturday with them.

After leaving, some families chose to go to a park, others with younger children elected to go back to the hotel.

It was one of the most incredible days. It was far more than I ever expected, and has nothing to do with the many cameras and newsies that were there to capture it. It was in the private moments with real people who share our love of our children: in the aunties who recognized the children--the ones who knew them by name, in the affirmation of their genuine goodness, generosity, and affection. What a day.

Day Three: Guangzhou

We got into Guangzhou and headed for the White Swan. We only had a few hours here on Shamian as we were to go to Zhanjiang the following afternoon. The following morning, families whose children were registered at the Civil Affairs office in Guangzhou were allowed in to view those files.

After lunch, we were taken to the GZ airport where we caught a late afternoon flight to Zhanjiang. We'd been told the SWI staff likely wouldn't be there, but as soon as we stepped into the small airport (one conveyer belt), there they were: Dir. Su, Ms. Yi, Elsa. I continue to be amazed and grateful for their kindness and uncommon courtesy. Our group overwhelmed that small airport, and there weren't enough carts for all the luggage. :o) Although there are four flights in and out of this airport daily, most of their customers aren't loaded for bear like we were. We were then taken to the Crown Plaza hotel, where we'll be for the remainder of our stay.

Day Two

I continue to get network errors when attempting to upload pics. I'll try to describe what we did, but the photos could tell so much more.

We visited the CCAA and BLAS offices on Day Two. It was pretty amazing to witness actual matchings, as well as meet the woman who very well may have matched many of our children with our families. We were graciously welcomed again in a short ceremony, and after touring the offices, were given a cultural lesson in calligraphy. The children were each given an album of lovely papercuttings. They have been showered with many special mementos. Some they treasure now, and some are things they will do so when they are older.

After a lovely lunch at The Banana Leaf, it was time to head to the airport for our flight to Guangzhou. The children continue to have a good time together, and I see many longer-term friendships being formed.

Homecoming Trip: Day One

There is so much to write....and I will try to catch up from Zhanjiang. It's been very frustrating to not have access to blogger. I had it for the first two days before the tour started, then nothing. :o( I have a connection now, albeit slow, but I hope to give you all a small taste of the wonderful time we're having. Please give me a bit to catch up. :D

Our first day together started the evening before at orientation, when we met our wonderful guides and were introduced as families to one another. It's so amazing to meet all these wonderful children with a common heritage. All families were given "Happy Bags" containing small gifts for the children, BLAS tshirts, nametags, etc.

After a breakfast at o'dark-thirty, we headed for a special welcoming ceremony (more about that below!) by BLAS then on to the Great Wall and Summer Palace in two buses: red and blue. The older children have been grouped together, and the younger ones, likewise. I'm hearing reports that the children are enjoying each other and I can attest to that from watching on our bus. Lots of Rock/Paper/Scissors being played as we are schlepped.

We had a lovely day for touring Beijing. The weather was not too cold (that's relative, I know...but it was certainly more tolerable than my visit to the GW in '04) and the sun was shining. Some of the children, especially the younger ones, began fading fast as the afternoon wore on, so instead of taking in the Summer Palace in the evening, and then a later dinner, some families chose to take taxis back to the hotel. We're finding the stamina is varied, and we really need to watch how much we push the little ones. All in all though, they are doing amazingly well, and seem to roll with the punches, catching naps where ever they can.


We were met with great fanfare by BLAS and the CCAA. CCTV was even there to record our reception. Along with Zhanjiang, there is another Homecoming Group (Hongzhou, IIRC) also being welcomed. CCAA Director Liu was there along with his Vice-Directors. It was pretty amazing. All the children were given commemorative crystal paperweights of the GW, stuffed pandas, and a special welcoming letter from Dir. Liu. Our own wonderful Vickie Bennett also addressed the gathering and did an amazing job, which we all knew she would. She works tirelessly.

CCTV posted our trip on the news twice that day, and several parents were recognized in the airport from having given interviews with CCAA. If that was not enough, a story about our tour was featured in the China Daily, one of China's most read newspapers. This was all so unexpected, and a little overwhelming. I will post links as soon as I can get them.

I'm having a difficult time uploading photos, so I will post this update, and attempt more photos later when we may have an easier time doing so. Today we're off to meet the kids....CAN'T WAIT! :o) Thanks for following us, Val for ZKO

UPDATE: here's the link to the CCTV piece (not in English)
http://www.megavideo.com/?v=0RL2WCG3

Director Liu of the CCAA (!!!!)
Debbie and Elizabeth at Badaling section of the Great Wall

Val, Sophie & Ava

Blogging the Trip!

Here will be the blogroll of those families who will be blogging:

http://www.thephalens.com/

http://martinfamily92.blogspot.com/

http://b2chinatour.blogspot.com/

http://vangordon.blogspot.com/

ZJ Homecoming Itinerary

We are excitedly packing and planning. Only a few more days remain before most of us will be taking off for Beijing. Here is our itinerary, if you'd like to see where we'll be on which particular day of the trip.

Date		Itinerary
Nov. 22nd	Evening	Orientation meeting at the hotel around 7pm
Nov. 23rd	Morning	Welcome ceremony at Ministry of Civil Affairs; Tour to the Great Wall afterwards
	Afternoon	Visit Summer Palace after lunch
	Evening	Dinner at the hotel
Nov. 24th	Morning	Visit CCAA and BLAS, kids take culture lessons, then have lunch nearby
	Afternoon	Go to Guangzhou by plane
	Evening	Transfer to the hotel and take a rest
Nov. 25th	Morning	Visit Provincial Adoption Registration Center and check files
	Afternoon	Go to Zhanjiang by flight after lunch and shopping on Shamian Island
	Evening	Traditional local dinner after arrival, then check in at the hotel
Nov. 26th	Morning	Welcoming ceremony at Zhanjiang CWI and lunch in the orphanage
	Afternoon	Learn to play local games and play with older children from the orphanage; Visit Cunjin Park afterwards
Nov. 27th	Morning	Drive through countryside and along the ocean to the East Sea Island (Donghai Island) and walk and play freely by the seaside.
	Afternoon	Back to the hotel and take a rest
	Evening	Take Zhanjiang city tour, Haiwan Bridge and China-Macau Friendship Park, dinner at the ocean liner restaurant
Nov. 28th	Morning	Visit Huguangyan National Scenic Spot (the older children from the orphanage come along for this fun)
	Afternoon	Go to orphanage to meet foster families or shop freely in the city
	Evening	Farewell dinner
Nov. 29th		Fly to Guangzhou or other destination

Home!

After many flights, Vickie & Val are home safely with their families again. It was a productive trip--full of hard work, fun times, and many wonderful memories. Best of all, we have a better idea of how the SWI would like to proceed. Since meeting the special needs children, this is an area in which we hope we can assist them. The PT team was invaluable in this respect, and we believe their influence will open new doors for ZKO.

As I sign off on this trip, I want to give families who plan a visit to ZJ a few tips for their must-see/do list:

1.) Walk the streets around the hotel. It's a great way to see the city and meet people!

2.) Visit your child's finding place with an interpreter. You will likely find new friends who just may have been there when your child was found. This happened to Val this trip. With the help of an interpreter, an employee of the place in which her daughter was found was able to communicate that she was there at the time of the abandonment, and may have been the one to find her. She also was able to answer a few more questions, and fill in some information that helps get a better idea of the circumstances and site of the abandonment. These are things that simply cannot be understood by a finding ad alone. I highly encourage talking to locals. They are warm and compassionate, and you may find that they are very willing to talk. Val was asked to take a photo with them, and was asked to email it to the employee. Of course, she is willing and eager to do so! These connections may become so valuable to our children.

3.) Visit hole-in-the-wall type restaurants!!! We had a spectacular dinner in an Inner Mongolian restaurant, found by going down side streets and alleys. Amazing, amazing food. There were all of five tables inside, but it is considered a hot spot. You can always eat KFC at home. :o)

4.) Visit the harbor area near the hotel. It's just a short taxi ride from the Silver Seas/Crowne Plaza--perhaps 6 yuan to take a taxi. You'll get all kinds of great shots of the boats: huge ocean liners and tiny fishing skiffs.

5.) Make sure to do shopping at the antique and Jade market. You can find something for almost everyone on your list. It's not a place like some markets in Guangzhou & Beijing that cater to tourists. You can find jewelry, jade, cloisonné, carvings, and best of all: antiques! There are plenty of things that can be bought on a budget. Plan to bargain hard there. Our interpreter told us, "If they say 100Y, you MUST offer them 20Y, but go no higher than 40-50Y." It's expected, so loosen your inhibitions. :o) Take along bubble wrap if you have room. Or else, have them wrap your breakables well and take them in your carry-on. You can find antique plates, teapots, earthenware, pottery figurines, old Chinese coins, etc.

6.) Go to the Seaside Park, near the huge ship restaurant (a moored, converted ship). On weekends, families fly kites there. There you'll find The Kite Lady, whose relatives make the kites in Shanxi province. They are inexpensive: 20Y for the small butterfly kites, 70Y for the huge ones that fold easily into suitcases. Reels can be purchased for 2Y, or large ones with ball bearings for 20Y. It was a great place to find gifts for little boys on your list.

Thank you for following our trip, and for your kind thoughts, prayers, emails, and comments. They were very encouraging and appreciated! I leave you with a fun photo from the kite place.

"Lucky"
;o)

Therapists finish, and we have a party!

Today the therapists finished their terrific training with teaching the aunties to have structured play time every day. They will begin to incorporate some specific group play activities, including a gymboree-type program. This was well-received and they are so eager and willing to learn new techniques for the best outcomes of their children.

The PTs have been an incredible asset to Open Arms, and we can never thank them enough for their generosity on ZKO's behalf. The Open Arms program has been very successful, and the aunties are so excited at their children's progress. The aunties were able to bring their babies to the PTs to ask them questions about their individual children, and to ask for specific recommendations for them. The PTs were able to give them concrete ways to improve areas in which the aunties felt their children needed development.

We will be expanding the Caring Kids program, as this has been so valuable to their well-being. We are very eager to expand ZKO's outreach to help the kids achieve their educational potential. We are working with the directors to expand this program, as it is one way in which we can connect ZJ children and adopted ZJ children for mutual benefit.

This evening we had a party with the children. Originally it was only going to be the school kids, but we asked Ms. Yi if we could include the younger ones who were able to join us. We had enough plates/napkins for a CROWD, and she agreed to do so. Vickie and I got caught in a deluge over rush hour. Don't ask. Let's just say that our shoes won't dry out until we're home. :o) We were at the bottom of a hill trying to hail a taxi. There were six directions of traffic attempting to fill a two lane street, everyone trying to make it home for supper. Everytime a bus or large vehicle went by, we would get a shower as we couldn't go anywhere. Finally, it was just funny. We were so.so.drenched. that we HAD to go to the hotel to change. It made us late, and when we walked into the courtyard, we could hear the children waiting in the activity room. They were so excited, as they had a performance prepared for us.Vickie fills goodie bags: pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners, RingPops, Mini M&Ms, chewy Sweet-Tarts. I felt like Santa...it was probably right up there at the top of our favorite moments when we were handing them out. Every LAST one of those children received them with both hands, saying "thank you" in English. Amazing. Just totally amazing. I'm leaving part of my heart here. I know I've said that before, but I just had to say it again.

First of all, they wrote the thank-you cards for their sponsors. WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE THOSE! Precious, precious cargo in my luggage. We grabbed our goodie bags and headed up to the activity room. Inside were the PTs, two huge cakes, and forty fidgeting, but seated kids. They were so adorable...you just want to love them up. There was a little deaf girl named Chu who was grinning so big. I got to give her a hug and kiss before she left. She is so special. Where was I??? Ok, so we went in and started getting out the games: Pin the tail on the donkey and Musical Chairs. :o) Yup, we decided to teach them some American party games. Ms. Yi agreed to be our demo, and the children hooted at her as she really messed up on her tail. Thennnnn, we got to musical chairs. Hands down, the funnest thing to watch ever. People who live in the building, some disabled young adults, staff, etc. joined the party and were laughing so hard at the kids from the doorway. Part of the fun was watching them! As the seats dwindled, it became even funnier and funnier, as we played the Chicken Dance Song and when it paused they had to scramble. What a blast.

We sat down for a performance by the school children. They did a song in sign language called "A Grateful Heart." Oh.my. Vickie and I were both wiping tears. It was a wonderful way to end our time here.

We sat down to serve cake, and handed out our goodie bags, which were a hit. Then we said goodbye--or "until next time." As we walked down the steps, we kept hearing them say goodbye and seeing them wave to us from above. I can't wait to come back.

Update/Scenes from 2 Nonglin Lu, the street in front of the SWI

Today was another amazing day. The physical therapists began doing the trainings this morning. Then we all went to take the school children to KFC for a treat. This time we avoided the van and they walked a few blocks from school. Yup, there went another huge section of our hearts as we interacted with the kids. Most of them have a special need, but are able to attend the public school near the orphanage. Generous donors--Zhanjiang adoptees giving to the Caring Kids Program--make this possible, to make their lives as mainstreamed into their community as possible.

We've been so impressed in watching the children interact. They are truly family to one another, with the older ones constantly looking out for the younger ones. It's amazing to watch the selflessness of the children, and how they respect their auntie--who by the way, can create instant silence with a single word! Fascinating to watch!

This trip we have spent more time with the older children than with the babies, and it has been such a treat to watch them in their home. We believe Dir.Su & Ms. Yi have created a very good environment for them, and it is not the norm. When we mentioned this to them, they told us that a family-type community is what they have attempted to create. They have done exceptionally well in achieving that goal.

Meeting the babies & children

Zhanjiang SWI, still decorated from Chinese New Year. The flags fluttered in the ocean breeze over the courtyard.



We had a wonderful day starting with Vickie and Val visiting the Open Arms babies, which of course was a highlight. Some burst into tears just at the sight of us, but others toddled around us offering us toys. Of course, they were cute beyond words. It is so wonderful to see them interacting with the aunties, and they are very obviously attached to each other and thriving in their care. We watched as one of the little girls "helped" an auntie with her massages and exercises on one of the OA babies---she knew the drill! At the request of Dir. Su & Ms. Yi, we cannot post photos of the children on the internet but will include them in future newsletters which will be mailed.

At lunch time, we repeated last year's McDonald's outing with the 3-7 year olds. Of course, it was a just a riot. We enjoyed every second of it, as did the children. We piled into the van, all THIRTY-TWO of us in a twelve-passenger vehicle--it was the Zhanjiang Clown Car. What a blast watching the children experience the neighborhood and enjoying their cheeseburgers, fries, orange drinks, and ice cream cones! It was truly a highlight. Many of the kids remembered Vickie from last year, and call her Ayi Vickie. Of course at the end of the meal, 25 Happy Meal Toys were handed out to finish out our lunch. Huge sections of our hearts will stay behind when we go home, that's for sure.

After a brief rest, Ms. Yi welcomed the Physical Therapist team with a drive to DongHai Island, a scenic one hour drive from Zhanjiang City. This fishing boat had just been pushed up onto the beach by about thirty fishermen. There were several ways to see the beach area: horses, a camel, or four wheelers. Ms. Yi definitely wanted the latter. She challenged us to a race on the beach. And won!In the evening, Dir. Su & Ms. Yi welcomed us with a delicious dinner of local delicacies. As before, it was very delicious. At each meal we try new things, and gain new "favorite foods." This time it would have to be the small sea shells that are steamed and sprinkled with sea salt. They tasted somewhat like clams. Absolutely delicious!
Here is Ms. Yi (Dir. Su to the left) serving us these lovely dishes. You can see how colorful and fresh it all is.Shrimp on a skewer, surrounded by pumpkin, the best noodles ever, fish, beef, barbecued oysters, and vegetables.Cheryl (a PT) goes for seconds on the little seashells. You take a toothpick, pierce the edge, and tug. I know my children would have loved them! We were told they are a local delicacy. With this delicious meal, we are ready to do some work! Tomorrow is physical therapy training with the aunties, and our next adventure. Thanks for following us!

Scenes at Zhanjiang's waterfront

Tonight Vickie, Rebecca, & I went walking along the harbor. It was a lovely weekend night, full of families out enjoying the evening breeze. The children were standing along the rail watching the boats. For all you parents who would like photos for your childrens' lifebooks, you are welcome to copy these to your computers. If you'd like the high resolution versions, please feel free to contact me after I'm home, and I'll be happy to send them to you to use. Since I'm posting by email (can't access Blogger here), it's not letting me send the high-res versions. Hope you can enjoy this little taste of lovely Zhanjiang.

These friends were enjoying a barbeque at the park. The people we've met have been so very friendly and warm to strangers!

We don't know what these people were digging. We asked other local onlookers and they didn't know. We believe it's some sort of small clam-like mussel. Whatever it was, it was hard work.

The workers' bikes were lined up, and locked to the rail.

For more photos of just (cute as a button) children, see Val's blog: http://martinfamily92.blogspot.com

Zhanjiang

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This morning Vickie and I flew into Zhanjiang from Guangzhou.  We met our translator, Rebecca, in Guangzhou and she flew down with us as well.  It's very tropical here, and I'm so excited to be in Zhanjiang for the first time.  Vickie is also happy to be back.  She has her list of must-see's  which will be great to experience with her.

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We ate breakfast at the Guangzhou airport...here we are getting our caffeine fixes.

We were met at the airport by Dir. Su and Ms. Yi and her daughter, QingQing.  We had such a delicious lunch together planning our week, and I'll leave you on that note.  Do not drool on your keyboard!

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Fund Drive Update

We are so grateful for the generosity of the Zhanjiang community. Parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, siblings, and friends have all felt the need to affect the ones left behind. Because of your outpouring, Open Arms continues for another year, and there is enough money left over to begin to touch the lives of the preschoolers and the special needs kids. This has been a great hope of the ZKO board, and we thank you again.

Vickie & Val will travel to ZJ in one month to watch the nurture program in action and to explore further opportunities. We will keep this blog updated as often as possible during our one-week visit!