Friday was spent having a relaxing morning, and then going to the social welfare institute (SWI) in the afternoon. Every Friday, the SWI is cleaned top to bottom, so it was not a good time to visit in the am. In the afternoon, we were taken upstairs to see the school for the children who aren't able to go to the public school because of a disability. They have two classrooms and a large library, and also a computer room.
We again did a short play time with the Preschool special needs kids. We were amazed by how quickly the children have picked up skills and shown their creativity, from just being given the tools to do so for a few days. There is a little one who appears to be blind & deaf, but she was soon lacing cards like a pro. We sat there with our mouths open. We weren't the only ones, as Ms. Yi ran to get her nannies, so they could watch her. Their exclamations were so fun to see. We are excited to be showing them just a little of these kids' potential, and how play is so vital to opening up their ability to lean. We have some really great structures being made from Legos/Duplos, beautiful art to bring home, and were watching them string beads.
As we left, it got really difficult. "George" our wild man, was just crushed. He cried and cried--we are supposing he thought it was our last day, and things weren't much better on our side of the gate. We'll have one more, Monday, but I'm assuming it will be just as difficult for the team. Our hearts have been left on Sixth Floor. We can't wait to see a structured program set up, with teachers with dreams helping these children achieve the previously unimaginable. Thanks for joining us on this wonderful journey!
Photos from Day 5 may be viewed here.
Val, for ZKO
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Day 5, May 19th
Hello from Zhanjiang!
This is Vickie writing today's journal, so if I repeat anything Val has already said, I apologize in advance.
This trip has been amazing on so many levels. The team of professionals we brought along are simply amazing. They each bring such a high level of expertise in their individual fields, but their hearts are all the same. Each of them have such a love for children and a deep desire to help those with special needs. At the end of each day we meet together as a team and they talk about each child and their individual needs. We've had the opportunity to meet with every child on the "little kids" floor of the orphanage and have started to learn not only about their special needs, but about their personalities and who they are as a person. On the first day we arrived, many of the children were very shy and withdrawn and like an onion, we've peeled away layer after layer to discover the little person that exists inside of each of them. Now when we arrive in the mornings the children come running down the hallway towards us and grab our hands, dragging us into the classroom ready to start their day with us.
This morning the team finished up with the last of the evaluations on the children. Each of the children was seen by our medical team for vision, hearing and a basic medical checkup. They also met with our therapist for a PT and OT evaluation, and of our intervention specialist for their education assessment. We now have a better understanding what the needs are that need to be met for these children and what we need to do in order to meet these needs.
After lunch we went back to the orphanage and set up organized group play stations. We had a station for Legos, one for fine motors skills (stringing beads and sewing boards), one for coloring and one for large muscle with games of hop scotch, and various other outdoor games. For me it was the highlight of the week so far. To watch the children play in a group setting--the giggles, the smiles, and especially watching the children learn how to share, take turns and just have the opportunity to play like normal children.
After we were finished we had fun making a game out of picking up the toys and cleaning the room. ZKO hosted the directors and the SWI office staff to dinner at a local restaurant. After dinner I thanked Director Su and Ms. Yi for welcoming us back to Zhanjiang and for allowing our team the opportunity to work with their children this week. I conveyed our thanks for not only their business relationship with ZKO, but also for the friendships which have been developed over the years. I expressed ZKO's continued commitment to work beside them in an effort to do everything we can to help the children in the Zhanjiang orphanage. I emphasized the wonderful care the Open Arms Aunties give to the babies in the program and how important this program has been to help the babies adjust to their families once they are adopted. Director Su then addressed our team with his thanks for our hard work this week and our continued efforts in the future. He then told us that we were "angels to the children." For those of you who have never had the privilege of meeting Director Su in person, I cannot say enough good things about him. He truly has a heart for the children in Zhanjiang's orphanage and works very hard to do everything he can to see they are provided for.
Our team is planning on taking the morning off from the orphanage and will spend time talking about each child and their file of assessments. We'll return to the orphanage tomorrow afternoon to spend more time with the children in organized group play. I can hardly wait to see all of them again!
I hope everyone has enjoyed following along this week. Many thanks to everyone who has dropped us a line. Your support and words of encouragement mean so much to us.
Photos from Day 5 may be viewed here.
Vickie
This is Vickie writing today's journal, so if I repeat anything Val has already said, I apologize in advance.
This trip has been amazing on so many levels. The team of professionals we brought along are simply amazing. They each bring such a high level of expertise in their individual fields, but their hearts are all the same. Each of them have such a love for children and a deep desire to help those with special needs. At the end of each day we meet together as a team and they talk about each child and their individual needs. We've had the opportunity to meet with every child on the "little kids" floor of the orphanage and have started to learn not only about their special needs, but about their personalities and who they are as a person. On the first day we arrived, many of the children were very shy and withdrawn and like an onion, we've peeled away layer after layer to discover the little person that exists inside of each of them. Now when we arrive in the mornings the children come running down the hallway towards us and grab our hands, dragging us into the classroom ready to start their day with us.
This morning the team finished up with the last of the evaluations on the children. Each of the children was seen by our medical team for vision, hearing and a basic medical checkup. They also met with our therapist for a PT and OT evaluation, and of our intervention specialist for their education assessment. We now have a better understanding what the needs are that need to be met for these children and what we need to do in order to meet these needs.
After lunch we went back to the orphanage and set up organized group play stations. We had a station for Legos, one for fine motors skills (stringing beads and sewing boards), one for coloring and one for large muscle with games of hop scotch, and various other outdoor games. For me it was the highlight of the week so far. To watch the children play in a group setting--the giggles, the smiles, and especially watching the children learn how to share, take turns and just have the opportunity to play like normal children.
After we were finished we had fun making a game out of picking up the toys and cleaning the room. ZKO hosted the directors and the SWI office staff to dinner at a local restaurant. After dinner I thanked Director Su and Ms. Yi for welcoming us back to Zhanjiang and for allowing our team the opportunity to work with their children this week. I conveyed our thanks for not only their business relationship with ZKO, but also for the friendships which have been developed over the years. I expressed ZKO's continued commitment to work beside them in an effort to do everything we can to help the children in the Zhanjiang orphanage. I emphasized the wonderful care the Open Arms Aunties give to the babies in the program and how important this program has been to help the babies adjust to their families once they are adopted. Director Su then addressed our team with his thanks for our hard work this week and our continued efforts in the future. He then told us that we were "angels to the children." For those of you who have never had the privilege of meeting Director Su in person, I cannot say enough good things about him. He truly has a heart for the children in Zhanjiang's orphanage and works very hard to do everything he can to see they are provided for.
Our team is planning on taking the morning off from the orphanage and will spend time talking about each child and their file of assessments. We'll return to the orphanage tomorrow afternoon to spend more time with the children in organized group play. I can hardly wait to see all of them again!
I hope everyone has enjoyed following along this week. Many thanks to everyone who has dropped us a line. Your support and words of encouragement mean so much to us.
Photos from Day 5 may be viewed here.
Vickie
Photos from Day 5
Making a left-hand turn during rush hour #3. There are four/day: going to work & school in the morning, going home before lunch, going back to school after lunch & nap, and going home in the evening
Sandbox!
Open-air market near a college
Dragonfruit, somewhat like a kiwi
Beautiful fruit--the pineapple are just coming into season, and they're just delicious. They are ripe from May-September.
Schoolgirls on their way back to school after lunch and a rest
A common scene
Haircut time, near the orphanage gate. Mama holds the wailing baby, and grandma tries to console.
Split pants
Tai Chi in the park
She was proud to show off her adorable daughter
Park near the orphanage, honoring a peasant who bravely fought the French occupation
Photos from Day 4
Tailor's shop
Tailor's shop
Tailor
Our Team & Elsa(from Left) Ellen (PT), Patti (RN),Brooke (RN), Bethany (nursing student),
Day 4
Today was another reminder of how our expectations can be completely blown out of the water. This morning as we walked up the stairs to Floor Six, we were met by eager children who grabbed our hands and literally DRAGGED us down the hallway to the activities room where we hope to set up our school room. They were ready for school...what had taken us so long to get there, anyway?? And sweet, sweet Cassie with CP was there waiting with outstretched arms, for Ellen, our PT. Ellen spent a lot of time with her yesterday, showing the ayis how to stretch her muscles so her quality of life can be improved. She is optimistic that she will someday be able to walk.
The morning was spent doing more assessments, and being so awed by the potential we see. The teachers are so anxious to begin teaching, and we can see the children are anxious to learn as well. Our windows and doorway are full of watchers, waiting for their turn to be assessed, or to rejoin the classroom if they've already been assessed. We have five stations set up around the room at the tables, where each educator or medical professional completes their part of the child's file.
At lunch were were again hosted by Dir. Su, Ms. Yi, and the rest of the office staff. They have been so incredibly welcoming, and it is such an honor to be invited so warmly. After lunch, during the children's rest time, the team went shopping, while Vickie and I went with our guide, Ruth, to buy uniform pants for the Open Arms aunties. We hadn't been able to find enough matching pants at the place where we'd bought tops (that would've been too easy). Ruth took us to a place near the Normal University campus, and we went to a tailor's shop. What a great culture lesson...I took photos of his sewing room for proof that sewing rooms are universal. :o)
After lunch, the team began a short school session with the children. Everyone had a fantastic time, and we are beginning to get ideas of how to implement what we are envisioning. Vickie and I went upstairs to love on babies, love on babies, see the newly-installed flooring, and to love on babies--in that order. We are absolutely thrilled to see the emotional, social, and physical condition of the children. I think each time we come, we see improvement. The twelve little ones in the room at that time were the crawlers and walkers. We watched as the babies played and tumbled over one another, and interacted with their aunties and each other. Between two aunties, a grinning little one was learning to take her first steps. My heart was full as I watched more than one toddle over to his or her auntie and just lunge for a hug and kiss, and then go again. These little ones are loved and love in return...this is all in thanks to YOU, our wonderful families who donate to make this program continue after your child has left it. One of the best parts of this visit was when I took out the photos and notes some of you sent as updates of your children. They were over the moon to see them doing so well, and excitedly passed around the photos. They always remember and recognize your children, and it means so much to find out how they are doing after they leave.
The evening was spent debriefing again, and making a tentative game plan for the next day. We hope to have a modified school session again, to see what works and what doesn't.
Photos from Day 4 may be viewed here.
Thank you again for following us. Val, for ZKO
The morning was spent doing more assessments, and being so awed by the potential we see. The teachers are so anxious to begin teaching, and we can see the children are anxious to learn as well. Our windows and doorway are full of watchers, waiting for their turn to be assessed, or to rejoin the classroom if they've already been assessed. We have five stations set up around the room at the tables, where each educator or medical professional completes their part of the child's file.
At lunch were were again hosted by Dir. Su, Ms. Yi, and the rest of the office staff. They have been so incredibly welcoming, and it is such an honor to be invited so warmly. After lunch, during the children's rest time, the team went shopping, while Vickie and I went with our guide, Ruth, to buy uniform pants for the Open Arms aunties. We hadn't been able to find enough matching pants at the place where we'd bought tops (that would've been too easy). Ruth took us to a place near the Normal University campus, and we went to a tailor's shop. What a great culture lesson...I took photos of his sewing room for proof that sewing rooms are universal. :o)
After lunch, the team began a short school session with the children. Everyone had a fantastic time, and we are beginning to get ideas of how to implement what we are envisioning. Vickie and I went upstairs to love on babies, love on babies, see the newly-installed flooring, and to love on babies--in that order. We are absolutely thrilled to see the emotional, social, and physical condition of the children. I think each time we come, we see improvement. The twelve little ones in the room at that time were the crawlers and walkers. We watched as the babies played and tumbled over one another, and interacted with their aunties and each other. Between two aunties, a grinning little one was learning to take her first steps. My heart was full as I watched more than one toddle over to his or her auntie and just lunge for a hug and kiss, and then go again. These little ones are loved and love in return...this is all in thanks to YOU, our wonderful families who donate to make this program continue after your child has left it. One of the best parts of this visit was when I took out the photos and notes some of you sent as updates of your children. They were over the moon to see them doing so well, and excitedly passed around the photos. They always remember and recognize your children, and it means so much to find out how they are doing after they leave.
The evening was spent debriefing again, and making a tentative game plan for the next day. We hope to have a modified school session again, to see what works and what doesn't.
Photos from Day 4 may be viewed here.
Thank you again for following us. Val, for ZKO
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Day 3
Tuesday was spent doing assessments on some of the children we met yesterday during play time. Our imaginations go wild with the possibilities as we watch these beautiful children respond and open up to us. The hard-won smiles, and seeing their delight in achievement, force us to swallow our victory tears until a more opportune moment. I cannot over-exaggerate the potential in these children. Because of you, they are being given a chance to leave their SN label behind and explore a new world of accomplishment, art, creativity, and just good, old-fashioned fun & games.
From the fearful child with CP of yesterday, today giving me a belly laugh because we are blowing and popping bubbles, to the deaf children who are picking up signs almost as quickly as they are being taught, we are overwhelmed by the potential we see. It's going to be a challenge to know exactly how to provide it, but we are confident that we CAN and WILL. It's difficult to put solely into word pictures to communicate what we are experiencing: the joy on their faces, the excitement at excelling in their given tasks. These children want so much to be discovered--they have been waiting for the opportunity. We must give it to them.
Thanks for following us, Val for ZKO
From the fearful child with CP of yesterday, today giving me a belly laugh because we are blowing and popping bubbles, to the deaf children who are picking up signs almost as quickly as they are being taught, we are overwhelmed by the potential we see. It's going to be a challenge to know exactly how to provide it, but we are confident that we CAN and WILL. It's difficult to put solely into word pictures to communicate what we are experiencing: the joy on their faces, the excitement at excelling in their given tasks. These children want so much to be discovered--they have been waiting for the opportunity. We must give it to them.
As for the rest of the day, we took the Open Arms aunties out to lunch to thank them for their hard work. They wore their uniforms which Vickie and I had just purchased. They expressed thanks and fulfillment they find in their jobs working with the babies. We reiterated the importance of their tasks, how vital their attention and affection is to the babies' well-beings. We expressed the thanks that you have asked us to convey, and they were grateful in return for your recognition of their role.
The afternoon was spent working again with the preschool assessments, and Vickie & I met the challenge head-on of shopping for replacement flooring for the Open Arms room. Until one needs to shop for specific items, the complexities of this task should not be underestimated. :o) This was my maiden voyage, and I'm happy to report that we were successful at the fourth shop we entered. Vickie's advice to me was to remind me of her 2hr. curtain rod-purchasing saga, and to not feel excited until the receipt is in your hand...good to know. Honestly though, it's wonderful to be here. Our translators are making sure we get to see "Real China" this week, as well as have a memorable time.
We returned to the hotel, declining an evening out, and debriefed over hot chocolate, juice, and lattes in the lobby's coffee shop. We are finding the need to try to get the rest we need to meet the next day's challenges. We hope to add some non-work activities to our schedule toward the end of the week. We have heard whispers from our interpreter friend, Ruth, of Saturday pedicures and massages. :o
We returned to the hotel, declining an evening out, and debriefed over hot chocolate, juice, and lattes in the lobby's coffee shop. We are finding the need to try to get the rest we need to meet the next day's challenges. We hope to add some non-work activities to our schedule toward the end of the week. We have heard whispers from our interpreter friend, Ruth, of Saturday pedicures and massages. :o
Thanks for following us, Val for ZKO
Monday, May 16, 2011
Day 2, May 16th
After a good night's rest (for most, and relatively-speaking LOL) we met for breakfast to make some tentative plans for the day. The SWI's driver was waiting for us at the hotel and we loaded up the suitcases of supplies for our week. They are full of testing equipment, toys, games, and snacks. At the SWI, Ms. Yi and Dir. Su welcomed us in the conference room, and introduced us to the guides they had found for us. We have a teacher and two students from Normal University, which means it's a school for teachers as our helpers for this week. Ruth is a teacher of Comprehensive English, and Stefan and Vincent are English Majors. They are wonderful people as well as terrific interpreters.
They asked if we wanted to start our week by visiting the babies---isn't that the VERY best way to start anything? We played, held babies, rocked, and tried to bottle it all up in our memory banks for about two hours. It was absolutely wonderful. Our team's expertise was drawn-upon during that time for various medical issues the staff wanted to address in some of the children, and we are so grateful for all they bring to the team. The babies in OpenArms are doing so well. It was very evident what one-on-one care is bringing to their little lives. The babies know their individual aunties--when one was inconsolable, the auntie gave the child to to her own auntie, and the wailing stopped. These children were giving high fives, dancing, throwing balls, and just having a great time. Their apprehension of us was short-lived as they warmed right up to us. One by one, they drifted off to sleep as it was time for lunch and naps. Our hearts were full from seeing the results of the love of strangers from half a world away. Thank you, thank you, for being a part of this vital program.
Dir. Su and Ms. Yi took us to a lovely lunch to welcome us. It was beautifully presented as always, and the table was full of amazing, delicious food. After lunch, it was time to go back to the orphanage to start on "real" work. We decided that the afternoon would be spent just playing with the preschool candidates to help them warm up to us before the individual assessments begin. To honor the directors' wishes, we have no photos to show of this phase. The children were delightful, and the team members took notes as they played, deciding in which direction to go with this new program. Seeing what they did with stickers, crayons, and paper made our teachers ache to give them art supplies. We will definitely be incorporating art, music, and games. We left with minds whirling, full of questions and ideas and possibilities. We are so anxious to see what we can do with the potential that is evident. Thanks to the generosity of your gifts and trust in ZKO, these children will have the gift of education and enrichment very soon.
In the evening, our interpreters--and new friends, took us to a wonderful little Mongolian restaurant. We had delicious food (again!), and great conversation. We were fading fast once our feet stopped moving, and once we got back to the hotel, we decided to make it another early night and re-group the next morning when we could again think straight. Thanks for following us, and for your kind words and thoughts.
Val, for ZKO
They asked if we wanted to start our week by visiting the babies---isn't that the VERY best way to start anything? We played, held babies, rocked, and tried to bottle it all up in our memory banks for about two hours. It was absolutely wonderful. Our team's expertise was drawn-upon during that time for various medical issues the staff wanted to address in some of the children, and we are so grateful for all they bring to the team. The babies in OpenArms are doing so well. It was very evident what one-on-one care is bringing to their little lives. The babies know their individual aunties--when one was inconsolable, the auntie gave the child to to her own auntie, and the wailing stopped. These children were giving high fives, dancing, throwing balls, and just having a great time. Their apprehension of us was short-lived as they warmed right up to us. One by one, they drifted off to sleep as it was time for lunch and naps. Our hearts were full from seeing the results of the love of strangers from half a world away. Thank you, thank you, for being a part of this vital program.
Dir. Su and Ms. Yi took us to a lovely lunch to welcome us. It was beautifully presented as always, and the table was full of amazing, delicious food. After lunch, it was time to go back to the orphanage to start on "real" work. We decided that the afternoon would be spent just playing with the preschool candidates to help them warm up to us before the individual assessments begin. To honor the directors' wishes, we have no photos to show of this phase. The children were delightful, and the team members took notes as they played, deciding in which direction to go with this new program. Seeing what they did with stickers, crayons, and paper made our teachers ache to give them art supplies. We will definitely be incorporating art, music, and games. We left with minds whirling, full of questions and ideas and possibilities. We are so anxious to see what we can do with the potential that is evident. Thanks to the generosity of your gifts and trust in ZKO, these children will have the gift of education and enrichment very soon.
In the evening, our interpreters--and new friends, took us to a wonderful little Mongolian restaurant. We had delicious food (again!), and great conversation. We were fading fast once our feet stopped moving, and once we got back to the hotel, we decided to make it another early night and re-group the next morning when we could again think straight. Thanks for following us, and for your kind words and thoughts.
Val, for ZKO
Day 1, Sunday am 11am update
Well, we're here safely, and it's wonderful to be back in this beautiful city again. Dir. Su, Ms. Yi, and Elsa were waiting for us at the airport and welcomed us so warmly. They gave us the opportunity to tale the rest of the day to rest, for which we were so grateful. We met as a team to tentatively plan our Monday, and Vickie and I are again amazed at the wonderful people who have joined us to give of their talents. These are some amazing women, and I can't wait to see how many lives are changed because of their generosity. Thanks for following us, and thanks to Mike Mahathy for updating the blog for us!
Val, for ZKO
Val, for ZKO
A welcome oasis, a Starbucks in the Guangzhou airport
The team, from left: Bethany, Patti, Vicki, Brooke, Suzanne, Ellen,
and Val (not shown)
Inside our lovely hotel
The best sight this mama has seen for what seems like a very long time. Thank you Skype.
ZKO to Launch New Program
Zhanjiang Kids Organization is pleased to launch a new program to benefit children living at the social welfare institute. We will be posting more details about this new program in days ahead but to get it started two ZKO board members, Vickie Bennett and Val Martin, and a group of educational and medical professionals have travelled to Zhanjiang to assess children that will benefit from this new program.
Check back each day to follow their journey and to find out more about this emerging program.
Check back each day to follow their journey and to find out more about this emerging program.
Friday, November 27, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
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.
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.
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