Orphanage Visit

Mollie in the hallway of the orphanage.

Outside the orphanage. The characters on the rock mean "heartfelt love".
Saying goodbye.

Mollie with the Ms. Jiao and her little friend, Annalise, who will soon meet her family.

We woke up this morning around 6 and had breakfast in the hotel again. The breakfast is pretty good and we really aren't getting tired of it yet. We met Michael and the Roeske's in the lobby at 9:00 to visit the orphanage today. It wasn't too far from our hotel, maybe 15 or 20 minutes. As we came to the gate of the orphanage I began to get anxious, wondering if we were doing the right thing by bringing Mollie back here. The director, Ms. Jiao, met us right outside the doors. Once inside the building, we took the elevator to the 5th floor to her office. We first explained to her that we wanted to meet with some of the children who had families waiting back home for them. They allowed us to and we were able to get pictures of their little ones. I remember how important this was for us when we were waiting. It was realy special to meet them after seeing them only in pictures for the last several months.

We later asked to see Mollie's bed and the room she slept in. They suggested that I put her in her bed and take a picture. But I had a feeling she would cry and she did. I of course picked her up right away. She smiled at all the nannys and allowed most of them to hold her. I didn't let her out of my sight and took her back from their arms after a couple of minutes. It was quite obvious that they all loved her and that Mollie felt close to them. Her favorite nanny was the director, Ms. Jiao. It was easy to see. She would always go to her but always came back to me. We met again in her office and was able to ask questions. We were also given a dvd with all the pictures they had of Mollie since she had been there. She then gave me a little pink hat that she had on when she was found. It brought tears to my eyes.

The orphanage was very clean and decorated very brightly. They were on a strict schedule with the children. It was soon time for us to leave. We passed the playroom where Mollie played during the day there. She recognized it and so we let her play there one last time. Ms. Jiao walked us out of the building where we first came in and we took a few more pictures with her. Mollie told her goodbye with hugs and kisses and we left. She never cried.

I am glad that we decided to take Mollie back with us for the visit. I don't know how much, if any, that she will remember. But we have good memories and pictures to share with her when she gets older and when she has questions. We've prayed for her for the last 9 months. God put her in just the right place, where she would be loved and would get everything that she needed while she waited for us. We couldn't be there for her, but He was. Grace prayed everyday that Mollie would have enough food to eat and milk to drink. We can tell that she did. (She has chunky little thighs!) :-)

~ For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, Psalm 91:11

Andrew, Emily, Nathan & Grace ~ We love you all! Only 8 more days!

Thanks again to everyone who is helping out with the kids. Thanks too for all your prayers! We love you all!

David, Barb & Mollie