Our trip to China was short in time, but great in meaning. After 24 hours of travel, Kara and I finally arrived in Chongqing (near the middle of China) where we stayed our first night. The next morning we drove to the orphanage in Fuling. It was here, on this day that Kara was able to meet, for the first time, he
r new baby girl. The following days were filled with hours for Kara to hold, play with, and love on her child, Maylin (her Chinese name is Fu Bao Ping). Once we got to Fuling we learned that Maylin was actually living with a foster family. This is a great thing because she is getting very good care and extra attention. It is also helping her learn how to bond and develop relationally, which however, means that she was sad at the beginning of each day when her foster mom would drop her off at the orphanage. So, each day we would get up and make the short walk to the orphanage from our hotel, being stared at the whole way (and one time our shoes/Keens getting laughed at). We were in an area with no white people and no English, but we very conveniently we had a guide/translator with us. Once at the orphanage we would wait for Maylin to come, as well as spend time playing with the other babies. Oh my goodness they were adorable and absolutely loved all this attention, especially the simple act of physical touch. The orphanage was pretty nice and clean, and there was a fair amount of nannies there looking after the kids, all of which was very good to see. And yes, being there it makes you want to take all of those beautiful babies home with you. During our time in China we were also able to experience terrifying taxi rides and excellent food. After our days at the orphanage were up, we said a tearful goodbye to Maylin, said a prayer for Kara to return soon to bring Maylin home, and then packed up for our long trip home. I am so excited for the Henning family as they open up their home and have made the decision to share their love with this little girl. I am also honored to be a small part in supporting them and their adoption. Again, a week in China is just so short, but holding the beautiful new member of a wonderful family in your arms is beyond all measure of time.
r new baby girl. The following days were filled with hours for Kara to hold, play with, and love on her child, Maylin (her Chinese name is Fu Bao Ping). Once we got to Fuling we learned that Maylin was actually living with a foster family. This is a great thing because she is getting very good care and extra attention. It is also helping her learn how to bond and develop relationally, which however, means that she was sad at the beginning of each day when her foster mom would drop her off at the orphanage. So, each day we would get up and make the short walk to the orphanage from our hotel, being stared at the whole way (and one time our shoes/Keens getting laughed at). We were in an area with no white people and no English, but we very conveniently we had a guide/translator with us. Once at the orphanage we would wait for Maylin to come, as well as spend time playing with the other babies. Oh my goodness they were adorable and absolutely loved all this attention, especially the simple act of physical touch. The orphanage was pretty nice and clean, and there was a fair amount of nannies there looking after the kids, all of which was very good to see. And yes, being there it makes you want to take all of those beautiful babies home with you. During our time in China we were also able to experience terrifying taxi rides and excellent food. After our days at the orphanage were up, we said a tearful goodbye to Maylin, said a prayer for Kara to return soon to bring Maylin home, and then packed up for our long trip home. I am so excited for the Henning family as they open up their home and have made the decision to share their love with this little girl. I am also honored to be a small part in supporting them and their adoption. Again, a week in China is just so short, but holding the beautiful new member of a wonderful family in your arms is beyond all measure of time.
Here is Kara's blog site with lots more information and pictures: http://web.mac.com/ghenning/iWeb/Maylin/Welcome.html
