Thursday, November 01, 2007

Ophanage Visit

Lily was feeling better on Thursday morning, so we were able to visit the orphanage. We met Coco, the director of the orphanage, and we received beautiful presents. We also delivered the pajamas sent by our adoption agency. From being at the orphanage, we understand better why the babies are so bundled up, the windows were opened and it was a bit chilly and drafty.

When we first arrived, there were women hanging out the window calling "Jiang Jiang! Jiang Jiang!". All through our visit, all the workers there seemed to know Jiang Jiang, and she seems to have been very popular. Chris, our travel mate, said it was like being with a rock star. We also met one of her favorite, people, a "grandma" from Half The Sky Foundation, who was her primary care giver for quite some time up to two months ago. Even though she is not working there anymore, she made a special visit so she could meet us and see Jiang Jiang again. As soon as we saw her grandma, Jiang Jiang smiled and reach out for her, and her grandma picked her up and carried her for most of our visit.

After the visit to the orphanage, we asked Sandra to take us to the park where Jiang Jiang was found in October of 2005. The park is called Wu Chao Men Park and it sits on the ruins of the Ming Imperial Palace and the Gate of Heavenly Worship. It was a beautiful park and wonderful to get a chance to see where Lily's Mom left her daughter with a note asking for someone to adopt and take care of her little girl.

Jiang Jiang's Grandma at the Orphanage

Sandra, Chris, Abby, and Lisa receiving orphanage gifts

Jiang Jiang with her favorite Grandma

Grandma and family at the orphanage

Grandma, Jiang Jiang, and Mom

Deirdre and Sandra, our guide in Nanjing

At the park where Jiang Jiang was found

Cute Girl!

3 comments:

Amy said...

I am so happy for you! The pictures are so sweet and Lily is a beautiful little girl. She looks so happy with the two of you and she couldn't have gotten better parents! Congratulations!
Have a safe trip home!
Amy

Reinier Perquin said...

Hi Deirdre and Doug,

Congratulations with your daughter Lily. Lily is just gorgeous!! I am very happy for both of you. Her name remembers me to a soundtrack of a Dutch movie (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lily_Was_Here). I agree with the previous message. She couldn't have gotten better parents. Me and my wife hope to see you all together once in the Netherlands or in Arizona.

Cheers,
Reinier & Marlene, Sander, and Marielle Perquin

jasminesoup said...

more pictures! more pictures! she's so cute!