Visiting The Orphanage

Yesterday afternoon we took a 50 minute van ride to the Zhengzhou Children's Welfare Institute.  This is where Noah has lived for almost his entire life.  We felt it was very important to visit and see with our own eyes.  Although it was an emotional day for all of us-it was absolutely the best decision.

Noah clung tightly to us even after our guide explained we were there to visit not return him (this is commonly what children think).  A man met us at the front door and gave us a long tour.  I believe his name is Yan Bo.  He was proud of all the facilities and it was clear we were being shown their best.  We barely saw any children and when we asked where they were, we were told it was a holiday.  That didn't seem like the truth to me.

This is the outside of the Bethel apartment where Noah lived from July 2013 until Monday morning.

It was nice and warm inside.  The nannies were friendly and clearly loved him.  Many were in tears.  We got to see a few of the children with visual impairments and most importantly Noah's friend, Jian Shan.  He was happy and excited to see Noah (Jian Ang to him).  Noah did not want to get down from my arms.  We did not force the issue and left the apartment when he got upset.  We did have the opportunity to ask about Jian Shan's file (4 times actually) and are hopeful that because we were persistent the staff will complete it and I can continue to advocate for him successfully.

We also visited the New Hope unit.  Noah spent 3 months there in 2011.  They called him Angelo.  This room is sponsored by Show Hope.  We were lucky enough to carry 5 bags of donations and a gift for the head nurse.  She was glowing.  The pictures all came out very dark because we are not using a flash.

Then we visited the Lily Orphan Care Center.  Noah lived in this room for quite some time although the records are spotty.  It is here we believe he was at the same time as our friends' daughter, Mae.  We cherish that connection.  I did not take pictures of the children in this room.  They are all very young and many were sleeping.  I believe this room is sponsored by CCAI.  At one point Noah's file was with that large adoption agency.  The nannies here were excited to see Noah and his picture is on their wall of fame.

Then we toured more empty rooms and finally went into the main office.  Here we were given a hat that was supposedly on Noah when he was found.  It is very colorful and ornate.  It has a name that means something like tiger hat.  The man told us it was a traditional hat that Chinese people that pick apples might own.  Such an amazing piece of our son's past.  (I will upload a picture of it later)

I think if you are an orphan and have to live in an orphanage this is a good one.  I hate the thought that any child is an orphan or has to live without a family and a home of their own.  It is such a blessing to us that we saw Noah's picture and God led the way throughout the adoption.  We haven't done anything that anyone else isn't capable of.  The road was long but the reward was worth it.