Let the Little Children Come to Me

Today was an absolutely amazing day! We started out with sadness over Charlie leaving. Luckily, Timothy slept in, so he missed Daddy's departure. He was fine with just Mommy all day. After breakfast, we headed out on the bus to the orphanage that Timothy and Noah were in. It was about 40 minutes away, in what Steve called the suburbs. We would call it poor The road was part cement, part dirt and was under construction most of the way. It had rained early in the morning with loud claps of thunder, so the road was really muddy. When we got to the orphanage, Timothy announced in no uncertain terms that there was no way he was going in that building. He clung to me and cried pitifully. So, I sent my camera in with Nate and Timothy and I walked around outside and hung out in the bus. The others stayed inside for a little over 30 minutes. We did get some nice pictures and a great one of Timothy and I with his nanny. We found out that Timothy and Noah had beds beside each other in the orphanage. On the way back, we wanted to take pictures of the provincial school for orphans. The bus had already passed it, but the driver graciously turned around and took us back. We got out to take pictures of the gate and surroundings. There were kids who appeared to be having free time. Many of the kids came up to the gate to say "hello". They were so sweet! Their ages ranged from around 6 to 16. Steve began to talk to them and asked if visitors were allowed in. The oldest boy in the group went to get the headmaster. A few minutes later the headmaster's assistant came out. After Steve explained who we were and that we were not spies, we were graciously invited inside. We first went into the girls' dormitory. There were clothes drying on a line in the hallway. Each room was spotless and well maintained. They each had 8 sets of bunkbeds and the girls were so proud to show us where they lived. There were posters on the walls and decorations hanging from the ceiling. In the first room, there was a poster of Jackie Chan. We had been teasing Steve all week that he looked just like Jackie Chan. To our amazement, we were told that Jackie Chan had been there to visit last year and in fact, his agents were in the headmaster's office at that very moment! He evidently wanted to make a large donation to the school. The school houses and educates about 600 students. They are in the midst of building a completely new facility for 3000 students. We were taken to the headmaster's office where there was a museum of sorts. Several girls were present and with great poise presented the history of the school. All throughout the tour, we felt so blessed to have the opportunity to meet these wonderful children. It was very emotional for all of us. We left after having been given three books each about the school and promising to let the world know of these amazing kids. So I wonder if Charlie will let me come back for an older kid??? Just kidding!
We will check out very early tomorrow morning and fly down to Guangzhou. I will try to post tomorrow evening.

Once again, the pictures are not loading. I will put them in a separate post.