Zhengzhou City CWI

Today was a beautiful and heartbreaking day. Today, we hired a driver, and with our guide, drove beyond the city, to visit Lily's orphanage. It was about a 45 minute drive. It was the first sunny day since our arrival in China. The city streets were very busy.

Before long, we were leaving the city behind.

 We traveled down a bumpy road. Our driver was good. We soon saw this sign that hangs just outside the orphanage gates.

This is the official at her orhpanage gate. He smiled as we approached.

 Here is the room that Lily lived in. I had seen photos of it, but to actually be standing there, with her her my arms, was very emotional for me. The walls are nicely painted with murals and the sunlight was pouring in the windows. The nannies were happy to see Fan Fan. They made quite a fuss over our little girl. It was clear that she was very much loved.

Lily handled being there very well. She did not cry, but she was a little reserved. A few of the nannies wanted to hold her. She went to them, but after a few seconds, she reached for me and climbed back into my waiting arms. We got to see where the babies were bathed and where the bottles and meals were prepared. It is clear that the nannies care very much for the children.

We got down on the floor, and played where Lilyplayed, with toys she had played with. We played with and held some of the babies, who are currently waiting for their mommies and daddies to travel to China. We patted and gave love to the little ones tucked into their cribs.

 Here is a photo of an orphanage building. The grounds are very well maintained. Because it was a nice day, some of the older children were out playing in the courtyard. They wanted to see our camera, so we took their photos, and showed them their images.

Today, Lily came to say good-bye

Today, Lily left the orphanage for the last time.

Today, Lily went home with her family.

 This was an amazing day, something we will never forget, and we are so thankful that we had the opportunity to see where Lily spent the first year of her life. We took many photos that we can one day share with her. We saw so many beautiful things.....the precious children and the nannies who love them.

One the way back to the city, we were able to drive to Lily's finding spot. Mike, Lily and I got out and stood together. We took photographs because we needed to. This is a part of Lily's story. In so many ways, it broke my heart. In so many ways, it filled my heart with love.

Tonight, we are back in our room, thanking God for the blessing that is Lily Fan. She is so special. So loved. So cherished. So beautiful. And she is ours. Forever.