The nannies and Ms. Tang (the orphanage director) were so happy to see all the babies again. It must be hard for them to get to know these little ones for a whole year or more and then all of a sudden 10 of them are gone. It was neat to see the excitement and even Samara seemed excited to see them – especially when they spoke Chinese to her. We got to see the area where Samara played with the other babies and then we even got to see where she slept. Samara’s name was still on her crib (#18) and Ms. Tang let us take it home as a special keepsake. It was cool to see that her crib neighbour was Zoe – another little girl from our travel group who will only live about 15 minutes away from us in Canada. It was neat to see how it was all set up – so many cribs in one room! We weren’t too sure about putting Samara back in her crib but I thought if she cried, I’d pick her right back up again. Well the exact opposite happened – she was grinning from ear to ear and seemed so happy to be there again. But then after a few minutes, she was more than happy to come back to mommy’s arms again (phew!) The same thing when one of the nannies was holding her and making her laugh – she went back to Daddy’s arms no problem (phew again!)
We already knew Samara came from an amazing orphanage but it was such an awesome experience to see it with our own eyes. It’s nice to have pictures too so we can show Samara when she gets older. Ms. Tang is an amazing woman and you can just tell she loves her job. We’re so thankful to her and the nannies for taking such good care of Samara for so long.
After we boarded the bus again, we were off to find each baby’s finding spot. There are ten families in our travel group and it took all afternoon to go to each one. It was a long day on the bus but all the babies were so good. It was very emotional to see the exact spot where Samara’s birth mother left her. She obviously for some reason couldn’t take care of Samara and we are so grateful that she had the courage to do what she did. How hard to take your newborn baby to a specific location and know that you’ll never see her again. Wow – we can’t even comprehend it. She did leave a note with Samara stating her birth date and the time she was born and we were able to get a copy of it. Here’s a picture of where Samara was found.
In a few short hours, we bid good bye to Guangzhou and we're off to Beijing. Hopefully the flight goes well - it's only three hours and I think take off is around 7:00 pm. So Samara should sleep the whole time! Perhaps that's wishful thinking but we can always hope. We'll try to update when we arrive in Beijing.
16 comments:
This is such a beautiful blog!
I am absolutely sobbing here, what a beautiful post, and how amazing for Samara to come full circle in such a short time (with a mom and dad going back to where she was found).
I think taking the time to see the orphanage, interact with the nannies and see where she was found is so crucial. You will be able to answer all those questions she may have.
I am so very happy for you all...
What a special day that was.
Safe trip to Beijing.
Keep smilin!
We just read Karen's well written stories of the last couple of days. The pics are also really nice. Good to see sis Corrie's picture, she is really there and looks very proud and happy. All the prep work is paying off so it seems. The stories are also educational (re attachment) and you can alsmost "touch" the feelings and emotions. We hope you arrived safely in Beijing. So good for you to see the areas where Samara is born and spent her first 11 months of her life. Have a good few days left and happy travels home.
Love, A.& JK
Congratulations from a Nanhai family!!
Shannon
Wow! What an emotional day but what a blessing to be able to visit Samara's orphanage and finding spot. I'm already praying that I will have the opportunity to visit Hannah's orphanage with her.
It's wonderful to hear how well Samara did! I've heard it's a really good thing to take them back if you're able to as it helps the babies adjust when they see that the nannies that they love and trust are happy that they are with you and that the nannies hand them over to you. It helps their little bodies comprehend that you are the people they are to be with.
So very happy with you. Thank you for sharing your story and pictures with us.
You've probably just arrived in Beijing. Continuing to pray for you as you enjoy this week in Beijing and then prepare to travel home.
Blessings.
Hi guys,
We have been reading your posts with baited breath each day. I am re-living our experience. Samara is just so beautiful and so peaceful in your presence. That is such a great start. I hope some of my travel advice has come in handy! You are getting closer to your 'real' life beginning with your loved ones at home. Soak in every aspect you can while you are there. You will always wish you captured more. It will be so important later. May you find your way home in health.
You must be so thankful you were given the opportunity to visit Samara's first home and meet the people who loved and cared for her. I hope that I too will have this opportunity when I go to pick up my daughter....not many have been able to visit the orphanage she is from...I am praying that this will change by the time I get there
Liz
I'm sure that's a day that you will vividly remember forever! It's so good to hear yet another parent say what a good place the Nanhai orphanage is. The pictures are precious!
On a selfish note, were you able to get Ella's package to her? Let me know.
Thanks,
Tracy
What a day! I am glad all went well with the Orphanage visit and how very EXCITING that you have a note for Samara when she gets older.
Safe trip to Beijing!
Hi, Mike & Karen & Karen's Mom :)
It struck me today -- while reflecting on your trip to the orphanage and where Samara was left on the side of the road -- just how gracious our God is. This whole time He has been preparing you all for this journey, perhaps even before either of you knew there would ever be a journey. At the same time He was with Samara's birth mom, guiding her in her decisions, knowing that He had a plan for this little girl's life and He was going to see to it that it was fulfilled. Nothing happens by accident -- I know you know that already. And God is going to continue to fulfill all His wonderful plans and promises for your family. What a joy it is to be on the outside looking in on all this. God is so good!
cgm&e
I am crying once again but in a good way. You are doing such a great job for Samara and yourselves. And I love that even when you are a little anxious you are open because you recognize how important all these pieces are to your youngest child and your whole family. What an amazing birth story and what a fabulous cast of characters Samara has to reflect upon from one side of the world to the other.
Christy
Here's praying for a safe trip. Love Marisa, Mendelt and the kids
Thanks for the pictures of Grandma and Samara (and you too of course). Of course it makes great sense that you are holding her and becoming the main people in her life. How awesome to see where Samara has spent the first few months of her life and how awesome to take this little person with you to Canada, now setting out on the first leg of her journey to her new Canadian home. Margaret E.
What an emotional day! So special!
A very beautiful post and I am so glad that you were able to see all of these special spots to give Samara a sense of her history when she asks. I imagine it isn't easy to take them back, but I think it will serve you and your daughter well in the long run.
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