The visit went so well!
The countryside was amazing. Red earth. Water Buffalo. Rice Paddies. Hillside Family Tombs.
We went straight to the orphanage which is now only used as offices. The foster Grandmother met us in the parking lot. She so badly just wanted to touch him. Her eyes were aboslutely saoking in every inch of him. He curled into me and his little legs clung to my trunk under the carrier I had him in.
The two staff ladies ushered us upstairs to the director’s office for tea and a short visit. We began sharing information back and forth through our guide.
She had given us 3 photos of him as an 8 and 12 month old. Bathing, feeding, holding him. Treasures! He was so delighted to see them. He kept kissing them and saying, “Beibei Xiao Ba!”.
We gave her a sheet of photos (our family, his referral photo – which we hear he was betweenb 5 and 6 months old in, and an update we received). We also gave the grandfather a gift.
Then we were invited to their home which was a short distance away. We were served snacks, tea and allowed to take photos around their home.
The child they described was absolutely our Samuel. LOVES peanuts, splashing in the bath tub, motor vehicles, very affectionate. The grandfather rides a motorcycle and Samuel always knew when he was on his way home and Samuel could tell it was him! They chuckled at how he splash es gets us soaked during bathtime. They shed some discreet tears. It was absolutely beautiful.
Then we were taken a short ways by foot to see some friends and they were delighted to see his growth and strength! We enjoyed our time threre. Samuel began warming up a bit, but Stephen held him out of the carrier.
ggngngnngggg (Samuel’s blogging help) We then took everyone out for lunch (15 people fr $50 and a tonne left over). Samuel gets car sick and after 2.5 hr drive, snacks, stress, heat as we had him bundled Chinese style out of courtesy, and then a bit of spicy food that required lots of rice and water to douse, he promptly threw up what seemed to be 1/2 a litre. Poor baby. He was so ashamed. You could see it. We snuggled him and reassured him. We took him to the wash basin and cleaned him up. He began to feel better and really started to perk up. We then said our thanks, again and he stayed in my arms, but gave hugs and kisses to his foster grandparents. We were able to share some of the care and possible prosthetics we hope to get him in Canada. We were worried about making it seem as though we thought their care was not good enough, but they seemed happy to hear about it all. We then all got back on the bus and stopped at the finding spot. Photos and then I set Samuel down on the ground. I wanted him to show them how he could move, but I wasn’t sure what he would do. He bolted for the bus. Much shouts of joy and laughter. I was so glad. He was giggling a bit. I was a good moment to end on. Many kisses were blown and they gathered around the bus door as we drove away. What an incredible day. We all slept well last night! And the best part? Samuel clung to us, came to us, we could comfort him when he was sick, we took tonnes of photos and we saw and shared so much of what he was and still is. God is good.
Sounds like an amazing day! Glad to hear he is doing so well! enjoy your time!
It sounds like a beautiful day to tuck into your memory banks and share with Samuel over and over as he grows up. God IS good.
Sounds like a beautiful day – answered prayers! I read over every post again and again – enjoying each and every one. HE is so faithful and I cannot put in to adaquate words how blessed I feel to be able to journey with you through the blog. 🙂
Reading about your adventures and travels is the best part of my evening! I am so glad you were able to meet the foster grandparents, what an experience to be able to share together with your whole family.
You have me in tears. Your writing describes him so well and I can see his actions in my mind as I read. Thank you for sharing. Thank you SO much. He will treasure the pictures you have taken so much when he grows older. You guys are so amazingly good for him. Thank you for being Xiao Ba’er’s forever family.
What a blessing the day was! Tears in my eyes as I envisioned the kisses blown as you parted ways. so glad that it was a positive experience for all!
What a gift God gave you in this visit! Praise the Lord. He works out the details in our lives and even gives us extra.
Answered prayers! Thrilled to read this!
Oh Shelley ~ what an amazing day and such a wonderful gift for EVERYONE involved. God is SO good! I am so glad you were able to experience this day with and for your sweet boy, he will surely treasure all the photos and the heart of his momma when he is old enough to appreciate all of this. It sounds to me like he soaked in quite a bit already though… such a brave and amazing little man. LOVE him!! It’s more and more clear all the time that your family was meant for Samuel. God’s fingerprints are ALL OVER his story with you!
Love and Hugs,
~ Tanya