Today began with breakfast followed by a trip to view what is very obviously becoming a huge tourist destination on the Yangtze River here in Fuling. I was literally blown away by the massive construction of high-rise buildings for miles on the Yangtze. We went up to two separate observation decks and tried our best to take in the sight of the Yangtze despite a thick blanket of fog and haze.
Director Yang & Livie
One of the high-rise buildings under construction...good luck getting those palms trees to grow here in Fuling!
Charlene & Rachael at lunch
Pulling up to our hotel, the Tai Ji Hotel
Room 1712
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On to the Old Fuling SWI
Walking down the narrow street to the Old SWI
Courtyard
Livie standing outside the doors to the Conference Room. This is the room in which Livie finally became our daughter back in June of 2005!
Baby Playroom
Old cribs and linens in one of the baby rooms
The Baby Room where Livie spent the first 5 months of her life before going to Foster Care
Kitchen
The Old SWI is now empty and is thus, quite depressing and a bit scary to poor Livie who at this point has had enough. It is difficult to imagine this as a bustling place filled with sweet babies now that all of the babies and staff are at the new facility.
Aimee
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And then it is on to the NEW Fuling SWI!
And then it is on to the NEW Fuling SWI!
Babies (clearly SN's)
This is the CUTEST little one who wouldn't stop smiling! Kim was in LOVE!
Our group lovin' up on the little ones!
Only 9 Days Old
Only 10 Days Old
No, Kim...you can not bring her home!
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I then found a periodical room filled with albums and photos sent to the SWI by adopting families:
The album I sent of Livie!
Bryleigh from our travel group!
Livie's page in the "Then and Now" album
Delaney from our travel group in the "Then and Now" album!
Learning to make dumplings
What a day it was...filled with an emotional walk down memory lane, and the vision for the children who will continue to pass through the gates of the Fuling SWI in the years to come.
Mary
12 comments:
MARY!!!!!! Oh my gosh!!! I came over to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and you are in China???!!!!
I'm off to read all about it!!!
Oh...Happy Thanksgiving! We are thankful for the ways that you have blessed us this year!!!
Love,
Robin
I am so impressed with the way that the orphanage has preserved the photo albums!!! I am just so happy that you and Livie are able to experience this trip together!!!
Off to read more.... heehee
Mary,
I love following the blog and your adventure. I truly hope that I have the opportunity to take a similar trip with our little girl one day.
Have fun!
I have read through both posts from today and am in awe of the adventures you are having. Wow!
The zoo, the Civil Affairs office, the orphanage. I don't even know where to begin.
So, I will just say that I am so happy you are getting to experience China again---especially through Livie's eyes. This is something she will never forget.
I look forward to more posts.
And, Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!
Reading your posts brings chills to my spine. What a fantastic opportunity for you to go back with Livie to see the orphanage where she was from and to now see the new one. I can't believe all the photo books that are displayed. Livie was very fortunate to come from such a caring/loving place before she came home to her "Forever Family".
Oh Mary; it is almost too much to conceive of. The feelings that must have been running through your's and Livie's heads and bodies...whew! This is such an amazing opportunity for your family in that Livie has this huge stepping stone in her ability to conceive of her start in life and the reasons behind how she became part of your amazing family.
We are sending our love to you all across the miles and wish you a happy and joyful Thanksgiving. You have so much to be thankful for as do we.
Love
Lori and Co.
Mary,
Your posts are amazing. You know me. I'm sitting here crying that you & Livvie have been given this amazing opportunity to go back to China. And how marvelous that Kim & Aimee have joined you.
It is wonderful that the staff has taken the time to preserve all of the photos & albums of children they have sent off to loving forever families.
I got goose bumps! What a wonderful journey for Livie, I am so glad she is old enough to take it all in.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
The only word I can think of is WOW! It's so overwhelming to see the old SWI. Oh and how cute is Livie!?! I hope every day is full of fun times and new memories. Safe travels, the Bufords
Happy Thanksgiving-Have a great time!
Wow. I'm speechless. I bet Thanksgiving is all the more poignant for you all this year. good luck and safe travels.
Carol and Taylor
I have been so enjoying your pictures and comments. You caught my family in a picture or two which was great for me! Thank you for doing this and Happy Thanksgiving.
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