Today, we had a big birthday bash for all the kids! Phil, F, and Emily went shopping for supplies yesterday afternoon, and we came armed with wrapped gifts, balloons, streamers, and cake. We had our first "party" with the healthy kids, and it was so great to see them playing with all the donated gifts (while getting pretty hyped up on cake!). We were able to sing to them and get photos of each in their birthday hats. The special needs kids were also glad to have a reason to party. We were able to meet other Americans who study here in China during their weekly visit to the orphanage, who had the kids dressed up with colored paper masks to welcome us. We had quite a rowdy crowd, with plenty of icing smeared all over little faces. One of the best parts of the day was seeing little Yao-Yao, who has shown very little emotion during the week, smiling and giggling. She was also reaching up to people, which is a very good sign. It was encouraging to see our affection making a small difference in the life of little Yao-Yao. It was really hard to leave the special needs ward. There understood that we were leaving for good, and there were so many tears. One of the older girls, Jing-Jing, sobbed and told us (via an interpreter) that she didn't want us to leave. It was an emotionally tiring day.
2 comments:
Jennifer and Phil, thank you so much for sharing the mission trip with us. It is very inspiring.
Please,please tell me more about the Down's girl in the crib!!! We have a 14 yr. old son with Down's and he is such a joy in our lives! My heart leapt to see the picture you had posted. I would love to know where this child is. Not that China would probably ever have her listed on a special needs list....but I love that face! If I could adopt again... I would love to have a special needs child.
Thank you for sharing your photos. It made my day!
Becky mom to 4 wonderful boys and 1 China princess!
www.babygirlbennett.blogspot.com
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