Thursday, July 5th - Trip to Orphanage

Today, we were fortunate to take a trip to her orphanage and her "finding spot".  We traveled 2 hours into the country to Yugan County via a small bus/minivan.  The Guzman family traveled with us too as their daughter was also from the same orphange.  We were also accompanied by Mary and the two Chinese students, who have been with us since we arrived in Nanchang.  The highways are very nice and remind us of the US.  The trip was very pretty, driving through much farmland devoted to rice. 

We were very fortunate that the orphanage allowed us to visit.  We had seen pictures of it because they gave us a small photo album on Gotcha Day when they brought Elise.  When looking at the pictures, it looked like it is in a remote location, but actually, it is in the city, between many buildings.  The orphanage director and assist director allowed us to take video and lots of pictures, asking us to use only for our personal use and not to post on YouTube.  We feel very lucky to have these to show Elise when she is older. 

When we arrived, we were shown to the orphanage directors office.  She and her staff invited us to sit down and treated us to watermelon slices and water.  After visiting for a while, we were taken to Elise's former room to see her caretaker.  It was very emotional for her caretaker to see Elise and take pictures with her.  Since Elise left, another baby has taken her spot.  Her caretaker cares for 5 babies.  There were 5 cribs and multiple potty chairs. All babies were in split pants.  Two babies were asleep in their cribs.  One baby was awake lying in a wicker "cradle".  Two babies were sitting in the potty chairs - one was asleep and one awake.  No one was crying.  The caretaker lives in the room with them.  Her bed and furniture are on the opposite side of the room.   (Her mother, about 80 years old, was also there and evidently helps out a bit.)  We were told that shoes are not typically worn in the room, helping to keep it more clean for the babies.  While it was very hot with no AC, there was a slight breeze in the room.  Her caretaker was amazing.  I can't imagine how difficult it is to take care of 5 babies as she does, especially with the resources she has at her disposal.  We were told that Elise has been under the care of this woman since she was found.  When we left the room, we were all overcome with emotion.  It is clear she loved Elise and was sad to see her go. 

Holding Elise is her caretaker.

This is Elise's finding spot.  It is Yugan County's Women's and Children's Health Services department.  She was found at this gate on the day of her birth.

Before we left Yugan County, we were also fortunate to  have a meal with the Assistant Director of the orphanage.  It was an authentic chinese restaurant, SURPRISE!  (Brett likes the lazy susan in the middle of the table.)  During this meal, we had a bit of a scare.  I was told to give Elise some steamed eggs as all Chinese children love them.  I fed her some that she seemed to enjoy.  Within a few minutes, I noticed a rash on her face.  Seemed to spread to her neck, back, etc.  I was very concerned.  We took lots of pictures to show the pediatrician when we return to the US.  I watcher her very carefully to make sure we didn't need to go to the hospital.  Looks like she has an allergy of some kind.  I tried to determine the exact ingredients...but will have to try again.  So for right now, no eggs of any kind...and whatever else they put in steamed eggs.  I don't want her to have another reaction.

We made it back to the hotel.  Regan & I aqua jogged in the pool while Brett played.  Derek held Elise the entire time in the pool where she loved to splash the water.

We had another great night.  She slept through for 10 hours without waking up - 3rd night in a row.