Orphanage visit & more...

Today was quite an experience. Our trip to Zhongshan was so interesting in many ways. First of all, the transportation there & back consisted of taxi's, subway rides, and high speed train. The first taxi was going over 100 mph (it's in kph, but I am sure) on the highway, just weaving in & out. I was totally shocked & then became scared & asked the guide to tell the driver to slow down. We had several subway rides & the high speed train (that was nice). So, the transportation was interesting in itself! We started off by meeting Ms. Zhong and she walked us next door to the school for disabled children, where Braxton attended. The school is right next door to the orphanage. We spent a lot of time visiting Braxton's class & meeting with his teacher. She and the whole class were so happy to see us. She was very inviting & we sat down and chatted through the interpreter. Braxton was by far, the smallest boy in the class. I asked why some of the other boys looked so much older/bigger and the teacher said it's because some are behind, or entered school late, etc. They're not all the same age, but they were all in the 3rd grade. Braxton hugged his teacher & seemed happy to see the kids, although the boys were very rough-type and a few times I saw another boy push or hit Braxton & he smacked right back. The boys were pretty wild, although the girls seemed sweet. I didn't see Braxton sign at all. I had been anxious to see how much sign he knows when with people whose signs are familiar. Nothing. The teacher said he does not sign, that he understands, but does not express himself. He participates in the work, but no signing. I even asked if perhaps he signs during playtime, when not in the classroom setting. Nope. She's been his teacher since he started school there at age 7 and nothing. I am very perplexed by this because he is EAGER to copy our signs and is leaning ASL already. It seems like he craves our communication. It's like he's been waiting all his life for us to come and for him to begin everything new. He already trusts us. He reciprocates affection & laughs and smiles constantly. Maybe he was bullied all the time? Maybe it's because no one in the orphanage could sign with him. This is a mystery to me. The teacher said that when he first started school at age 7, for at least 1 month, he was totally shut down - no participation. We then went next door & visited the orphanage. I checked on 4 little ones that are waiting there for their families to come. It is heart-breaking to see so many babies and children that are without the love of a mom & dad. I wanted to scoop up those babies and love on them. We arrived during naptime. Even the bigger kids take a 2 hour nap after lunch. When it was time to leave the orphanage, Braxton waved goodbye with a smile, and never looked back. He hasn't cried once with us - I see no grieving at all. The only wimper was when they gave him his TB shot (he's negative by the way). He's playful, smiley, funny & communicates very well with us. His laugh is so funny, kind of like an inhaling laugh that babies do sometimes. He likes to clean up the hotel room & likes to be the one to open & close the room safe & he even cleans dishes & cups we use in the hotel. He brings me the cleaned items & shows me with a big smile on his face :) I have no doubt in my heart that this little boy is my son. God's plan is exactly right. I have to admit there were times in the last 10 months that my faith collided with my fear. All I can say is that Faith conquers fear. That's God's promise. Captions are a little messed up - will have to fix later! High speed train ride Crazy taxi! School for disabled children Visiting Braxton's class Wash up area in cafeteria Cafeteria Braxton's class Walking up to orphanage So excited to hand out candy to friends To baby room to check on 4 sweet ones waiting for their families So many many children I just want to pick them up & cuddle them! Now off to see the bigger kids Braxton handed out candy to all the kids Braxton's bed Last time to climb down from that bed His best friend (he's getting adopted!) Buddies Me and Ms. Zhong (one of the directors) Braxton's finding spot..where he was found before entering orphanage Excited to get back on the train & leave Back at hotel & walking down to McDonald's for dinner Happy boys!

Safari today was great :)

Today we went to the Safari. This was a wonderful experience. We all really enjoyed it! Mike, you would have LOVED the tigers!!!! (I know how you like tigers) The animals all looked well taken care of and it's the best zoo experience I've ever had. The plate of food you see Ben & Braxton holding is raw meat that they threw to the tigers. Tomorrow morning we're leaving to go to Braxton's orphanage, then go visit his school, then his finding place, and finally to have his TB test checked on the way back to the hotel. Full day! Braxton's transition has been extremely smooth so far. He's so cute, giggly & affectionate. Here are several pics from today - we actually took a few hundred photos, here are many of our favorites...