Did and Didn't

Yesterday, we did visit the orphanage.  We did hand then over a huge chunk-of-change.  It was the least we could do since they made sure he was in a family that took such good care of our boy for over two years.  Even if it was mandatory.  My only hope is that all that money goes to make it better for those that have been left behind.  If only we could bring many more home. 

We were also fortunate enough to meet all his teachers!  As I suspected, he must have lived very near to the Children's Welfare Center and he went to preschool there everyday.  Everyone, from the guard at the gate to the director knew him!

As soon as we walked up to the Center, Asher wanted to know why we were back here.  He did not understand and even though he has asked for his Chinese Mama and Baba, he didn't seem particularly happy to be back at the Center.  He did look for them though.  He kept asking everyone where they were.  They were not there though. 

We started the tour in the preschool area on the second floor.  I do not know what was on the first floor.  I saw down a hallway but the only people I saw were adult women.  They were dressed similar to nurses.  On the second floor we got to see his classroom.  This is the same room that his update pictures were taken in.  I can see that now.  Then all his teachers came in and posed for a picture with him.  They seemed very happy for him.

The preschool area is decorated very nicely and very child friendly.  All the rooms are cute and the halls too.  We also saw the very nice cafeteria and then several playgrounds.  The center is much nicer than the surrounding area. 

We saw the director and he said good bye to Asher.  Everyone said goodbye, but few seemed to really care that he was going and not returning.  Not like his foster family, that really seemed to care.  Actually the guard at the gate seemed more concerned than anyone at the center.  He picked him up and talked to him for a while, gave him a kiss on the cheek.  I guess they get used to the kids coming and going. 

What we didn't see?  Children.  We saw three other children the whole time we were there.  We didn't even hear children.  It was very quiet.  We were told we could not go up to the third floor because there were children under 3 up there, though I didn't hear them.  We saw 2 children that appeared to be about Asher's age in the preschool area just sitting in chairs.  They were happy to see him, but did not get up from their chairs until an adult told them to go tell Asher goodbye.  They walked over and then went back to the chairs.  When we were walking around the outside looking at playgrounds I looked in a window and  saw a girl about 3 years old standing in a crib.  That was it. Where are all the kids?  Maybe in their foster homes.  Maybe on the third floor?  I don't know.  I was hoping to see a few familiar faces.  I know several families waiting to come get their children from here and I was on the look out for their children.  But, no use.  They were not here....at least not anywhere that we were allowed to go. 

I just know this little boy will not be here any more. 

And to celebrate.....we went to McDonald's for an ice cream!  I know! We are livin' on the edge here in China!  The good news is that Asher didn't seem to mind leaving.  He quit looking for his Mama and Baba and came with us without any tears.  Even seemed to be ready to go.

With his new Mama and Baba.  American Mama and American Baba, as he calls us.