Today…
We witnessed sadness (in those children left behind)
We witnessed redemption (in our blessings)
We witnessed organizations making the most of a difficult
situation (Sunshine Academy)
We visited Kristyn’s orphanage – The place she called home
for the last 6 years of her life.
We got up this morning before 6 am and headed down to
breakfast at 6:30. We needed to make
sure everyone was ready to go before 8.
We were heading through town as the parents were walking their children
to school. Such a stark contrast to what
we were about to experience. Two sets of
kids, both getting a good education. One
set of children was dropped off, loved, cherished, thought of, and picked up at the end of
the day. The other set of children never left the building. They brush their own teeth, take themselves
to the bathroom, tuck themselves in at night, and share a nanny with many other
children.
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| The amazing woman who I am forever grateful to for taking such good care of her! |
We didn’t get a lot of time to interact with children. I am very disappointed, but they have a
schedule and I appreciate how well they take care of the kids. Kristyn was prepared and knew what to
expect. She happily showed us around and
said hello to some of her friends. She
joyfully shared where she slept, played, and learned with us, her new family. She skipped to the van and never stopped to
look back. She was well taken care of…
and READY to be part of a family!
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| Where she lived for too long |
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| Where she spent too many nights |
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| Where she played for the last time today |
Some of the
older kiddos were going outside and others were taking tests. We didn’t want to interrupt (though I so
badly wanted to squeeze sweet Meredith, a little one that has been on many
agencies’ lists and appears in Kristyn’s videos). We did get to go in and say hello to the
“babies” (2 and 3 year olds). I yearned
to scoop them up and plant kisses all over their sweet little cheeks. All those sweet babies (at least 30) waiting
for families of their own. We were not
allowed to take any pictures of kids.
I am astounded by the number of adoptive families that are
returning that we see at breakfast each morning and out shopping around town. I completely understand, clearly we are one
of them. But, I am saddened as it seems
the majority of us are returning for #2,3,4,5…
Don’t get me wrong! I think this
is wonderful! I would love to bring home
more, especially after visiting these waiting kiddos! But, where are the new families? Where are the families willing to step out on
faith and realize the blessing these kiddos are?? I am praying that more families will see the
need and choose love. I am praying that
the precious children we saw today find families of their own to love them,
hold them, tuck them in, and never let go.
Kristyn comes from a wonderful orphanage (as orphanages
go). There were classrooms, playrooms,
beds, clean bathrooms, outdoor play spaces, inside center spaces, and caring
nannies. Despite this though, there were
also rows upon rows of cups with toothbrushes (each representing an orphan),
beds stacked on beds (each a place for an orphan to sleep), desk upon desk
(each for an orphan to learn in since they are unable to attend public
education), and child after child (each an orphan waiting to be chosen and
loved).
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| Her classroom |
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| The meaning of what these toothbrushes represent sends me to my knees |
Kristyn’s orphanage is the
second largest in Guangdong province with 800 kids. Meilynn’s orphanage, the largest in Guangdong,
has 1000 kids. Addi’s is one of the many
smaller ones with 60 kids. There are
also medium sized ones with 200-400 kids.
This is only one of the 23 provinces in China. When you truly comprehend this, it is
overwhelming! Kristyn loves with her whole being. She hugs tighter than any child I have
met. She wants to be held more than Addi
and Ry. This is tough with her larger
size, but I will ALWAYS pick her up when she asks! I cry for the years she missed of being held
and loved on. She yearns for love!
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| She came as an orphan... |
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| She leaves as part of a family!! |
I will be praying for these children for months and
years! I will be praising God for
blessing us with the 6 children from China that we have chosen and LOVE!
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