Today was the day we got to see where Hudson has grown up. Because adoptions are completed in the Provincial capital, most families had a significant trip ahead of them to visit their child's particular orphanage. Truthfully, I have been looking forward to this day, but also a little nervous about how Hudson would do. I just couldn't imagine what might be going through his mind to have finally gotten adopted and a family of his own, to his Ayi leaving him with us, to being with us for a couple of days, then we drive him back to where he just left. Would he be scared? happy? nervous? Would it be traumatic? Well, it was incredible! He understood exactly what was going on! It started as a very long trip, Hudson getting carsick, and the other kids itching to get out and move. When we pulled up, he said, "Mom! Dad! It's my home!" He wanted to hold my hand and show me around. They were very strict about where we could go and what pictures we were permitted to take, but I was so impressed with this orphanage! It was so much nicer than I ever expected. It is new...they moved to this location a year ago. There are 80 children at this location. We were first taken upstairs for some tea and to meet the director (very briefly) and give our bags of gifts, one bag full for the kiddos and one for the Ayis/Nannies. We were told that Hudson had 2 or 3 close friends, so we bought little hot wheel cars that he could give specifically to them. On our way to the building that is where the children live, we heard this choir of little voices yelling, "Fan! You came back to see us! Fan is here with his family!" As we got up the stairs to the hallway, it was the sweetest sight I have ever seen...about fifteen 5 yr olds cheering for their friend. I wish we were allowed to video that because it was precious, but we were not allowed to take any picture with children in the photo. They did make one exception for his 3 friends. We were allowed to get one picture for his memory book of them standing together, but I cannot post on here. I was also not allowed to go see his bed, but the director of the children was so nice. She took my phone and went and took a picture of his bed for me. Then she brought out his name card that labeled his bed and gave it to Hudson as a gift. We met all of his favorite people and they got to say goodbye. I thought he would have a hard time, but it was good for him. He went quickly to one lady in particular, but only stayed with her for a minute before calling us to hold him. As we were leaving, he had the biggest smile and kept waving saying "Bye bye! Zai Jian!" After seeing the orphanage, our guide, who had all of the information about where he was found (including a newspaper article and news broadcast from several months ago when they tried one last time to find any of his family or relatives), took us to see the exact place he was found. It was very surreal. We took picture of the exact spot and then the surrounding area. After that, we headed back to the provincial capital. On the ride home, Hudson was pretending to talk on the phone. He said, "Hello? Mom? Where are you?" So I said, "I am at the zoo." He said, "The zoo?" I said, "Yes, the zoo. Where are you?" He responded, "I'm on the phone. You remember that, ok?" Funny guy. We got back, ate some Burger King, and the kids were ALL asleep by 7:30!! HA! I guess they were tired, too! I really thought it was close to 9:00 when we were putting them to bed, but I guess it was just after 7:00. Oops. They will be well rested tomorrow :)
One of two "children's directors"
living quarters
He couldn't wait to show us around! He was leading the way!
Hudson's bed
play area
his favorite Ayi
a covered play area
a poster they had hanging up showing the old orphanage and the move to the new one
the playground
his favorite slide
He was found outside this clinic.
The street in front of the clinic
Family photo (clinic in the back)
everyone got sucker for the long ride back!
