A River Boat

I'm not quite sure what this guy was collecting but as these tufts of green stuff floated up he scooped them uinto a net. He also scooped up trash if he found it.

Medical Exam

They give the kids a medical exam before leaving China. Andrew did a pretty good job of cooperating. Today we received his visa after taking an oath at the United States Consulate promising that all of our information was correct pertaining to his adoption. Only one more full day here and it will be time to come home. We are ready.

Yeah~I'm able to post again

Entry gates at the orphanage.

Beautiful garden at the orphanage

I honestly can't remember if this was part of the grounds of the orphanage or a garden we toured later. They were similar.

Orphanage playground

Front Gate Suzhou Social Welfare Institute

Childrens play area at the orphanage

Orphanage Tour

Andrew and his best friend

Suzhou Social Welfare Institute
Childrens Building

Yesterday we were able to visit the orphanage. Andrews best friend is going home with his family in December. Oh how I wish that could be said for all of the children here. There are over 300 children up to age 16 living here. There is also an old folks home on the premises. We were able to visit Andrews room. It was filled with little beds. The kids were napping at 11:30am which is sort of weird for kids over age 3. Andrew started to remove his shoes. I think he was pleased when everyone laughed and he realized he didn't have to take a nap. It appeared that most of the kids were disabled. A couple severely. I actually took the hand of one of the little ones as he/she reached out to me. I'll never forget the feeling of that cold little hand. There was not a dry eye in the room. There were some smiles but mostly distant stares. After that we peered into the nursey which was wall to wall cribs. Andrew seemed comfortable through most of it. I think he looks a little concerned in the picture because he is unsure what will happen next. We were not allowed to take photos indoors. They brought his little friend outside for the pictures. We were also served a traditional lunch and were allowed to ask questions. I really didn't have any. Soon we were off to do a little touring of the Suzhou City. Andrew happily hopped on the bus waving and saying "bah-bye". One of his first english words. We were gratefull for this because we sense he misses someone at the orphanage.

Technical Difficulties

Hello everyone. Sorry I haven't updated the blog but seem to be having technical difficulties. I'm having my son give you this message from our computer at home since nothing goes through from here. Things are going as good as can be expected. I will update when possible.

God Bless~Tom & Heather

FP3 player

We downloaded some Chinese childrens music onto a FP3 player and Andrew really enjoys it. He listens to the songs that are in English too but when the Chinese music comes on he starts to move with the music. Very cute! By the way, FP stands for Fisher Price.