Orphanage Visit

Today we drove about 2 hours away to Bengbu where Milli's orphanage is.  On the way there she started to cry.  Our guide could not tell us why. We were afraid that she either missed everyone at the orphanage and wanted to go back or she didn't want to go at all.  We pulled over at a rest area, just like the ones in the states, and they tried to talk to her again.  Our driver thought she was afraid we were going to leave her.  Since I didn't know what was going on in her mind, I decided we should still go.  We met some of the orphanage staff and children at an amusement park they are working on.  The owner of the park invited the orphanage kids for free that day.  When the kids showed up, she didn't want anything to do with them or the orphanage workers.  I felt so bad, because there was one girl crying and trying to say good bye to her.  We took some pictures, and then left quickly.  Her entire demeanor changed and she was holding  my hand and smiling. She was so happy.  Words cannot describe how I felt at that moment where I knew in my heart that she wanted us. And that's after 3 days.  We then went to the site where she was abandoned.  It was in a busy area and a little scary.  We took a family picture there, where she left her first family and will now be forever in ours.  I wish I could let her biological parents know how well she is doing and that she had the surgery she needed.  And what a beautiful child she is and how much they missed out on.  I have no anger towards them.  We were told they most likely could not afford that surgery.  I am certain they loved her.  After that, we went to the orphanage.  It was my first visit to one ever, so I have nothing to compare it with.  It was set inside many tall buildings with courtyards surrounding it, almost like a high rise condo.   Her floor was on the 3rd level.  It was very clean, air conditioned.  There were a few rooms that had toys in it and a piano.  They showed us every room and didn't hide anything.  We just couldn't take pictures in the newborn room.  So many many caregivers came up to her and hugged her, squeezed her little chubby cheeks, and spoke with her.  They seemed to be so loving, for which I am so grateful.  Milli was happy to show us all the rooms, but was very quiet when anyone spoke to her.  I'm sure she loved them but was feeling conflicted about everything.  She showed us where she ate and her bed. The orphanage director met with us and answered all our questions.  It was a very emotional day for all of us.  I pray that all of those children find a loving home someday.
On our way back to the hotel, Milli got car sick and vomited right when we pulled up to the hotel. I just threw out her blanket and shirt that got most of it. We leave for Guangzhou tomorrow.  We can't wait for another adventure in China. I hope Milli likes flying more than her father.