It's strange how we already feel so connected to Song. How could we not with that SWEET LITTLE FACE! I have framed photos all over the house- in the kids' bathrooms, the kitchen, staircase- it's like she has always been a part of the family. Now we just have to meet her!
The internet is a blessing these days for international adoption- in some ways, it enhances this "red thread" theory, literally. I joined a yahoo group of families who have either adopted from or are in the process of adopting from the CWI of Hangzhou- and from one e-mail introducing myself, I got back about 10 responses- from ALL OVER the WORLD- Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands, Canada, and of course the U.S. Welcoming families gave me links to their blogs, insight into the city, and most important to me- the conditions and care at the orphanage.
Everyone has had great things to say. We DID get confirmation that Song is not living with a foster family like we originally thought- she is back at the orphanage. My guess is that she was allowed to live with a family while she was recovering from her surgery, and once she was strong that family took in another child to take her place who needed more assistance.
We are sad that she is longer with a family- it was easier waiting to bring her home thinking she is getting individual care - but I don't feel like I can complain from all the good things I've heard about her orphanage. At least she will be used to being around other kids, right?
The orphanage was built 3 years ago, and the pictures I have seen are very tidy, colorful, kid-friendly. It sounds like the staff get really attached to their kids- I have read stories in blogs of caretakers crying when the adopting families visit the orphanage to say goodbye with their new children.
(Side note to explain above- when you first meet your child in China it usually is in a Civil Affairs office in the capital city of the province where your child lives. You then might be allowed to go and visit the orphanage where your child lived - with permission- a few days after receiving custody of your child. This gives you a chance to see where your child lived, meet his/her caregivers, and the orphanage director. We are lucky in that the orphanage and civil affairs office are both in the city of Hangzhou- minimizing travel for us if we get to see the orphanage).
We were told that she goes to "kindergarten" (what a smart 2 year old!) - aka preschool- everyday. I heard they even have a music room! (ummm, Edie's preschool doesn't have a music room!) Most families received some sort of "scrapbook" from the time their child came to the CWI until they were adopted. The kids are dressed well- and her health seems amazing. She is right on track for a Chinese girl- my niece, Safina, who is adopted from Russia (whose birth mother was from Tajikistan- borders China) has almost the exact same measurements as Song- and they are only 2 months apart. It's so awesome that they will be so close in age- and are from the same continent!
LASTLY- THE PHOTO ABOVE....
A family from the Hangzhou yahoo group told me to check with a group called Red Thread Charities- a non-profit based in Minnesota- to see if they had recently been to Hangzhou and might have pictures of Song. Jane Steinmetz works for Red Thread Charities and responded to my e-mail with - Yes, I do have pictures of your daughter from our trip in October :) Hooray! She sent me 5 photos- the one above was the only close up of her.
www.redthreadcharities.org If you have time check out this organization- they travel several time a year to train orphanage staff and facilitate medical and developmental care for the children.
That's all for now. Praying our little friend was hugged today!
