Our visit to the Nanchang SWI...

Today was a busy day. We visited the orphanage as a group because 2 of the 3 families had children that came from this orphanage. Our day started with a visit to Walmart. Yes, they do have Walmart in China. Instead of the "hi, welcome to Walmart" your greeted with "nihao". Just as with most things around here, Walmart is always packed with people. We were told the locals really love Walmart because they can buy everything they need in one trip. After we purchased all of our baby things to donate to the orphanage, we were off. The Nanchang SWI (the orphange) is supposed to be one of the best in the province. I was concerned about taking Xian Hua back, wondering if it would be upsetting to him. But he actually seemed excited about being there; sort of proud about being able to show us around. I think the most difficult thing about touring the orphanage was seeing all the kids there; many of them who may never find a forever family. The orphanage director said the number of kids who will get placed is actually very small.

We were able to visit with Xian Hua's foster parents while we were there. His foster family is one of many that live in a small apartment on the orphanage grounds. They seemed very kind and happy to see us and Xian Hua. There were five other children in the home too. They must really love children to continue to take in and raise so many kids. Their hope is that each of their foster children will someday be placed.

The little boy in the pictures with us has really become Xian Hua's buddy since they met a few days ago. They weren't at the same orphanage, but have become fast friends over the last several days. It's so fun watching them play and hearing them giggle. I only wish I knew what they were chattering about.

It's been amazing to watch Xian Hua's transformation. He went from the first day where he wasn't very responsive to us to, the last couple of days, where he actually wants to hold our hands. And he still really loves to be teased and joke around. With all the people and cars running all over the place, the prospect of taking Xian Hua out of the hotel for a walk had always terrified me. We actually ventured out yesterday for a short walk down the street to buy some water. We felt he was responsive to us enough that it would be safe to try. He did so awesome! He stayed with us the whole time! And I was concerned that he might want us to buy him one of everything in the store, but he didn't. He even helped us carry our groceries!

We fly to Guangzhou today. Just one more step closer to the day we fly home!