A Sad Day

We went to Quinn's orphanage today. I took several pictures, but am only including one photo today. The empty bed is where Quinn stayed. I know they were very good to her. When we entered the orphanage the nannies all greeted her by name. They fed her congee with chicken while we were there. The bowl they fed her was the size of a large dog food bowl and she ate the whole thing! This girl eats like this all the time. She going to fit in well with the rest of the eaters in this family.

The orphanage was very clean. The workers were very nice. Most of the children in this orphanage have mild disabilities; cleft lips, heart conditions. The orphanage director took us on a tour of the building. I could tell the children were well cared for; however, they were all so quiet. In one of the baby rooms, the cribs were all full of babies, but they didn't cry or make any sound. They were just "flat". Quinn was like that the day we received her. In fact, when we went back in to the orphanage she was like that again. She wouldn't let any of the nannies hold her. We didn't go to Quinn's finding spot because it was an hour away and the driver wasn't familiar with the area. Her finding spot was just west of Hong Kong in a city called Shen Shueng. It was very remote, so I believe her birth mother was from that area. She was found in a car repair shop; you know the the old gas stations where you could get your oil changed? Our guide Helen showed us a typical car repair shop and it just an old shack with a corrugated tin roof, dirt floor with laundry hanging out front. It was really sad. Sad that a mother was that desperate and that leaving her newborn at the car repair factory was her only choice in life, and sad to think my daughter was lying out there all alone for God knows how long. I believe her birth mother must have been poor and she couldn't afford Quinn's surgery. She was just one day old; with her umbilical cord still attached. I'm glad God led her to us though. It's just amazing how all along He has known this little girl was going to find her family across an ocean and a continent. It makes me choke up thinking about it. (Read the ancient Chinese Proverb at the top of our blog.) It was a very good day and a testament of how good God is, but I'm still very emotional about it. I love the people of China because they are so gracious, welcoming and kind. In fact, Phillip and I would love to come back to China someday with Quinn and MK. I also wanted to include one more picture. This one is of Quinn and I on the rocking horse her referral picture is take on. (See the top picture of our blog.) It's kind of like a before and after! I miss you all at home and love hearing all your messages to us. We love it!!

MK - Your sister loves hats and bows! We are going to have sooo much fun shopping for her! She likes shoes just like you!! You two were meant to be sisters, that's for sure! I love you more than the moon and stars girl!

Mom and Dad