Bumpy bus (van) ride to discovery

Yesterday we went to Tuan Feng area which is where the orphanage is where Meili was found. It was a 2 hour very bumpy ride mostly through suburban areas. The roads are pretty bad. We saw more of what China is really like. The area where Meili was born is a little more rural and has cotton farms and is known for cotton and sesame products. The visit to the orphanage was nothing like what we expected. It was a little meeting with the Director and Vice Director, they showed us a video about their facility which is an orphanage, retirement home and care center for disabled children. They then fed us a typical lunch which was con gee with peanuts and a few beans in it, a pork tofu, and lotus flower root dish and some steamed buns with sugar and sesame in the middle. It was pretty good minus the con gee which is very bland. The orphanage side was empty of children while we were there because all of the younger ones are in foster homes and the school age children were off at school. There may have been a few disabled children there but we did not see them.


We were told that Meili was in her foster home up until 1 week before we received her. So we wonder a little how many kids that foster mom had because Meili is a bit behind and was obviously in a crib a lot. She is improving greatly already, has been drinking US formula and is able to sit up and push her self up and even crawl a little now. We think she will catch up fast and boy watch out because she is smart, curious and a busy body.

We took a lot of pictures at the orphanage and then went into the town and took some pictures. We went to the Post office and bought postcards with pictures of the town and had them stamp the local cancellation stamp on them. We got a lot of stares. So far most people are just curious but our guide got the third degree from a lady in the Carrefore 2 days ago who asked things like why so many children and aren't we happy with our boys and so on. She was nosey.


It was interesting and important to go and see where Meili was born and found. Someday she may wish to return and see this place.

Two more bumpy hours back to our hotel where we then rested and then ventured out on our own to McDonalds and shopping. We are feeling the extra kid blues right now when it comes to getting ready to go anywhere and getting all the baby stuff ready. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH


Meili had a rough time going to bed last night as she slept most of the bumpy rides and was not tired yet. She did sleep all night once she fell asleep though so that was good.


Today we are off to a local Zoo. We hope to see some exciting animals. Have a good evening everyone.

















Pictures are of the square and a building at the Orphanage, One of the main buildings in the town, Meili and I in the town center, a man working on the street near the town center.