Today is April 7^th, 9:50pm, Chinese time. We woke up at 4:00am this morning, because of jet-lag. We spent the morning waiting for the breakfast buffet to open, and then spent the day at John’s orphanage. I can’t even begin to describe how depressing that was for me. First of all, John was beyond excited to visit. Fifteen minutes from the orphanage (which was an hour from our hotel by van), John commented that if the van let him out, he could run to the orphanage fast! He really felt like he could fly there on his own wings; he was that pumped up. Then, when we reached the gates of what looked like a federal prison, I think reality hit a little bit. We were escorted to the highly decorated community room to wait for John’s friends to arrive. A minute later, 5 or 6 younger boys arrived, ages 10-13,that John barely recognized. John didn’t even know what to say to them, and he seemed suddenly at a loss for words. John couldn’t seem to string a few words of Chinese together, and the boys didn’t look like they really knew or remembered John.  A few minutes later, three much older boys arrived. These boys did hug John, and he seemed genuinely pleased to see them too. However, there were many awkward moments when no one knew what to say. The boys didn’t understand English, and John kept reverting back to English and forgetting his Chinese. After ten minutes or so of awkwardness, John asked if they could go play basketball together. While he was gone, I asked about the remaining younger boys. There were a few boys who were ages 10-12, who were not invited to join the older boys for basketball. I took each of their photos, and told them maybe I could try to help them find families. One child, age 10, was particularly adorable. I asked the teacher if the child had a special need. The teacher said that he is healthy, smart, and a nice boy. Later, one of John’s friends said something similar. I wondered why such a healthy and cute boy would still be waiting for a family, but then I remembered that John was also waiting and waiting, and waiting. I don’t know if I can help him, but if anyone knows anyone who desires a darling little son, age 10, please let me know.

After sitting around the reception room for fifteen minutes, we decided to walk outside. I tried to take a few photos of the jail-like orphanage, but I was told there were no photos allowed of that area. Once outside of the community room, we were surrounded by children; most of the children had obvious special needs. Several children were dwarfs, several had repaired cleft-palates, and several children had other obvious disabilities. The news must have spread that I might be able to help these children find families, because they all greeted me with a bright “hello!” and then asked me to take their picture. One obviously bright and motive older girl spent her time trying out her English. She asked me my birthday (in English) and my name. Although she was too old to be adopted (over age 14), she kept introducing to other children, telling me to take the picture and find the child a family. Can I even begin to tell you how sad that makes me? In all, we met a few dozen children today, all over the age of 9, all hoping we can help them. One little nine year old girl (who has dwarfism), followed me around more than the others. She kept smiling, and trying to charm me into adopting her. I kept telling her, via a translator, that we have a houseful of boys, but I would tell people that she was so sweet and beautiful. We did meet one child who has been matched. She is going to have a family in the near future. I have more to write, since I only reported up until 11am, but I have to sign off now because it’s after 10pm and I have to help Ben clear out his lungs now. The pollution here, as you know, is incredible, and he’s having difficulty with his asthma. I have to up his medications, “cup” his back, etc. etc. Tomorrow we go to Jinan.