Today we set off to Dongguan Orphanage to see where Gabriella has lived over the last 17 months. Our guide Michael drove us the 1.5 hour journey to the welfare home and we were given such a greeting of welcome. We met Gabriella's nanny and saw her 'empty' cot. Before we had left the hotel we had such mixed feelings (the positiveness of being able to get access to the orphanage - it is a very rare opportunity; anxiety that Gabriella would be stressed coming back to her old home and seeing those who have been her primary care givers for so long - we are pleased to say that she coped very well; sadness at seeing the other children who have yet to be adopted - this sadness was increased when one little boy ran to me and gave me a hug). However overall it was a trip worth making, and such a wonderful opportunity to ask questions and take photographs for Gabriella's memory box which will allow us to share with her this special information at a later stage of her life.
We were then surprised when the Vice Director of the orphanage invited us all out for a meal in a local restaurant. We enjoyed such a banquet and despite the language barrier our guide was able to translate for us and we are so thankful for such a memorable day. The orphanage staff are so genuinely interested in the welfare of their 'cared for' children and our visit today, from its start to finish clearly demonstrated this.
Following return to the hotel the rest of our day was low key. We enjoyed time in the play room with Gabriella watching her develop her play skills and then it was off to Starbucks for more of that wonderful marble cake....Update you with more soon!
Love from Stephen, Caroline & Gabriella
What a blessing to be here
our banquet with the Dongguan Orphanage staff!
Gabriella with daddy in the car on the way home
I spy a Daddy's girl! That is a precious picture of Gabriella sleeping on Stephen's shoulder. So glad your visit went well today. Enjoy a few days of relaxation . Karen x
ReplyDeleteSo glad everything went well today, it is just lovely to open up your blog (I am checking and re-reading several times daily!) and reading all the updates and seeing all the beautiful photos of you as a family. The hopes and dreams at last a reality, it is very kind of you to share this precious time with us all. Hope the next few days continue to go smoothly. A big hug and kiss to all the Beatties from all the Wallaces XO God Bless
ReplyDeleteWe're so pleased the visit today went well and it will be such a memory to treasure in later life both for Gabriella and yourselves. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers day by day and we are so thankful to see you all together.....a truly beautiful and happy family....God bless xx
ReplyDeleteSo pleased all went well today and such beautiful pictures of such a happy contented family. We are just loving the updates (though wondering what time you eventually go to bed at lol) and may blessings abound in the days ahead xx
ReplyDeleteWe have loved following your progress this week. Every day has brought you something so special- none more so than your gift of Gabriella. Stephen will never forget this birthday...but he will have someone special to blow his candles out for him now! Gabriella looks so content with each of you-lovely for her to have her very own parents but it must have been very special to see the orphanage too! We are so delighted for you. God is very good. Love to you all from all the Milligans x
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