Update from the US
Posted by Mark on Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Under: China Heritage Tour
Thank you Skype for allowing us to connect at all! Kelly was not able to get a good enough internet connection to post photos and stories of their trip to Anya's orphanage- so here's an update from what I could hear...
The trip to the orphanage was different than last time. Previously it had been beyond the city border and across corn fields and rural China- but now is connected by the cities expansion. Kelly said that it seemed they arrived much faster, and didn't cross any fields- although the big pink castle was the same- and in the same spot. Now the orphanage is run by Half the Sky (versus just a wing when we were there 10 years ago). They do not require a monetary donation for return visits as we had been advised, so the girls picked up some supplies for the children with guidance from the orphanage staff. They also had a chance to give the hats they (especially Anya) have been knitting for the last several months.
It really is a pink castle, Anya said she knew she was a princess.
With the assistant director and one of Anya's nannies. Anya and Meila have on the necklaces they were given.
All the nannies enjoying the picture book Anya made for them. Most of these girls were with Anya as a baby.
The nannies giggled when they saw the book that the girls gave them- a very nice book of photos from when Anya was there in the nanny's arms through today. Apparently they were reminiscing about which nannies were still there, who was taking the picture and there were a few tears and hugs when particular nannies remembered Anya. They gave Anya (and Meila) jade necklaces and it sounded like a very positive visit. Of course, Kelly will chime in when she has a clear internet connection to tell the entire true story- I'm just relating what made it through Skype!
These were two 11 year old girls that were very happy with the candy and treats Anya delivered to them!
A baby with one of Anya's knitted hats...so cute!
This is a sweet little 5 month old healthy girl, I think she looks perfect for my friend Polly's family! They told us that there are currently 400 children at Anya's orphanage and another 400 children that they have placed with foster families. Of these children, 95% have some type of special need and only 5% are healthy.
Last night, they watched fishermen using birds to fish... The birds have a constricting band on their neck so they can't swallow the fish they catch, and if they return without a fish they get bonked with a bamboo stick on the head. Nice
employee motivation program (ack!).
Last night, finished the day with an hours swim in the hotel pool, including a waterfall.
Reports are that Anita is doing very well also.
The trip to the orphanage was different than last time. Previously it had been beyond the city border and across corn fields and rural China- but now is connected by the cities expansion. Kelly said that it seemed they arrived much faster, and didn't cross any fields- although the big pink castle was the same- and in the same spot. Now the orphanage is run by Half the Sky (versus just a wing when we were there 10 years ago). They do not require a monetary donation for return visits as we had been advised, so the girls picked up some supplies for the children with guidance from the orphanage staff. They also had a chance to give the hats they (especially Anya) have been knitting for the last several months.
It really is a pink castle, Anya said she knew she was a princess.
With the assistant director and one of Anya's nannies. Anya and Meila have on the necklaces they were given.
All the nannies enjoying the picture book Anya made for them. Most of these girls were with Anya as a baby.
The nannies giggled when they saw the book that the girls gave them- a very nice book of photos from when Anya was there in the nanny's arms through today. Apparently they were reminiscing about which nannies were still there, who was taking the picture and there were a few tears and hugs when particular nannies remembered Anya. They gave Anya (and Meila) jade necklaces and it sounded like a very positive visit. Of course, Kelly will chime in when she has a clear internet connection to tell the entire true story- I'm just relating what made it through Skype!
These were two 11 year old girls that were very happy with the candy and treats Anya delivered to them!
A baby with one of Anya's knitted hats...so cute!
This is a sweet little 5 month old healthy girl, I think she looks perfect for my friend Polly's family! They told us that there are currently 400 children at Anya's orphanage and another 400 children that they have placed with foster families. Of these children, 95% have some type of special need and only 5% are healthy.
Last night, they watched fishermen using birds to fish... The birds have a constricting band on their neck so they can't swallow the fish they catch, and if they return without a fish they get bonked with a bamboo stick on the head. Nice
employee motivation program (ack!).
Last night, finished the day with an hours swim in the hotel pool, including a waterfall.
Reports are that Anita is doing very well also.
In : China Heritage Tour