Orphanage Visit. They Saved His Life.

Long day today. We drove a little over four hours each way to visit the orphanage where Luke has lived the past 13 months. They recently moved into brand new buildings and they were very nice. This is one of the many orphanages in China to have benefited from a Half the Sky program. This program together with diligent and stubborn nannies, as we came to find out today, likely saved our Luke's life.

On our way;

In his referral paperwork it mentioned that Luke was small, thin, and weak when he was found. It said he was 2 kilos. The Half the Sky nanny told us he was in actuality probably less than one kilo and had no strength or will to eat when he first arrived. He was quite premature. They worked so very hard to get him to take nourishment and survive. His first month in this orphanage, which is far from a large city with major medical care, was touch and go. They would not give up though. Within a month he was taking bottles and putting on weight! 

The lesson I learned today was one I needed to learn. Yes, he is malnourished. Yes, he is weak. Yes, his body shows the signs of long hours in his crib. BUT he is alive! They helped him survive. He owes the nannies in this orphanage his life. So grateful!

We were able to see the empty crib where he spent his days. We were able to see, touch and spend a bit of time with the other children in his room. He was one of the youngest and healthiest. His nickname was DouDou. He responds to that name with a giant smile. 

His empty bed:

His room:

A month ago a traveling family was able to hold and snap a few pictures of Luke for us. These are priceless to is and helped us survive the excruciating wait. Today was pay it forward day. We were able to meet and take pictures of two precious ones who have families coming for them. Sweet sweet ones! I had the joy of sending each of them a video and dozens of pictures. I can't wait to see them home!

Luke with his primary Nanny, she truly loved him:

They served us a feast with local delicacies. Huge shrimp, beans, fish, seafood fried rice, and so many other dishes which I could not identify:

Kaila, Josephine (our amazing guide), and one of the head nannies:

And now for one the other highlights of the day. He fussed for a minute or two! And he cried! One of the other lead nannies took him from my arms and he threw a fit. He cried! For about 3 seconds until I could grab him back. Beautiful sound. We will slowly but surely get there!