Orphanage Visit
After breakfast we got on the bus and drove 40 min to Ty's orphanage. The air got thicker and dirtier the closer we got. It looked like there was a bad fire the smog was so heavy. The orphanage is nestled right in among some factories and a newer industrial area.
Ty did really well at his visit - we knew it was going to be a tough trip but he did better than I expected. He held on tight when we walked in the door but he seemed happy to see his friends and some of the aunties. We were there about 20 min and he cried some when we left but on the way home he was happy, talkative, and relieved. He was on the 4th floor where the "special needs" kids are and it was heartbreaking to see the kids up there, especially the ones that do not yet have a family waiting for them.
We got to meet Aunt Sandy, the volunteer there who helped Ty and works with the kids and caretakers. What a saint!
We came back and walked down the street and walked in a random, local noodle restaurant. I would say it would be possible we were the first Americans that ate there in years, if ever. The type of place the guides tell us not to eat at. We had a ball figuring out what to order, and talking with the people there. English speaking customers helped translate and told us how much our bill should be. The food was great - probably the best bowl of noodles and spicy sandwich type thing ever! See the pictures.
We went back and took our afternoon nap then went back out by taxi to the downtown area and the mall. We wandered around the mall a while then found an attached Starbucks and took a coffee break. Then we walked around the square and subways then way down the sidewalk a long ways to a steak, pizza, and beer place; a terrible place for a toddler. It was dark and loungy and no high chairs. Ty really did well considering and ate sitting on my knee. The pizza they brought was really good and Ty loves french fries and ketchup.
We took a cab back and played a little while then went to sleep. We have to wake up and pack our bags to leave in the afternoon. Our flight leaves at 7:30pm but we have to check out by 1:30.
Entrance to Xi'an CWI (orphanage)
Aunty Sandy and Ty..... this woman is such an angel.
I love this picture
Here at home~
Lily and I are keeping REALLY busy! In fact the time is going by a lot faster than I anticipated.
Which is certainly a good thing.
I am enjoying this time with Lily so much and I will always cherish these 2 weeks with her.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
7 comments:
Ohh...I bet you are really enjoying your time with Lily! But it will be so great to hug on Ty and Jeff soon! Hey, you haven't said anything about Ty's room!!????...or are you waiting until he comes home?
Oh Tiffany...what a beautiful photo of you and Lily! Yes, the photo of Ty looking out the window is very moving...I got a little choked up on that one. Its so much fun checking in every night for updates. Thank you for taking time to share them!
One door closes - many more open for Ty.
He has, btw, several aunties in America who are anxiously awaiting his arrival!
The St. Pat's Day pictures of Lily and you are precious!
Love, Auntie Maxi
I love all of your updates and pictures of Ty!! I also LOVE the St. Patrick's Day pictures....they are SO GREAT!! :) You both look adorable!
What a journey....and a new beginning for a special little boy. It was hard not to cry seeing him looking out the window; but, he'll have have many doors opened for him and more love than he could possibly imagine. Jeff & Tiffy you have done a wonderful job of keeping us in the loop, thanks! Tiffy, you and Lily are beautiful in your green. Enjoy your "girl" time. Love you very much, Mom.
Oh such pretty girls in green! Happy St Patrick's Day! I'm sure you are beyond excited to have Ty and Daddy home! I love the picture of Ty looking out the window.
Been following the journey every day - am just so excited for all of you. I love Jeff's journal - he's much more laid back and carefree than I knew. Hope that Ty is having a good time - he seems to be, except for that not-so-fun doctor visit. The comparison of Lily in the crib and Ty in the crib - man you otta frame that or something, that was pretty powerful. Hope you and Lily are hangin' in there!
Much love and hugs.
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