We went to the Nanning SWI (Social Welfare Institute) today. This is the grounds that are comprised of the orphanage where ZhuZhu was admitted initially and two buildings for the mature Chinese. It is common for both the children and adults to be housed within the same complex. They have a very beautiful park and Vince and ZhuZhu went there to play while Mary and I went into the office building to meet with the foster mother, director of the orphanage and pediatrician.
The park at Nanning SWI
The visit was difficult as you can imagine. The foster mother really loved ZhuZhu like her own (she has a bio son). It was difficult to part with ZhuZhu because she brought so much happiness into the foster family. I told her that ZhuZhu was truly a lucky little girl because she has three mothers who love her very much - her birth mother, her foster mother and myself. We also talked with the institute pediatrician who told me that ZhuZhu is very healthy now and told me to keep her away from biscuits and fried food because it will cause her tonsillitis - well, I will take it under advisement. They are all very happy that ZhuZhu has a forever family that will care for her and meet her needs.
Back at the hotel, we ran into the Brown's, a family from Montreal who has adopted a little 3 year-old girl the same size as ZhuZhu. We all went for lunch at a nearby restaurant. Their Kylie is very rambunctious and smiles ALL the time. She is a delight and I believe ZhuZhu enjoyed watching her. She will enjoy seeing Keegan and Oliver and having children to play with all the time.
Mommy had this great idea to go to the zoo this afternoon. Probably not such a great idea (a nap would have been a better one) but I'm glad we went anyway. The zoo is huge! Their exhibits are loaded with animals. They don't just house one or two animals but have several in every exhibit. ZhuZhu loved it! She was talking away about all the animals and kept saying "this is good" in Chinese. She was sooo lively at the zoo. I know this is her true personality. The sky was rumbling with thunder so we went very quickly and didn't see but maybe 1/3 of the zoo. Some of the area was under construction, as well.
ZhuZhu with the penguins
ZhuZhu is opening up more every day. Today, she was very talkative and giggling more. Her little voice is so cute! She will hold both our hands and skip in the hallway. She brings us much joy.
This evening, we went to Pizza Hut for dinner with our guide, Mary, and her boyfriend. Mary enjoys it and it was her choice. We had nice conversation with them and ZhuZhu was hot/cold throughout dinner. She was seriously tired after such a long day. I also dragged her into a nearby department store to purchase some "real" China.
Tomorrow, after visiting a village in the country, we will fly to Guangzhou, the final leg of our China journey. So, we may not be posting for a couple of days. Thanks for all your wishes, comments and prayers. Who would have ever thought we would have such great technology?!
Boys, have a great time at the lake. I hope you are having good weather. We love you very much and hope you are documenting your vacation through pictures. ZhuZhu loves the camera as much as you boys.
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