Orphanage Visit

with main nanny.

happy baby (pre-car sickness)

We debated long and hard about brining Sunder back to the orphanage where she spent a big chunk of her life. We finally decided to go as we felt it was important to see as much of her history as possible.

When we were about 5 minutes from the orphange, Sunder became car sick. Of course we didn't bring a change of clothes for her and I was soaked with baby vomit! We stripped her down to her onsie and loaded her up in he baby carrier. I can't imagine what the orphange director must have thought of us as we approached him with wet pants, and a baby in her underwear!

The facility is very large. Our first daughter's orphanage only had 50 babies. This one has 700 children on site and another 700 in foster care. 90% of the children are special needs. The children who are healthy are quickly adopted out domestically.

We got to meet Sunder's main caretaker and we got to see where she slept those many nights before we met her. She was very subdued during the visit. I don't know if it's because she wasn't feeling well, or what, we'll never know. The nanny's were all touching Riley's face and hair and exclaiming, "Jie Jie!" (big sister). Riley was a bit taken back by it but she handeled it well.

I am glad we decided to go, but I was glad when it was over and we returned to the hotel and Sunder was back to herself once we got back. On the ride back, Riley said, "Sunder is the cutest baby. Don't you think?"

I am feeling much better now. And the rest of our party has stayed healthy. Sunder's cough is much better.

Today we will visit the Pearl Market.