the one with the orphanage

so, first off...I can't get photos to load, I can barely get online long enough to type a few words.  then the wifi or vpn cut out. so, I am sorry, we will have to try that later.

I can say that Sarah was very nervous going to the orphanage today. when we got there she would not let go of Megan's hand. at all. for any reason.  we got to ask some questions, nothing too surprising. one thing we did notice was that no one hugs or touches much. we thought there would be more emotion from the nannies or her...but no, it was very business like.  though everyone knew her and talked to her and she seemed well cared for. when we were leaving a group of younger kids came out to say goodbye. the nanny was taking a picture and Sarah would still not let go of megan's hand, but the nanny said "the kids here may not have a mom or dad but they have a different kind of love." and we did feel like she was well liked and taken care of the best they could.

we also found out this orphanage recently got a partnership with an adoption agency in Italy because a family from Italy came and adopted a child and advocated for it!  so heartwarming to know more of these kids will find homes.  we pray for that!

we went to the school. she was top in her class and the teacher there was the only one who cried.  she gave sarah a fan and some pictures off the bulletin board. the school was simple, like everything else.  I am sure there is not much funding. not all the kids at the school are orphans.  sarah was the only one from her orphanage who attended that school.  most of the other kids go to regular public school. this is a special needs school and I was frustrated that the needs we saw were so much worse then sarah seems.  she definitely has behavioral issues but she seems very quick at learning and so smart already.  I hope the problem is that she was never given the chance to excel and now we can giver her that chance.  but still, I won't know until we can break down the language barrier.

so, a good day.  we went swimming again, she loves it.  then megan and I got foot massages and it was the weirdest thing that has ever happened to me in my whole life.  but that story will only be told in person...I do not want a record of it!

late dinner with room service and straight to bed.