Guiping - Ling's 1st Orphanage

We made it to Guiping on Wednesday. The town has been swept up in the change of China, but not as much as the large cities. Ling was fascinated by everything - and there is SO much to see and smell and hear in China. The first night we were joined by several of the folks from Red Thread for dinner. We met the special education teacher Ou Yong - a delightful woman who obviously loves children and Ping who is more of a supervisor and administrator. The next day we spent our time doing official business in the morning for Red Thread. The closing ceremony was a success and evidently the Gov't has even approved a rehab center being opened attached to the orhanage for the community. Ling was quite bored but hung in there. She got to present the swing set gift from the 2nd graders at MPA, and 40 sippy cups/thermos's and 40 socks from Ling and the Cudak kids personal money. It is amazing how far 750 Yuan can go. She also got to walk everyone through her life via her photo-album.

So - 2nd graders and Cudak kids - check out the pictures. Note the swing set will really be much bigger when it arrives. Everything takes a long time in China and Ping is working on getting as much as we can for your money. Thank you!!!!

The work of Red Thread has changed the orphanage 150%. What we FELT more than saw was happiness. We saw it too, but the feeling of the place has changed. 3 1/2 years ago it was quiet as a mouse in there, doors were kept locked and the children couldn't respond to a simple hug. Today, doors are left open, we were given more access (not total) and the kids are all not just responsive but happy and some are even demanding attention. One little boy waiting for his family to come and get him soon was just a pistol! One of these pictures is of a little boy also waiting for his family. Note they put make-up on the kids to make them look pretty. The staff was fantastic. Red Thread's training program is an amazing success. We are grateful for all the work that has been done and for the opportunity to share it with our daughter. She had a great 2 days in Guiping!

Today we are in Guangzhou and tomorrow we head up to Shangahi. Home Tuesday!