Day 1, part 2

Our computer is on the blink.  It has been randomly deleting as I type, so am writing this in parts.  Please start at the bottom and read up if you want to read in order...   So, after Hutong, we had the most amazing oppurtunity to visit the Half the Sky China Care Center here in Beijing.  HTS is an organization that provides for orphans in the form of nanny training, hospital and surgical treatment, preschool education, and more.  (You can read about them at HalftheSky.org)  We were met there by Helena and the Medical Director (her name escapes me, sorry!).  They were both so kind and gave us a tour of the entire facility.  The facility here in Beijing cares for orphans before and after surgery and provides "family care" for many orphans too.  Family care was 1 nanny that lives with 3 children at a time.  She has her own "apartment" within the facility with a bed, and cribs for each child.  We visited many children with varying medical conditions, from Downs Syndrome to major heart conditions.  Many came right up to us and let us pick them up, tickle and love on them.  A very few were not so sure of us.  We saw teeny tiny very sick newborns and children up to 4 years old.  A little boy with a bone and muscle condition who tried and succeeded in standing up for us.  I knew this was a big deal when the nannies grabbed the camera and cheered for him.  He was SO proud of himself.  Some children had just arrived and were awaiting their surgeries.  Some were actually going back to their orphanage today. So many precious children.  Every one needing and deserving a family.  David told me before going that I couldn't fall in love with one and try to adopt again.  I didn't.  I fell in love with EVERY one of them.  I wish I could find a home for every one of them.  A doctor to perform every surgery, no matter how complicated.  I will never ever forget this experience or those precious faces of the children waiting...