We weren’t positive the boarding school kids were going to make it today since it is a school day, but we were thrilled to see their faces as we arrived. They are always anxious to see what is in our bags, and we didn’t disappoint them with crafts, toys, and candy! The playground and padding were all up and ready to go, so it was fun seeing them put it to good use. Despite us being in yet another paper today (six photos in this spread), there was another journalist and photographer team following us around. The photographer stayed with us until the very end. In fact, we even dropped him off on our way back to the hotel.
One of the best experiences of the morning was making dumplings with the nannies! We were invited to stay for lunch today and eat with the kids and staff. What we didn’t know was that we were helping to make the lunch, but I’m glad we did. They would roll out the dough (with lightning speed), and we would stuff the circles with the pork, celery, and ginger mixture that was made, then we would pinch them closed. If we didn’t do it in just the right fashion, the director did not hesitate to correct us. He surprisingly joined in though and rolled out the dough. The nannies then cooked up the dumplings and the rest of the meal (they grow most everything there), and we were able to enjoy it with the kids. I sat with Booger and another boy from the boarding school, and he was the sweetest 12 year old I have ever met. Every time my bowl was empty he would reach to get me more food. If someone spilled, he would quickly grab for a napkin and clean it up. He also walked around the entire room and refilled everyone’s drink. This boy is going to make some husband someday!
My Polaroid camera was a hit today. I was able to take pictures of the older kids with us and leave them with them. I also took pictures of some of the men that work around the place, which they loved. Even the professional photographer asked to have his photo taken. So funny that everyone was so intrigued by the old technology.
Our tradition in Chaoyang has been to throw a birthday party the final afternoon, and we didn’t disappoint. The cakes are always beautifully decorated, topped with lotus candle fireworks☺ Throw fresh leechy nuts and peaches in the mix, and voila, you have a party! The kids had a good time, and the staff joined in. All the kids from baby to teenager wore the t-shirts that we made earlier in the week.
It has also been our tradition that we leave our handprints on the walls when we leave, and we add to them each year there are new team members. Well since they are in a new building this year, we had to start over, but didn't have time for all the fancy painting that we did previously (that's slated for next year!). We would also write our name next to the handprints, and Ying would come around to write it in Chinese. We even got our guide Steve to participate!
After the party it was time to say goodbye to the boarding school kids, as they had to go back. Not before taking some group photos by the playground though. After helping clean up we said our goodbyes to each room of kids. Lastly is the nannies, which always makes it tough to keep it together if they are crying. I almost made it this time….It made for an interesting ride though, as the reporter was in our van snapping close up shots of us as we're wiping snot from our noses! It was a bit annoying, but if us showing our hearts in these photos brings more attention by locals to the children in the Chaoyang orphanage, then it is worth it!
After dinner we surprised our teammate Marilyn with good ole’ Ding Dongs from the USA to celebrate her birthday. The staff at the restaurant must have overheard us, because the next thing you heard after blowing out her candles was “Happy Birthday to You” over the piped in music. I’m sure this was a memorable birthday for her.
Tomorrow morning we fly back to Beijing for our last day in China. It will be a busy day of some site seeing, but I will try and post one last time tomorrow night.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment