Datong, Shanxi Province

Chapman was born in Datong, Shanxi and it is required that all adopting families with children from her orphanage make the trip to the public affairs office for more paperwork in person.  We have been to all four of girls' orphanages so I am thankful we were able to make the trip.  During our four hour trip there, we drove past more portions of the Great Wall of China.  This portion was made out of earthen materials, dirt in particular, and is much older than the sections of the wall that stand today in Beijing.  Spectacular sight to see!

 We are in a very mountainous  area of China.  They seem to stretch far and wide!

 Driving into Datong City - I continue to be amazed at how one can drive a scooter and smoke a cigarette all at the same time AND keep it lit!  

 Datong appeared to be a very new city though it is actually several thousands of years old and is considered an ancient city.  The name Datong means Great Harmony because the people of the city just wanted to live in peace.  Today, there are 3.3 million people who live in the city of Datong.

 The orphanage from the highway.....

 The orphanage is home to 100 children onsite and 400 children who live in foster families offsite.  500 children total.  

 The onsite foster families live together in this apartment building.  Chapman lived in a foster family with four other children, three with cerebral palsy and one with a developmental delay.  

 The grounds of the orphanage were very nice.  

 And after were toured the orphanage, this happened.  Be still my heart!  

 When we arrived, the first person we met was the foster mother and let me just share that Miss Chapman perked right up and beamed from ear to ear with excitement!  And the foster mother was all smiles too!  She quickly scooped Chapman up and for the next twenty minutes, she engaged Chapman in saying words and giving kisses and just hugging her tightly!  And Chapman soaked it all in.  She was quite the princess with the orphanage staff.  They all passed her around and played and she was soooo happy and in her element of comfort.  She waved and gave the all kisses and smiled the entire time!  She is really just the sweetest little girl and her voice is so delicate and gentle sounding, so soft and precious.  I even asked her foster mom if she was always this sweet and she didn't hesitate to tell me YES!  

And then the moment of truth came.  It was time to say goodbye to the face that she has known as her consistent caregiver for the last year of her life.  She willingly came to me but quickly pushed back trying to get down.  And when I continued to hold her and get her adjusted in the carrier, the tears came and the arms went out for the foster mom.  And once again my prayers were answered.  This child of mine has known love.  

 And we were told that everyone in the orphanage office adored our baby girl!  She was the orphanage rockstar.

 They all took turns scooping her up and talking to her....she was loved by all and that puts a smile inside my heart!

 Then we were off to see the children....I was sure to touch each of them!  There were littles ones and big ones too....each so precious!

 Following the orphanage tour, we drove over to the public affairs office for a five minute paperwork event and then it was a quick photo of our girl's finding spot, the local hospital.  

And just like that, our day was done and we were on our way home to the hotel!  It was a late night but one worth staying up for!