Luoyang Orphanage Day Two

We found out today that we're only seeing about 200 of the orphanage's 600 children. The rest are considered not healthy enough to be with volunteers. We've been told that 60% of the 600 children have cerebral palsy.

In the morning, we visited the four-and five-year-old special education class that we met yesterday. We had so much fun with the kids. We brought crayons, and they wanted suggestions on what to draw. We asked for flowers, and they asked us to also draw some. The kids also enjoyed putting Bank of America hats on themselves and us. Barrettes, hair clips and nail polish were a bit hit with the little girls, who proudly showed off their new accessories.

The students return to the orphanage for a mid-day school break, so we'll have the chance over the next few days to meet children attending regular school. English is mandatory in middle school, so it was wonderful to talk with the young teen girls we met during their school break. We could communicate pretty well. The two girls in the photo with Chung and Rich are Ellen, 12, and Danielle, 13. They are best friends, as their matching haircuts may show. They both love the color black and
reading as an activity. They were so kind, friendly and polite. They also liked touching my hair, which I found so sweet. I found this to be the most emotionally-wrenching part of the visit. Because while all of the circumstances of orphans is quite sad, these young girls have lived there most of their lives, and probably will not be adopted. China does not allow adoptions after age 14. We gave the girls Connect Four, several English books, nail polish and chewing gum. One of the girls in turn popped a piece of gum in all of our mouths.

We comparison shopped for TVs and washing machines in the shopping district near the orphanage. I will get confirmation, but believe webought 15 washing machines and 15 27-inch TVs for the equivalent of $5,000 US. There will still be money to buy soap, medicine, cream and diapers. These items are really important for the orphan's quality of life. We kept seeing (and slipping) on water in the hallways from the very old washing machines, and the kids have very little in the way of entertainment. I also want to clarify that the approximately $5,650 the orphanage has received for these purchases from Bank of America associates came from Boston and Jacksonville. I think Chicago raised at least another $1,500, and New York will be continuing its fund-raising efforts. Donations should be ear-marked "Bank of America Luoyang Orphanage." We are hopeful that more money will be raised to help buy additional electrolysis equipment for the CP children. A machine would
cost about $5,000 USD.

We'll be back at the orphanage tomorrow.