Lullaby for Luke

Before I get into what everyone really wants to hear about, the orphanage time, here's a quick recap of Saturday and Sunday:  We spent those two days in X'ian, one of the larger cities in China and the capital of this province, adjusting to the time change, bonding as a team, and preparing materials. Some of my favorite bonding experiences included getting feet sucking fish pedicures, eating market squid off of a stick, and biking 10 miles around the entire fortress wall that surrounds the old city of X'ian.  Riding at night, the lights were amazing!  This group has already been such a blessing.  We are small in number, but that has allowed for quick bonding, easy travel, and lots of fun. Squid on a stick The lack of smog allowing for a view of the mountains warranted a picture. Not your typical pedicure! 10-mile ride on top of the ancient city wall. Drum Tower and Bell Tower at night. Today was our first day at the orphanage, and memorie...

He knows.  He comprehends on some level that I’m going back.   He refused to fall asleep last night, afraid once he closed his eyes that mommy would be gone.  He’s been extra clingy lately, and I’m not sure if it’s because we’ve been talking about mommy going back to China, if it’s because we’re approaching his 2 year Gotcha Day anniversary, or maybe it’s just being 4 years old. But last night, knowing I would be gone on a plane to China when he woke up, he wouldn’t let go. His eyes would get heavy and close, but as soon as I tried to sneak away, an arm or a leg could capture me.   Sweet boy, I’m not going for good. You better believe I’ll be coming back home.  But in the over the next 10 days, I get to tell your Ayis how you are growing and flourishing! I get to encourage them that the care they tirelessly provide to the children in their watch makes a difference - that you are proof that children living in institutions don’t have...