Orphanage visit

We got up early and met our other family in the van and took off for the orphanage the both girls were living at. It was certainly an experience we will never forget.
The facility is very large, houses some 800-odd kids, yes, 800. Many buildings and most of it very new, shiny and clean. The washing machines are enourmas, and it is run like a hosptial really. Sadly, very sadly, it is NOT a hospital, but a "home" ...somewhere that babies are brought to, and brought up at. The play ground was empty as were all the play rooms. The kids we saw were all eating at the time, all dressed alike, eating their rice. We visited the 3-4 year old area for the other family. It was the newer area. Then we exited the building and went to a street within the compound that had many 3 story small buildings that were for the babies and toddlers. Drew's house was a very small main room (the size of our living area in our hotel suite) were they ate and played. Then a small sleeping room that had the cribs in it, the a kitchen/bath (?) area. That was their world. There were 12 children there (including Drew) and 2 caregivers. This set-up is relatively new, where there are only 12 kids, who stay together and the same group of care-givers. The idea is that it "mimics" a normal household. I have to be honest here and say that in all that we have done and seen this week, seeing this was what made me break down. To think that my little one had lived here, in this small, bare, cold environment, with 11 other little ones (who were staying there), broke my heart. The other little kids (1-3 yrs) were so sad, and most were obviously very delayed and or had such big needs...it explains a lot of Drew's behaviour and will shape her for many years to come. I am not big on advocating for many things, but this day convinced me of the life-changing and truely wonderful work of the charity called "Half the Sky Foundation" in China. The extreme diffence of this institution, who has money for food and buildings, but no Half the Sky, and the orphanage that Kelly was in, who had to scrape by on food and a brokend down building, but DID have Half the Sky working there is heart wrenching. The difference in theses kids, these human beings, is night and day. If you are ever in a situation where you think you would like to support a charity in any way, I can honestly tell you that you will change a life, heck change many lives, by giving to them. Drew's orphanage has declined Half the Sky's services, and have condemned many, many children to a life where love, attachment, normal developement, and stimulation

will not happen. For some of them ever. Sorry if this sounds like a commercial, but after being there and seeing it, I can not keep quiet...it is just too needless.
Our drive home was uneventful, Drew continues to make baby steps forward, 3 forward, 2 back, but the overall is definately forward. She is a very sad, angry little baby, but she will understand soon enough.
Beth