Friday: Doctors, Orphanages, & Xiaolongbao

Although we had planned to have a casual and relaxing Friday morning after a long day at the Safari Park on Thursday, our guide told us that there was an inconclusive medical test that came back for Hannah from the doctor's office, and that we needed to run another test and clarify the few remaining questions that were on her medical report before she was given the "ok" from the doctors and CDC to come to the US with us.

With that in mind, we added a return trip to the doctor to our Friday schedule (sigh), but thankfully the remaining test was quick and the results revealed that her medical report was clear and ready to go!  Praise God!

Jared, Eric, Nathan, Brooke, and Joshua went out on a little exploration in the morning, as we were in need of some simple groceries and supplies.  We heard of this place called "Wal Mart" - a very peculiar name for a store, perhaps?  But it was located a few blocks away from the hotel, so we headed out to investigate what it had to offer.

This Walmart was quite unique in that it looked small from the outside, unlike the Walmarts we know in the States.  However, once you got inside, it was a multi-level, low-ceiling store, with very small aisles, shelves stocked to the top, and little bitty carts or plastic baskets (with wheels!) you could drive around and put your items in.  The grocery section was in the lower level...next to the bulk candy section (of course!) and the fresh seafood section.  And when we mean "fresh seafood"....we mean "still-swimming-in-the-tank-fresh-seafood".  Being Walmart, the expectation is that you go fish your own catch with the fishnet they provide at the counter and then you haul it to the butcher behind the counter to slice and dice before your very eyes.  Did we mention they also offer fresh squid, octopus, and chicken feet for your next family reunion dinner?

After finding some PB&J supplies, Oreos, chips, and snacks, we walked back to the hotel and prepared for the afternoon.  Today was a special day as we were scheduled to visit Hannah's orphanage and learn more about how and where she spent her early years.

Her orphanage was located about 1 - 1.5 hours outside of Guangzhou, in an area that is surrounded by factories and manufacturing plants.  When we arrived, we were greeted warmly by a few of the workers, who took us on a tour of the many buildings, outdoor play area, and common spaces they use with the children.  Hannah's orphanage is one of the larger ones in the area (approximately 700-800 children in total), and care for children that range in age from infant to 17-18 years old.  The level of special needs also varies greatly with these children, and they provide different opportunities and facilities for those who would benefit from them.  With a limited staff and this many kids under their care, they do a great job at trying to provide the best environment and opportunity for these kids.  And yet, there is such a great need for additional support, care, and love for these children.

While we were there, we were able to see Hannah's classroom, meet a few of her teachers and nannies (who were so excited to see her again, meet us, and wish her the best), see her cafeteria and play rooms, and even look at where her room and bed was.  It was a special day, filled with a variety of emotions and thoughts, and one we didn't take lightly as we acknowledge how the time Hannah spent her is part of her life story and history.  We're so thankful for the staff and caretakers who cared for her, and the ongoing work they do for the children that are still residing here.

Hannah showing us the fun outdoor play area she loved to play in!

One of her teachers who worked with Hannah often, and gave us some of her artwork and classwork!

Family picture outside the front of the orphanage, with two of the orphanage officials

Once we arrived back at our hotel, Jared recommended a great Taiwanese restaurant that was known for their soup dumplings (Xiaolongbao), among other things.  We hopped into our first cab ride through Guangzhou and headed out for dinner.  Available in either pork or chicken, these dumpings are special in that they add a small portion of soup inside the dumping before they come out to your table in a traditional small bamboo steaming basket, ready to be consumed like candy.  Dip them into your little bowl of vinegar and soy sauce blend, and you're set to enjoy!

We became big fans of these little steamy dough pockets of love, and couldn't stop eating them.  We also tried out their noodles with sesame and spicy sauce, some fried pork and rice, and a few others, but the xiaolongbao took home gold medal honors by the entire Groezinger clan!  (how rare is THAT?!)  We had a great time eating there, and really appreciated the time we were able to spend with Jared (and his coaching us on proper eating techniques!).

This started with 10. 3 were consumed before a picture was even taken!

Thumbs up from EVERYONE around the table!

Chopstocks = your utensil of choice for this meal!

We arrived back at our hotels after another long day here in GZ, but not without a few reasons why we're thankful today:

• No additional medical concerns for Hannah - she's cleared and ready to come home!
• The opportunity to spend time at her orphanage and better see, feel, and understand the time she spent there.
• Friends here and back home who encourage us through their prayers, financial support, and even recommendations of the best xiaolongbao to eat in GZ!