Foundlings

Many events: A tour of Guangzhou including a stop at a local temple where the babies were blessed by a Buddhist monk, then the next day a trip with three other families to the orphanage in Yangchun, and a visit to where each of the foundling babies were abandoned.

Lillia was left in a cardboard box in front of the Yangchun insurance building; one baby was left in front of Middle School Number 2, one was left at Middle School Number 4, and one was left in front of the local hospital. Each of the mothers abandoned their babies in public places so that they would be found quickly, though this is not without risk, as abandoning your baby is of course illegal.

The Pearl River from our 11th floor room on a typical day. At least the rain has stopped.

Suzanne and Lillia in front of said window.

Lillia and Tom in front of the temple just following the blessing.

Us in front of the orphanage at Yangchun.

The insurance building where Lillia (AKA Chun Hua Lu) was found. All of the babies from our orphanage were named "Chun Hua _____". Her first name was randomly chosen from the dictionary, per her caregivers. They say there are just too many babies to do otherwise.

The three of us in front of the insurance building.

Chinese women who stopped at our bus to admire Lillia, who has apparently much to recommend her.

Landscape near Yangchun. There is a national geologic park there reminiscent of Guilin.

A sign at the entrance to our local park next to the Pearl River and the hotel. Many people in the park practising Tai Chi, ballroom dancing, singing, fishing (!). Not much spitting here but in other parts of the city it was very much a pastime.


Some pictures of Lillia and Tom at breakfast this morning.

Tomorrow (Friday) we are off to the American Consulate with all the other parents and babies to take our oath, then flying to Hong Kong and San Francisco on Saturday.

Love, Tom and Suzanne