We had planned on spending the day tomorrow at the orphanage to donate some time.  Due to schedule issues, we could only stop by on our way to the hotel today.  First we walked the facility and then played with the children.  The experience was very primal for those of us who only know three or four words in Chinese.  But everyone speaks the language of a hug and a smile. 

many of us were drawn in with the 2-year old toddlers who were seated around a table eating hard candies and rolls when we arrived.  For some time, we were ignored.  The children are accustomed to people walking around and just looking at them.  But when we sat down at their table, this served as the signal that we wanted to play.  Soon I was was mobbed for digital photos so they could see their images in the digital display.  This little girl liked to give a peace sign for her photo:

We then headed out to the playground for some excercise.  We spent 30 minutes jumping on trampolines, swinging and chasing through slides.  One young lady caught my attention and I realized she was an orphan who had grown up there and was now a worker.  When I gestured to her to wait for me to give her a gift, she shook her head and then hid when I turned my back.  I raced back to the room and collected a Littleton High School Basketbal jersey from the ladies' team.  I had to search for her, but I found her hiding in a room nearby helping the other workers.  I have her photo below.  She was embarssed at my attention because she is mute, but with some kindness, she accepted the gift and posed for a photo...

After some tears, we said goodbye and discussed on the bus how we could send more care packages to this orphanage. 

Parents:  I will upload pictures tonight (you can imagine, there are quite a few).  Check back for the slide show link at http://china.littletonpublicschools.net