Seeing Double: Zhengzhou CWI

Today we visited the Zhengzhou Children’s Welfare Institute or CWI or orphanage (for the less politically correct). This is where Patrick spent the past year of his life as well as the place John spent over a year of his life. We had not visited here on our previous trips to Zhengzhou. As we drove up I was honestly shocked at the size of the facility. From the outside it was a beautiful location with a soccer field surrounded by a track, multiple playground areas, and a large garden. It was painted in bright colors and cleaner than I anticipated. On the surface the inside was bright and cheery as well. The kids were smiling. Preschool was in full swing. We were greeted by smiling workers who were all thrilled to see Patrick again. He was in his carrier strapped to me so he felt pretty safe. Lauren and I could tell he was nervous, but he did well throughout his visit. Our first stop was the New Hope/Show Hope Special Care Center. This is home to about 80 of the babies under the care of Show Hope. We visited Patrick’s room. His nannies were thrilled to see him. We were greeted by the head nanny who got so excited not only to see Patrick, but also to see pictures of John. She was ecstatic to see he was doing so well. We also got to see Ednalyn, Patrick’s nurse, who has cared for him for quite a while now. Before we left the Show Hope floor Ednalyn walked into a supply room. Patrick immediately started smiling. She returned with a handful of snacks for him. Apparently these two have shared a few snacks throughout their time together. If anyone sponsors children through Show Hope, I can personally say that they are loved and well cared for in this facility

Later we visited Patrick’s preschool room. His teacher was just as happy to see him as everyone else. She insisted that I take him out of his carrier for pictures. I was reluctant but went ahead. Again he did great, but happily got back on my chest!!! We were told that he loved going to preschool, and I believe it.

It was great to see where two of my boys spent a great deal of their lives. It was also great to know that neither of them are there any longer. As we prepared to leave today we were met by a large group of kids going from one activity to another. Most of these kids were older. There were walkers, wheelchairs, and kids walking normally. There was laughter, bickering, and lots of showing off for the camera. One guy made sure he got a fist bump from each of us. If we didn’t know better, we could have been in a normal school environment. Sadly we do know better. We were in an orphanage. We were in the largest orphanage in Henan province. Over 600 children call this place home. That doesn’t include those who are in foster care in this city. When the “school day” ends these kids don’t go home to happy families. During holiday breaks this is still home. These kids rarely see the outside of the orphanage gates. A location similar to this is where Elisabeth spent the first 13 years of her life. Some of these children will be adopted either domestically or internationally, but statistically speaking most of these children have no future. They are considered “unlucky” by their country so jobs will be hard to come by once their days are over in the orphanage. Life on the streets or in jail will be the most common outcome. Open Christianity is illegal so there isn’t a church to step in for help. It’s heartbreaking. We can all talk about the statistics, but when you stand in a room surrounded by real live children, it’s almost unbearable. I wish I could transport anyone who asks me why we chose to adopt to that room. No further explanation would be needed. I wouldn’t have to explain why our hearts long to bring even more home. I’m thankful that God chose my family to remove at least 4 children from that room. I pray that someone, somewhere is answering God’s call to remove even more.