Visiting the Nanjing SWI

We had some wonderful visits with the staff at the Nanjing SWI.  Our daughter, Mei Ling, will certainly treasure the visits for the rest of her life.  The staff could not have been nicer to Mei Ling.  It was wonderful to see the love  they they give to the children.

We feel blessed that Mei Ling was cared for by these women in the first 13 months of her life.  

Sign above the Nanjing Rehabilitation Center which helps children in Jiangsu Province.

Map above shows the location of the Nanjing Social Welfare Institute (SWI) in the Hou Zai Men district of Nanjing.  The Hilton Hotel is just south on East Zhongshan Road.  Xin Jie Kou (a major intersection in Nanjing) is shown to the west.  Tai Ping Men and Xuan Wu Hu Gong Yuan (Xuan Wu Lake Park) are to the north.    

View of the pretty Caregivers Statue and Nanjing Children's Rehabilitation Center.

    To the right of the Nanjing Children's Rehabilitation Center sits the Orphanage shown above where the kids reside.

Mei Ling with Fang Da Zhen.  She has provided care to our daughter and so many other adopted children.  She is truly a most loving and gracious person.

Fan Da Zhen now works primarily with Foster Care Programs sponsored by Amity and FCCNY.  From our experience the FCC/Amity Foster Care Programs have been a big success.  Many of the orphan children are now placed with Foster Care families in the villages, where they get individual attention and love from an entire family.

Our daughter with Yao Song Ting.  Song Ting has been taking care of the kids at the Nanjing SWI for several years and vividly remembered our daughter, Tian, as she was known.

Amazingly, she recounted many of Tian's habits (such as not needing much sleep).  Tian has many of these same habits even to this day. 

Yao Song Ting is one of the warmest women you could ever meet.  We feel truly blessed that Fan Da Zhen, Yao Song Ting, Hu Ming and others were there to love our daughter at a key time in her life.  We are truly grateful that the Lord provided for our daughter and so many other kids who lived at the Nanjing SWI.

A welcome given to us by Jin Ping (far left), who is the orphanage director.  Fan Da Zhen has her arm around Mei Ling.

My daughter is wearing a purple shirt because she was known at the orphanage as Zi Tian (Purple and Sweet).

I told Ms. Jin about the many families in America and the world who are grateful for their kids from the Nanjing SWI and other orphanages in China.  We will always think of them fondly and try to help them in any way we can.

Jin Ping gave Mei Ling a talk which was really meant for all of the kids who have been through the Nanjing SWI.  She said that all of the children are still part of them no matter how old the kids get.  Even though the children maybe growing up in distant countries, such as America and in Europe, they should never feel too far apart from the Nanjing SWI. [Sorry, she said it better than I could say it, but my Chinese is only passable :) ].

(Left to Right) Jin Ping, Mei Ling, Fan Da Zhen, and Sheryl.  They provided us with a nice welcome sign in the background.

Our daughter with (left to right) Wang Yong Zhen, Fan Da Zhen, and Xuan Yao Yu.  Both Ms. Wang and Ms. Xuan serve as visitor liaisons.  Both are very friendly and helpful.  Xuan Yao Yu showed us around the orphanage,  Children's Rehabilitation Center, and the playground. 

 In our visits we observed the Hugging Grannies who were always providing loving care to the kids.  These Grannies are sponsored by FCCNY in partnership with the Amity Foundation.

More Hugging Grannies in a smaller room. 

Xuan Yao Yu shows Mei Ling how to use some of the playground equipment.  The playground was donated by caring families.

Children's balancing equipment.

Beautiful new track for the children to use for running.

Summary of the Caregivers displayed at the entrance of the orphanage.

Mei Ling visits some of the rooms she used to live in.  The children were constantly being given love and attention.

Mei Ling and Sheryl visit with a cute girl.  Soon she will be adopted.

Visiting with a girl who just had heart surgery.  This funding for the surgery was donated by Amity.  She is now healthy and awaiting adoption.

One of Many Signs at the Nanjing SWI that Promote Children's Welfare - "Attach Importance to Children's Idea" 

This meaning is clear that they are putting the kid's needs first. - "Stick to Handle Institute Policy of Best Living Best Education Best Administration to the Adopted Children" 

"Respect Children's Life Right Live Right Development Right"

These students from nearby Nanjing University perform summer internships at the Social Welfare Institute.  They were enthusiastic about their jobs with the kids.  It is a win/win situation both for the children and the students. 

This building is currently under construction.  It will be used for the education of handicapped children. 

Side view of the new building.

 A hot day in Hou Zai Men.  This is the view we had upon leaving the Nanjing SWI gates.  Buying and selling Xi Gua (watermelons).

Another view outside the gates of the Nanjing SWI at Hou Zai Men.  Hou Zai Men is a great district to walk through as there are many interesting sites and shops.

 This sign is located near the entrance of the Nanjing SWI.  It shows Caregivers holding the children.  It says "Offer the Kids a Blue Sky".  Truly, they offered our daughter a blue sky.  THANKS!!