An Afternoon Visit

The orphanage has asked that we come to see Lucy in the afternoons. We don't know why this is, but we are happy to keep whatever rules they impose as long as it means we can see her each day. When we arrived today it was officially nap time. The lights in Lucy's room were out and the nannies were gathered around the tv, eating their lunches and watching their favorite soap opera. We were intruding, and we felt embarrassed. We sat in the hall and waited, until the ladies motioned for us to come in. But, Lucy was still sleeping, and kept on sleeping for a good 45 minutes. As the room of little ones began to stir the nannies made preparations to feed every one. Mush made with rice and yogurt was spooned into bowls. Bottles with each child's name were added to, with formula and yogurt mixed in. As babies woke their diapers were changed, and we all helped feed the little mouths. It was a thick formula for them to suck through their bottles, and we noticed they didn't drink as much as they probably would have without the yogurt-but I imagine the yogurt is added purposefully as it sits in their stomachs a little longer and helps the babies feel full.

After many of the babies were fed, one of the nannies motioned to me that they would wake up our sleeping beauty. She was so peaceful, even with all the lights on and other babies crying around her. Asleep on her little stomach, we saw her darling eyelashes with her eyes closed tight. The nanny changed her diaper and then proceeded to clothe her in this little pink outfit. I'm quite sure it is one of the donations given to the orphanage by our church congregation (hello Holladay 27th Ward!) They were very proud to hand her to me all dressed in pink, and she looked so darling, it was fun to see her bright smile and big eyes. I sat in a little plastic chair with with Lucy and her bottle. Our first "feeding" together. She ate just fine, but she didn't seem to want to, she was cooing and wanting to talk to me instead. What a pleasure to hold her. Poor John was in the orphanage for over an hour before he got his hands on her!

So pretty in pink


Our anxieties to bring Lucy out of the orphanage are increasing as we see Lucy's roommates come down with fevers and runny noses. She is in a good orphanage, but it is an orphanage just the same. As much as we appreciate the nannies and the conditions in which Lucy lives, we look forward to the day when she will leave with us. No more morning or afternoon visits, but actually be her parents 24/7. Hopefully soon. In the meantime we plan every day around our visits with Lucy. She is the brightest spot in all of Ho Chi Min City!