March 2006

Nanchang

Donna & Eugene Goertzen travelled  with Donna’s parents and eight other families to meet their daughter Dani. Seven of the children being adopted on this trip were adopted from the Waiting Child program. Donna offered this trip report.

Well, it’s only a few weeks and a lifetime ago that we boarded the plane in Beijing for Nanchang to finally meet our new daughter, Dani Mei. Eugene and I are from Edmonton and we traveled to China with my parents from Vancouver, Earl and Florence Wilson. We were with a really interesting group in that there were 9 families going to 5 different places to pick up their children. Most of the families were also adopting older, special needs children. It was fascinating to see how the children of different ages went through the transition and adjusted to their new families. It appeared much better and quicker than I would have expected.

Our journey to Nanchang was with Sharon and her friend Heather. Heather has adopted internationally 4 times, so she was a great source of information and guidance, not only to Sharon, but to us as well!  We had all met briefly the night before in Beijing and on Monday March 27 we headed off for our two hour flight. We were met at the airport by our Nanchang guide, Cindy, and were able to get checked in to the hotel before we were driven to the government office where the children were. As we arrived, we could see a baby being held by someone standing outside. Gene recognized her right away as our daughter. It was so emotional to see her there, but we couldn’t meet her yet. We had to go inside first and show our passports. Then finally they brought her over to us. This tiny little bundle in so many layers of clothes!  We had to pose for some pictures and do some paperwork, I think. The time is a blur in my mind, and yet a memory I’ll never forget!

Dani was quiet and tense and just looked at us and around. Meanwhile, Sharon was meeting her little Emma. Emma was over 2 and could walk. A very cute little girl, but you could tell she was tense and scared. It was really something to see the change in her face after a few days with Sharon.

Our very first night was the easiest we’ve had with Dani so far!  Dani was probably so exhausted and stressed that she slept straight through the night without a sound. During the day, she would just look around and hold something in her hand. Her favourite was a sugar packet and she could sure maintain a death grip on that.

It was 3 days before Dani made a sound. Then all of a sudden at dinner, she burst out with ‘Ma Ma’. The rest of my family didn’t quite hear it, but I swear those were her first words!

Our days in Nanchang were spent doing some of the necessary paper work. The rest of the time was spent touring the nearby Cultural Centre, visiting the People’s  Park and the Bonsai Gardens, and, of course, Walmart.

It was really terrific having my parents with me. Besides the moral support and the thrill of them being part of our journey to Dani, it was especially helpful having someone to hand out the Canada pins and souvenirs to all the people who would stop and look at the baby!  Dani and Emma certainly got a lot of attention, and the comments and smiles were always very supportive and encouraging.

We were not able to visit our orphanage in Nanfeng  since starting this year, visits were no longer permitted. But we did receive pictures from the disposable camera we had sent, so that was excellent. Sharon was able to go to Emma’s orphanage as it was right in Nanchang.

By Friday, we were flying back to Beijing and joining the rest of the group. Then the days of shopping and touring. Panda Bears, Pearl Factory and the Great Wall are some of our very special memories.

We were so looked after by all our guides in China and feel very indebted to everyone who took part in arranging such a wonderful visit.

Donna Goertzen