We had a very busy day today. We skyped with the kids at home this morning. Then went down for breakfast. It was nice to see some of the families we had seen in Hong Kong with their children. Everyone seems to be doing very well. We then met Ann in the lobby and off we went to see Max's foster family. It was about an hour drive. We met his foster mother at a shopping area and followed her on her motorcycle to where they live. They live in a house that is 4 stories with a 5th story outside rooftop area. They are considered pretty wealthy. When we arrived we were greeted by his foster family, aunt and uncle and grandma. They led us into the house to a living area. The table was set with fancy fruits and fresh peanuts. We then heard fireworks going off outside and that was for our arrival. They said it means we are welcome. We shared stories about Max with the help of Ann. They really all loved him so much and were happy to see we love him too. We really felt like it was important to go see his China family to understand why he is like he is with bonding to people. I think we got some of those answers today. Max was never told he was an orphan. As far as he knew his family did not want him. He was told he was coming to America and live with a new family. I had sent a package but he would have nothing to do with what I had sent. He did not want to leave China. He was sent back to the orphanage a month before we came to China. They agency said it was because he was so close to his foster family. His foster family told him he was only going on a vacation and would come back. Everyday he would ask the orphanage workers "when will I go on my vacation?" It really breaks my heart when I hear that. Sometimes I feel responsible for his hurt, I know deep down that this is a good thing for him. A life in China would most likely mean a life without Jesus. He is learning now about Jesus's love. He asks a lot of tough questions that we answer the best we can for now. The second day we were gone my girls told me that Max said grace at the dinner table and it was from the heart. That was huge!! We need to concentrate on the big picture sometimes. Max has been with us for almost two years and as challenging as it has been sometimes I wouldn't change a thing.
We brought them some gifts to his foster family and a photo book that I had made with pictures of Max since we have been home. They gave us some gifts also. Some fruit that they grow and some packaged things. I don't know what most of it is, we will have to ask our friend Melissa what it all is and how to cook it. They then wanted to take us out to lunch a local restaurant. It was pretty fancy, they led us to a private room with a sitting area and a big round table. We were served a lot of food. Started off with chicken feet. We had fresh fish, (head on) chicken, (head on) goose (no head) cow stomach, pork, beef, squid, Tofu fresh vegetables and rice. I am probably forgetting some things. So much food. We really were honored guests. They even invited the cab driver in to eat with us. We said our good byes and headed back to the hotel. We were with them about 3 hours. We got back to the hotel about 3:00 and we had to meet our group in the lobby to go eat again at 5:00. So today we basically ate all day with good company. Cody was so good all day. He was so patient with everything and said he never ate such good food. He also told Ann today that he really likes his dad and mom and has only known us for a little while and feels so comfortable. Tomorrow we are pretty free until about 4:30 we then do some paperwork in our room with our guide. We are gonna go on the Pearl River Cruise. We have been already but thought Cody would really like it. Tuesday is our Consulate Appointment.
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