| After an overnight train ride we arrived in Hohhot the morning of the 9th and went to the ceremony. Before and after the ceremony we were able to tour the new site. It was quite impressive. There are three building with three floors. They have already moved everyone from the old facility to the new one. The therapy rooms are quite impressive and the therapists seem very happy with them.
Following the ceremony we visited a few tourist sites with the orphanage directors that attended the event. We were able to meet about 25 directors from different orphanages. We even went to the grasslands where we went horse back riding. They even killed a sheep right on the spot for our lunch.
At every meal there was a lot of smoking and drinking- it was a constant battle telling them we did not want to drink. :>) I think it is director Zhang's goal in life to get me to drink. :>)
It was a good trip and we were able to bring a baby back with us that needs heart surgery.
Karen Brenneman
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Welcome Arch |
Arriving at the ceremony. |
New Facility |
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Ceremony Stage |
Military Band |
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Important guests giving speeches |
Shooting balloons and
confetti into the air. |
Left - Hohhot Mayor
Right - Beijing Civil Affairs director |
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The lady in black - CCAA director |
It's good to see Li Zhong again. He continues to do well after surgery. |
New Auditorium |
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Toddler's room |
Older children's room |
Ultra sound room |
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Therapy room |
The physical therapists |
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Another therapy room |
Speech therapy room |
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Princess Zhao Jun Museum
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Karen with director Zhang and his daughter |
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View from the top of her tomb |
Pavilion |
Grace with Princess Zhao Jun's statue |
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Ready for the slaughter |
Our Lunch |
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Drinking naicha (milk tea) |
Horse back riding |
Grasslands |
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