More about Amy

Amy's orphanage was in the heart of Shijiazhuang City.  Not a pretty place. Dusty and dirty.  Our guide who has travelled all over China mentioned it was one of his least favorite places.  He also told us her orphanage was not very good.  I am thankful she was in foster care for the last 2/3 years.  They could not tell us exactly as bad record keeping.  She was fostered in the rural outskirts of the city.  He noted the area to be very poor.  Water scarce.  People maybe bathe every other week or every 2 weeks.   In this area, wheat is grown,  thus Amy is a bread girl verses a rice girl.  She will eat rice but when asked what her favorite meal is she answered " steamed bun and hot soup".  Our breakfast buffets usually had steamed buns (same texture as half baked bread in my opinion) so she had one most every morning while we were there. One with white sugar that is......the way her foster grandma served it. Now that we are home we have all kinds of bread for her.  She likes to dip it in soup, sauce or whatever.

Amy's condition when we got her.  She was dirty. Had quite a few bruises. She has scars all over and my guess is that she had a terrible case of chickenpox at some time in her past. She continues to lighten up in skin color as we bathe her every day. So many layers of old skin and dirt.  Her hands looked like she had played in the dirt before we got her.  We can tell bathing was not a pleasant experience and/or not common place. Her clothes were not clean. No undergarments at all.  Her hair was done in many rubber bands over her head.  Very tight and almost knotted.  During lunch at our fancy hotel, and among a room full of elite Chinese business men.....Amy wanted to get the braids out of her hair.  At that moment, no stopping her.  She was pulling her hair out trying to get them out.  Anna and I helped her and even Anna commented that whoever did her hair was not kind and did a terrible job.  Amy rubbed and rubbed her head when all was done. Sore scalp. We walked out of the dining room with Amy's hair standing straight out. Yes, many onlookers in the China fashion.  Had to wash and wet it in our hotel room to get out the tangles. I make sure I am soft and loving when I comb her hair.  She seems to notice and appreciate it. "Xie Xie MaMa," (thank you) she says. And now she likes to have her hair done (other than washing) in different ways.  Well, whatever way big sister ( Jie Jie's ) hair is fixed.

Amy is bone thin.  She sometimes ouch's when we pick her up as it seems to hurt, she rubs either her ribs or under her arms depending upon how we picked her up. So very thin.  We are hoping to remedy that one. Now when she is not into something and on the move......she is eating and snacking.  Trying to add some meat to her little bones! We have a rule though and she is obeying.  She sits in HER chair at the table to eat. She goes right to it when any food comes out which is often .......likes HER chair.  One of us will sit with her to enforce as she forgets and has hard time sitting still plus we have some extra time with her. Also to make sure she doesn't stand in her chair to try to reach the light fixture over our table.  Something she seems to be curious about. Our guide told us it was a rough time for her after being in orphanage for a couple years then to being a little spoiled by foster grandmother who seemed to cater to her likes and dislikes.......  back to orphanage where you get your meals at a certain time and if you don't eat the food, you have to wait until next meal.  No snacks and too bad if you do not like the food....just be hungry then.  Her basic needs were met and that is all. Not to judge the orphanage workers he said, they just do their jobs. Usually have more responsibilities than they have time for.....so many children......not enough workers.  Not enough supplies or extra food, lack of funds.

Amy likes to please.  She thrives on affirmation and praise.  Smiles with her whole face.....makes her eyes close she smiles so big.  Is polite.  Always says thank you......always.  Even for simple helps we give her. Is generous with hugs and kisses.  I stop all throughout my day to give her hugs, cuddles and kisses.  She doesn't stay still for long so I let her go when she is ready.  We are working on holding her for longer periods of time.....little by little.  I think she is afraid of being still too long.....might just get tired or think too much about all she has been through.  I think this because whenever the tears have come.....they are in the still and quiet moments.  Amy's tears come so softly.......we have to check her face when she starts rubbing her eyes.......she tries to stop them......but sometimes......they come anyways and I hold her.  I rock her.  And tell her "wo ai ni"  I love you.  Healing, bonding and attachment is a process.

Amy can fight like a wild cat if you mess with her in a way she doesn't like.  Washing her hair....look out....we all get wet.  Dreading her complete physical on Monday. In China during medical exam,  I got whacked in the back with a tambourine that is used to check hearing on the babies.  Amy was holding it when I had to hold her down for over body check. This was after a very unpleasant TB test so I do not blame her at all.  She was scared.  She is a fighter if she needs to be. Not afraid to stand up for herself! Oh, and not afraid to speak her mind!!!!!

Amy is a mile a minute.  Continues to explore, play, go from one thing to another.  Absolutely loves to go outside. Can not get her socks and shoes on fast enough.  Runs out with reckless abandonment! Rides her trike and rambles around the yard.  We are spending lots of time outside as the weather has been perfect.  Got out early on our one rain evening so got our time in.  The playground is her happy place.  She sings as she swings.  Or giggles with delight.  Still talking up a storm.  Learning a few English words here and there.

Proverbs 20:22
Wait for the Lord, and He will make things right.