Molly's Foster Family

Well, where do we begin??

We have spent our first full day with Molly's foster family and it has been quite an amazing day!!  I don't even know if I can find the words right now to share with you because it is simply overwhelming the impact that one little girl has made in the world.  There are so many people who love her and care about her and have her forever imprinted upon their hearts and in their minds.

While I am usually quite OPEN about most things and a storyteller of sorts for educating, informing and sharing, there is a part of me that, at least for today ... or for a while ... just needs to hold much of this close to my heart and ponder it for a while.  But, at least, here is a bit of what our day held ...

Today, we learned so much more about Molly's early life in China ... so many wonderful stories ... she was quite the brave and daring girl and we were shown this shed that keeps the bicycle that she rode around and nearly drove right into the nearby river.  We enjoyed hearing the stories about her courage and determination ... qualities that are very much true about her today.

There are photos that we have sent all around the homes. 

This photo is of Molly's foster grandmother holding her at the orphanage on the first day they met.   

More photos and cards that we have sent ... 

There was a great deal of reminiscing about Molly with her foster grandfather.  Molly has memories of him, as she does of many of the foster family; he passed away about a year before we adopted her.  She told us about him and the day he died when she knew enough English.

They took us to the place where his ashes are kept. 

It was incredible to visit the place that kept the remains of so many Chinese people, each space holding a box of ashes, a photo or two, some papers or notes and maybe even a significant item that they believe the deceased person "needs" where they are.

The foster grandfather's mother passed away just last year at the age of 86 and we were able to see her 'resting spot' as well.

This evening we were treated to a wonderful meal ... so many delicious foods.  They even prepared specialty dishes such as fresh water crab and longevity noodles to show honor for the occasion.