Billy and the other Xuwen Dads made it back safely! Thank you for all your prayers.

So, here's what happened. The dads arrived in Xuwen after a 7 hour drive through the countryside. Xuwen is a poor town. The buildings all look dirty and old. The town treated the dads like Rock Stars. They see so few white people that they were very interested in what these men were up to. Miraculously the Lord provided an interpretor. The daughter of the lady who runs the orphanage spoke some English and was able to interpret.

The guys were welcomed into the first floor of the orphanage which is just one big room for meetings or something. This is where they gave the orphanage the gifts of baby clothes and toys.

Then, the men were allowed to see the baby rooms. They were not allowed to take any video or pictures while on that floor. Billy says the babies looked well taken care of, but they were all so quiet. He said it was a little unsettling how quite they all were as they played with their little hands. The cribs had no mattresses - just a wooden mat. There were no toys or blankets that Billy saw. He just kept saying - "they were so quiet."

I cried as Billy shared how they all played with their hands, because that's exactly what Libby does. Billy says it's best that I didn't see the inside of the orphanage. It breaks my heart to think of her in that orphanage with no toys, but we know that the orphanage and nannies did the best they could. They just have so little resources. Of the three baby rooms the dads visited there were about 15 babies in each room. It must be so overwhelming for those nannies to take care of so many.

Billy actually met Libby's main nanny. The nanny in a previous entry is the head orphanage director. But if you scroll down, you'll see a picture of Billy with Libby's actual nanny. I really can't get over how young she looks.

Billy was directed to Libby's finding spot. It was just a simple, dirty sidewalk next to a hospital and some street vendors. We're choosing not to share this picture of her finding place with everyone. We're going to save it for close family and for Libby. Thank you for understanding. It's just such a personal photo.

Billy enjoyed the trip but was definately exhausted upon his return. I have definately come down with something. My chest is heavy and my coughs are producing some icky stuff. I started a round of antibiotics this morning. Please pray I get well soon and that Billy and Libby are kept well for our trip home.

Some of the photos you'll see are from today's group photos - the day when all the girls wear their Chinese outfits. So cute!!

We're down to the last days! I can't believe we're finally bringing Libby home.

Love you all,

The Foote Family