About Tianjin Children’s Welfare Institute

As one of ICCO’s Co-Chairpeople, I have been given the gift of an open door to the Director’s office at the orphanage. Today, we had a great conversation even though I wasn’t feeling quite myself. I was struggling with a very bad headache. My head was just as foggy as the smoggy air outside. I was very thankful for the items that the Director and I were able to talk about. There was clarity and understanding.

Each week I visit the medical ward. This is the place that sick children go to. It is also the place where the freshly abandoned children go to immediately. I walk from crib to crib to visit each child. Today, I interacted with a child that I knew from previous times visiting the rehabilitation department. This beautiful girl was obviously sick, however she gave me the biggest smile. Her eyes locked onto mine. I extended my hand to touch her, hold her hand, and be close to her for a while. She was so happy during our time together. I have a mental picture of her that I will always treasure.

As I visited the rehabilitation department, I checked on a child that is currently on the Nutrition Project. I touched him. While I touched him, It was confirmed in my heart that we all need touch. It’s so important. It’s a sense that many of these children don’t get enough of. Everytime I visit this boy he is always bundled up in his blankets laying in a crib. He needs to be touched. I was honored to connect with him through the sense of touch. It was a special moment. I will continue to touch each child that is put in my path when I visit. I have a mental picture of what a compassionate touch will do.

My favorite mental picture of the day was when I saw one of ICCO’s volunteers, a French lady with a big and committed heart, sitting on the activity mat in one of the baby rooms. Her back leaned against the wall, her body in a relaxed (almost melted) position, and her eyes looking as if they were saying, “I am in my happy place.” Upon her lap there was one baby sitting up. Another baby propped herself up on one of her legs like a puppy dog resting his chin. Yet, another baby was sitting closely beside her with the volunteer’s arm around her. This volunteer looked like she was in heaven. Wow. Wow. Wow. Three little babies all peacefully receiving a loving presence. What a beautiful mental picture I have of love. Love at the orphanage. Love in Tianjin, China. I am so thankful for watching this volunteer and her three little friends finding their happy place together as they peacefully rested with each other. It is truly amazing to see love moving in this place!