Day 2 in Hunan
Tingting wrote:
“Today we spent some time observing the classroom to see how kids behave when they are in a group and in their familiar setting. Dr. Zhang is very interested in music therapy, so we spent more time on each child by trying out music. It turned out that one of the boys really enjoyed it and Colleen started to dance with him. 
He usually wasn’t interested in anything but he started to smile as he and Colleen danced– it surprised all the staff, too. His caregiver is this really kind and patient granny. We all love her so much. We asked her to try to dance with the boy. She was so shy at the beginning and wouldn’t dare to do it, but after she saw how this boy reacted to the music and dance she stepped out without hesitation and led the boy to dance. We all clapped our hands for her courage. She was so patient and so desperate to try everything she could to help him. We were all so touched by her.
When we took a taxi for lunch, the driver was very curious about why we were in Changde. Stephanie told him that we came here to help the orphans. After we got out of the taxi and tried to hand him the cab fare, he refused to take it. He kept saying, “Forget about paying me. You came here to help our kids. This is the least a local guy like me can do for you.” We were all so touched by his kind gesture.
Angie brought a lot of great materials to Changde. Every time Dr. Zhang looked at Angie’s extensive preparation, she would say, “Wow… this is so good. ” Angie brought some really good tape that can be used for kids’ fingers. Dr. Zhang applied it to the kids who needed it. Again, I am just so impressed by Angie, Dr. Zhang and Colleen – they make such a perfect team!! ”
“This morning we were able to see the school. The children were very glad to see us. Prior to our arrival, they passed out candy. Many of the children had their pockets stuffed full of the treats by the time we had arrived. 