Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Day 3 - Police Station & Jane

Today we met up with a friend of a friend in Kunming, Jane.  The goal was to understand as much about Chun Xiao's past as possible and to have Jane help us by working as a translator.

We met with Jane in the hotel lobby and explained to her our goals for the day.  We quickly realized that Jane was going to lead us through this process, not the other way around.  Within 10 mins of meeting us she had us in a cab heading to the police station where Chun Xiao was taken on October 6th, 2010.  The head of the station came down to personally greet us and meet Chun Xiao.  We spent about 3 hours at the police station as the kind officers helped piece the puzzle of October 6th, 2010 together for us.  The station was able to create a formal document detailing all of Chun Xiao's finding information for us. We have this document and can now provide it to Chun Xiao when she asks for it.  We clearly don't know everything but it is a start.

Throughout the morning I cried quite a few times but mostly felt so blessed to have met Jane & for the officers at the station.  Jane was so much more then a translator. In the 3 hour time we spent with her she acted as translator, investigator, travel coordinator (as we drove around the city), kind auntie to Chun Xiao, & dear friend to me.  At the end of the day I felt like she had been my friend for years. There is no way I can ever repay her for what she did for our family today.  Many families search for years in order to find the logistics of their child's finding day, I was able to get it for Chun Xiao in a few hours.

Matt, Christy, Chun Xiao, & Jane @ finding location

It is also worth noting how amazing the police officers were. They all inquired about Chun Xiao and truly took the time to understand why we wanted the information. The police station was able to track down the officer who actually held Chun Xiao on October 6th, 2010 and transported her back to the station that early morning. They called him at home (he was off duty) and this man said he remembered Chun Xiao and offered to meet us on his day off near his home.  Below is that man.



Maggie - thank you so much for introducing us to Jane. I can't help but think God put Chun Xiao in our lives and you/Jane as friends for a reason.  I truly believe today was orchestrated by a higher being.  Also, I wanted to mention (don't be jealous!) we are meeting Jane for dinner tomorrow night at your favorite restaurant, yea!!

Tomorrow we are off to get a tour of the orphanage in the morning and we leave on Friday for GZ.  These emotional days are so very tough but we are not in Kunming often so we are trying to make the best of everyday we have.  I continue to just love this city, the land, and the people.  I wish we had time to see more of the Yunnan province, but perhaps on another trip. ;-)

9 comments:

Stacia said...

I can only imagine how you both felt as just reading it had me in tears. What a wonderful gift you are giving Emma by knowing her past.

Tera said...

Glory to God!! What an amazing day!!!

Unknown said...

I am so incredibly jealous!!! What an amazing gift for you, Matt and Emma!! Yay!!!

Christy said...

Oh my goodness!! What a treasure!!! I am sooo amazed you were able to get such awesome info and were able to meet the man who found her-- wow!! What a treasure!!

I am thrilled things are going so well for you guys!! Cant wait to hear about the orphanage visit.

Big Hugs and we are praying for you!!!

Kam said...

What an incredible gift you have been given! God is so good! I can't imagine knowing all of those details and being able to meet those people...wow. I'm at a loss for words. What a blessing to have some answers for her.

I continue to think of you constantly and breathe prayers for you all the time. Much love and hugs for all of you!

Katy said...

WOW!

Anonymous said...

This is awesome, Christy! Congrats!!! What a neat story about the generosity of people. So glad it is working out this way :)

A2traveler said...

I knew that Jane would exceed your expectations, but to see this all in writing here is honestly kind of blowing my mind. She really is one in a million, and I am so glad that she was able to be with yo and help you find some of the answers you are looking for. Imagine what that policeman must be feeling, to know that the little girl he found a year ago now has two loving parents and a big sister.

I had a lot of amazing experiences in my 5 years in China, but none were more meaningful than being able to make this vicarious contribution to your family. Thank you for sharing. I wish you all the best on your journey and hope you will keep in touch with Jane. Enjoy the rest of your time in Kunming, and make sure you eat the crispy red beans and the dried beef at dinner tonight. And anything else Jane says you should eat. Nom nom nom.

The Walrond Family said...

All of these experiences are priceless gifts!! One day your little Emma will be overjoyed to have all of these memories :) Blessings as you continue your journey!