Chinese name: Qin Xiaoliang; American name given to him by his new family, Jake
DOB: Feb 16th, 2003 (8 years old)
Orphanage: in Xianyang City in Shaanxi Province(home of the famous Terra Cotta Warriors); was accepted into the orphanage when he was 13 months old
Special Need: Tetralogy of Fallot (Cardiac Defect); he had surgery to correct his heart on May 11, 2009 and now he's doing very well
He attends school at the orphanage. They do not send him to school outside the orphanage because they are overprotective of him because of his heart issues. Since his surgery, his development and abilities are the same as his friends. He is a good kid who has many friends and enjoys playing group games. He also loves to draw. The orphanage staff have discussed adoption with him and he is in agreement. He understands what this will mean for him and wants a family (per Heartsent Adoption Agency).
Can he speak English? The answer has been, "Probably not." Even though he is attending school, it is not a very good education. He may know a few English words. However, we have been reassured that he'll probably be able to speak fluent English within 3 months, once he is home with us.
There is a Chinese school on James Island. We may sign-up as a family to attend after Jake has come home. The school is every Sun from 1:30-3:30pm and runs like the normal school year. We also have friends who live in Mt. Pleasant who have older Chinese children (they are adopted) who will be able to help us with translating.
Does he know that he's being adopted? YES!!! We sent him a care package this Feb for his birthday. We were delighted to have him send us colored pictures that he had drawn! See the post with his 2 pictures!
We also got photos from his birthday party. Part of the care package was a birthday cake! This may have been the first birthday cake he's ever had. Look at the older post & you can see the great pictures!
