I've heard similar stories from other families who have adopted older kids; that the kids are very uncomfortable in public; that shopkeepers or people on the street were rude to them. Some didn't want to leave the hotel room at all. Once they are in Guangzhou they seem to gain a little more confidence and feel more comfortable out and about.
The weather has been miserable in Chongqing; rain every day and predicted for the remainder of their stay. They are waiting for Sophia's passport to be issued which they will receive on Friday and they leave that afternoon for Guangzhou. The rain may break a bit on Thursday and they're hoping to get to the Panda Reserve in Chengdu which is a couple of hours away.
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/sichuan/chengdu/panda-breeding-and-research-center.htm
Apparently, Sophia does speak some English. She came out with "Oh My God" last night and when Popi was making tea she said, "I will help you". Cool!
Apparently, Sophia does speak some English. She came out with "Oh My God" last night and when Popi was making tea she said, "I will help you". Cool!
Constantin said she understands a lot and you only have to ask her to do something once and it's done. We're kind of hoping that will rub off on Katerina!
Constantin said Sophia is childlike. Chinese kids are typically a bit more immature than kids in the U.S. and orphanage kids even more so. That's ok, she'll have a little more childhood since she didn't have much in the orphanage.
School wise she does very well in the Arts and recently won 2nd place in Mandarin; she was given a nice plaque. She loves to read and write. She apparently struggles with biology and history. Constantin received her school reports from the last two years and actually met one of her teachers yesterday who accompanied Sophia to meet Constantin on Forever Family day. Some people call it Gotcha Day, but it just doesn't describe that wonderful day/moment that your child becomes a member of your family. It's not Adoption Day because that takes place 24 hours later; the actual significant moment is the day before.
Constantin is having a really hard time uploading pictures. He was able to send the videos via Skype so I extracted a couple of images from their meeting on Monday. The quality is not great, but you get the picture!
Thank you to everyone who has been sending their good wishes and leaving lovely comments on the blog.
yasou
ReplyDeleteCant decide who looks more excited, Constantin or Sophia. We are so excited to have Sophia in our family. Congradulations Sophia,Katerina,Constantin and Kris.
Thinking of you all; Aunt Sue and Uncle John
Oh dear...I should not have checked the blog from work! Tears of joy are making my mascara run! She is so beautiful and they both look so happy. I am thrilled for you all :)
ReplyDeleteI hope today is better for her. I had no idea that people would be unkind. It breaks my heart.
Take care,
Dawn
My heart is hurting for Sophia if she is hearing hurtful things. How could she understand she is going to a place where dreams she haven't even thought of yet can come true, where she can CHOOSE her future? Those people can not and how can they be anything but jealous? In their eyes, she is living a fairy tale..and they have nothing left other then to go to work. Can she understand "proud"? Can you communicate how proud so many, many people on this side of the world are of her, of how brave she is to start this new life and how many here are in awe of her courage? She may be a mess of emotion with all this- sad and happy at the same time is such the norm- but embarressment she should NOT have to feel. Hoping for more positive words for this special girl in Guangzhou. Jennifer
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful pictures! They already look very comfortable together. We heard several unkind comments as well, mostly along the lines of "why would you want to raise someone else's child?" It's just not part of the Chinese culture. She won't hear those comments here! She will be among family and friends.
ReplyDeleteI can hardly wait for that sweet little soul to come home, and there receive all of the encouragement that she has been lackiing to date. I'm sure that her DAD is a true source of hope and strength for her.
ReplyDeleteThe look on Constantin's face as he is sitting with Sophia just says it all. I can see those soulful eyes of his sparkling :)
What wonderful pictures, they both look so happy and comfortable together!!!
ReplyDeleteWe can't wait till she comes hom.
What's that saying -- a picture is worth a thousand words -- how true -- what a wonderful smile she has and seems so relaxed wtih her new Dad -- but, Constantin does have that affect on people -- he exudes warmth and gentleness. Things will all fall into place once they come home -- oh, teenage girls in a soap opera -- sounds familiar -- Kara loves "Gossip Girl," "One Tree Hill" the new and improved "90210" etc., etc. -- she sounds like a typical teenage girl -- Kara said, "Finally, I'll have a cousin my own age!" We can't wait to meet her! We're here for all of you in any way we can be of any assistance -- don't forget our shopping date at the Mall!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Gail, Larry and Kara -- Molly too!