An Yichun Adoption Experience

Adoptive Father's experience:  My daughter was from the Yichun Children's Welfare Institute in Yichun, Jiangxi, China.  She was delivered to us in September 1998 at the Lake View Hotel in Nanchang.  There were 7 other babies ranging in age from 9 to 13 months.  Our daughter was 10 and 1/2 months old, but was a malnurished 12-1/2 pounds and 24 inches tall.  She was
one of the smallest in the group and the only one who was unable to sit up when we first got her. Her legs were floppy and stunted.  She was developmentally equivalent to a 3-4 month-old.  When the orphanage director, a female, was asked why all the
children were so small and in some cases had large scars, she avoided
directly answering the question,  wept and said she felt sorry for all the babies and the orphanage did not have the resources. Our daughter was so small that all her clothes we packed, 6 - 12 month old sizes, were huge on her. We had to shop for clothes at the local
department store.  She had a severe cold, but did not have ringworm or diarrhea; however, she was severely constipated.  Upon arriving home, she also tested positive for Tuberculosis and had to be medicated for 12 months.

Her introduction to us was somewhat stressful as she did not accept us immediately.  She was angry and cried at every moment, refused her toys, and could not be comforted, but after the 4th day she was fine.  This was a very trying experience for us, especially my wife, who eagerly waited for this moment only to experience initial rejection.  There is nothing that can prepare you for an experience like that.  Our daughter is now 25 months old and though still small for her age, is an affectionate, intelligent, and bubbly toddler.  We are very happy she joined our family. (T.L., 12/99)

Please e-mail me at webmaster@gurrad.com if you have any additional information or if your child is from here and you would like to post a picture here or other contact information.