Pictures and More Pictures



I have received several updated pictures in the past week!  It has been a good week.



Birthday Party Pictures!

Birthday Care Package sent using Red Thread.

I received pictures from Long Qi's Birthday and answers to several questions!   Qi turned 5 on July 3rd.

Bao means Bao An district ,Long means long hua street,orphanage staff picked out Qi as her name ,Qi means beautiful jade .

She is called as Qi Qi.

She likes white bunny.

Her best friend named Bao Sha He (宝沙河).

She likes to eat banana and cake .

Her favorite activities are dance and puzzle .

Qi Qi is a very smart and good girl ,she is very curious at new thing ,she loves dancing ,she will be very happy to be praised .She likes to finish whatever she does .

Year of the Dog

Long Qi was born in the year of the dog.

"People born in the Year of the Dog possess the best traits of human nature. They have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other people¡¦s confidence because they know how to keep secrets. But Dog People are somewhat selfish, terribly stubborn, and eccentric.They care little for wealth, yet somehow always seem to have money. They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues. Dog people make good leaders. They are compatible with those born in the Years of the Horse, Tiger, and Rabbit." 

And I was born in the year of the Tiger.

"Tiger people are sensitive, given to deep thinking, capable of great sympathy. They can be extremely short-tempered, however. Other people have great respect for them, but sometimes tiger people come into conflict with older people or those in authority. sometimes Tiger people cannot make up their minds, which can result in a poor, hasty decision or a sound decision arrived at too late. They are suspicious of others, but they are courageous and powerful. Tigers are most compatible with Horses, Dragons, and Dogs."

We are compatible according to Chinese cultural belief!

My Favorite Picture of LongQi

This is my favorite picture of Long Qi from my agency's recent trip to Bao'an. 

 I was searching for the meaning of her name.  Long means dragon.  Qi means fine jade or outstanding, distinguished, admirable.  I would sermise that her name literally translates to fine jade dragon or distinguished dragon.  

Sigh, It is going to be a long wait until my trip to China.

Chinese Culture and Symbolism

I am learning about Chinese culture so that I can teach LongQi when she comes home. The Chinese believe in good luck, fortune, and prosperity. I am Irish so our cultures have that in common. I believe in the "Luck of the Irish." The Dragon is considered one of the luckiest symbols. I was dreaming about Dragons a few weeks ago. Perhaps, because I watched an itunes travel video podcast called the "Coolest Stuff on the Planet" about China's Spring Festival aka Chinese New Year which featured a large dancing dragon. They also have a create video podcast on the Great Wall. Check it out on itunes or at: http://www.howstuffworks.com/

This is a picture of LongQi with her English teacher. Yes. She already knows some basic English. At the Bao'an (Pronounced Bow an) orphanage, the Sunshine Academy teaches English to the kids. I have been told that it is a great orphanage. The kids are well socialized and cared for.