The Education of Adopted Older Children

I want to write this as a bit of encouragement to parents who are considering the international adoption of older children.  Obviously there are a lot of factors and issues involved in adopting older children that are not as relevant when adopting babies.  One issue that is often a concern is how will the older child adapt to English and to the American education system.  This concern is true for whether you are planning on having your child attend school or homeschool.  Well, I just want to let you know that our 15 year old son, a sophomore in a public school just recently made a 93 on his United States History exam.  When you consider that he is still learning English and that just 6 months ago he did not know who Robert E. Lee or Ulysses S. Grant were, what he has accomplished is nothing short of remarkable.  This isn't to say that it has been easy.  It has required a great deal of work but it can be done.

I know that this doesn't address every issue of concern that prospective parents have but hopefully it will encourage you on this one. 

Nice Mommy and Daddy

If you need a reason to consider adoption, particularly to adopt older children, I submit the following two stories that are brought to you courtesy of Feromsa:

1. Out of the blue Feromsa began to discuss being at Kids Care Orphanage. In this discussion he made this comment, "In Kids Care I pray, 'Please give me nice mommy and nice daddy' and now I have nice Mommy and nice Daddy!"

2. In another discussion about being in Kids Care Feromsa offered this observation, "The big kids know that people don't want them. They want the little kids. I was scared I too big."

I don't think any commentary is necessary.