Rinaldo from Pennsylvania

"Rinaldo...now that's a great name. See, where I'm from, soccer is a really big deal, and even my middle name is related to soccer, so that's why I chose 'Rinaldo' as my alias. As you might have guessed, I'm not from around here, but I'm a very interesting guy whom people say is very polite and mannerly, and I like to meet new people. When you first meet me, you'll notice that I smile with my mouth and also my eyes...I have a great smile! People are very important to me and I make friends easily...and for me, friends are pretty much like family so they are a big deal. As I mentioned before, I am a HUGE fan of soccer from my earliest memories. I always wanted to play soccer and would want a family who is interested in that sport. When I was very little, I became interested in soccer and I would stay after school (sometimes without permission) to watch the other kids play. I eventually met the team's coach and he put me in the goal, and when I blocked a bunch of shots, he asked me to join the team. Where I'm from, it cost my birth family a lot of money for me to play, so this is a very happy memory. Now, soccer is a big part of my life and my identity. I turn into 'Rinaldo' whenever I have a soccer ball in front of me?and when I do, look out! Put a ball in front of me and I'm a cheetah. The last time I kicked a ball in gym class it hit off the ceiling and two screws came down?yeah, I'm that good. Soccer is, for me, like the ocean. See, once I'm playing soccer, I get more focused?give me the ball and I'm unstoppable. The deeper I go under the water the better I do. ?Just like the ocean, I'm a pretty deep person. Like an onion, I have many different layers. When people first meet me they see the happy, fun side of me. I have a serious side too, though. When I'm in my serious mood, I like to have my own space and I don't really want to talk. It passes soon but I definitely like my privacy and would love a family who will respect this privacy. Once I'm feeling happy again, I'm back to joking and telling stories and talking! I'm real good at talking. See, rather than put my problems and worries on other people, I would rather listen to someone else's troubles and help them out. I'm a very giving person. My personality is like this: I'm usually in a pretty good mood. I'm usually in a gaming mood. I like video games a lot so a family who plays video games would be cool with me. When I'm not gaming, I'm running on a track or shooting a basketball. That's if I'm not already busy with soccer. I like shopping, preferably with a couple of young ladies, but I can handle shopping by myself. I like to wear good stuff, you know, the nice clothes. I like gold chains around my neck. I have expensive tastes. Along with my taste in clothes, I also enjoy rap and hip-hop music. For food, I like most 'American' foods like burgers, fries, shakes, ice cream, and chicken nuggets. I also enjoy jerked chicken with red beans and rice and some fried plantains. Hanging out with friends is one of my favorite things to do. Oh...I love anime too. ?For a family, I would like a traditional type of family who will share my interest in soccer and my culture. I have a lot to teach and many experiences to share. I am good with siblings and also if the family has a dog or dogs, I'm even happier. I would like to live around other people so being too far in the countryside might not be the best place for me. So, basically, a house in a town or city that has a yard and a basketball hoop would be perfect. A great family for me would be one who would give me some independence and trust after they get to know me and allow me to explore on my own. Also, I would like a family who will allow me to keep in contact with my siblings back where I am from as well as some former foster family members and a foster brother whom I am very close to. So, if you're looking for a real soccer star for your winning team, check me out!? Parental rights have not been terminated for Rinaldo. For more information, a family can call the SWAN Helpline at 1-800-585-SWAN or have the family worker contact the recruiter, Chris Moyher, via telephone or email christopher.moyher@adelphoi.org.