Hello. My name is Jean Griffiths. That's me in the middle in the photo above. For the first six years of my life I was raised in an orphanage in Hong Kong. I was abandoned and found at two or three days old in a shoebox.I was later adopted into a Kiwi family. From then on I was no longer Chinese and denied my race. Having slanted eyes, a flat nose and black hair was not a look I liked. Trauma of identity issues became a problem and I struggled to be able to move forward in life.
Ten years ago I met a number of girls from my orphanage, which bought some healing as we shared our stories of emotional difficulties. This year I am completing the circle of my life and heading back to Hong Kong.
Rediscovering my Roots
I have the opportunity of a lifetime to join other Chinese adoptees in visiting Hong Kong, a time to rediscover my roots and to plant my feet back on the soil of my birthplace.
A number of girls from the orphanage aim to go back to Hong Kong in September of 2010 to meet up with each other and two of the missionaries who brought us up in the Shatin Babies Home.
After Hong Kong I plan to see some sights in China and to visit some orphanages, including "Home of Loving Faithfulness" for abandoned disabled babies, established by two of the missionaries who brought us up. I have written to these ladies and received a lovely response, and I am excited to be going to meet them.
Below is a photo of us in the classroom of the school orphanage. That's me sitting in the back row.
My Mission
I will need to raise money for two airfares as well as accommodation, as I will be taking my sister as my care support. I need a total of $9,000.
It would be wonderful if you could join me in this exciting journey, with your prayers, encouragement and support.
My fundraiser concert was held in March and it was a great success, with many friends and family attending and helping out. I would like to thank everyone so much for their love and support. This is once again another of God's confirmation to my going away.
Blessings, Jean Griffiths
