Apparently my first few weeks was spent crying and following my mother everywhere. I would not let her out of my sight and at nights she would have to get into bed with me until I went off to sleep. There was one word I kept repeating over and over again in Chinese and finally the local Chinese fruiterer was called upon to interpret what I was saying. which was "aeroplane". I wanted to go back "Home".
The only memory I have of the orphanage is the love we were given, which was run by English missionaries. I guess that was all that was needed at a time of much unwantedness and abandonment.
However I quickly adjusted to a new way of life and left the memories of my first beginnings. It had been a traumatic transition into a western world, to which it affected me immensely and I did not want anything to do with my ethnicity. Being called 'slanty eyes', 'chink' and 'ching chong' did not fit into my identification, as I was now, a true kiwi girl.
I loved the family holidays we had. With my dad as a school teacher, we made the most of the school breaks and travelled up and down NZ in the campervan. It made me prouder still to be a kiwi girl enjoying the beautiful scenery of Aotearoa. Being an outdoor sporty person was something I enjoyed, so running, swimming and playing netball became part of my life. I had the normal childhood filled with fun, laughter, pranks etc, but amongst some days they would be dark, filled with depression and rejection - something which I could not share with anyone. I was a great bottler and suppressed my feelings and thoughts. That, I tell you was not a healthy thing to do!
At the age of 17, I got rheumatoid arthritis which set me on a new path. I had to give up my sports activities, so left school and looked for a new career. I trained as a draughtsperson and worked in England, Australia and NZ for a number of years. During this time I travelled extensively discovering other cultures but bypassing Hong Kong. I still didn't want any connection with that race.
However, even having arthritis became a blessing in disguise, as becoming a Christian through my pain and difficulties brought me to a place where I began to feel a peace and I did not feel so alone. Since then I have dealt with many issues which had held me back and the opportunity in reuniting with my early days will also bring some sort of healing.
The Hong Kong Worldwide reunion is opened to all Chinese adoptees.
RE: First Chinese Adult Adoptee Worldwide Reunion 2010, Hong Kong
Dates: Tues, Sept 28 – Sat, Oct 2, 2010, Theme: Journey Through Adoption
Draft Program and Website: http://www.caawr.com/reunion-info/tentative-program/
Facebook Adoptee RSVP: http://www.facebook.caawr.com
