The Dye Family – We are deeply appreciative of the opportunity CCAI, BLAS, and CCCWA coordinated, which allowed us to return to China for a much anticipated heritage tour. It will remain an unforgettable experience for our family of four, including our two daughters adopted from China in 2001 and 2004: Mei Lin, now age 13 and Kate, now age 11. The trip, which we affectionately refer to as our own version of an “amazing race,” was made memorable by the wonderful sites and Chinese hospitality shared with fellow adoptive families.
It’s difficult to express all the different ways the tour touched our family. Historical sites and the sheer beauty of the country, the room where adoptive families are matched with children, relationships built and experiences shared with new and old friends, extraordinary cuisine and shopping each day, and the wonderful welcome and farewell dinners provided by Bridge Of Love Adoption Service (BLAS), highlighted by talent shows featuring any of the children and young adults who wished to perform.
Our travels in China included plenty of remarkable destinations. And, the momentary encounters were also priceless. Invariably, on the subway, street, or in a store, people will begin speaking in Chinese to our adopted daughters, naturally assuming they are fluent. To which our daughters would show their card provided by BLAS (printed in Chinese), while also communicating in as kind and sweet of a voice … “I don’t speak Chinese. I’m from the U.S.” As Wendy or I stood by, persons would then ask our girls, “But, then where are your parents?” Motioning, Mei Lin or Kate would reply “This is my Mom/Dad.” Sweet moments all.