Twenty Years of Memories

Last month, I attended a celebration in Guangzhou, which was hosted at the US consulate in Guangzhou  (see photos included here). The purpose of the event was to commemorate 20 years of China -US adoptions.  The evening was incredible and full of memories of the 20 years.  I spoke at the event, and "Somewhere Between" was shown.   It was  emotional to watch Fang search for her birth parents and not yet find them.  And to watch Haley locate her birth parents, especially when the two families were united and hugged.  The girls were not lost and found, they had two moms and dads who love, care and think of them.  During that moment It occured to me that the last 20 years was rewarded.  There was a mom and adopted daughter on the panel on the consulate celebration night.  When audience said the daughter was lucky, and the mom said “no, we as parents were the lucky ones”.  I was in tears.  

This past week I have experienced a lot of memories.  It was  20 years ago  (Dec. 10) when I landed at the  SEA/TAC airport, arriving to the US for the first time from China. I am grateful to my parents who encouraged me to fly over to the US and start my new life in Tacoma.  I am pleased that Louie, worked before hand and initiated contact with adoption agencies throughout US before my arrival. So much has occurred during the past 20 years, including  working with  approximately 30,000 families who traveled to adopt and unite with their children.  Last week was the anniversary of my 20 years in US; October marked Lotus’ 20^th anniversary.   Wow!

Lotus Travel is like our 20 year-old "baby".  Louie and I contributed part of our life together as we also established this relationship with the adoption community. As Louie continues to lead homeland heritage tour groups, I am focused on cultural exchange ; living in China life experiences as well as sharing and giving back to the community.  Life is moving on. We are grateful for being part of the adoption journey with so many families.  I pray that as we continue,  the journey filled is filled with joy, peace and hope.  

Differences: Dance Competition

The girls  and I recently watched a Champion Dancing Competition between China and US ("So You Think You Can Dance"). While the program originated the US, China broadcast it while we were still there. The competition was between the champion dancers of China and US.  Coincidently one of the five judges, the only Chinese judge Mr. Li Hengda is  the girls’ dancing instructor here in Seattle.  This is definitely the top competition, here is the link http://www.tudou.com/albumplay/SWbunVpEi2c/S6RGeutcIHI.html

 

Chinese dancers won the overall best group competition. Their training foundation and skills are very strong and their presentation is artistic and flawless.  The individual winner was, Russell from US.   Russell won the super star/dancer over China’s Zhang, AoYue.  My observation is:  you know Chinese artists or athletes are trained professionally typically from 4-5 years old for a good 10- 20 years full time before they became famous. One example of this that comes to mind is LangLang (the Chinese pianist).  He has practiced 9 hours a day every day since he was five.  I am not sure anyone can have that long lasting of an “interest”.   Yes, we have heard over and over, that is why you are not LangLang or "xxx" because you can not endure the hard times. Langlang’s dad almost caused him to commit suicide when he refused to practice.   I  remember reading Michael Phelps biography (Olympics’ seven gold medal swimmer).  It told of how he loves swimming and enjoys it. 

 

I am sure many of our Chinese “stars” must love what they have been doing before they commit to it. However, there is still a difference in the culture that affects each differently.   It showed in the dance competition.  China’s essentials of basic training is way above; the dancers are visually beautiful and present each move very nicely.  However, US dancers are more of the “international model”.  It has to do with the culture, education and overall environment.   During the performance, the American dancers really touched us with their enthusiasm about dancing. It was funny and relaxing to watch. As a matter of fact, my three girls really supported the US group in their cheering because they loved their natural and relaxed style.  I think the soul of art is to touch people’s heart and when that happens, it is contagious. 

 

People even said the Chinese dancers were much more relaxed in the Las Vegas competition than when performing in China.  I totally understand.   This is why when we just look at an American kid you can tell he/she is different from a Chinese kid (our girls are a little different, they are "wild"J) .  Americans are more at ease.  Chinese people will say Americans are natural to become an actor/actress or a public speaker since they are much more relaxed, natural and poised.  Chinese are trained to be intentional in everything they do -- it must be for a purpose.  Of course things have changed a lot, China is changing and connecting to the world and is beginning to learn to play under the “international model”.