Beijing Summer Camp 2007
Thoughts & Commentary
Now that the camp has concluded, these are some of the closing thoughts of camp leaders, CCAA officials, parents and children.
The Gratitude of a Parent
by Barbara Cooney
Dearest CCAA staff,
I just read your letter of gratitude to us parents. Your heartfelt care and concern for my daughter Xiu Xiu brings tears to my eyes! Your kindness and generosity of spirit are overwhelming! Thank you for validating these children and welcoming them back to their motherland. Thank you so much for this golden opportunity for Xiu Xiu!
Today Xiu Xiu told me she is "China-sick." She means she is missing China, like "homesick." I asked her what she is missing. To my surprise, she said everything Chinese: the food, the experiences, the other adopted kids, the leaders. She said, "Mom, it was like I was re-born." She urged me to keep in touch with Mr. Wu about her return to volunteer. She's mentioned this many, many times.
Please expect to see Xiu Xiu again when she comes to volunteer. She feels very welcome, and she is very eager. Prior to the camp, she had wanted to volunteer at her orphanage in Nanjing. Now that she's been to Beijing and the Tianjin orphanage, she wants to volunteer at ANY orphanage.
Interestingly, she said she doesn't think it's fair that single women can no longer adopt. She said, "I turned out okay!" She doesn't think SHE should have to get married in order to adopt. It sounds like she is certain she wants to adopt, and it's a burden to have to find a husband first in order to do so. Hmmm... I wonder about future CCAA policy on adoptees adopting??
Xiu Xiu feels re-born! Please consider your first summer camp a total success. Xiu Xiu has totally"embraced" China and is re-born. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
In eternal gratitude,
Barbara Leigh Cooney,
mother of AiXiu Angeleigh Cooney (Xiu Xiu)
Shen Xiu (Xiu Xiu) from Nanjing
The China Initiative is a bold endeavor to benefit children in Chinese orphanages, children who have been adopted from China, and adoptive families. It is also an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen the bond families and children feel to China.
Click here to learn more about the China Initiative.