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.
My Memories of the Beijing Summer Camp
by Kathy Storro
Last Friday afternoon, after just returning home from CCAA camp, our daughter Haylee crawled up in my lap. I told her how much I had missed her while I was gone.
I then asked her if she was upset that mommy had been gone to China again. Her reply was, “No, Mommy, you HAVE to go!” I realized then, that she understood and also felt how I feel compelled to go to China. This seven- year-old child, who was adopted at 11 months, also feels the calling. We must go to help the children!
When I was contacted by Chuck Johnson at the National Council of Adoption to assist with CCAA camp and travel as a chaperone, I once again felt this call. I also felt that it was a wonderful opportunity to get to know 30 teens that had been adopted and see firsthand how they were handling adoption and a trip back to their homeland.
I met the west coast group of 15. They didn’t waste any time getting to know each other and us as their chaperones. We were all feeling the excitement of sharing something great together. We arrived in Beijing very late that night and got up to join 15 more campers who were just as excited and ready to see what was ahead in the next 10 days.
I felt such great pride as they spoke, held the flag and sang “America the Beautiful” very confidently in front of the CCAA staff, Chinese dignitaries and American Embassy Consul at the opening ceremony. (We had only gotten to practice this song one time with us all together on the bus!) I think they were able to do this because they felt so accepted there. It was as if they were their own sons and daughters and only felt encouraged to do their best.
As we stood at the Great Wall, I felt that during this camp it seemed very symbolic that the wall that had been built within some of these teens regarding adoption was also being penetrated. The removal of bricks in their hearts allowed the light to shine on new positive emotions and feelings. They opened connections with each other and talked freely about the circumstances surrounding their adoption and their mixed feelings about their love for both the countries of their birth and their family. They stated how they missed their families, but loved being in China and would also miss it when they went home.
I could not help but shed tears at the closing ceremony as they showed what they had done during the camp. They had learned the Chinese songs and dances as if somewhere in their mind they had always known the words and the movements. Xiu Xiu’s beautiful expressive hula with the final movement of reaching out with both hands together to the dignitaries had to have touched their hearts. I know mine was touched! Katie’s piano solo was without flaw! Their parents would have swelled with pride in watching their children. They were awesome!
With many Chinese dignitaries also at this ceremony, we were right in the middle of historical moments in China adoption. I am sure that the campers didn’t really realize the important position that the Minister of Civil Affairs holds within the Chinese government. His message to the campers is one that I know will go down in history. It needs to be shared with all children who have been or are to be adopted from China.
“No matter what you do when you grow up, never forget about the devoted love and care of your American adoptive parents. No matter where you go, never forget that you have your root in China. You will be the angels for the friendship between Chinese and American peoples forever. I give you my sincere wishes that you have a happy today and a beautiful future.”
These children may have left China because of family situations, being female, or having a special need, but they returned as the princes and princesses that they truly are, and were treated as such. I saw them claim this right during this camp and it was officially bestowed upon them by “Grandfather” Li, as the Minister of Civil Affairs told them they could call him.
On the bus back to the hotel, each of the chaperones told the campers how much this time together had meant to them. My words to them were something as follows: “We have four daughters from China. They need older brothers and sisters who have been sent down a path that is similar to theirs. They need someone who can share their experiences with them and understand how they feel walking that path. I know now that I have 30 wonderful examples to call on!”
I would like to let you know that what I saw in these teens adopted from China was best spoken by Chuck in his speech at the closing ceremony: “The world recognizes China's commitment to intercountry adoption...I can give you 30 of the best examples of what adoption can accomplish.”
I mentioned at the beginning that I had wanted to see firsthand how these teens were handling adoption and the trip back to their homeland. What I found was that I, as a chaperone, got as much if not more from this trip as they did. I also found that I fell in love with them as if they were my own sons and daughters.
I will hold these teens in my heart and pray for them forever! I will never forget CCAA Camp 2007. It will always be one of my most special memories. I can’t wait for the reunion!
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.