So it is very important to us.
Twink has been home from China now for 21 months. We have recently noticed that she is becoming more aware of her surroundings. She seems to be soaking in everything within her sights. We have often wondered if Twink saw the difference in our family. We do believe she does.
Last week we went to a new church. We went knowing there was a larger diversity and also adoptive families. We want our children to have the diversity that a larger church would offer and this church does. When we were leaving there was an Asian family leaving a few feet ahead of us. Twink watched them until they were out of her sight. Her eyes never moved from them. Even as we passed their car, she turned her head so she could see this family. Made me wonder what she was thinking.
Then tonight, tonight at AWANA she sought out an Asian teen who just adored her. While the other girls in the circle tried to play with her, Twink wanted no part of them! She wanted the young lady who looked like her. When she was done showing off for her she went to a table where there where three Asians were sitting having coffee. She wanted them to acknowledge her but they just glanced at her, smiled and went on with their conversation. She could have picked 6 other tables to go try to strike up a conversation but nope.
See, our daughter is non-verbal at this time and is unable to tell us just how important it is to have others around her that look like her. Her actions speak louder than any words ever could. We are trying to give our daughter something she is craving. I hope all AP's see the importance of encircling their child with adults and friends who look as they do. Now I'm not saying all their friends need to look as they do but a couple would be nice. When we move, this will be of high importance to us along with a handful of other things.
Watch you child, you may learn more from watching them than you might from hearing them.
Twink will be so excited when her big brother comes home from China, as will the rest of the family! :)
Exactly and I can't tell you how excited we are!
ReplyDeleteYep! We've seen it here with Princess too...just trying to work on the adult part of it.
ReplyDeleteYep, we have experienced this too. We actually were able to switch our family doctor. He is not Chinese but is Asian and is so sweet and has been so helpful in many ways since we brought S home. So that is one way we've found a trusted adult.
ReplyDeleteI agree on church. Ours is getting more and more diverse. Now if we can just get someone on staff who is non-Caucasian then I'll be super thrilled. I know it is possible; timing just not right yet (economy does not help as they are not hiring now :).
And I was going to say what you said in the last sentence … it will be great for our children to have a family member who is also Chinese! Love, love that!!! Now if I can just get DH to look at someone else's file. ;)
Thank you for this advice! I totally agree with you. We have a couple of families at church that have adopted but not many at our elementary. Something to think about!
ReplyDeleteI also had never really thought about it this way...thanks for sharing. We have one other friend that adopted from China and when we get our daughter home we plan on many play dates. I bet you can't wait for her brother to get here!!!
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