In a very random series of events, I’ve recently taken interest in something I’ve not really ever been interested in before…being adopted. Part of this newfound interest has manifested in me becoming a member of the Asian Adult Adoptees of Washington organization…or in shorthand AAAW (“Triple A W”). It’s essentially a community of fellow Asian-Americans who also happen to be adopted. With 318 members on their Facebook page – that’s a lot of other people like me out there!
Monthly AAAW dinner – this was my (and Micah’s) first one
While my membership tenure is short, and I’ve only just attended a monthly dinner, and then a few days later, a Holiday gathering – those two events alone have had a profound effect on me. Until my experience living in Korea, I never really talked about being adopted, nor did I have anyone to talk to who had a similar experience (well, other than my sister…duh). But since my time in Korea – I’ve met a number of people like me – Asian and adopted…and in particular, Korean and adopted. And so begins the series of random events.
It would be way too hard and complicated to list it out, but just know that it involves a coincidental meeting in Korea (while I was presenting at a random teaching workshop) of an Asian adoptee from Seattle, a friend of a friend who told me about an exhibit at the Wing Luke Museum on the Asian Adoptee experience, a job interview, a comment from someone who read my blog – and lots of “it’s such a small world” references in between.
I’ll write more about it later – as I don’t have a lot to write yet. But I think for me, it’s important to simply acknowledge that I have taken an interest in better understanding adoption and how it impacts not only my childhood but my adult life as well. Being adopted is something I’ve always told people about and never felt the need to hide, but adoption’s impact on your life can go well beyond simply acknowledging that you are adopted. I’m starting to understand – by talking to other people who understand it – just how much it has influenced my life: who I am, how I think, the future I want, etc. Simply stated (but not easily said), I have issues that stem from being adopted.
And I want to be careful to point out that what I’m writing is a reflection of my thoughts and feelings. Not every adoptee out there is going to have mixed feelings about their life, upbringing, family, relationships, etc. But what I’m learning is that a lot of us do.
Just as I am a member of a book club – where we socialize and have a shared interest in reading, AAAW is similar in idea – with the exception that it’s a group of people I really never knew existed and probably would have rejected even just a few years ago. Being able to talk to others who truly and genuinely can relate to my experience and have interest in my story (and vice-versa) – that’s what we all strive for in our friendships, memberships, affiliations, employment, etc. So I find it really awesome that I’ve (through my random series of events) stumbled upon people who are not only cool, friendly, smart, etc. – but struggle (or have struggled) with similar issues of identity, belonging, curiosity, etc. As cheesy as it sounds ala Michael Jackson (RIP!!!), “You are not alone.”
Much Ado About Lisa 