This story was originally written in Chinese and a version of the translation was published in the 2001 Kunming Family Directory by Hanni Lee.

This translation was done by Hongxia Chen

I WANT TO HAVE A FAMILY

When I'm at this Kunming Orphanage institute in China, I'm wondering why everyone has a mother and father other than us who live at the orphanage. I think and think and I cannot understand.

However one day I saw a little baby adopted by Americans. I asked my teacher why nobody wants to adopt us bigger kids? My teacher replied "Maybe because no one wants bigger kids".

I said it is a pity we have grown too big. After a while I saw some people came to adopt some bigger students. How happy these adopted people are! Then my best friend was adopted also Her name Dong Wu Chin. I think how good it would be if I can go with Wu Chin to America. I told myself -- this is impossible. I don't "dreaming the day" (think impossible things).

After a long time I was given a physical exam at the hospital by the Doctors in the orphanage. When I came back to the orphanage, everybody asked me is Wu Mei (Katherines Chinese name) going to America? I said "It is impossible for Americans to want me to be their daughter". Then after several days, my teacher took me to get a photo.

One day a Dutchman told me I have American Parents. At that time I was very very happy. The second day, in the morning after my breakfast, I told my friends "Goodbye I will go to the bus soon" (Bus to America). When I think I will never see my friends and my Teacher. I feel like crying.

When I see my parents, they don't look Chinese!! My Father is a little bit fat. My mother looks healthy (not fat - not thin). both my mom and dad have golden hair. I have a younger sister too. She was very lovely. When she laughs her face is as round as an apple. I cannot understand when my parents talk to me.

Several days later we come to America by Plane. When we arrive at our home in America, it was late already. In the second morning, when I get up, went out and felt America is very beautiful. I am very glad I can come to this beautiful country.

My friends, if you came to America from China too, please cherish this opportunity. America is good country.

Katherine P.