I came across an interesting article on last weekend's Chinese New Year celebrations in Halifax. The URL is http://www.herald.ns.ca/Opinion/480218.html
In case it's gone, here is the article.
Joy in adopting a daughter from China
BRIGHT SPOT
By JOEL JACOBSON
A hundred little girls, and many adults, mingle in the reception area, clad in reds, golds, blues and greens.
They shimmer and shine in satiny, brocade outfits, a bevy of colour bouncing through the halls and meetings rooms, the girls waiting to get their faces painted and "tattoos" applied while shaking vivid pompoms and smiling, always smiling. The adults watch the activity, faces beaming.
They're here to celebrate Chinese New Year, a few days earlier than the actual day, Jan. 29. This celebration has been organized by the Nova Scotia branch of Families With Children From China.
The year 2006 will be year 4704, the Year of the Dog, according to the ancient Chinese lunar calendar. People born in 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, or 2006 were born under the sign of the dog. Like the dog, they are honest and faithful, although they also can be somewhat eccentric, and very stubborn at times.
At this Halifax festival, more than 150 children and 350 adults will enjoy a meal, the chance to buy Chinese products from local vendors, plus children's activities and entertainment, both by children attending the group's Chinese Cultural School and by dancers from the Chinese Society of Nova Scotia.
"This is a joyous day," says head organizer Brenda Murray of Hammonds Plains. With husband Bill, she has two adopted daughters from China, Nicole, 5, and Kathleen, 2.
"The biggest challenge in putting this together is meeting the needs of 500 people," smiles Brenda, who's co-ordinated the blending of traditional and Canadian Chinese food. "It's also been important to present a good representation of Chinese culture."
She looks fondly at her children, Nicole by her side and Kathleen in the arms of Bill.
"Adopting in China has been great for us. We waited a long time for Nicole, but when I first saw her picture, my first words to Bill were "She needs a mummy." It was a shorter wait for Kathleen."
Adoptive parents might wait 18 months to two years for their applications to be approved, both by Chinese and Canadian embassies, and for screening and home studies to take place by local social service agencies. It also takes time for matching by the China Centre of Adoption Affairs.
But when the moment arrives, when the prospective parents receive the first pictures of the child being considered, "it's an incredible feeling," says Rebekah Chan of Dartmouth, president of the Nova Scotia branch of Families With Children From China.
She and husband, Wai, who have two daughters, Julia, 4, and Grace 2, joined the group soon after Julia arrived.
"Our association supports families who have adopted Chinese children through post-adoption and Chinese cultural programs, like this one, the Moon Festival and Dragon Boat Festival. In that, we sponsor two boats each year, paddled by parents, and last summer, we even had three children paddling, too."
She says the association provides Saturday Mandarin language classes for about 35 children and any parents who are interested.
"It's important for the children to understand their Chinese culture even though they are being brought up in Canada," says Rebekah.
While she chats, Grace, being looked after by Wai, keeps coming to her mother, asking for a snack. It's suggested, calmly, she wait until lunchtime (about an hour away), and Rebekah asks Wai to take her to face painting.
Rebekah continues. "The association does fundraising for orphanages in China, specifically the one with which (the Nova Scotia branch) has the closest connection. Our funds help the children go to schools outside the orphanage, which costs money, and helps provide medical treatments."
The group's third goal is to encourage adoptions from China, introduce prospective parents to the process and support families, both as they wait and when they return.
"We have 120 members and are growing," she says. For more information, contact Rebekah at 478-3536.
Wai has been in Canada for 20 years, since he attended high school in Halifax where he met Rebekah. The Chans adhere to many Chinese traditions. The girls are read stories in both Chinese and English. Julia eats with chopsticks.
"We probably eat Chinese food, prepared at home, 90 per cent of the time. Wai is a great cook," she says with a smile, adding, "We want our children to be exposed to the culture."
Rebekah says the most difficult part of the process is the waiting.
"Once you get the referral, the final two months, until you go to China for the child, are like an eternity."
Of course, the best part, says Rebekah. "is the joy having two great children."
Grace returns, still hungry, still wanting a snack. Lunch is only half an hour away now and Rebekah takes Grace's little hand in her own. She happily, proudly, motherly, walks with Grace to find some more amusement to fill the time.
Happy New Year, a prosperous Year of the Dog.
Bright Spot appears Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Be sure to read Great Kids in The Sunday Herald. Contact Joel Jacobson via e-mail at jjacobson@herald.ca or fax at 902-426-1158, or phone, 902-426-0128.
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