LAHC was another amazing experience for us and more so for Angelica. The connection LAHC brings her to her culture, heritage, friends alike, adoption talk and Guatemala is incredibly valuable. LAHC will not replace the loss of her country, culture, heritage, and first family but it’s something we as her parent’s, in some small way, can introduce her to who she is and where she came from and that is what makes these heritage camps worth it. However, we must remember that camp does not replace the need for adoption talk and culture awareness throughout the rest of the year but rather, brings together our children as adoptees, minorities and families alike for 3 days a year and that is important for us as adoptive families.
Opening Ceremony
This year was very special for me in particular. My dear friend Jessica and her daughter came all the way from California to join us at camp. Jessica and I fostered our girls at the same time while living in Guatemala back in 2003 and this was the first time we reunited since our fostering days and it was nothing short of amazing. Our girls bonded immediately and Jessica and I were like sisters. We understand each other and have a special connection because of our similar experiences. Olivia and Jessica are very special to us and we love them like family.
Here is a picture of the 4 of us.
Olivia and Angelica
And then there’s Lucy and Angelica. They met last year at camp and were joined at the hip once again this year. The two of them are like two peas in a pod. Energetic, wild and histarically funny explains these two when together. Lucy’s mom and I have also became close as friends and as co-coordinator’s of the camp. I wish I had a picture of the 4 of us :(.
Lucy and Angelica
We are looking forward to the time when we can add Vietnamese Heritage Camp to our yearly must do’s.
Laura said,
July 5, 2008 @ 7:47 pm
Sounds like an awesome experience. I love your perspective, Michelle.
CJsDaddy said,
July 6, 2008 @ 2:12 am
Awesome.
How young did A start going to this event? I’m wondering if next summer is time to start something like this with CJ.
Michelle said,
July 6, 2008 @ 2:51 am
Last year was our first year. Angelica was 4.5 yr. old. For us personally, we waited until she was old enough to separate from us comfortably. She had major separation anxiety before the age of 4. The 3 and 4 year olds go to the preschool class where they take naps and that did not go over too well with Angelica last year. We will wait to take our little man to the Vietnamese Heritage Camp until he is 4 or 5 as well. I think it all depends on your childs personality because you will be at workshops while they are in their camp classes.
craftymommy said,
July 6, 2008 @ 6:45 pm
It looks like Angelica had a wonderful time!
Kelli K said,
July 7, 2008 @ 2:26 pm
Sounds like a wonderful experience!
Carissa said,
July 10, 2008 @ 2:18 pm
Oh this sounds like so much fun! Makes me want to go to a heritage camp now and we do not even have children home yet!
Jodean said,
July 16, 2008 @ 1:40 pm
What fun!