 Growing up mixed 混血儿 hun xu'er (3) |
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Mr. Xiao manages a rock quarry in the town of Kangmei, just outside of Nan'an. He invited us into his office to sit down for tea. Quite often, when I first entered people's homes or shops, we would sit down and drink Oolong tea from very small, delicate cups. This was customary if we sat for hours or even just five minutes. We showed Mr. Xiao the photos and the envelope, and he immediately recognized the name of someone who used to live in the town! He had already passed away, but his family still remained. And, as it is turns out, the whole town shared the same last name. We set off for the family's house.
Standing with my two older cousins: Xiao Jian Jia and Xiao He Ping, and Xiao He Ping's wife and son.
Mr. Xiao had contacted the family in advance to let them know we were coming. I saw a man in his mid-thirties standing outside with other women, men and children. Xiao Jian Jia and his older brother, Xiao He Ping would become my ge ge. I was introduced as someone looking for her family. I showed the man and his family the pictures I had brought with me. This family had a copy of this exact, same photo! In fact, this family was the same one pictured in the photo I had. The house in the second photo was the same house we were all standing in front of!
Matching photos!
I spent two days meeting my family in Kang Mei, talking about our family connection, my grandfather's immigration to the Philippines, and talking about the next time we would meet. I had learned more in those two days than I had in 24 years. I had 8 cousins, 2 male, and 6 female, who all called me mei mei. My ge ge told me to wear more clothing (i.e. dress warmly). I now had a Chinese family.
Posing with my 8 older cousins by their home
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