Once every four years, they gather at the base of Mt. Hood in the small town of Welches, Oregon, for a family reunion. But this group of 245 people from 71 families isn't related by blood; rather, they've all adopted children from the Yangchun Orphanage in China.

"The first adoptions from the Yangchun Orphanage took place in 1995. The orphanage has since undergone some changes. When [Kelly] Kneeland went to pick up [her daughter] Grace in 2001, there were about 120 babies and only 12 caregivers... Today, the orphanage has about one caregiver for every four babies."

At the reunion, the children are given matching T-shirts and enjoy games, crafts, and other activities. Parents can attend adoption- and culture-related classes. The group is hoping to hold it's 2012 reunion in the place where it all started - the Yangchun Orphanage. Source: PNW Local News

Labels: families, cultures, reunions

Posted By: Aspen Education Group