Guilin, China --> Oahu, Hawaii
Aloha! My name is Amanda Lindsey, and I’m from Oahu, Hawaii! I was adopted from Guilin, China in 1998, a few days after my first birthday. According to the note that I was found with, I lived with my birth family for about a month before they couldn’t care for me anymore for what was said to be “family reasons." My birthday was also listed as well. I was sent to live in an orphanage for several months and then was transferred to a foster family for another few months once my adoption was finalized. I then was taken on a long train ride to Nanning, China to meet my new family. The orphanage named me Meiling, which my new family kept as my middle name.
Growing up I never really thought twice about being adopted since my parents were always very open about it and happy to answer any questions. I was also fortunate to grow up in diverse Hawaii, where Chinese culture is present in so many ways. However, I did attend a predominately white middle school and college, and I felt weird/awkward at times and was subject to uncomfortable questions. I felt like I had really lost my Asian American identity in college, and I struggled to fit in. Looking back, I should’ve tried to be more accepting of it and joined more cultural clubs, but at the time, I wanted nothing more than to not be Chinese and try to match my white last name.
"As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten more comfortable and connected with my identity."
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten more comfortable and connected with my identity. I attribute this to various Chinese cultural books, movies, etc. and getting more involved in the adoption community. As of now, I still remain slightly curious about my birth family but don't don’t have a strong desire to learn more. I just hope that they are at peace, just like I am, with my adoption.
For fun, I like to figure skate, dance ballet, cook and bake, listen to BTS, travel, learn languages, go shopping and spend time with family and friends! I currently work as a remote communications assistant and an English sign language tutor, and I hope to connect with more adoptees.
Accessibility
[Description: On a beige background is a large photo of Amanda. She's hugging a large wood statute of Stitch from the movie "Lilio and Stitch." Large text at the top says "Amanda Lindsey." Smaller text at the bottom says "Guilin, China."]