21 Years Later: Revisiting the Place Where Love and Family Began

December 10, 2024 was a memorable day for the Hughes family from the United States. In 2003, they joyfully welcomed a 10-month-old baby girl into their family from the Dianbai District Social Welfare Institute in Maoming City, Guangdong Province. Now, 21 years later, they returned to Guangzhou to revisit the Adoption Registry Center of Guangdong Province, where their adoption journey began.

 

 

The family was warmly received by the center's staff, who gave them a tour of the office—a place that has made dreams come true for many families around the world. The baby girl, once an infant, had grown into a confident young woman. The staff inquired about her life and were delighted to hear she had graduated from university and started her career. They offered heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for her future.

 

 

In the archive room, the staff retrieved the family's adoption records, rekindling cherished memories. The adoptive mother reviewed the original documents, including her handwritten application, which stated: "We promise to love and care for this child as our own, provide her with a good education, and never let her feel unloved." Her eyes welled with tears as she reflected on how time had fulfilled those promises.

 

Before leaving, the staff took a group photo with the family and presented them with a commemorative stamp album as a thoughtful gift. The family expressed their gratitude, not only for the center's support during the adoption process but also for preserving their records, making this return visit deeply meaningful.

 

Afterward, the family traveled to the former site of the Dianbai Welfare Institute. They viewed the building's exterior and visited the finding site in a town. The day ended with a serene walk along the beach, reflecting on their journey.