The China Post staff
Nine youngsters adopted by Dutch nationals after their Taiwanese parents abandoned them when they were infants yesterday returned to the island in search of their roots.
The trip, organized and sponsored by several NGOs (non-governmental organizations), allowed the group to embark upon their cultural trip back to their native country.
Eva Yvonne Chia-ling Jonker, one of the adopted children, stated that she has been living in Holland for more than 16 years. Her adopted father, eager for her to preserve her cultural heritage, has been avidly collecting items and articles associated with Taiwan. Her father's collection ranges from Taiwanese matchboxes to old newspapers from the island.
Jonker stated that she is curious to know whether she resembles her biological mother in appearance and wonders whether she is doing well. Other than that, Jonker declared that she is Dutch and regards her adopted parents as her mother and father.
Another youngster, Clark Boye, now 20 years old was adopted when he was four. According to Boye, his memory of Taiwan is extremely limited. The only impression he has of the island is a duckling that accompanied him when he was in an orphanage. Although Boye stated that Taiwan is his native country, he professed greater love for Holland and his adopted parents. "Taiwan, to me, is probably nothing more than a vacation spot," he said.
Over the past few years, parents in Holland have adopted a steady number of Taiwanese children. More than 280 Taiwanese children have found a new home in the nation over the past five years.
Because of the love showered upon them by their adopted families, the adopted children declared that they have no complaints against their biological parents. Because of their unconditional love, we are all filled with gratitude toward them, they said.