New York City

We haven’t found either Huyen or her foster parents. HuShin, CrueMin and I have been out the whole day yesterday. We tried to find them by using the mailing address that my parents have passed to me before I left Korea. The problem is that, we found the house but it seemed unoccupied and untouched for ages. There are still old letters in the letter box unopened and left to decompose. CrueMin asked, “HuTien, are you sure you got the right address? Or maybe you have missed written it or something?” I replied him in a very polite and calm way, being very sure that it was the right address, “it was the address shown by my parents from the envelope, the exact address.”

CrueMin suggested that we should ask around to see if anyone knows the owner of that particular of house. Thanks to CrueMin’s reliable and helpful idea, as it has bought us to the next door neighbor of this house. Mrs. Beth. There we had a friendly conversation inside her quiet and cozy home. This was what we talked about.

Mrs. Beth: So, what wind brings you here? By the way where are you all from, you don’t look local you know? (she questioned CrueMin, HuShin and I, smilling from her left ear to her right ear.)  

Mrs. Beth looked like an Asian herself maybe she has a mix parentage.

HuTien: We’re from Korea; I’m HuTien, this is Crue Min and this my sister HuShin. We came here for a short holiday break just to search for my long lost sister, HuYen. You don’t look western Mrs. Beth but more to an Asian. Are you an Asian? (I questioned her suspiciously due to her light brown skin complexion and black rounded eyes.)

Mrs. Beth: You are right HuTien. I’m an Asian. A pure Chinese but I’m born in America. ABC that’s my race group over here in America. (ABC stands for American Born Chinese). I could hardly read or write Chinese. This was because during my time, English is the most important language and it is use as a communication tool as well as international business. Now Chinese language is very wide spread too and it is as important as the English language we’re using now.   

CrueMin: That is very interesting Mrs.Beth, I agree that Chinese language is very

widespread now. The Chinese seemed to be very successful and just recently, few months back, I saw the news shown in the TV that China just shot it’s lastest

rocket into space. I heard that it was a very successful one. The astronaut came

back save and sound. (the interested CrueMin responded fast to Mrs.Beth’s opinion about China and her recent success.)

Mrs.Beth: Yes you are right CrueMin. To tell you frankly, I missed being a pure Chinese. HowI wished I could set foot on Chinese ground before I leave mother earth.

HuTien: You sure can Mrs.Beth. I’m sure you can live up long enough to visit China at least once.

Mrs. Beth: Well it’s hard to say, no one knows when a person leaves mother earth, some will live earlier and some will stay longer, depends on how our creator plan us to be. This is why we need to treasure the people we love everyday and remember to live a live that brings Joy to the soul so that we’ll die a happy person. But thanks HuTien that was very encouraging for you to say that to me.

CrueMin: Mrs. Beth, we have something in mind that we would like to ask you about. Do you know of a couple who stays beside your house? They should be in their middle age now.

Mrs.Beth: Well yes, do you know them?

CrueMin: Erm….no but they might be HuYen’s foster parents. Do they have an adopted child who is now 10? She is a Korean.

Mrs. Beth: Mr. and Mrs.Louis and that 6 year old Asian girl? Yes, I’ve seen them before. But the last time I saw them was 4 years ago. The nice couple had been killed in a car crash, I heard that the Asian girl was then left alone in a boarding girls school. Recently, I heard a rumor that the school principal treats the girl badly and that little girl is now working as a slave in the school. Maybe you can get the boarding school address from the Education Office in New York City. I’ll give you the address. I’ll help you scout around as well. Please keep me updated about anything. Here is my contact number and e-mail address. (passing the address to CrueMin). It’s getting late, you better be going.

CrueMin: Thank you Mrs. Beth, very kind of you.

Mrs. Beth: You are welcome. Or would you like to have a meal before you take a leave?

HuTien: It’ll be great if you don’t mind.

Mrs. Beth: You are very welcomed for dinner over here in Beth’s. my husband will be late tonight so it’ll be very nice to have a few company for dinner. 

( Mrs. Beth offered generously).

After dinner, we left Mrs. Beth’s house and went back to the hotel that we are renting for the whole holidays there. I’m starting to like CrueMin’s way of settling things. Don’t think too deep, I admire him as a friend. I’ve got to hurry to the Education department now to check the address. Will stop here now, it’s going to be another busy day. Pray that we’ll find Huyen soon. I do not want to see my dear sister suffer in the school while I have been enjoying luxury since 10 years old. NO not for Huyen, I couldn’t believe what Mrs. Beth told me about but will check it out soon. Don’t think so much Hutien, worrying wouldn’t help.

Last night I sung this song silently to give me the courage and encouragement, this song is titled It’s a Long Long Journey, heard it from a Taiwan Drama, The Dolphin Bay:-

It’s a long long Journey

Till I find where I’m

supposed to be                  

It’s a long long journey

And I don’t know if I can believe

When shadows fall

And block my eyes

I am lost and know that

I must hide

It’s a long long journey

Till I find my way home to you.

Sometimes it feels no one understands

I don’t even know why

I do the things I do

When pride builds me up

Till I can’t see my soul

Will you break down this walls

And pull me through.

Cause it’s a long long journey

Till I feel that I’m worth the price

You paid for me on calvary

Beneath those stormy skies

When satan mocks and

Friends turn to foes

It feels like everything is out to

Make me lose control

Cause It’s a long….long….journey

Till I find my way home to you.

Oh…o..to you.

I’m still searching for my Huyen…