2018 I WENT TO CHINA TO SEARCH FOR MY BIRTH FAMILY * 2018年寻找中国亲生父母

hi! It's taken me close to about 2 years to finally make this video. Not only is this topic really personal journey but also somewhat controversial, I feel like I wanted to share my story with others who also may want to search and encourage them to do so! All you can is try. I've already received a lot of criticism about my choice but for me, it's what I felt I should do. if you're interested to see the full TV documentary this is the link!
• 寻情记20180625期：二十一岁美国女孩的...
I don't own any rights to the background music used.

[@waq4s]

Families who adopt children, treat them as they would have treated their biological children, and help them find their birth families are nothing but saints and best humans in my eyes.

[@maggielongo7067]

Amen

[@8811andyusa]

Exactly human kind the best . Sent from God 🎉 .

[@lorrainecanaday9302]

​@@maggielongo7067 O 😅😊😊😊😊

[@terrykelly6113]

Why did birth mom give her up?

[@gregmitchell29]

Marli, great story. As someone adopted at birth, I totally understand why you want to find out about where you came from. I too got criticism from people who don't understand that wanting to find out where one comes from, is not a betrayal of the family who adopted you, who will always be your REAL family because they raised you. I ALSO expect that if you're able to find out where you came from and why you were given up, you'll realize it was what was best for you. I know I did. I know your dad from high school, was a year ahead of him, and we're friends on Facebook, but I haven't seen him in many years. I'm sure you couldn't have found a better home, better parents or a better family. The Chesak's are good people. I HOPE you find the answers you're looking for. Sincerely, Ed D. (my real name)

[@wynniebaguette]

This was really inspiring and emotional to watch. I feel really lucky to have birth parents who love and care about me everyday, and I really don’t feel like enough people cherish their parents. I can also understand how hard it must have been to look different from your family, and growing up, knowing that you were adopted by an although kind family has a really different feel than your birth parents. I’m so glad to here that this journey has shaped you into the strong and confident person you are today! Keep growing and thank you for bravely sharing your story!

[@angelaedwards3765]

You expressed yourself beautifully. Thank you for this as we are at the beginning of looking for my daughter's birth family.

[@LucyLeigut]

I have been twice to China since I was adopted and I loved what I was able to see and visit in Shanghai. It's always nice to meet more adopted people and get to know a little bit of their stories. Love for you and your family!

[@geofflecren8827]

As an adoptee, I can say that adoption is one tragedy made much easier with such loving supportive parents. You have been blessed, and clearly, they've done a wonderful job raising you and supporting you through your journey. The other tragedy is the loss of your culture. As a foreigner who has lived in China and Taiwan for 30 years, I sincerely hope you have the chance to reconnect to your genetic inheritance. It is truly amazing!

[@nancymoran2180]

This is so beautiful! When I was very young and lived in Boston, Mass I remember my mother speaking to me and asking me not to stare and stop when walking past a Chinese Family with a young baby. I said but Mama I love the China babies...hugs and hope.

[@annly666]

Ur baby pics are SO CUTE OMG 😍 And also great video xx

[@pascalekaan]

❤️ Brave of you to share your story Marli ! Thank you so much ! It made me all emotional 😂😊!

[@marlichesak7575]

Thank you for watching

[@jakexie866]

Marli Chesak 🌹

[@Anthony11qq]

The look in your mom's eyes when she was holding you was pure. The kind of look that says there is still good people and hope for the world😁

[@jonmarjonmar]

Beautiful video! Best of luck in your search!

[@cindyjohnson3044]

Thank you for posting your story. I have been debating about trying to do my own research recently and it was incredible to hear about your story.

[@marlichesak7575]

Cindy Johnson i also debated about trying for the longest time ... didn’t want to “fail” or look silly but decided to over rule those thoughts 😂 thank you for watching!

[@catzzz2619]

Just stumbled across the video and only 10 minutes in . Brilliant 👏 stuff. Bless the nannys and all the great hospitality and food...your very humble.

[@itanamarko]

I am so happy that you succeed to find your roots. What a story! I only see the positive sides in all this.

[@chineseadopteealliance]

thank you for sharing!

[@jacobrocks7]

Glad you went back. Your parents seem amazing !

[@meiyadventures]

So inspirational, I’m also an adoptee but unsure whether I should reconnect, thank you for sharing!

[@marykelly9698]

Reconnect, your birth mum had no choice at the time for reasons beyond her control , I know this because I am a mother and the bond you have with your new born baby is unbreakable , god bless what have you got to loose good luck 💕

[@FM-br2rm]

Try to reconnect. I believe it’s better to know and take it from there. If it’s too much of an emotional experience, then you can always back away. But at least you found out.

[@rebeccawhite8459]

You're a great person. I hope all your dreams come true

[@MarionHuang]

Hi, I am from Guizhou, China. Thank GOD for the testimony, and your beautiful heart!! blessings sent from Israel today

[@darciechristensen6923]

My daughter is from Guizhou too (Tongren SWI), adopted in 2004.

[@MichelleLuvn25]

Great video. Only thing I’d suggest is not having music playing in the background. Makes it hard to hear the video. ❤️❤️ Great for you to have found your family

[@ElspethMuzzin]

such a lovely experience, i'm glad you had so much support!

[@mollyreckinger8045]

This is amazing!

[@marlichesak7575]

Thank you!! :)

[@julieye71]

心愿了结后，好好感谢养父母。健康的小孩被抛弃，其实不需要去找无情的亲生父母的。

[@63648889]

I was born and grew up in Changsha. After graduating, I returned home and have been working here since. The hotel where you stayed in Changsha and the surrounding streets are very familiar to me. Recently, I’ve been watching many videos and documentaries about adopted children. It’s heartwarming to know that you have chance back to Changsha to fulfill your dream.

[@dubagentselekions8221]

Love and Light from South Africa

[@natakers2451]

so good, i love you marli!!!!!!!

[@marlichesak7575]

thank youuuuuu nataweeeeee

[@Neyobe]

Your cinematography skills ❤

[@raymondlee4407]

God bless you.

[@Neyobe]

Amazing story ❤❤

[@user-vh7jq1yn5v]

You are a beautiful kind girl.

[@rowenamoore3327]

Hi loved watching your video :)

[@ChrisGrande]

Great story!

[@kevinmoody9605]

Watched your video. We stayed at the same Hotel in Changsha as you did. The view out the window is in our album when we got our little girl in 2003.

[@wangpan7273]

Marli did absolutely nothing wrong trying to find her birth parents. We all thirst to know where we are from. I wish her and her family the best.

[@kathysalkeldbonilla6541]

Thank you!

[@Harthorn]

It's not just language.. it's also cultural.

[@tired_of_u_ppl7985]

I can’t believe some people were criticizing you 😞

[@Neyobe]

You are absolutely amazing

[@user-vp6fh8gx7z]

You are amazing.

[@Hugo-qn6mq]

hope you get more updates on this or on yr life.

[@lukedavis8212]

Marli, I'm glad you grew thick skin! I was adopted (so was my sister, from another family, and my birthgrandmother) but was in a more unique situation where I was in contact via letters with my birthmom while growing up. This contact was a huge deal for both parents because they could both see how much love I was getting and how the choice for adoption was, in both their opinions, the right one. I was able to grow up knowing both parties were happy and that was hugely positive for me. My fiance and I want to adopt an Asian girl. What are potential cultural challenges/questionings did you have growing up? (if you don't mind my asking)

[@HanByrneCox]

Hi ! What states are you in? My name is Han. I see you are looking for your parents. Great video and amazing story. This is something most don’t understand if they are not adopted. I really hope that one day you can find your birth parents. It’s something that we know it’s miss and I want to know also thank them too. There is no need to be upset. Your video is inspiring. I m can speak Chinese very well because the age I was adopted helped me to keep my Chinese. Please can we stay in touch so how.? Anyway great video and proud of you

[@HanByrneCox]

so, is that a yes?

[@marlichesak7575]

always open to chat!

[@HanByrneCox]

@@marlichesak7575 where do you want to chat? IG or Facebook.

[@marlichesak7575]

@@HanByrneCox what’s your ig?

[@gailbostock]

PLEASE CAN SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT IS THAT MUSIC IT IS GREAT

[@sui2978]

Love Updates From NYC Manhattan ❤️💋

[@jakexie866]

I Love IT❤️😘

[@raymondhasugulibug168]

Please keep on praying, it is possible to find her.

[@alexia7008]

I was also adopted in Changsha, I was found in front of a police station in early January 2003. How did you join facebook groups of people adopted in the same city as you and your age?

[@marlichesak7575]

Alexia if you search facebook groups of changsha adoption or hunan adoption, there are several groups available to join and then there are so many people for each city / province etc! you’ll meet so many new friends!

[@fiddleronthecube7835]

The main barrier is the fact that it's a crime in China to abandon a baby so the mother will probably not come forward because she might be arrested. Other barriers are the changes in areas and streets, and the fact that mothers sometimes don't abandon their babies in nearby areas and places. Well, good luck in your search for your birth family.

[@marlichesak7575]

True! However, I do have a success story to tell here in an update video soon. Thanks for watching!

[@grr304]

@@marlichesak7575 Hope you will Update us soon!

[@Harthorn]

Cute story ne~

[@jmeldaniel2810]

Are you guys ok

[@terrabransfield5505]

Thank you for sharing your story/journey! I too am adopted from Hunan and have only recently gained some interest in searching for biological family. I'd done a DNA test w my (adoptive) mother on 23&Me a while back, but I'm not sure how to proceed from there. I don't really have social media and I am so far separated from any matches that I don't know if it's even worth reaching out?

[@marlichesak7575]

I always reached out because you never know who you might connect with! Keep trying!

[@gonggong8958]

You are very nice,love from China Shanghai!

[@marlichesak7575]

gong gong thank you for watching!

[@carolhew73]

I wish people who adopt would also try to expose the children to the language of their birth country. It just makes it easier for them when they need to familiarize themselves with their roots.

[@ryannt]

You can't force a kid to learn languages. From elementary to high school, they hv choices and opportunities to learn another language. I notice most Chinese students choose Spanish class over Chinese...

[@carolhew73]

@@ryannt heard of 'direct immersion' especially when they are little? Never force.

[@Richieforren]

Im the adoptive mother of 2 girls from China. Both of my daughters speak and read Chinese. It was a struggle but living g in NYC made it possible. I learned along with them and all 3 of us speak quite well. You should see the look of restaurant staff when we order and converse in Mandarin.

[@kevinh573]

my wife and I saw another story

[@user-jo8kp7fs4z]

I wish you have a good luck Pretty Girl

[@OriginalCelina]

Not sure if you've seen the documentary, 'One Child Nation' by Nanfu Wang, but maybe you can connect with someone from there to help you find your birth parents. It's a really sad documentary, so prepare to cry. Anyways, I hope that helps you in any way :)

[@marlichesak7575]

Yes, I saw that documentary; very touching! I did find my birth family and will post an update video here soon :) Thanks for watching!

[@OriginalCelina]

Glad that you were able to find your birth family. I hope it was a happy reunion and that you got any closure that you needed. Can’t wait to see the video!

[@rickolsen5299]

do you keep a chinese citizenship after you are adopted? I love to see this kind of story, followed

[@marlichesak7575]

No, dual citizenship is not offered!

[@aysgin8312]

Nice fam

[@user-up1ct1wd4z]

点赞

[@lilydev2808]

There're still many Americans who care.

[@seliamalave5516]

I was adopted from china as well! I am trying to look for my biological parents. I was wondering if there’s any Facebook group you recommend? When I called “the Great Wall of china adoption agency” they told me it’s forbidden to look. It was discouraging. But I believe it is possible! Any information would greatly appreciated!!!!

[@AlyssaCrystelle]

update???

[@marlichesak7575]

Yes, I am going to post an update soon!!

[@angiereimerbraun4213]

What’s your IG? Found them?

[@marlichesak7575]

Found!!

[@firstsecond98]

Did you find ?????

[@marlichesak7575]

YES!

[@danttuw3]

@@marlichesak7575 You are so lucky!

[@lesimkien724]

Did you find your birth parent? I adopted a little girl from China 23 yrs ago. I want to know how to find her birth parents too.

[@marlichesak7575]

Hi ! I did end up finding my birth family. I am going to upload an update video soon about all the details of finding them :)

[@lesimkien724]

@@marlichesak7575 Ha, hope my girl can find her parent too. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

[@jingkun72]

@@marlichesak7575 Looking forward to it!

[@SnootchieBootchies]

​@@marlichesak7575I recently watched "Return to Seoul" and found your videos while looking for similar stories of transracial adoptees from China. I would love to see an update video about finding your birth parents but also about how difficult it must have been to connect with them and your bf during the COVID-zero period in China. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@markshaw1629]

Did you ever find your birth family?

[@marlichesak7575]

Yes! :D

[@josephflores3533]

MCGI CHURCH God bless

[@MrSky10101]

I'm in Changsha when you come back come and party with the foreigners.

[@wesleyyoung1082]

Hi Marli, You probably won’t see this but I thought I’d ask anyways. As this was a long time ago I’d like to know what the outcome has been for you. Have you found any family members through the DNA test you did. Have you been back at all. Would be lovely to find out what you have been doing on a short video if you ever get the time. Thanks hun…

[@marlichesak7575]

hello! yes i’ve not done a good job of updating everyone. I did find my birth family - bio parents and siblings along with a big extended family! 🎉

[@user-up1ct1wd4z]

你真漂亮，

[@user-ln3gm4dy8l]

HI，尋親有無找到你媽媽。

[@2prize]

Hello Marlie sweetheart

[@p_sardar_b]

I want to meet my biological parents so bad.. I am just so curious to know who I am ..

[@danttuw3]

Same here

[@RedHanded1969]

I would say the best bet is to use social media or DNA registry.. The street search if initiated by the reporters, was nothing more than to create a storyline for their program. The orphanage visit was definitely state-approved propaganda.. No Chinese state orphanages are even half as nice as those, n the facts reporters were not allowed just showed how sensitive that was.. The whole friendly nanny scenario was most likely state sponsored to paint positive picture to everything. The gov is sensitive to foreign perception of Chinese adoption..

[@maryann7941]

💜

[@Emperor_1971]

I want to see a happy ending to this story

[@marlichesak7575]

New video coming out soon with a big update :)

[@Emperor_1971]

@@marlichesak7575 subscribe for updates

[@02Nawal]

I hope you learn Chinese language

[@marlichesak7575]

Me too ahahah!

[@lindawong8382]

Thank you so much that the adoptive parents don’t need to find the ruthless biological parents.

[@rickolsen5299]

I think chinese don't have the option of keeping their children by state law, so that your biological parents may have not given you away out of free will. anyway lovely stori S2

[@threelives5313]

I pray you find them. If you go to Malawi and meet Prophet Sheperd Bushiri , he will definitely tell you your birth parents and Where yo find them.

[@MyMason100]

Sound is way off