Tag Archives: transnational adoption

under pressure – reconnecting with birth relatives

Posted on August 9, 2013 by mirellastoyanova

I met my oldest biological cousin in person, for the first time, several weeks ago. He’s a doctor and for the last few months has been a visiting resident at one of the most prestigious medical institutes in the United … Continue reading →

Posted in personal narrative, social locations | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

the politics of adoption

Posted on July 30, 2013 by mirellastoyanova

The politics of adoption are inevitable. Particularly across race and nationality. An individual decides they want to adopt across racial lines or the borders of the country where they live, and it says something: that a parent thinks they can … Continue reading →

Posted in social locations | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

return

Posted on July 23, 2013 by mirellastoyanova

I returned to Bulgaria for the first time as an adult when I was twenty. I’d visited once before – on a family vacation to the Black Sea with my mom, dad, and brother when I was ten. This time, … Continue reading →

Posted in personal narrative | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Outsiders Within: Writing on Transracial Adoption – Part III

Posted on July 1, 2013 by mirellastoyanova

I am slowly making my way through “Outsiders Within,” reading a chapter every so often, and thinking about it in relation to my own and other transnational adoptee perspectives. Most recently I read the chapter about “Shopping for Children in … Continue reading →

Posted in reading reflections, social locations | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

reunification – part II

Posted on June 28, 2013 by mirellastoyanova

A year ago today, I reconnected with my birth family. I’d been looking through an old phone book that I had stashed away in a box full of things I received while on my first trip back to Bulgaria as … Continue reading →

Posted in personal narrative, social locations | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

delivery

Posted on June 7, 2013 by mirellastoyanova

It’s not easy coming to a new country. If you’re old enough to be aware of what’s happening the change feels abrupt. New people, new surroundings. Sometimes a new language. You may know where you’re going, but you may not … Continue reading →

Posted in personal narrative | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

intercountry adoption fraud – a mashup

Posted on June 4, 2013 by mirellastoyanova

I’m in the throes of it: the last week of graduate school, the beginning of a new job, and the end of a yearlong internship. So to bide my time this week, I’m double dipping. Don’t worry though, I don’t … Continue reading →

Posted in information & resources, social locations | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

transracial placements and the colorblind mentality

Posted on May 27, 2013 by mirellastoyanova

As many of you know, last week, I made my blog public to friends and family via Facebook. The last few days have been full of preemptive phone calls and messages, to notify family of my doings and reassure them … Continue reading →

Posted in information & resources, social locations | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

piercings, authenticity, and the search for an arab identity

Posted on May 24, 2013 by mirellastoyanova

I pierced my nose last November. As I reflect upon the last six months of aftercare, the small scar, and red skin surrounding the puncture wound that now sits at the center of my face adorning my left nostril, I … Continue reading →

Posted in social locations | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Outsiders Within: Writing on Transracial Adoption – Part II

Posted on May 2, 2013 by mirellastoyanova

I’m three chapters into “Outsiders Within” and wow, can I just say? This book speaks tomy heart. Deeply, deeply. Things I’ve been too angry to say, things I’ve felt implicitly, but not known how to articulate. Things I was more … Continue reading →

Posted in reading reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment