I was born in Vientiane, Laos, and my Vietnamese name was Houng Van Long. My birth mother was Vietnamese and my birth father was an American. He lived with my family for several years then returned to the United States. My mother raised me until her death when I was six or seven years old.

   After that my 78-year-old grandmother tried to take care of me, but how was she going to raise a growing boy? Holt International placed me with a family in the United States when I was eight years old.

   My memories of Vietnam are sketchy at best-impressions of images from my early life. My memories of living at Holt's child care center were all very positive. The many caring teachers and counselors made me feel very secure and at ease with my new environment. Holt's philosophy was very simple and clear. Two important concepts, education and religion, were stressed.

   We had regular classes and were encouraged to work hard at improving our reading and writing skills. This was definitely a new concept for a boy who was used to "running the streets." I remembered going to school, but never on a regular basis. Most of the time I think I was getting into trouble with other boys in my neighborhood.

   I had enjoyed school but, at the classes Holt sent me to, the teachers' enthusiasm made it even more fun to learn. The teachers always encouraged me and provided constant support. They often rewarded a job well done with praises.

   I especially remember one teacher who gave me extra attention and made sure that I got the care I needed. Sometimes she would take me on short trips away from the center and spend some time with me. She took me to the zoo, other places in Saigon or cooked me a meal at her home. This had much impact on my self-esteem and self-worth. It helped me adjust to my new family much easier.

   I also remember being introduced to the Lord. I remember going to church every Sunday and learning important concepts of caring and relating to other people. This continued with my new Christian family.

   So many things could have turned out differently, but I was fortunate to be accepted by Holt, despite being older. Most American families wanted infants and toddlers. Even if I was accepted, there was a question that I would be adopted by a family.

   I was lucky enough to be adopted by a wonderful Christian family. They already had three grown sons and wanted an older child. My new parents, James and Mary Steiner, along with brothers, Dan, Doug and Jeff, took me into their family and brought me up in the small town of West Liberty, Ohio.

   I have many pleasant childhood memories. Everyone in the community was supportive of me and my family from the day I arrived. I made friends easily, and friends were willing to help me with my adjustment. I had some problems learning to live with three older brothers and with a few kids from my school, but these problems were no different from anyone else.

   I enjoyed the great experience of growing up in a community and with a family who accepted me for who I am. I never felt that I was treated any differently than my brothers. My family provided me with opportunities and encouraged me to challenge myself. They instilled in me the belief that any accomplishment is attainable if I am dedicated and persistent in pursuing my goal.

   I went on to receive an undergraduate degree in pre-med at Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana. Later I finished medical school at the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo. I am currently in my second year in emergency medicine residency at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. Next, I will serve two years in the public health service in a medically under-served area.

   As I am preparing for a return trip to Vietnam, I am very excited and yet I wonder how I will react when I arrive in Vietnam.

   When I first came to the United States, I remember wanting to become "Americanized," to blend in with the rest of my American friends. I wanted to forget my past and told myself that I would never go back to Vietnam. As I matured, I began to appreciate my past. I have come to realize that I should be proud of my Vietnamese heritage. I am half Vietnamese and had lived in Vietnam for part of my childhood.

   I am also more appreciative for what my birth mother and grandmother did for me. They provided me with a safe and caring environment. They also loved me enough to let me go to what they knew would be a better life for me. This I will never forget.

   As for trying to find my Vietnamese family, I do not have a lifelong ambition to do this. I already have a wonderful family. They have given me their support and encouragement throughout these past twenty years.

   My family has been with me through the good and bad times. They believed in me, even when I had doubts of my own. I know that I would not be a physician today, having made it through college and medical school, if I didn't have the positive influences of my family in my life. I can't begin to express my gratitude for all that they have done for me. They have taken me into their family and have made me their son. They have instilled in me their own Christian values and beliefs of caring and helping others.

   It is hard to imagine where I would be today, if I had not been adopted. Would I even be alive if I were still in Vietnam? What kind of education would I have or what work would I be doing? Would I have a family that I could call my own?

   I consider myself one of the most fortunate persons on this earth. I have a loving and caring family. I am in a medical profession that is stimulating, challenging and offers a chance to help others. I will always appreciate the love that my adoptive family has given me and for giving me the opportunity to make the most out of my life.

   My adoptive father, who was also a physician, not only taught me how one should be kind and giving to others, but also, he showed me by his actions as well. He and my family were medical missionaries in Vietnam, Thailand, Africa and New Mexico. I was fortunate enough to spend one year in New Mexico at a Navajo Reservation, to witness firsthand what his commitment meant. He provided medical care for the Navajo who, otherwise, would not have access to treatment. His convictions motivated me to become a physician. My father has passed away, but his beliefs and attitude will always be with me.

   For me, being adopted has been like a second birth. Where I had no opportunities, I now have unlimited potential and have a purpose in my life. I am sure that I will be even more appreciative for what I have been given as I travel back to Vietnam. It will be a "trip of a lifetime" as I will retrace some of my childhood. This trip will be especially meaningful as my mother will share this experience with me.

   As you can see, I can't be thankful enough for all that I have received. I know that all my accomplishments would not be possible without the help of my family, friends and God. I would also like to thank the staff of Holt International Children's Services for their kindness and dedication in providing homes for children. I will be ever grateful for what adoption has done for me.

Matthew Steiner, M.D.
Indianapolis, IN
From Hi Families March/April, 1995
©1995 Holt International Children's Services