Hi, my name is Clarissa. This is an interactive scrapbook I created to tell the story of how two families, mine and close friends of ours, were brought together through two adoption trips to China, one in 2000 and again in 2004. It is inspired by the scrapbooks my mom made during those trips, filled with photos and notes. This project is also influenced by the idea behind the Red String and Invisible String theories, the belief that certain people are connected long before they meet. I wanted to create something that not only preserves those moments, but also reflects how a few coincidences led to a bond that feels like it was always meant to happen.
Watch how it all started. Two families connected by a shared experience and a red string—the idea that some people are meant to find each other.
Interview 1: Paula’s recount of her first trip to China with Jeremy.
First trip to China in 2000, where the Paces and the Wladis first met. On this trip, the Paces adopted their first daughter, Celeste, and the Wladises adopted their first daughter, Kenna.
Each item holds a piece of the story, pack the suitcase to discover their meaning.
Interview 2: Marvin’s memories of the adoption trip.
Since I was only 18 months old when my parents adopted me, I don’t
remember anything from that time. It’s been really special to see the
pieces of their journey come together in a way I’ve never fully
understood before. The map below shows the two main places the Paces and
the Wladises traveled to during each trip. Seeing it visually laid out
helped me connect the dots between the stories I’ve heard and the places
they traveled to.
—Clarissa
In 2004, both families returned to China, this time traveling to Hunan, where the Paces adopted Clarissa and the Wladises adopted Rose.
Interviewing my parents was a fun way to hear the adoption story from
each of their points of view. I was surprised by how much they
remembered, and how some of my questions brought up things they hadn’t
thought about in years.
- Clarissa
Interview 3: Roza's memories of the adoption trip.
The Paces and Wladises stayed in touch between the first and second adoption trips, visiting each other often as the girls grew closer. When it came time for their second adoptions, Paula even delayed her application so the Paces could catch up, allowing both families to return to China and complete the journey together.
Looking through all these old photos helped my parents remember little
details from the trips. Everyone has their own way of documenting things
and this is mine. I wanted to take what my mom started with her
scrapbooks and update it by mixing in photos, videos, and text to tell
the story in a more interactive way.
—Clarissa
Interview 4: Jeremy’s memories of the adoption trip.
Between the two trips, Pop Pop, Paula’s dad, found out that Celeste and Kenna had actually been cribmates at their orphanage.
Thank you for following along!
Celeste & Clarissa
Clarissa & Roza
Paula and Roza with the girls
Celeste's first Birthday
Waterfall at the White Swan
Celeste & Kenna with Cherish Children Adoption International
Roza and Clarissa flying home
Roza and Celeste
Paces infront of a temple
Celeste and Roza at a pagoda
Roza receiving info about Clarissa from FedEx
Roza's dad holding photos of Celeste
Parents at the airport
Signing Clarissa's Adoption Papers
Parents and kids at a restaurant
Parents waiting for bus
Dads w 1st daughters
Rose and Jeremy
Paula and Pop Pop
Clarissa and Rose
Clarissa on foster farm
Clarissa & Rose with nannies before adoption
Celeste & Kenna with nannies before adoption
Celeste & Kenna in Clarissa's crib