Interview with Kyle

Kyle Hunt, aged 16, is a foreign adoptee. What follows is an interview with him about the adoption experience. The Examiner’s questions begin with an E, and Kyle’s answers follow with a K.

E: What is your name?
K: Kyle Dima Hunt

E: How old are you?
K: 16

E: How old were you when you were adopted?
K: Less than 4 years old.

E: Where did you live prior to your adoption?
K: I was born in Russia, and spent my first years in an orphanage there.

E: Do you remember anything about the orphanage experience?
K: It is more feelings than thoughts. Not good feelings. It was not the best environment at the orphanage. But the orphanages have improved now. They are much better, much more stable.

E: How has life been for you here in America?
K: It’s been very good. I have a good home and loving parents. It’s an awesome experience because I have an open adoption. I exchange letters with my birthmom and sisters. I have visited my birthfamily.

E: Who do you live with now?
K: I live with my Mom and Dad, Karen and Ron.

E: Who is the person that you are closest to now?
K: My mother, Karen

E: Have you ever gone back to Russia?
K: Yes, I went two summers ago, when I was 14.

E: Why did you choose to go?
K: I am fascinated with Russian history. I love Russia overall. I emailed my family, and it was awesome to see my birthfamily.

E: Was the trip fruitful?
K: Yes. I got a lot out of it. I got tons.

E: Did you satisfy your need to know?
K: I was satisfied. I loved being able to see them in person. I would like to meet them again.

E: Is there anything that you would like to tell readers about your adoption experience?
K: There are a lot of stories out there. Yes, kids do have issues. It does happen, but you gotta stick to it and make sacrifices. You gotta love them all the time. Don’t put down adoption because of stories, they need a home, too.

E: What has been the most positive experience for you?
K: Overcoming my disabilities. I went through a lot of therapies to become a better person. Overcoming the obstacles in my life. Kids who are adopted often have problems because they were neglected. It feels great when you overcome them. Oh, yes, the best moment of my life was meeting my family. I had always wanted to know what my mother looked like. The whole family came over for a barbecue. Everyone was friendly. I met Olga and Olya my sisters, and Svetlana my mother.

E: Would you change anything?
K: I am who I am. I used to hate that I had been in an orphanage. You go over mountains, and you hit a peak. I learned to accept my past. It happened for a reason. It is good that it happened, because I wouldn’t be here.

E: Is there anything else that you’d like to add?
K: God puts us all in places for a reason. There’s so much good that’s happened to me.