Adopting Chinese orphans may be more popular than ever among US families, but it still presents huge challenges.

Last year, the United States adopted 7,704 Chinese orphans, mostly girls, bringing the total number up to about 50,000 in the past 12 years, according to US authorities.

While getting great joy from their children, these American couples find educating their Chinese sons and daughters, and themselves, a tough task.

Jeff Luken and Colleen Luken, a couple from Indiana, said they are considering hiring a Chinese teacher to teach their daughter, Yan Tianyan, when she gets older.

The couple adopted two-year-old Tianyan last year and came to Guangzhou to complete the procedure.

"We've bought lots of books on Chinese culture, landscape and history, all in both Chinese and English," said Jeff Luken.

The couple said they have tried every possible way to keep little Tianyan in touch with China and the Chinese language, even though she is still not old enough to talk. And they have not given her an English name.

"We will accompany Yan to study in Shanghai when she reaches college age," added the couple, who did not hide their fascination with Chinese culture. They said it may come from the strong feelings of love for their daughter.

The Lukens' story is just one of thousands.

These families encourage their children to understand their origins, ask them to learn Chinese and participate in cultural activities held by local American-Chinese communities, and even organize celebrations for traditional Chinese festivals.

Most of these couples are not able to have their own children, and it is very difficult to adopt children within the United States, according the Lukens. "The Chinese Government's efficiency on adoption procedures has improved greatly, and most Chinese orphans are healthy," Jeff said.

China issued its law on adoption in 1992, and that year 206 orphans found homes in the United States.

(China Daily November 19, 2005)