Personal letter (Silvia Colombo and Andrea Luciani)
私人信件(Silvia Colombo 和 Andrea Luciani)
Introduction
介紹
Our family history dates back to 2011 when we met during the same PhD program we were attending in Italy, our home country. From the very beginning, it was evident that we not only shared common interests — such as the arts, architecture, and traveling — but also the same values and life aspirations. In 2013, we moved in together and established in Andrea's apartment that became our home. Three years later, we got married in a quaint village nestled in the Alps, where Silvia's grandmother was born several decades prior. Shortly thereafter, seeking better career opportunities and new life experiences, we departed Italy and settled in Luleå, a town situated in northern Sweden, where we have resided ever since. While Andrea commenced work at the university as a post-doc, Silvia enrolled in a Swedish language course and continued her work remotely as a research consultant for the University of Manchester.
我們的家族歷史可以追溯到 2011 年,當時我們在祖國義大利參加同一個博士課程時相識。從一開始,很明顯我們不僅有共同的興趣——例如藝術、建築和旅行——而且還有相同的價值觀和生活願望。 2013年,我們搬到了一起,並在安德里亞的公寓裡安頓了下來,這裡成了我們的家。三年後,我們在阿爾卑斯山的一個古色古香的村莊結婚了,西爾維亞的祖母幾十年前出生在那裡。此後不久,為了尋求更好的職業機會和新的生活體驗,我們離開義大利,定居在瑞典北部的呂勒奧小鎮,從那時起我們就一直住在那裡。當安德里亞(Andrea)開始在大學擔任博士後工作時,西爾維亞(Silvia)參加了瑞典語課程,並繼續擔任曼徹斯特大學的研究顧問遠距工作。
In many ways, it has been in Luleå that we have had the opportunity to see ourselves as a family, building our own path both professionally and personally. We purchased our first apartment together, welcomed two cats into our lives, cultivated friendships, and laid the groundwork for our future, contemplating ways to expand our small family. Silvia has frequently pondered the idea of adoption, and Andrea immediately agreed, viewing it as a positive prospect for our family's growth.
從很多方面來說,正是在呂勒奧,我們有機會將自己視為一個家庭,在職業和個人方面都開闢了自己的道路。我們一起購買了第一套公寓,迎來了兩隻貓進入我們的生活,培養了友誼,為我們的未來奠定了基礎,並考慮如何擴大我們的小家庭。西爾維亞經常考慮收養的想法,安德里亞立即同意了,認為這對我們家庭的成長來說是一個積極的前景。
All of this has led us to make this choice and write this letter. In the end, there are many reasons why we desire to adopt a child from Taiwan: firstly, because we hope to provide a child with a home and have a positive impact on him/her. Secondly, because we wish to expand our family, and we cannot have biological children. Lastly, and most importantly, because we want to raise a child and form a bond with him/her regardless of blood relations and genetics.
所有這一切促使我們做出了這個選擇並寫了這封信。最後,我們希望收養一個台灣孩子的原因有很多:第一,我們希望給孩子一個家,對他/她有正面的影響。其次,因為我們想要擴大家庭,我們不能有親生孩子。最後,也是最重要的,因為我們想要撫養一個孩子並與他/她建立聯繫,無論血緣關係和遺傳如何。
Sivia and Andrea's relationship as a couple
西維亞和安德里亞的情侶關係
We, as a couple, have a very balanced relationship due to our different temperaments and approaches to life. Silvia likes to take initiative and plan things and activities, even during our free time, while Andrea is more easy-going and always positive about participating. On the other hand, while Andrea is more patient and genuinely calm, Silvia is more anxious and impatient; these opposites help us when it comes to discussions and arguments. Additionally, the fact that Silvia is more extroverted and Andrea more introverted has helped us to maintain a constant and open dialogue from the very beginning.
作為一對夫婦,由於我們不同的性情和生活方式,我們的關係非常平衡。西爾維亞喜歡採取主動,計劃事情和活動,即使在空閒時間也是如此,而安德里亞則更隨和,總是積極參與。另一方面,安德里亞(Andrea)更加耐心和真正冷靜,而西爾維亞(Silvia)則更加焦慮和不耐煩。這些對立面在討論和爭論時對我們很有幫助。此外,西爾維亞(Silvia)更外向,安德里亞(Andrea)更內向,這一事實幫助我們從一開始就保持持續和開放的對話。
Despite our differences, we do share smaller and bigger visions and values in life. For example, we enjoy the same interests and hobbies, such as travelling and visiting cultural sites, reading, watching movies and TV series, and engaging in free time activities (e.g., Silvia is part of the local Folkets bio association, which shows movies from all over the world).
儘管我們有差異,但我們確實有共同的或大或小的願景和價值觀。例如,我們有相同的興趣和愛好,例如旅行和參觀文化景點、閱讀、觀看電影和電視劇以及參加空閒時間活動(例如,Silvia 是當地 Folkets Bio 協會的成員,該協會播放來自世界各地)。
Most importantly, we are both tolerant, open, and always respectful towards each other. We are interested in understanding other people's points of view and learning more about other cultures and languages — this is also one of the reasons why we decided to move to another country during our adult life.
最重要的是,我們都寬容、開放、始終互相尊重。我們有興趣了解別人的觀點並更多地了解其他文化和語言——這也是我們決定在成年後移居到另一個國家的原因之一。
Work situation
工作狀況
Andrea
安德里亞
We first moved to Luleå at the beginning of 2017 because Andrea secured a position as a postdoc in the research group of Architecture at Luleå University of Technology (Luleå Tekniska Universitet, LTU), where he has been working since then.
我們於 2017 年初首次搬到呂勒奧,因為 Andrea 在呂勒奧理工大學 (Luleå Tekniska Universitet, LTU) 建築研究小組獲得了博士後職位,從那時起他就一直在那裡工作。
Over the years, I, Andrea, have been able to secure funding for my research and attained a permanent position as Senior Lecturer since 2021. Initially, my tasks were mostly related to research activities, such as writing applications for funding, participating in, running, and coordinating research projects. However, with the new position, I have become increasingly involved in teaching activities and managing duties for my department and division.
多年來,我,Andrea,已經能夠為我的研究獲得資助,並自 2021 年起獲得高級講師的永久職位。研究項目。然而,在新的職位上,我越來越多地參與系所和部門的教學活動和管理職責。
l, Andrea, find great satisfaction and fulfilment in my job, surrounded by supportive colleagues and a positive work environment. Teaching, in particular, has become a passion of mine as it allows for lively and continuous cultural exchange with young students.
我,Andrea,在我的工作中找到了極大的滿足感和成就感,周圍都是支持性的同事和積極的工作環境。教學尤其成為我的熱情,因為它可以與年輕學生進行活躍且持續的文化交流。
My work (Andrea's) primarily takes place in the office or in teaching facilities at the university. However, aside from scheduled lectures and meetings, I have the flexibility to organise my daily schedule independently, even choosing to work from home when desired.
我的工作(Andrea 的)主要在辦公室或大學的教學設施中進行。然而,除了預定的講座和會議外,我可以靈活地獨立安排我的日常日程,甚至在需要時選擇在家工作。
Silvia
西爾維亞
When we first moved, Silvia continued her collaboration with the University of Manchester as a research consultant and also worked as a private tutor.
當我們第一次搬家時,西爾維亞繼續與曼徹斯特大學合作,擔任研究顧問,並擔任私人導師。
Meanwhile, during the initial year in Sweden, I, Silvia, focused on studying Swedish and began networking within the cultural field, leveraging my background as an art historian and museum specialist. This led to my first professional opportunities in Sweden, initially at the regional museum and municipal art gallery, and later to a permanent role as a cultural strategist for the municipality of Haparanda, where I commuted from Luleå for two years.
同時,在瑞典的第一年,我,西爾維亞,專注於學習瑞典語,並利用我作為藝術史學家和博物館專家的背景,開始在文化領域建立人脈網絡。這讓我在瑞典獲得了第一個職業機會,最初是在地區博物館和市美術館,後來成為哈帕蘭達市的文化戰略家,我在那裡從呂勒奧往返了兩年。
In 2022, an opportunity arose that would bring me (Silvia) closer to Luleå. Without hesitation, I applied, and shortly after, I secured a permanent position as an art developer at the region (Region Norrbotten). Since January 2023, I have been responsible for overseeing the regional art collection, managing every aspect of it. This includes allocating a yearly budget for art acquisitions, ensuring they are registered and catalogued in a digital database, and organising anticipate the opportunity to provide a loving and supportive environment for a child to thrive in.
2022 年,一個機會讓我(西爾維亞)更接近呂勒奧。我毫不猶豫地申請了,不久之後,我就獲得了該地區(北博滕地區)藝術開發人員的永久職位。自2023年1月以來,我一直負責監督地區藝術收藏,管理其各個方面。這包括為藝術品購買分配年度預算,確保它們在數位資料庫中註冊和編目,並組織預期機會,為孩子的成長提供一個充滿愛和支持的環境。
We would say that openness, tolerance, and the desire to provide love and care to a child in need of a better place and home are the foundation of our decision to adopt.
我們可以說,開放、寬容以及為需要更好的地方和家庭的孩子提供愛和關懷的願望是我們決定收養的基礎。
Approach on parenting and conflict resolution
養育子女和解決衝突的方法
We do not have any children of our own, but we have gained valuable experiences as educators while working with youth and interacting with the children of friends and relatives, including our n ieces.
我們沒有自己的孩子,但作為教育工作者,我們在與青少年一起工作以及與朋友和親戚的孩子(包括我們的侄女)互動時獲得了寶貴的經驗。
Our foremost priority in parenting is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where the child can grow and thrive. We believe in granting children the space and freedom to express their individuality while instilling in them the importance of respect for others and adherence to societal values and rules.
我們育兒的首要任務是提供一個安全和養育的環境,讓孩子成長和茁壯成長。我們相信給予兒童表達個性的空間和自由,同時向他們灌輸尊重他人和遵守社會價值觀和規則的重要性。
Being at the same Italian and Swedish, we aspire to imbue the child with the best aspects of both cultures. We envision offering them the warmth, intimacy, and care characteristic of an Italian family, while also granting them the independence and autonomy that the Swedish system promotes.
身為義大利和瑞典的一員,我們渴望向孩子灌輸兩種文化的最佳面向。我們設想為他們提供義大利家庭特有的溫暖、親密和關懷,同時也給予他們瑞典制度所提倡的獨立和自主。
Moreover, we are committed to ensuring that the child remains connected to their cultural roots. We are actively seeking out Swedish-Taiwanese cultural associations and Taiwanese families or children in our community. Additionally, we have Mandarin-speaking friends who can assist the child in practising their mother tongue.
此外,我們致力於確保兒童與其文化根源保持聯繫。我們正在積極尋找社區中的瑞典-台灣文化協會和台灣家庭或兒童。此外,我們還有會說國語的朋友可以幫助孩子練習母語。
We believe that facing conflicts and overcoming obstacles are integral parts of the growth process. Our approach, both within our relationship and in our interactions with others, emphasises open communication, understanding of the other's reasons and perspective but at the same time standing up for our principles and values.
我們相信,面對衝突和克服障礙是成長過程中不可或缺的一部分。我們的方法,無論是在我們的關係中或與他人的互動中,都強調開放的溝通、理解對方的理由和觀點,但同時堅持我們的原則和價值觀。
In the event of a conflict with the child, our approach would involve fostering an environment where they feel comfortable expressing what disappoints them and why, engaging in dialogue to understand each other's perspectives, and, finally, working together to find mutually agreeable solutions while upholding non-negotiable values and principles.
如果與孩子發生衝突,我們的方法將包括創造一個讓他們能夠輕鬆表達令他們失望的事情及其原因的環境,進行對話以了解彼此的觀點,最後共同努力找到雙方同意的解決方案,同時堅持不可協商的價值和原則。
Family and friends' reaction over the planned adoption
家人和朋友對計劃收養的反應
Everyone we lve informed about the adoption has reacted positively, but not everyone has been informed yet. Silvia's high school friends were already aware of her desire to adopt a child, as their placement in various healthcare facilities such as health centres, hospitals, and public dentist offices across the region.
我們通知的每個人都對收養做出了積極反應,但尚未通知每個人。西爾維亞的高中朋友已經知道她想要收養一個孩子,因為他們被安置在該地區的各種醫療機構,如保健中心、醫院和公共牙醫診所。
Although much of my time is spent out-of-office, especially when placing artworks in healthcare facilities, l,Silvia, have the flexibility to manage my schedule and work trips. These trips are often day-trips, allowing me to maintain a full-time workload while accommodating my responsibilities. While my office is based in Luleå, I also have the option to work remotely up to 50% of the time, providing further flexibility in my work arrangements. In my role, I find myself working quite independently most of the time. However, I've also established a collaborative workflow with my colleague who handles framing for artworks. Recently, I've welcomed a new colleague to our team, who's focusing on a specific project: the commission of public art for a new regional hospital.
儘管我的大部分時間都在辦公室外度過,尤其是在將藝術品放置在醫療機構中時,但 l,Silvia 可以靈活地管理我的日程安排和工作旅行。這些旅行通常是一日遊,使我能夠在履行職責的同時保持全職工作量。雖然我的辦公室位於呂勒奧,但我還可以選擇最多 50% 的時間進行遠距工作,這為我的工作安排提供了更大的靈活性。在我的角色中,我發現自己大部分時間都相當獨立地工作。不過,我還與負責藝術品裝框的同事建立了協作工作流程。最近,我歡迎一位新同事加入我們的團隊,他專注於一個特定的專案:為一家新的地區醫院委託公共藝術。
Reasons for adoption
採用理由
The desire to adopt a child has been with us for quite some time, even before we knew that having biological children might not be possible. However, back in Italy, circumstances were not quite conducive for us to seriously consider adoption. We were both without permanent jobs and living in a small apartment in Milan, so the idea was put on hold.
收養孩子的願望已經伴隨我們很長一段時間了,甚至在我們知道生孩子可能是不可能的之前。然而,回到義大利,情況不太有利於我們認真考慮收養。我們都沒有固定的工作,住在米蘭的一間小公寓裡,所以這個想法被擱置了。
When we made the move to Sweden, things began to fall into place. With secure employment, a stable economy, a larger living space, and Swedish citizenship, the idea of adoption became much more tangible.
當我們搬到瑞典時,一切都開始步入正軌。有了穩定的就業、穩定的經濟、更大的生活空間和瑞典公民身份,收養的想法變得更加切實可行。
For us, adoption isn lt a fallback plan or an alternative to having biological children. It's about welcoming someone into our lives and enriching it. Our home has always been open to friends and family from near and far, and we thrive on the warmth and energy everyone brings.
對我們來說,收養不是後備計劃,也不是生孩子的替代方案。這是關於歡迎某人進入我們的生活並豐富我們的生活。我們的家始終向遠近的朋友和家人開放,我們依靠每個人帶來的溫暖和能量而蓬勃發展。
Silvia has always been drawn to guiding young people. Whether it's through her past work experiences in schools, leading groups of teenagers on trips abroad, or serving as an educator in various cultural institutions, she has a natural affinity for connecting with youth. Additionally, her experience tutoring her twin cousins, whom she considers as younger brothers, has further deepened her understanding of the joys and challenges of mentorship.
西爾維亞一直熱衷於指導年輕人。無論是過去在學校的工作經驗、帶領青少年團體出國旅行,或是在各種文化機構擔任教育工作者,她對與年輕人的聯繫有著天然的親和力。此外,她輔導她視為弟弟的雙胞胎表兄弟的經歷進一步加深了她對輔導的樂趣和挑戰的理解。
Back in Italy, Andrea has been volunteering since his teenage years for an association for mentally impaired people. During his university studies, he worked part-time as an educator in a residential community for mentally impaired individuals. Upon moving to Sweden, he found fulfilment in his teaching duties for his job, realisingthe positive impact he could have on others' education and growth.
回到義大利,安德里亞從青少年時期就開始為精神障礙協會做志工。在大學學習期間,他在一個智障人士居住社區兼職擔任教育工作者。移居瑞典後,他發現自己的教學職責得到了滿足,並意識到自己可以對其他人的教育和成長產生積極影響。
We have always cherished the idea of a bustling household filled with laughter and shared experiences. The thought of an empty house has never quite appealed to us, and we eagerly minor heart defects (in some cases even if requiring minor surgery), with chronic diseases such as diabetes, mild kidney malfunctions, thalassemia or haemophilia. We think we could be open to minor behavioural or development issues, such as a mild developmental delay, mild learning disability (e.g. ADHD), mild hyperactivity or delayed speech or stuttering. Finally, we are also open to children with problematic family backgrounds, such as family history of criminality or alcohol and drug use.
我們一直珍惜一個充滿歡笑和共同經歷的熱鬧家庭的想法。空房子的想法從來都不太吸引我們,我們熱切地渴望患有輕微的心臟缺陷(在某些情況下甚至需要進行小手術),以及患有糖尿病、輕度腎功能不全、地中海貧血或血友病等慢性疾病。我們認為我們可以對輕微的行為或發展問題持開放態度,例如輕度發展遲緩、輕度學習障礙(例如過動症)、輕度過動症或言語遲緩或口吃。最後,我們也對有問題家庭背景的兒童開放,例如家族犯罪史或酗酒和吸毒。
Support from the surroundings/society
周圍環境/社會的支持
Luleå, in Northern Sweden, is a quaint town furnished with all essential social and public services we may need. Our residence is conveniently close to the centre of Luleå, merely a 5—10minute drive or a 20—25-minute walk, granting us easy access to a multitude of services. The city centre hosts various public offices, including the Tax office and Public and Private insurance office. Additionally, the health care centre we rely on is centrally located.
呂勒奧位於瑞典北部,是一個古色古香的小鎮,配備了我們可能需要的所有基本社會和公共服務。我們的住所位置便利,靠近呂勒奧市中心,僅需 5 - 10 分鐘車程或 20 - 25 分鐘步行路程,讓我們可以輕鬆獲得多種服務。市中心設有各種公共辦公室,包括稅務局以及公共和私人保險局。此外,我們依賴的醫療保健中心位於市中心。
Silvia's workplace is housed within the same building as a pharmacy and a local health care centre, which includes a BVC (child health centre). Furthermore, the region's primary hospital is a brief 15—20-minute drive from our home. Silvia possesses comprehensive knowledge of the hospital departments and its operations, as she frequents the premises for work-related matters (Sunderby hospital being one of the primary sites from which Silvia borrows artworks).
Silvia 的工作場所與藥房和當地醫療保健中心(其中包括 BVC(兒童健康中心))位於同一棟建築物內。此外,該地區的初級醫院距離我們家僅 15 至 20 分鐘車程。西爾維亞對醫院各部門及其運作有著全面的了解,因為她經常去醫院處理與工作相關的事務(桑德比醫院是西爾維亞借用藝術品的主要場所之一)。
The social services of the municipality also reassured us that we can reach out to them anytime we require assistance or support.
市政府的社會服務也讓我們放心,我們可以在需要幫助或支持時隨時聯繫他們。
Life in Sweden
瑞典生活
As mentioned above, Luleå is a small town situated in the northernmost part of Sweden, with approximately 78,000 inhabitants within the whole municipality. Being a small town, it is considered quite safe for families wishing to raise children here. Additionally, the welfare system is highly family-friendly, providing children with free dental care until the age of 23, free education from kindergarten to university, and regular medical check-ups. The state supports families by providing a small amount of money for each minor child.
如上所述,呂勒奧是位於瑞典最北部的一個小鎮,全市約有 78,000 名居民。作為一個小鎮,對於希望在這裡撫養孩子的家庭來說,這裡被認為是相當安全的。此外,福利制度高度家庭友好,為兒童提供23歲之前的免費牙科護理、從幼兒園到大學的免費教育以及定期體檢。國家透過為每個未成年子女提供少量資金來支持家庭。
In general, life in Sweden is tranquil and enjoyable. People (and especially kids) are often engaged in sports. Here in the north, hockey and basketball are the most popular ones, but there is the possibility to practise other sorts of disciplines as well. The local public library and the art gallery/ museum organise various activities (guided tours, workshops...) for kids and teenagers both during the week and weekends.
總的來說,瑞典的生活是平靜而愉快的。人們(尤其是孩子)經常參與運動。在北方,曲棍球和籃球是最受歡迎的運動,但也有可能練習其他類型的運動。當地公共圖書館和藝術畫廊/博物館在工作日和週末為兒童和青少年組織各種活動(導遊、研討會...)。
The seasons here are quite unique since there are snowy and quite dark winters, followed by bright and wonderful summers. The lifestyle adapts to that: so life during winter is mainly
這裡的季節非常獨特,有下雪且黑暗的冬季,隨後是明亮而美妙的夏季。生活方式與之相適應:所以冬天的生活主要是
we had discussed it on several occasions. Two years ago, during a weekend getaway, I updated them on the adoption process we had just begun, and they were genuinely happy about it. Andrea has separately informed his three closest friends, Eduardo, Stefania, and Francesca, about our decision to adopt and the beginning of the process. Unfortunately, I couldn't tell them in person, but they were all equally moved by the news and supportive of us.
我們曾多次討論過這個問題。兩年前,在一個週末度假期間,我向他們介紹了我們剛開始的收養流程,他們對此感到非常高興。安德里亞(Andrea)已分別向他的三位最親密的朋友愛德華多(Eduardo)、斯特凡尼亞(Stefania)和弗朗西斯卡(Francesca)通報了我們收養的決定以及該過程的開始。不幸的是,我無法親自告訴他們,但他們都同樣被這個消息感動並支持我們。
Our friends here in Sweden have been incredibly supportive and readily offered their assistance when we asked them to join us on this journey, as our closest network in Sweden.
當我們邀請我們在瑞典的朋友作為我們在瑞典最親密的網絡加入我們的旅程時,他們給予了我們極大的支持並樂意提供幫助。
However, our families have yet to be informed. Only Silvia's cousins and aunt are aware of all the challenges and joys we have been experiencing throughout this demanding and lengthy process. The rest of our families will be informed when we visit Italy next summer. We chose to wait until the decision from the municipality's social services was clear, and now that we've received it and are preparing to submit our application to Taiwan, the time has come.
然而,我們的家人尚未得到通知。只有西爾維亞的表兄弟姐妹和阿姨知道我們在這個艱鉅而漫長的過程中所經歷的所有挑戰和喜悅。當我們明年夏天訪問義大利時,我們的其他家人將會收到通知。我們選擇等待市政府社會服務部門的決定,現在我們已經收到並準備向台灣提交申請,時機已經成熟。
Since this news requires our presence in person, we decided to wait until next summer. We didn't want to raise false hopes or expectations by sharing news of the adoption too early in the process. Nevertheless, we are confident that they will react positively and warmly to the news.
由於這個消息需要我們親自到場,所以我們決定等到明年夏天。我們不想過早分享採用的訊息,從而引發錯誤的希望或期望。儘管如此,我們相信他們會對這一消息做出積極和熱烈的反應。
Care of a child with special needs
照顧有特殊需求的兒童
We are fully prepared to provide our future child with all the necessary support to address any health issues and overcome potential challenges in their development to the best of our abilities. We understand that such issues may arise later in the child's growth, and we acknowledge that we cannot predict the exact needs they may have.
我們已做好充分準備,為我們未來的孩子提供一切必要的支持,以解決任何健康問題,並盡我們最大的能力克服他們發展中的潛在挑戰。我們了解此類問題可能會在孩子的成長後期出現,我們承認我們無法預測他們可能有的確切需求。
As mentioned earlier, Andrea has significant experience in volunteering and caring for individuals with special needs, particularly those with mental and to some extent physical impairments. This has given him a deep understanding of the challenges associated with such conditions and the level of support required from both family and society.
如前所述,安德里亞在志願服務和照顧有特殊需求的個人,特別是那些有精神障礙和一定程度的身體障礙的人方面擁有豐富的經驗。這使他深刻地理解了與這種情況相關的挑戰以及需要家庭和社會的支持程度。
We are aware that Sweden offers an extensive support system for children with special needs, but as newcomers to the country, we have not yet established a large support network. After careful consideration and discussion, we have concluded that we may not have the capacity to care for children with significant disabilities or complex medical needs. One of the primary concerns is the lack of siblings or other family members in close proximity who could provide ongoing support for the child once we are no longer able to do so.
我們知道瑞典為有特殊需求的兒童提供了廣泛的支持系統,但作為該國的新移民,我們尚未建立龐大的支持網絡。經過仔細考慮和討論,我們得出的結論是,我們可能沒有能力照顧患有嚴重殘疾或複雜醫療需求的兒童。主要問題之一是,一旦我們無法為孩子提供持續的支持,就缺乏兄弟姐妹或其他親密的家庭成員。
However, we remain open to welcoming a child with minor medical conditions that are manageable with medication or may be resolved over time, potentially through surgery or other interventions.
然而,我們仍然歡迎患有輕微疾病的孩子,這些疾病可以透過藥物控制,或隨著時間的推移,可能透過手術或其他幹預措施來解決。
For instance, we would be open to children with premature birth or low birth weight, with indoor, at home or in public spaces (libraries, movie theatres...); the outdoor life is mostly related with sports and contact with nature: people are often out walking on the ice road on the sea, or skating or sledging.
例如,我們將對早產或低出生體重的兒童開放,在室內、家裡或公共場所(圖書館、電影院…);戶外生活大多與運動和與大自然的接觸有關:人們經常在海上的冰路上行走,或滑冰或乘坐雪橇。
During summer a lot more people are seen outdoors, on the streets, by sand or rocky beaches. From the city centre it is also possible to visit the archipelago by taking the ferry.
夏季,戶外、街道上、沙灘或岩石海灘上會看到更多的人。從市中心還可以搭乘渡輪遊覽群島。
How Sweden welcomes children from different sodeties
瑞典如何歡迎來自不同社會的孩子
Sweden, whether in the north or the south, fosters a multicultural society with people from all corners of the globe. Even in a smaller city like Luleå, this is evident. The presence of institutions like the university and a generous immigration policy has contributed to this cultural diversity, allowing us to encounter various languages and traditions. As immigrants ourselves, we've undergone the integration process and experienced firsthand the welcoming nature of Swedish society.
瑞典,無論是北方或南方,都與來自全球各個角落的人們一起培養了一個多元文化的社會。即使在像呂勒奧這樣的小城市,這一點也很明顯。大學等機構的存在和慷慨的移民政策促進了這種文化多樣性,使我們能夠接觸到各種語言和傳統。身為移民,我們經歷了融入社會的過程,並親身體驗了瑞典社會的熱情好客。
Our circle of friends here reflects this aspect, hailing from different countries and speaking multiple languages. While Silvia primarily interacts with local colleagues in her work for a public organisation, Andrea collaborates with an international team comprising people from Hong Kong, China, South America, and various European countries.
我們這裡的朋友圈反映了這一點,他們來自不同的國家,講多種語言。 Silvia 在公共組織的工作中主要與當地同事互動,而 Andrea 則與一個由來自香港、中國、南美和歐洲各國的人員組成的國際團隊合作。
Overall, transitioning to life in Sweden as foreigners doesn't pose significant challenges. The society is open, tolerant, and welcoming, albeit in a more reserved manner compared to some southern countries.
整體而言,以外國人身分過渡到瑞典的生活並不構成重大挑戰。這個社會開放、寬容、熱情,儘管與一些南方國家相比顯得更加保守。
Here in Sweden, the child would have the opportunity to be in contact with Asian culture, particularly Taiwanese culture. As mentioned earlier, Andrea has colleagues who speak
在瑞典,孩子將有機會接觸亞洲文化,尤其是台灣文化。如前所述,Andrea 有同事發言
Mandarin, providing a gateway to the language. Additionally, we've been in touch with a family through the association Barnen Framför Allt who has adopted a child from Taiwan, offering valuable insights and connections.
普通話,提供通往語言的門戶。此外,我們還透過 Barnen Framför Allt 協會與一個收養了一名來自台灣的孩子的家庭取得了聯繫,提供了寶貴的見解和聯繫。
Swedish schools also offer the option for students to study their mother tongue, which we consider to be of significant importance. We believe it's crucial for the child to have the opportunity to explore a new culture while maintaining a connection to their own language and heritage. We t re committed to ensuring the child has access to resources that promote and celebrate Taiwanese culture within Sweden and the North. We would actively seek out associations and organisations dedicated to fostering cultural understanding and appreciation.
瑞典學校也為學生提供學習母語的選擇,我們認為這非常重要。我們認為,讓孩子有機會探索新文化,同時保持與自己的語言和傳統的聯繫至關重要。我們致力於確保孩子能夠獲得在瑞典和北方推廣和慶祝台灣文化的資源。我們將積極尋找致力於促進文化理解和欣賞的協會和組織。
The reason why we have chosen to adopt from Taiwan
我們選擇台灣領養的原因
For us, the decision to adopt a child isn't tied to a specific country or culture. Initially, we were drawn to Barnen Framför Allt as the right organisation for us. As we delved deeper into their resources, including their website and the stories shared by others in the association, we began to feel that Taiwan was the ideal country for us to adopt from.
對我們來說,收養孩子的決定與特定的國家或文化無關。最初,我們被 Barnen Framför Allt 所吸引,認為它是適合我們的組織。當我們深入研究他們的資源,包括他們的網站和協會其他人分享的故事時,我們開始覺得台灣是我們收養的理想國家。
Several factors influenced our decision. Firstly, the requirements outlined by the adoption process aligned well with our own circumstances, including considerations such as age differences between the child and the parents, marital status, and educational background. Additionally, the extended court process in Taiwan provides us with ample time to plan our trip to the country and prepare for the adoption.
有幾個因素影響了我們的決定。首先,收養過程中提出的要求與我們自身的情況非常吻合,包括孩子與父母的年齡差異、婚姻狀況、教育背景等考量。此外,台灣延長的法庭程序為我們提供了充足的時間來規劃前往該國的行程並為收養做準備。
Furthermore, we l re eager to learn as much as possible about the child's background, family history, and any potential health considerations. This information will not only help us better understand the child's needs but also ensure that we can provide the necessary support and care as they join our family.
此外,我們渴望盡可能多地了解孩子的背景、家族史以及任何潛在的健康問題。這些資訊不僅可以幫助我們更好地了解孩子的需求,還可以確保我們能夠在他們加入我們的家庭時提供必要的支持和照顧。
The neighbourhood we live in
我們住的社區
As previously mentioned, we reside in the family-friendly neighbourhood of Klintbacken, situated nearby the centre of Luleå. Our community comprises clusters of four-apartment houses, along a picturesque lake visible from our balcony. Our apartment (72 square metres) boasts a kitchen, a living room, a bathroom and two bedrooms, filled with love, cats, art and lots of books. We decorated the apartment ourselves, choosing the colours, the details and the furniture we like. Since we are interested in second hand and sustainability, we bought some of the pieces of our furniture at local auctions or markets. Friends and family visiting the apartment say it is welcoming and cosy, and we actually agree with them. From Spring to Autumn, the glazed balcony becomes an extra room, where we often spend breakfast or dinner time, according to the temperature and weather.
如前所述,我們居住在適合家庭居住的 Klintbacken 社區,位於呂勒奧中心附近。我們的社區由四套公寓組成,沿著風景如畫的湖泊,從我們的陽台上就可以看到。我們的公寓(72 平方公尺)設有廚房、客廳、浴室和兩間臥室,裡面充滿了愛、貓、藝術品和大量書籍。我們自己裝飾公寓,選擇我們喜歡的顏色、細節和家具。由於我們對二手和永續發展感興趣,我們在當地拍賣或市場上購買了一些家具。來訪公寓的朋友和家人都說這裡熱情又舒適,我們其實也同意他們的觀點。從春天到秋天,玻璃陽台變成了一個額外的房間,根據溫度和天氣,我們經常在那裡度過早餐或晚餐時間。
Klintbacken - the neighbourhood - is populated by a mix of elderly residents and young families, with more and more families joining the community. Some of our friends, acquaintances, and colleagues are also residing here. The central courtyards of the housing complex feature playgrounds where children can play together, particularly during the spring and summer months. In the winter, the children usually play in the snow.
Klintbacken 社區居住著老年居民和年輕家庭,越來越多的家庭加入社區。我們的一些朋友、熟人和同事也住在這裡。住宅區的中央庭院設有遊樂場,孩子們可以一起玩耍,尤其是在春季和夏季。冬天,孩子通常在雪地裡玩耍。
Conveniently, our neighbourhood is in close proximity to two kindergartens and two schools. Additionally, there's a kindergarten at Andrea!s workplace, just a 10-minute drive away, which often enrols children of the employees.
我們的社區非常方便,靠近兩所幼兒園和兩所學校。此外,Andrea!
Raising the child, child care and schooling options
撫養孩子、兒童保育和學校教育選擇
Thanks to a family-friendly society, in Sweden it is possible to spend a considerable amount of time with family and friends outside the working hours. As soon as the kid arrives in Sweden, we plan to spend as much time as possible with them, having both the possibility to take parental leave and holiday. This in order for us to bond and know each other better. We will take care of the child by trying to understand from the very beginning their interests, passions and needs
由於一個對家庭友善的社會,在瑞典,人們可以在工作時間之外花大量時間與家人和朋友在一起。孩子一抵達瑞典,我們就計劃盡可能多地陪伴他們,並有機會享受育嬰假和假期。這是為了讓我們更好地聯繫和了解彼此。我們將從一開始就努力了解孩子的興趣、熱情和需求來照顧他們
and by trying to support them. Patience, openness and mutual understanding are principles we firmly believe in.
並努力支持他們。耐心、開放和相互理解是我們堅信的原則。
Once we will be back to work, during our working hours the child would be enrolled either at a kindergarten or a school, depending on their age. Typically, preschools and schools open early in the morning, around 6 am, allowing parents to commence and conclude their workday promptly and allocate quality time to their family. For days when our work schedules extend into the evening, public institutions offer afterschool options to accommodate working parents. We live in close proximity to kindergartens and schools, so there would be no problem finding a suitable one that is also located nearby.
一旦我們重返工作崗位,在工作時間內,孩子將根據年齡進入幼兒園或學校。通常,幼兒園和學校會在早上 6 點左右開放,讓家長能夠及時開始和結束一天的工作,並為家人分配優質時間。當我們的工作時間延長到晚上時,公立機構會提供放學後的選擇,以適應在職父母的需求。我們住的地方離幼兒園和學校很近,所以在附近找到一所合適的幼兒園和學校是沒有問題的。
The educational standards in Sweden are generally high, with teaching methods being quite uniform across institutions. As mentioned earlier, we would select a kindergarten or school located conveniently near our home or opt for the kindergarten within Andrea l s university campus.
瑞典的教育程度普遍較高,各機構的教學方法相當統一。如同前面所提到的,我們會選擇離家較近、交通方便的幼兒園或學校,或選擇Andrea 大學校園內的幼兒園。
Sweden boasts family-friendly policies, offering extended parental leaves and permitting parents to stay home from work when the child is unwell. Additionally, as employees, we enjoy a generous allocation of holidays, totalling five weeks per year, along with compensation for any extra hours worked or transfers made. These holidays could be utilised during school breaks, including spring and autumn breaks, in addition to the traditional summer and Christmas holidays.
瑞典擁有對家庭友善的政策,提供延長的育嬰假,並允許父母在孩子身體不適時留在家裡不工作。此外,作為員工,我們享有慷慨的假期分配,每年總計五週,以及任何加班或調動的補償。除了傳統的暑假和聖誕節假期外,這些假期還可以在學校放假期間利用,包括春假和秋假。
About the child's background
關於孩子的背景
It is paramount for us to ensure that the child remains connected to their culture and roots. We are committed to nurturing the child's identity as a fruit of diverse cultures, much like us. As previously stated, we would prioritise maintaining regular contact with their mother tongue and fostering an understanding and knowledge of Taiwanese culture. Furthermore, when the time is appropriate, we would provide the child with information about their biological family. If feasible, we would certainly consider a trip to Taiwan as a meaningful option to strengthen their connection to their heritage.
對我們來說,確保孩子與其文化和根源保持聯繫至關重要。我們致力於培養孩子的認同,讓他們成為多元文化的果實,就像我們一樣。如前所述,我們會優先考慮與他們的母語保持定期接觸,並促進對台灣文化的理解和了解。此外,在適當的時候,我們也會提供孩子有關其親生家庭的資訊。如果可行的話,我們當然會考慮去台灣旅行作為一個有意義的選擇,以加強他們與文化遺產的聯繫。
Other important information
其他重要訊息
In the unfortunate event that we both pass away, we have made arrangements for our dear friends Cristina Ramos Caceres and Youen Pericault to take care of our child. Cristina and Youen, along with their son Alvar, have been a part of our lives since we first moved to Luleå. They are a wonderful couple, both originally from different countries like us—Cristina from Spain and Youen from France, living in Luleå for 8-9 years now.
如果我們不幸去世,我們已安排好朋友克里斯蒂娜·拉莫斯·卡塞雷斯和尤恩·佩里科來照顧我們的孩子。自從我們第一次搬到呂勒奧以來,克里斯蒂娜和尤恩以及他們的兒子阿爾瓦就已經成為我們生活的一部分。他們是一對很棒的夫婦,和我們一樣來自不同的國家——克里斯蒂娜來自西班牙,尤恩來自法國,現在在呂勒奧生活了 8-9 年。
Cristina is an architect and was also Andrea l s colleague during her PhD. She is warm, outgoing, and incredibly generous, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Youen, on the other hand, is a steady and reliable presence, with a love for outdoor adventures. He works as a civil engineer for the Luleå municipality. Their son Alvar is a delightful and sociable child, and we have grown very fond of him over the years.
Cristina 是一名建築師,也是 Andrea在攻讀博士學位期間的同事。她熱情、外向、非常慷慨,隨時準備向有需要的人伸出援手。另一方面,Youen 是一個穩定可靠的人,熱愛戶外探險。他在呂勒奧市擔任土木工程師。他們的兒子阿爾瓦是個令人愉快且善於交際的孩子,多年來我們非常喜歡他。
We have a strong bond with Cristina and Youen, built on mutual support and friendship. We have helped each other through various challenges, whether it's assisting with home renovations or lending a hand with car troubles. We regularly spend time together and often babysit Alvar when needed.
我們與 Cristina 和 Youen 有著牢固的聯繫,建立在相互支持和友誼的基礎上。我們互相幫助克服了各種挑戰,無論是協助房屋裝修還是幫助解決汽車故障。我們經常在一起度過時光,並經常在需要時照顧阿爾瓦。
Although we no longer live in the same neighbourhood, Cristina and Youen reside in a beautiful villa close to nature, which they have lovingly renovated over time.
雖然我們不再住在同一個街區,但克里斯蒂娜和尤恩住在一棟靠近大自然的美麗別墅裡,隨著時間的推移,他們精心翻修了這座別墅。
Their address is Revelsudden 173, 97596, Luleå. We have full confidence in their ability to provide a loving and nurturing environment for our child, should the need arise.
他們的地址是 Revelsudden 173, 97596, Luleå。我們完全相信他們有能力在需要時為我們的孩子提供一個充滿愛和培養的環境。
In conclusion, we wish to be parents and take care of a kid that we would love and cherish. We are wholeheartedly open to welcoming a child into our home, up to 6 years of age.
總之,我們希望成為父母並照顧一個我們所愛和珍惜的孩子。我們竭誠歡迎 6 歲以下的孩子來到我們家。