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My Birth
I, Ching Lo, was born in China. My father already left for America a few months before I was born. Growing up I only saw him twice on short visits. He provided for us by sending us money from finding gold. My mom doesn't like to talk about it, because it's very dangerous. My grandpa was killed, and she worries my dad will too. We left to go to America because we wanted to be with my dad. We hope to gain a closer family relationship. My purpose for writing this is to remember my journey. -
Arriving at Angel Island
After we made it across the ocean, we went to Angel Island by ferry. Because wives weren't allowed in the United States, I had to pretend my mom was my aunt. When we arrived, it was very busy. There were many Japanese and Korean people, but not many Chinese. We were both very nervous we would be deported, but we put on a brave face so we wouldn't look suspicious. My father was waiting for us in San Francisoco. -
Being Detained at Angel Island
We had to stay at Angel Island for two whole months. Some people carved old poems into the bunks to pass time. There were even stories that went around about people commiting suicide so they wouldn't have to be deported. Even though being deported would be bad, I would never do something like that. Every hour seemed like a day because I knew that my father was so close. When we finally got released we set off to find him. -
Meeting my Dad
We took a boat to San Francisco. Waiting on the shore was my dad. I had only seen him two times in my life. I never saw my mom so happy before. The three of us were very excited to finally be together. Then, he helped us into a wagon and we set off for the mining town. I can't wait to see my new home. -
Searching for Gold
California Gold Rush
The mining town was in Sacramento. Every day we woke up early and went to the river banks. After lots of digging and panning, we were left with nothing to show for it. The work was very tiring. Day after day we found nothing. It was disappointing to waste so much time. I hoped more than anything that we would get lucky. Even if we didn't get rich, I wanted to find something. -
Becoming Rich
Gold Rush MerchantsI never found the gold I wanted in Sacramento. However, my family did get rich. Because getting gold clearly wasn't working out, we decided to do something else with out time. I started making jeans. Every miner wanted a pair. My family couldn't make enough, so we charged a lot for each one. Quickly we became much more successful than most miners. Even though I didn't become rich in the way I wanted, my feeling of accomplishment is just as amazing.
