2011 展翅計劃

Dear Parents,

We are in Hong Kong!...all safe and sound. The pandas were cute. And we enjoyed a late evening meal of delicious wonton noodle soup.The end.

Yours,

Cindy

It was another hot day. But I didn't hear too many complaints. We all knew that at some point we would return to an air-conditioned car or hotel. But for the families that we visited today, they do not have that luxury. Before visiting the families we stopped off at both the new and old locations for a church connected to CCHC. After the Sichuan earthquake, the old church, which is located downtown, was damaged. CCHC raised the majority of the money (3 million RNB) to pay for the restoration of the old church as well as the construction of a larger and more modern church at the outskirts of the city. After learning a little about the history of this church and what it has done for the community, we split into three groups and drove out to visit a total of 10 families.

Material-wise we brought each family a bag of rice and a bottle of oil. But by the smiles on their faces and their excitement upon greeting us, we realized that our simple presence brought them even more joy than we could have imagined. The homes we visited were mostly in remote areas with rough, dirt roads that make it difficult to access by car. Moreover, almost all of the families were older couples who seldom have visits, even from their own children, who are off in other provinces either seeking a better life or struggling to make a little money to send back home. So being visited by so many boys and girls must have truly been a delight. Several of the older grandmas were so overwhelmed with joy that they began to cry, which in turn brought many of our own students to tears. One old couple we visited had a small farm that they tended to. The wife is paralyzed from the waist down, and the husband has been caring for her the past 10 years.The bills for her medication make the budget even tighter. And yet we did not see one drop of resentment in his demeanor. He looks truly happy. Every Sunday he pushes her in her wheelchair an hour and a half to the bus stop, so that they can go to church.  He told us that he finds much joy in this simple life- caring for his wife and watching over their little farm together. In their bedroom is a hanging scroll that reads "Love is Everlasting."

After dinner at a fancy Pizza Hut (it is upscale dining here) the students took a quick jaunt about a cultural center/market. Then we gathered together to reflect upon our visits. Many of the students noted how amazed they were to witness that even amid impoverished conditions, these families could be so generous, hospitable, and joyful. Some said that when they get back home, they would think twice before complaining about not having enough. Others shared that their experience today helped them realize that life is a lot about attitude and that it is more than possible to be joyful even while having very little. One student said that she was touched to see these couples display what it really means to 'grow old together.' She was inspired by their dedication to each other, which she felt was a product of cherishing everything they do have and not being distracted by the insatiable desire for more.

Tomorrow will have a fun relaxing morning at the Panda zoo in Chengdu. Then we will make our way to the airport to fly to Hong Kong. Only a few more days left... So much has happened and yet it has gone by so fast! I heard more than one of the students cry out that they miss their parents. So don't worry, they haven't forgotten about you.

Yours,

Cindy

At 9am we made our way back towards the Beichuan area, to a nearby village called Leigu. We met with the social workers who work for an organization based in Hong Kong, called Social Workers Without Borders. They led us to the homes of some of the children that they work with. We were shocked when we found out that the girl and her family of 5, could fit into such a small room. One of our students noted that it was smaller than their own bedroom! Still the family seemed to be in good spirits and were very hospitable, constantly trying to offer us things to eat and drink. Not far away, people were gathering together for a wedding banquet. Even in these survivalist conditions, the people were all celebrating joyously. It was an inspiring sight, knowing that no matter how little people have, they can still be thankful and celebrate their lives.

It was much hotter today than it has been this past week, so it was a long day for our kids, running around playing games and teaching the children who came to participate in our program. Most of the time was spent with younger kids around age 10, doing arts and crafts. Then towards the end, middle-school aged kids joined the mix and we tried to have more games and lessons that incorporated teaching them English and basic things about American culture. We ended the day teaching and singing with them the children's folk song, Ba Ba Black Sheep.

We had dinner at the restaurant of one of the family of Sabrina, one of the student's at Dong Shen. I know that I ate too much! I guess we're starting to get used to the spiciness.

Yours,

Cindy