Over the holidays, the director of the Social Welfare Institute where Lillie lived in Fuling wrote a letter to the families and it is posted on the Fuling kids site. It was such a kind letter and made me aware, yet again, that Lillie came from a first home where she was loved and cared for by people who desperately wanted what was best for her.
Here is the director's letter... I still can't read it without feeling tears well up in my eyes:
The golden year of the pig is ending, and the fortunate mouse is bringing the arrival of spring. In a snap, another Christmas is coming. At this wonderful time, I am excited as everybody else. This excitement and enthusiasm is filled with the longing and blessing for “home Fuling” and for all the children we have taken in and those that are about to be taken in by the SWI. At this moment, I’d like to wish you a happy holiday on behalf of all the staff. Also I want to express our great appreciation and heartfelt respect for all the oversea families and old friends who have been supportive and concerned about us. We sincerely wish everyone a prosperous year with good health, a successful career and blessed life.
Fate brought us together, and sincerity tied our hearts together. Since February 2001, when the first seven families came to our orphanage for the first adoptions, we’ve become relatives to over 1000 families. Because of the care and love given to the Fuling children, those over one thousand families became one great blessed big family. One thousand hearts beat together and one thousand minds connect with one another. Thinking of these moments makes us feel touched and excited. I believe you are feeling the same way. Because of that, we’re also gradually starting to expect the arrival of Christmas. This time of every year has also become a grand festival as important as the Spring Festival for us, and it comes from our deep longing for you. This love of Christmas, like an eternal northern star, makes the atmosphere here even warmer in spirit, and helps us to remember the warm stream of love that continuously comes to us from the other side of the earth. Happiness is accompanied by effort and success is accompanied by hardship. In the past year, our work has improved because of everybody’s support, participation, and help. The children’s concerns have become our first priority. We also recognize that every little step we made to make our kids happier is our “big Fuling family’s” contribution, and it can’t be separated from your selfless help. My friends, no matter how far away we are, our friendship will never change。 Nothing can cut our existing relationship and bond.
A new year comes, a past year is about to be replaced, and we gather together to celebrate happiness and security. This New Year we are confident and excited. Let’s hold our hands together as a “Big Fuling Family”, with our self striving spirit and our will to fight for and create a better future for the children. At this happy sharing moment, friendship missing moment, wonderful dream coming true moment, we wish you again--- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Director Yang Peishu
