Loved, though abandoned;
Being grateful, though handicapped;
A joyful tomorrow, despite a sorrowful past.

The Meeting of Felt Needs
Chairman of the board Abraham Poon

During our Joint Venture Meeting with the Chinese officials in March, one of the leaders of the Civil Affairs Bureau came up with a brilliant description about the relationship of the future LSV to the larger community it is going to be located. The line he used is: “The greater village supporting the smaller village.” By that, he meant that the local District would be the greatest supporter of LSV and that LSV can draw on the local community for their needs.

Blessings to the neighbourhood
When LSV moved to its present location, it was clear to us that LSV will no longer be an island by itself with closed doors to the local people. Throughout the planning stage for the new building site, the vision of partnering with the local community was becoming clearer and clearer. Other than taking care of over 200 handicapped orphans, the Village would also become a blessing to the neighboring City of Beihai and its four districts. As our children, when grown, are to be integrated into local communities and become active and contributing members of the society, it is our aim to be increasingly relating to the local people and communities.

Software and hardware of LSV
There are two ways LSV may meet some of the felt needs of its immediate communities and one can look at the hardware and the software aspects of the future LSV. For hardware I mean the completion of the ten proposed buildings located on the major thorough fare of the Town of Nankang. The 500 seat auditorium can be opened for community gatherings, the 250 seat dinning center can be used for banquets; the classrooms can be used for an international school, training classes for art, music, computer and vocational training for the handicapped; the roadside storefront can serve the general population; the rehabilitation facilities can be serving the local handicapped persons; the fitness center can be open to the public; the service apartments can be used by those who come for training; the dormitories can be used by boarding students; the factories can provide employment for the locals, especially for the handicapped persons.

Contribution by our core members
By software I mean the foreign workers that will come to LSV to serve as house parents or in other capacities. Other than the twelve sets of parents, many others can be a part of the software component of LSV. Many of these overseas workers are qualified professionals with expertise in many areas that can benefit the local community. When they help raise the handicapped orphans, they can also contribute their specialties so that the cultural and professional level of the communities can be elevated to a new level. Some of these professional people will take up early retirement from their jobs and come to bring up another generation of young people in LSV. Many of them can volunteer their services with the Village and at the same time, give back to the community that has pledged to support LSV. This is indeed a mutual benefiting situation and an example of harmony. The end result is that LSV is supported by the larger community and the larger community is also supported by LSV. As long as the community sees LSV as a contributing member, its existence is justified.

Orphans can transform the community
When I first visited LSV in Nanning, the taxi driver who took me from the airport asked me what I was doing there. When he learned that we were serving the handicapped orphans, he gave me a lecture about how useless those children were and that they were a burden to the society. It could be in the past, but with a new day dawning at LSV, things are going to be changed. Taking care of the handicapped orphans can go hand in hand with contributing to the society. One day, when the handicapped orphans grow up, they will also be useful, participating members of society. Would you like to partner with us as we partner with the local people in creating a better living environment for our children and other in the community?
Our immediate need is to begin construction, raising $2.5 million US dollars for the first phase of 5 buildings. We are also looking for house parents and other workers who can commit long term to serve the handicapped orphans and the surrounding communities. Already we have an intern joining us in April and another couple coming in from Hong Kong to serve in a few months. Would you think about this great partnership today?

Favor and Timing
On the surface, most would be frustrated over the delay of construction at the new site in Nankang, Beihai, Guangxi, China. However, here are some of the highlights that reflect the good and the favor we received.

• The Overseas Staff members became stabilized through this waiting period.
• Our children, housed at the temporary home, which is situated across from the New Land, had this time period to settle in and transition from living in a once institutionalized setting to a home setting.
• Many of the key local government officials, who have caught onto the LSV vision and taken ownership of it as their own, support the future development of LSV.
• A head architect of a very prominent Foreign Hotel Chain in the country volunteered to be our Building Project Consultant, thus opening up many accesses into the building industry in China.
• Many professionals, business owners and people from all walks of life have offered their expertise and services to make this dream village come true.

A journey to Guilin
A Happy Journey

On May 2, we took the Golden-Dragon Bus traveling to Guilin. On the way there I saw trees and flowers nodding their heads as if they were welcoming us. Yet, our bus broke down twice en route, but at the end we still made it to Guilin, and to enjoy this trip with an exciting frame of mind.

Upon our arrival to Guilin the city’s skyline appeared in our eyes with tall buildings, and cars racing on freeways. No one could miss these. The city of Guilin is surrounded by greens and mountains with spectacular shapes.
In the morning of the second day, we had a cruise on Lijiang. How gorgeous is Lijiang! It is exactly the same as the books depicted. The tranquility, translucency, verdure, and the remarkable landscaped were all mirrored on Lijiang, as if I could find myself in it. Approaching to the second stratum, I tried to compare what the tour-guide was describing and what I could see. But what frustrated me was that when we looked at the Jiuma Huashan*, I could not figure out the nine horses as the tour-guide mentioned, after many attempts. Yet eventually I found all the “Nine Horses” one by one by taking reference from the map. Looking on these natural landscapes, I could not help expressing my unrestrained affection onto my motherland. There were also many other mountains that I could not describe by words. In the afternoon we had fun time on the bamboo row. Sitting on the rows I laid my hands on the Lijiang River, which was such a cool and relaxing feeling.

We visited the grotto. One of the features of Guilin landscape is that mountains and caves are inseparable. The green hill, high mountain and deep valley have attracted great number of tourists from all over the world. The beauty of Corona Grotto is beyond words. The stones that have lasted for millions years, adjoined with artificial decorations, created such a perfection. We recorded our memories with many photos.
I love Lijiang. It just looked like an emerald belt, passing through the mountain ranges. It also appeared to be a chain of friendship, connecting our people and people in the world hand in hand together. In the trip I had such a great impression to Guilin. I would not wonder why people saying, “ the landscape of Guilin tops the world.”
It was quite tiring during the sight seeing trip in Guilin, but I could appreciate and comprehend how splendid was the landscapes of my motherland. It was definitely a fun trip to me, and also an unforgettable one too.
I want to give thanks to aunties and uncles for bringing us this trip.

• Jiuma Huashan is a cliff where there are some natural patterns that resemble nine horses.

Guilin

a place well-known far and wide
Arriving in Guilin on 2 May; boating on Lijiang the next day.
Its rock formation enchants my heart and its water reflection bewitches my mind.
Bamboos lined the promenade. What a breathtaking place!
No wonder everyone calls it the most scenic landscape in the space!
After Lijiang is Yangshuo: a petite old village with great fame.
Well-known far and wide, filled with travelers from far-off places.
How grandiose is the royal manor of Prince Jingjiang.
Solitary Beauty Peak towering amidst a chain of karst peaks.
How riveting are the drip-dropping goddess and vigorous eagle.
Cubs of bear and great white shark adorning the Guan Grotto.
What a tiring trip! What a pleasant place!
Guilin, we are all dazed!

Two joyful days
It is widely known that the landscape of Guilin tops the world while Yangshuo’s scenery is the best in Gulin. I finally realize how true this is.

The first day upon our arrival in Guilin, we took a boat trip to see the picturesque scenery of the city. We saw boundless chain of mountains and among them, Jiuma Huashan fascinated me the most. There is a folklore which says, “If you are able to find nine horses, you have the intelligence of an imperial scholar”. I wanted to be an imperial scholar as well so I also attempted to look for the horses. However, I only managed to find six. We came to the pier soon after and none of us wanted to alight from the boat.

In the afternoon, we visited a royal mansion and strolled along a lane which was once strolled by the kings’ concubines only. We saw a lot of poems and verses praising Guilin’s landscape carved on walls. In the past hundreds of years, the charming scenery of Guilin has drawn countless literati writing oft-quoted poems and carving over two thousand of verses on the cliffs of Guilin. Besides, we had so much fun riding a bamboo row! We all stretched our feet down to the Lijiang River and had a real cool ride in it.

On the second day, we went to the Guan Grotto (Guan means corona). We entered the grotto by riding a sliding cart and followed No.95 travel guide inside. We took an elevator to see the grotto and also a waterfall. The waterfall was huge and produced a loud noise. We even sang a folk song with five local beauties. After that, we took a small train ride and three persons blew horns to welcome us. We also saw a water-dropping Guan Yin and a Great White Shark. Lastly, we reluctantly took the sliding cart to leave the Guan Grotto.
We left after lunch and had to say goodbye unwillingly to Guilin.

I was very thrilled to be able to visit Guilin. At the same time, I would like to express my gratitude to the people who care about us and donate money to us so that we could go to Guilin and had a wonderful time on 1 May (Labour Day). I just want to say, “Thank you!”

I like artwork

I like this year’s Christmas because we did a lot of artwork before the festival. We played games and sang songs. And my favorite thing was making artwork. I did a shaker. At first, I didn’t know how to do it and I just sat there blankly. A sister came and taught me with great patience. She told me, “First, put the red beans, then the green ones and the dark ones into the bottle. Then wrap the bottle with plastic sheets.” She brought us a lot of colorful wrappings: red, yellow and blue. And I picked the blue colored one. After wrapping the bottle up, I wanted to make the shaker more beautiful so I decorated it with a pink ribbon and many beautiful stickers. When it was done, I was so thrilled because I could finish this piece of artwork successfully. Then I shook it and it produced a loud sound and I was really happy.

I like the artwork we made this time and I thank the sister for teaching me.

Memories of last Christmas

Christmas always bring us loads of joy, happiness, and unfailing love. It is because many friends from different countries and places come and celebrate Christmas with us every year.

We moved to Nan Kang since the beginning of last year, literally this was our first Christmas in this village. Compared with Christmas in the past, the last Christmas was a very special one to me. As usual we had many friends celebrating the beautiful Christmas day with us, and this time we had friends from Hong Kong. Even though we didn’t spend too much time living together, they lived among us and brought us much love. We shared many wonderful and unforgettable moments together.

During their stay, they taught us many things, including piano, art-craft, and singing etc. They made our days full of joys and happiness. The last year’s Christmas is so impressive and unforgettable.

On behalf of everyone in Guang Xi Living Stone Village I send you our thankfulness. Thanks to our dear friends who have been helping, caring, and loving us. Thank you

You’re the Only One

When I heard the lyrics “the world is prettier with you in it,” my heart trembled. I pondered where I have heard of this song. Oh, that was during last year’s Christmas. It brings back many sweet memories.
Several kind-hearted ladies came to visit us at Christmas. They danced and sang and brought us lots of joy. One of them taught us the song “You’re the Only One.” I thought this song sounded really good and paid full attention to it. I learned the song and its hand motions. We danced and sang along again and again. The lyrics are really meaningful. It says, “The world is prettier with you in it because everyone is unique”.

Whenever I listen to this song, I encourage myself not to be afraid because we are all created equal and special. Not only children with daddy and mommy are entitled to a good life. Therefore, children, don’t be afraid, for we are all equal, unique, and exceptional.

Children need love
By a member of Christmas Team

Last year, I went to LSV with five brothers and sisters and spent the Christmas with 15 children. We prepared a lot of activities for this visit such as artwork, drama and singing, etc. Because of this visit, I have written the first Mandarin script ever in my life!

During that month of preparation, I was excited yet nervous. I felt that there was so much that I didn’t know and I had no idea what I could bring to the children. However, within those 4 days and 3 nights, the wall between us dissolved quickly. They held our hands, sat with us at mealtimes, chatted with us and rode tricycles with us. They did not want to leave us, not even for a second. The way they looked at me and talked to me showed a desperate yearning for love, care, and affirmation. Every tiny action of them could ache my heart.

On the day of our departure, some children burst into tears and yet one looked at me coldly and said, “How stupid!” We were all amazed by her reaction. Minutes later, we found out she was the one who was most upset. She cried most severely among all the kids. I could not help but held her in my arms and cried with her.
They all wanted to stay with us till the very last minute so they begged us to go to school with them. I have never had any experience taking kids to school. Until the moment we said goodbye to them at the school gate, I truly realized the sadness of parting.

It’s been six months since we left LSV. Whenever I thumb through the pictures we took, they bring back all the memories to me. At a corner in our world, there is a group of orphans waiting to be loved. Though we live far apart, I believe a small action I take can bring love to the children.

About LSV

The world of our children is brightened up… By YOU!

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