Below are photos and excerpts from letters that the girls have written to their sponsor in the past.
GD 117 ~ Peng Zhiling (Lin) ~ Guangdong ~ THANKS TO THE PAULDING FAMILY, LIN HAS FOUND A SPONSOR!!Hello! My name is Lin. My father died when I was little. Living in a poor household, I understood the importance of education at a young age. I wanted to go to school. I loved studying and I didn’t want to give up my dreams of a bright future because of family difficulties. Though there was little chance that I could continue my education, I believe it is very important to at least have a dream. To me, opportunities are so important that I cannot let even a single chance pass me by. Education can change our lives and a bright future is waiting for me.
Now I am in my second year and I am still working hard. I am working hard because I know that the college entrance examination is not far away. I also work hard because I value this precious opportunity of education and because I don’t want to let my parents and all of you down! This year, I was selected to be in the elite class and I have chosen to major in science. I will keep working hard and will prove that “a man can still dream big even if he’s poor”.
Lin
Lin's family makes approximately $135 a year.
GD 109 ~ Li Lishan ~ GuangdongI am very grateful that you gave me the opportunity to go back to school again. My sister-in-law had a serious illness and had to have an operation. Because we had to use up all of our savings for the operation, my family was not able to afford my tuition. My adoptive parents are getting old, so I had prepared myself for giving up on my education. But because of your support, I am able to go back to school. I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity that you gave to me.
The new term has started and I was really happy to go back to school again. Once I got back, I was glad to find your letter. At first, I was afraid to disappoint you then I realized that what you said was right ~ with commitment one can succeed.
I had a very nice summer vacation. I worked a summer job. It made me realize that since leaving middle school, I have learned more about life’s lessons and have become a stronger person. I’ll tell you that made me happy! I learned a lot at my job about medicine and how medicine is made. I increased my knowledge and experience while helping to alleviate the financial burden on my family. We all spent the summer vacation happily here. How were your summer holidays? I would say mine have been colorful, I laughed until my belly hurt.
I have to tell you that I really love flowers, Xin Yun Xing* and hand-made products of that kind. I am also fond of music. What do you like? If you are able to come here, I’ll give you a bottle of Xin Yun Xing! I hope you will like it. I wish you happiness and fortune.
Li Lishan
* Xin Yun Xing are “lucky stars” made by folding small pieces of paper. They are a symbol of good luck and are popular among students in China.
Li Lishan's family makes approximately $203 a year. She wants to be a brain surgeon but her parents want her to be a teacher.
GD 106 ~ Li Jianyu ~ GuangdongWhen I heard that I would receive a scholarship, I was speechless. Thank you! Though I have never seen you in person, you are great figures in my heart!
Education was my only option. In the countryside, I wouldn’t have had any choices without an education. I have a dream which is also the dream of all the people who care about me and help me. In the future, I will do everything in my power to repay society because I will never forget the love that I have received.
During the summer holiday, I studied a lot but I also had fun. My house is close to the West River’s bank, so I spent most of my summer holiday on the beach. Now I really miss home and my parents’ cooking.
With the start of the new term, I am studying English more diligently in hopes that my grades can be higher. I really love the English language. It’s like an ocean where I float. My school’s environment is wonderful but I can’t seem to find the words to describe it.
I have many friends in school and we often go hiking or play basketball. Every day I can enjoy happy and enriching experiences. Our head teacher is a beautiful woman and she has become like a sister to us, so we often make fun of her.
I have talked a lot for now. If you have the chance to come to our school, we can talk again.
I wish you happiness!
Jianyu
Li Jianyu's family makes approximately $338 a year. Jianyu wants to be a novelist who writes nonfiction novels. She wants the messages in her books to inspire people around the world to help poor people.
YN 004 ~ Jiang Wei ~ Yunnan
Hello to you all! My name is Jiang Wei. My family lives in a small city in the northeastern part of Yunnan Province. I am very thankful for your help. With your kind-hearted help, I have energetically marched forward into a rich and happy place – the best high school in our county. That place has been full of my and even my family’s happy sounds and smiles. This is all because of you. I often say: “有你， 有我的一天， 就是精彩的一天。” (“Because of you, I have this day and it’s a wonderful day”).
School has a wonderful atmosphere for studying. Everyone fights for their ideals, their life goals and everyone works very hard. Of course, I am no exception. However, it was you who gave me this. I am honored to know you. In China, we have an ancient saying: “有缘千里来相会” (This means something to the effect of “Though we are separated by thousands of miles, fate has found a way to bring us together.”) I think this saying describes our situation well.
Time is like running water. I am already a junior in high school (she will be a senior in September) and I have made deep friendships with my classmates and teachers. We all work hard together for a better tomorrow. My favorite teachers are my Chinese teacher, my politics teacher, my chemistry teacher and my math teacher. My Chinese teacher gives us the feeling that we can do anything. My politics and chemistry teachers’ classes are full of passion, liveliness and charm. My math teacher is very easygoing, cute and is unmatched in her warm personality.
If I work hard and go all out, the rewards will come back to me. I believe that I can do it. If you can come to this beautiful city, I would also like to welcome you to come to my hometown. Here there are many rare animals such as the black necked cranes and there are beautiful mountains and lakes. The people are friendly and inviting and I believe you would really like it here. Thank you! I wish you success in your work, good health, riches and happiness!
Jiang Wei
Jiang Wei's family makes approximately $439 a year. She wants to be a doctor in America some day.
