Letters from QingYuan's Eight.

Peter Y. Woo, 2008/1

        Introduction. Back in 2004, a lady in Santa Barbara gave a sum of money, to be used in China. We visited QingYuan, when the principal told us there were 8 needy kids enrolled in the Brightness High School there. It was almost exactly the amount that lady had given. We went to the homes of two of those kids and saw their misery, and the high hopes their parents had for them to go to high school. 

        That Christmas, we told these 8 kids they are a living memory to that generous lady who died of cancer. Subsequently, one by one they got to know Christ, with great joy and gratitude. It is heart warming to see their ardent love for spiritual truths and growth. After 3 years, 7 of them graduated from the High School, 5 got accepted into some colleges, and 2 others are still planning to take the nationwide college exams again. One of them "Literarian" is from a tribal family, as you could see in my pictures, and he is already in the work force. Please pray for his family, his father being paralysed.

      In the following letters, my own comments are in [brackets]. Most of these were written to our friends in Hong Kong, who would visit them 3 times a year, share their love and life with them, and such toiling bore fruit, as you can see.

        Haystack Missions, at 2007 Fall, has accepted 15 kids for support, 4 boys and 11 girls. I am trying to get to know these lovely kids. We also need sponsors for these 5 college kids plus 2 others, covering tuition and some living costs. There are also 22 poor kids in Yunnan's western mountains, mostly orphans being raised by relatives, that we support.

        The first letter is from FairFragrance. She has to go back to her original province, Guang Xi, for last year of high school, otherwise the law prevents her from being accepted into any college. So she has to repeat a year. Look at her vibrant faith.

        Date: Around 2007/7

        Dear "Big" brothers and sisters,

        Peace be to all of you. Thank you for the past few days here when we can spend time together, and I learned much. Once I got home I hurried up in haste, to write you this letter.

      Three years have passed so quickly. This summer, 7 of us have finished their high school period, starting their new stage in life, some in the work force, some in college. Now are left Wild Field and myself still in high school. However, most of us have received the greatest gift of this world: Jesus Christ as our Savior. I am convinced that nomatter how rugged, toilsome the way may be, we have faith to walk on, for our greatest hope is the Heavenly Home. [now in her own English] " We know who holds the tomorrow."

      Right now I am reassessing my spiritual life and my journey during this past year. There are occasions for joy and sorrow, but I have greatly felt the Father's love and care. I am growing ! Now I feel enriched, and more sensitive to His promptings. I fall now and then, my faith sometimes get weak, but God never dumped me, and still gave me grace abundant, and stayed by my side. I know, I know I am still immature, but I shall "forget what is behind and strive for what is ahead, running straight towards the finish line," seeking whatever is good and beautiful. I am so happy to be able to share with you. The meetings have taken my spiritual life to higher grounds, where I can contemplate on your faith and good deeds. I shall step on the gas pedal. [Now in her English] "Come on !" (as you would say.)

      Thank you for your concern for my family situation. I know you have been praying for my family, even worry for me in tears. Thanks be to the Father, who really heard your prayers, and the situation has since improved. I feel ashamed of my being so weak. You folks have been trained and tempered with life's sufferings, so this little trouble of mine really is no comparison. You have gone through much more painful sufferings in your lives, while I am here moaning and groaning about my own little trouble. However, I am learning the blessings that suffering can implant in me. I learned about my own weakness, and His power also.

      Last semester's report card I sent a copy to Mr Wong Enginner, and yet he broadcast it to your hearts, saying it is his great solace. I am now speechless. You all have life's burdens, and yet remembering our little needs. For three years, you have moved our hearts, and patiently taught us. Now I am getting into twelfth grade, a most crucial year. I will do my duty, imitate your diligence, and fulfill my dreams for college education.

      I received your remittance for this semester. Please do not send me more funds for next semester. I feel so full already. I would like to fortify my own character with some life challenges ahead. [Perhaps she will do some part-time job.] Please let others enjoy the benefit of your generosity. I myself want to become a vessel useful in God's hand, and being used by him, because This world needs Jesus, who is the only Hope. [now in her own English] "I want to spread His love."

      In two more weeks the semester will start. Homework for 12th grade is heavy. But I will keep you informed. May I once more thank you all for bringing me the best blessings possible in my life. Thank God for His graciousness, that you and I can become fellow pilgrims. May I now stop here, for lack of time. "Bye-Bye!"

         [In her own English] "Blessing !"

      From Fair Fragrance, Hezhou, GuangXi province.

        From: "Perfecto", [a very smart boy, got accepted into college.]

        Date: 04 Sep 2007 19:40:00 GMT -8.0

        Subject: How are you all?

      Dear HK Friends,

      When I left for home this summer vacation I felt so empty at heart, because I thought I did not do well in the (nationwide) college entrance exam. I could only pray, and let God take care of my future. Thanks be to Him, I passed, and got admitted to the 4-year program at Guangdong Financial College, Human Resources Department. I was so happy I want to shout the news to the whole world. This may not be a famous university, but I know it is the best that God has given me.

      As I look back at how I got into high school, now graduation, I know I am a most lucky guy. I was about to forego joining high school [PW: because his family is so poor], then I suddenly got the letter of acceptance from GMSS (GuangMing High School). Then I got to know you good folks, and then now that I got accepted by some college. All these events were so fortunate, like some One was preparing things for me, and perhaps for my whole future too.

      Even so I felt most grateful to you good folks. It was you who got me to know the true God, and showered ove me your concern, spiritual and material support. I think I can never repay you all for your gracious generosity the rest of my days. I could only keep this memory of your love deep in my heart, and then pass it on to others. Please let me join your Haystack organization. Right now I am still unable to be of much substantial help to others, or to my own family, but as you taught me, I can do some visitation, and try to encourage others.

      Every time when you folks came to visit us, we all rejoice greatly. We know it is strenuous to be on a bus for so long. I know how it feels to be on a bus for hours. I appreciate especially Mr Huang the Engineer [PW: this is brother WWI], because I see him dozing off so much. My heart feels the pain of him toiling and sacrificing thus, and I am much affected by such love. Thank you all !

      I heard Uncle Caleb (Wong) said Mrs Woo is not totally well, and I wonder how she is recently. Please give my regards to Dr and Mrs Woo, whom I remember fondly. They say bees' honey is a good detoxifying substance, and increases immunity. Can you bring a bit of it to Mrs Woo? I can procure some authentic brand for her.

      Thank you for the 7000 yuan (about $940 US), with which I paid tuition, room and board, and about 1200 yuan is left. I have to start school 9/14. I wish I can see you all once more if you come to QY (QingYuan, about 2 hours bus journey north of Guangzhou) again.

      … Sincerely

      "Perfecto" 07?9?5

      From: "Water Fairy"

        Sent: Monday, July 30, 2007 3:16 PM

      Dear Mr Wong Engineer and other HK friends,

      Several days have passed after we said goodbye to you all. How are you? Are you very busy? We are remembering you all deeply.

      I am quite well at my sister's home, trying to acquire some knowledge on IT, which may be useful in future. I like reading books, and even writing some articles.

      Good news! I was accepted by Guangdong Polytechnique Normal Univ., at Guangzhou, majoring in International Trade and Finance, a 4 year program. This is so unexpected, because I did not opt for this school, because I did not find the major I like back in many of the colleges. This school changed its name from "Guangdong Minorities College", so they give some special credits to people of minority [tribal] origins. My grades were good enough for them, but I did not apply for their school. But then 2 days ago they called me by phone proposing to take me in, and asked me whether I wanted to. I was quite surprised, especially it is a 4 year program, which means I have to take a further oral exam in English. I am really surprised by this good fortune, so I of course said "Yes Sir" to it. Ms Chen [SuJing] was also instrumental in conveying such news promptly to me. I feel so grateful to God, for if it were not His hand at work, such wonderful things would not have happened to me.

      Now I am awaiting their formal letter of acceptance. When it comes I will let you know. ElegantBell also was accepted by ShaoGwan College up north. Literarian also had found a job, at DoongGwan county. Some of my other friends are again registering for a second try at the College Entrance Exam. Meanwhile I try to learn more English, and read up some books on my future major. I am filled with joy and substantial satisfaction. May the Lord be with all of you and give you peace and joy.

      Remembering you fondly, Water Fairy.

         [Another letter of hers]

        Dear Mr Wong Engineer, How are you lately? We have not met you quite a while.

      I wrote a long letter last week, but then computer trouble caused me losing it before I sent it out, and all these hours of thoughts and feelings became thin air. There are lots of things I want to tell you, but right now I can only tell them briefly, for lack of time.

      I got used to life and study here now. I found a church close by, called Shamen church, and I went there for several Sundays. There are some alums from GMSS there.

      I got connected with Perfecto, BrightSmile, and got them to come to church with me. Silver Hue too, came to GZ (GuangZhou City) and found me. She found a temporary job while she wait for college acceptance. New Piano I heard have again registered for the next exam. ElegantBell is fine, but rather lonesome up there (in ShaoGwan), and spiritually weak. But we will encourage her. FairFragrance connected with me by email. She has lots of pressures at school. Please pray for her.

      Please let me know some news about TianYeh and the new kids your Haystackers are supporting at GMSS, OK?

      May God richly bless you.

        Sincerely, Water Fairy.

        Date: Thu, 6 Dec 2007 11:26:55 +0800 (CST)

        To: "Peter Woo Biola Univ."

        Subject: Re:Hello, from Dr Peter Woo

         [This letter is written in her own English]

        Dear Dr.Woo:

        I am so happy to hear from you for the first time. Are you OK for everything? I have told that you and Mrs Woo are not very well, so I prayed for you and make you be health always. Bless you!

        Actually, I have written to you for many times, but fail. I didn't know the reason, so I only wrote to other friends. But I think you also can see my letter, now it is.

      Yes, we eights are "QY8". All of us feel so lucky to make friends with you. I like the name of "waterFairy" very much. Thank you for gave this name to me. I known you love me and always though about me, so did I. I think this is a good idea that you mention me to your friends in America use this name instead of my real name.

      By the on ther hand, I would like to write to you in English. My study is about International Economics, this is more about English, and I should pass CET Band 4 in next smaster, and pass CET Band6 before I graduate. So I shouId learn English harder. Of cause, these are some wrong sentence in this letter, and I hope you could tell me. I also like to read English book, read English magazines on science and mathematics, English newspaper, etc. I usually borrow English book from our library.

      I have learned to trust in Jesus for more than one year. I also learned to know that He is really alive, and takes care of my needs. I found out that only He could help me when I am in trouble. And I go to Church on Sunday with some of my old classmates who also study in GuangZhuo(including SilverHue, Perfecto, BrightSmile). We learn more about Jesus there.

      There are three months since I study in university. I am so happy to known many new friends here and I became more and more independent.

      I hope I can write letter to Mrs. Leong's husband and her sons or grand children. So I hope you can give me their E-mail or real address.

      I known you have support another 15 new students in GMSS. And maybe I have seen some of them ,but I didn't know anything of them. I know we are their older sisters and brothers , so I hope I can visit them even communicate with them if possible.

      My real addresses is. . . . I would be very happy if you write to me. And next weekend some friends in HongKong will come to GuangZhou visit us. That will be a wonderful time!

      Sincerely,

      WaterFairy.

        This is my letter to all of them:

      Dear XL, SJ, YC, MF, XQ, ZQ, YH, WB:

      It is the first time I write to all of you. I called you "QY8", the "Eight of QingYuan".

      I have not got email address of LuoXQ. If anyone of you know her address, please let me know.

      By the way, I would like to know your real addresses, so that I can send you cards or other things in future. Let me know your addresses at your universities or colleges too.

      Should I from now on call you ElegantBell, WaterFairy, SilverHues, FairFragrance, NewPiano, Perfecto, BrightSmile, and Literarian ? I tried to do the same with previous GMSS students. For example, I called someone Silver Petal, or Silver Eagle, and she liked it. One thing good is, if I mention you to my friends in America, I don't need to use your real names.

      OK. I hope you would write to me in Chinese, but just a little bit in English. This was Silver Eagle. She usually would write to me a few paragraphs in English, and then her feelings of people and things in Chinese. In just 2 years, her English got so good she now writes to me completely in English. You all can do the same, and it will help your future opportunities to get good jobs in China, if your English is fluent (liu2 li4).

      I have seen some letters from you, WaterFairy, Perfecto, Literarian. It is marvelous that you experienced the Loving Hand guiding your path. Some of you got admitted into college. Some of you did not. That is all right. Famous people, like President Abraham Lincoln (lin2 ken3), Thomas Edison (ai4 di2 sheng1) who invented the grammophone and light bulb and 1000 more things, all did not go to universities. Abraham Lincoln would read and write for 2 or 3 hours every night, because in the day time he had to work at hard labor, cutting trees, sawing wood, etc. So if you keep up a good spirit, devote 2 hours each day to read, read English magazines, read magazines on science and mathematics, etc., that will give you great successes in future.

      When I was 40+ years old, 20 years ago, I met some of my classmates at University of Hong Kong. I discovered that the most successful people were NOT those who got high honors during university exams (like what you just went through). The successful friends were those who persist in learning and doing things, with fortitude ("Yi Li" in Putonghua or "Ngai Lick" in Cantonese), plus a pleasant personality.

      In my younger days I was a selfish, shy, quiet young man. I was good in math, but not very good in talking and understanding people. Thank God I had to learn to teach math to university students, while I was studying for my Masters (shuo2 shi4) and Ph.D. (bo2 shi4) degrees. That helped me to learn to speak well, with my eyes looking at people's eyes, and realize that people have different personalities. Some talk very well, talk very much, but do not think deeply. Some people talk of doing great things today, but tomorrow forget about them altogether. So I have to learn to be wise in assessing (judging) people. This really is a key to success in life.

      Some of you have learned to trust in Jesus. I also learned to know that He is really alive, and takes care of my needs. I have many stories to share with you, later on, how I found out that only He could help me, when I am in trouble.

      Remember my telling you in Christmas 2004 that your financial aid came from a lady, Mrs. Leong, who gave me $3000 US dollars for me to help people in China? She lived in Santa Barbara, California, and after that she got cancer and died within a few months. I told you "You eight people is a living memory of her kindness". Some day I will share her picture with you.Her husband is still alive, and may be some time you all can write a letter to him. They have two sons, and some grand children.

      I hope you like it.

      Have a merry Christmas, and please write emails to me. I am in Kunming now, but will be at Hong Kong for a few days, then go back to California on Dec. 10th. My friends in Hong Kong now support another 15 new students in GMSS. I have to visit them some day. You are their older sisters and brothers ("Shi1 jie3" and "Shi1 Xiong1").

      Sincerely,

      Peter Y. Woo (my students just call me "Dr. Woo", which means Hu2 lao3 shi1).

        Following is Literarian's home when we visited 2004 winter. I cried.

Now see the loving arms of Bro. WWI around him:

      From: "Literarian" [He was from a tribal family, whose condition moved me to tears, but they are Christians. He would go to church on Sundays, and others would go with him, and then . . . PTL.]

      Date: 27 Nov 2007 06:09:00 GMT -8.0

      Dear Dr Woo, How are you? May you have peace of the Lord.

      I am so sorry not to have written any letters to you during these three years. I feel very much obliged and guilty at heart, and beg for your forgiveness. I have not achieved what you have hoped in me. However, you can be assured that I will keep up my goal of improving myself.

      I am indeed very much grateful for the help from you and Mrs Woo for all these three years. We know you two have been toiling and laboring to gather financial help for us. Such graciousness we can never repay in our lifetime. You have surrounded us warmly with love, so that we have a chance to grow in this stage of our lives. Unfortunately I am the one with the worst academic successes, which must have caused you much griefs. My weakness in academics means I have to prepare myself for working in the community. However, please be assured that the love of you folks helped us to learn much from your lives, and I have already been able to merge into the life of being a workman in this community.

      The past 3 years have touched me deeply. Before that I had rather poor acquaintance of this abstract thing called "love". But it was you folks ! It was you who made a living commentary on Love, with your actions. Now I see Love is unconditional. It can be a comforting "How are you?" with warmth. It can be offering help for people in need. It may be sacrificing oneself for others. Truly, truly, I am so grateful to you, who have sacrificed very very much for us. We cannot pay you back for all that love, the rest of our lives. Oh how limited are my ability, in expressing my deepfelt sense of gratitude towards you all. I can only say "thank you" after "thank you".

      I have been in the work force for 3 months now. I work at a factory in DoongGwoon city, making brown paper bags. I got used to life here, feeling quite comfortable. I also found a believers' meeting place. Please don't worry for me. The Lord's grace is adequate. You can be assured that I will strive to learn and improve myself.

      Is Mrs Woo's health getting better? May the Lord bless you all. No matter it is over the lofty hills, or in a dark valley, He is by our side, guarding and watching us. Weather is getting cold these days, so please take care. We shall pray for you there. We surely are taking good care here. OK, "Literarian" would not trouble you much now. May I chat with you next time? Good bye.

      Salutations from "Literarian" 2007/11/14 Wednesday.

        A letter from Silver Hues:

        Dear Teacher,

      . . . I am doing quite well, please do not worry for me. I have much joy because I feel the Lord's daily presence. Today the preacher was teaching on this subject. I feel I am really blessed. God chose me among the vast ocean of humans. Now I can live each day in real peace and meaningfulness.

        In this first Sunday of 2008, I am very grateful. For I hardly practice personal devotional time with God or prayer. Today they talked about this at Service, and I feel I need to pray more from now on.

        May the Lord preserve and guard you and your other friends throughout this new year, so you can have more strength and joy to serve Him, to spread His name, to glorify God.

      Sincerely, Silver Hue.

        A letter from Elegant Bell, enrolled in a college at ShaoGwan, some 300 miles north of Hong Kong.

        Date: 2007/12/10

        Dr. Woo,

        [In her own English]It also the first time I write to you. I am sorry that I have not written to you.

        I keep in touch with the other friends except XinQin because I do not have her address. I like the story. The girl impress upon me. She is so yough, but she can think about other people and the things after she died.

        [Now she writes in Chinese]. May I switch back to Chinese ---- I write faster thus. I am living quite well at the dorm here. I don't have too many lectures to attend, so after lectures we usually get back to the dorm for study. I got bored at first with all that leisure time, but later on I found that our school library is quite filled with books. Many books in literature I did not have time to enjoy, now I can, even when I am majoring in science, because I really enjoy reading good contemporary writings.

        There are many social clubs to join, I joined the Youths Volunteer Association. Sometimes I get involved with some activities, to broaden my social skills, and I feel I am learning things well.

        My major is "Technical Education", which comprises of multimedia and contemporary technicals in education. I don't know much yet, because this semester we study mainly English and math, and the major subjects have to wait till Sophomore year.

      Some of my friends here already received Jesus, and I studied with them, and feel my faith getting on better footing. I feel God's love deeply, and very grateful. I am convinced He will keep and guard us in the coming days.

        I heard Mrs Woo's health is not too well, so please give her my regards. Hope you all will take good care in this cold weather. . . .

        May God bless you all. Will write again next time.

        Elegant Bell.

        A letter from BrightSmile. [He is struggling with trying to trust in Jesus, but "can't" yet. Please pray for him, really please do. He wrote lovingly to "Auntie Fanny" in HK. ]

        Date: 2008/1/6 or so

        Dear Auntie Fanny,

        I am deeply grateful and indebted to your care and help. All these years you were supporting me, helping me, caring for me, in your quiet ways. I saw the photo album you sent me, taken while we were at the Eastern Railroad Station. Much thanks to you, Aunt Fanny.

        I have exams in a week. I am not ready yet, especially in English. I never could muster up any interest. These two days I feel quite depressed, and could not find a good friend to share here.

        Before I got into college, I heard that there is so much freedom and free time and exciting things at college. One can do whatever you please. But I now found out it isn't like that at all. College is boring, routine, and I don't see for what purpose. I saw the realities of college life, much hypocrisy and pretense which irked me, but I could not stay aloof either, because I had to connect with people instead of studying and living all by myself.

        Frankly, I have not found my goal in life yet, I feel like a little boat floating aimlessly in a vast ocean. But every time I feel dejected, troubled, unhappy, I would think about you. That way I can feel your love and care and that gives me an impetus to just live for one day, or one week, and slowly I am gaining confidence in life.

        Dear Aunt Fanny, may I again thank you, as well as for God's love. I did try to receive Jesus, but I could not do it, could not take a step to cross over the door sill of my heart, even now. I don't know how to describe my heart's feeling, but I am very grateful to you, and to God!

        Oh, is it cold over there in Hong Kong? Are you very busy? Please take care of your health. It is somewhat cold here. I got a flu now, but please don't worry for me, I'm getting well quite soon.

        Please give my regards to Uncle Philip, your son , and all the other uncles and aunts, big brothers and sisters, and Dr and Mrs Woo too. May you have good luck this new year, and good health. Sincerely, Bright Smile.