CHINA

GEIJU ORPHANAGE
Just north of the Vietnam border, the orphanage in Geiju, Yunan Province, needed funds to build a furnished classroom. The classroom is used to train orphanage employees in the care of children and the importance of following sterile procedures to reduce illness.

While we were staying in Geiju, Patty spoke to the employees about the great potential of children even if they have physical challenges. She shared the story of her college roommate who was born with only one hand and who, despite her challenge, became a registered nurse. This story was meaningful to them because there was a baby boy named Wu Hui in the orphanage who was born with only one hand. In a one-child-per-family society it is difficult, of course, but common for families to give their babies to the orphanage if the babies are believed to have "defects." Kelly spoke about choosing the correct husband in order to achieve good teamwork within the family. (All the employees are young women.)