Welcome to our Blessing Hands Blog

Thanks for visiting our website and learning about our charity that helps impoverished children stay in school.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from Blessing Hands
Christmas in a Time for Giving

     Kay Jorgenson is a librarian in a small town in Montana. She is giving books worth $200 to Jiulong Middle School in Yangshuo. They are going to be buying Chinese books about stars, space, and science.  She and her family recently visited us while on their vacation. You can see her on the right in the photo that shows our paintings of Yangshuo's beautiful mountains.
Kay Jorgenson
Kay Jorgenson is giving a library to Yangshuo children
Joy Huang volunteers
Joy Huang volunteers with 4th graders


 










                                                  

    Joy Huang is also giving, but it is herself that she has to give.  Joy is in her fourth and last year of college. She is one of our Blessing Hands scholarship students. She sent me her volunteer report recently. We ask all our university students to give three hours of volunteer time each semester. It is their way of passing on the blessing hand we have given them.  She volunteers at Yuxing Primary school. She reported this conversation with a 4th grade girl. 

   " I asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up.  She said when she grew up she wanted  to be a lawyer, because lawyers can safeguard the rights and interests of others and do something to save children,  for children need necessary rights. I was quite impressed with her, that at such a young age she can say so ambitious words. We also talked some about her study life, chatting very happy."    
Li Zhongbo
Li Zhongbo
    Finally I want to share what Li's mother gave to our staff member Yaya Luo recently.  Li is almost blind, but his American sponsor is willing to send him for evaluation to see if a cataract operation will help his sight. His mother was so thankful that she  brought Yaya some peanuts and Chinese yams,  which she planted by herself. She said that she had no money and couldn't buy gifts. Zhongbo's sponsor, who helps  her son, lives in the US, so she didn't know any other way to express her thanks. She wanted to give Yaya her fruits to show that she really, really thanked Blessing Hands and the volunteer teachers.  

    You can be a giver too. You can give something so small as a concrete ping pong table for a school for $200 or as large as a water purification unit for $1000. Recently someone gave the salary of another health assistant in Longfu, which is only $183 a year.   
snow
Our Backyard  

Blessing hands is a 501(c)(3) public charity and your gifts are tax deducible in the US. 


We might have a white Christmas. I took this picture in our back yard recently. 
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

Betty Cutts
Blessing Hands
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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Give a Fresh Drink of Water





Students welcome Blessing Hands
Longfu Middle School students welcome the Blessing Hands group in July - Click on photo to see pictures of the the school.
Liushan Primary School  - Click photo to see pictures of the school
Blessing Hands' First Water Project

Water purifier
Water Purification System

Water purifier is installed in Longfu

Our first water purifier project is to be used by the township hospital and middle school. It is now  permnanently installed. and used to demonstrate the purifer.  

However, future projects will serve rural primary schools and the small one room kindergartens that are sometimes a two hour hike from the main primary schools.  Those units can be stationery or portable depending on the needs of the schools. 
Girls drinking
Girls Get a Fresh Drink 
Storage tank for pure water
Storage Tank for Pure Water - Click photo to see More Pictures
Project GoalTo supply 2,630 primary Chinese children with affordable water purification systems in eight village schools and 34 satellite one room schools.
Water purifier
Water Purifier
Project Description: 
The Yao in this area cannot dig wells in the mountain rock that covers 96% of Longfu Township, so rain is caught on flat roofs and piped to concrete water tanks. These cistern tanks are ideal for the electrolysis water purifiers we will provide to eight village schools. These units only need table salt and car batteries to create chlorine which kills harmful bacteria in the water. 
Cistern at Liushan Primary School
The purifier can treat up to 55 gallons per minute, depending upon water quality and the size of the unit. These electrolysis units are portable, simple to use, and long lasting. The unit can be carried easily since it weighs only 23 lbs(10.45 kgs).

They can be taken to remote one room satellite schools or the home primary schools. Without them the schools will continue to boil water or suffer from water borne illnesses. These units were developed for use in third world countries. One purifier can serve an entire village. Treating a single case of a waterborne disease may cost more than providing safe water for a school for an entire year.

You can provide a fresh drink of water to the Yao schools.

Follow this link to give a complete system for $1,751 or
give a tank for $438. 



In This Issue
Clean Water
Volunteering
Sponsor Report
Thank You Letters
Dasi Teacher



A fresh drink of Water.

 Longfu Township
 Middle School and Hospital now have clean water.

Mandy Ma recently sent me these pictures of the new water purification system Blessing Hands provided for Longfu Middle School.
There had been hepatitis A in the school last May, so the students were excited about getting clean water for the first time.

They could hardly believe that the water did not need to be boiled as usual.

The hospital next door  shares the same stainless steel holding tank  so two  sites are helped with the same unit.  All this was done for only $,1751.  

 You can sponsor a purification system for a primary school in Longfu by giving at this link.  




Volunteering with Older People
Volunteer Reports
We ask our University Students to do three hours of volunteer service each semester. Our mission is to help people help themselves and others.

Dear Betty,

I am Huang Jiayan, Thank you very much for your help, and I am very happy to write to you. ... Yesterday, our school organized some students to go to a home for the elderly and see old people.  I applied to go with them. This has much meaning for me, If I have the chance, I will go again.

Thank you,
        Luo Piaoling and Friend
Best wishes
Huang Jiayan (黄家艳)

Luo Piaoling
  

Dear Blessing Hands,
 
I am so glad to write to you, and I'd like to share something with you. Now I am a volunteer in Guangxi Business School.  Three weeks ago we went to the Fukan Ghulaoyuan where the elderly live. It was a Sunday morning. I did some cleaning, washed clothes, and talked to them. They seemed to be so excited when they sang songs with us. Moreover, they also shared their expertise with me, as if they wanted give me what they have. Surely, I benefited much.


On the 26th of October, I also enjoyed myself very much. As a member of volunteers, I joined in the activity of "giving the warming to the poor". We collected old clothes, which the retired and students donated. In order to accomplish that, I contacted students and gave out leaflets. At last, we received many clothes. The next day, we sent them to where they were needed most.
  
Last week, our school held the school athletic meet. During that time, we volunteered to collect the waste plastic bottles and the waste paper.

Luo Piaoling (罗飘灵)



Russ Mead
Russ Mead
A Sponsor Visits His Student 
Some of our sponsors get to visit with their students while they are in China. Russ Mead was on a business trip when he met another one of the four college scholarship students he supports. He has been a faithful sponsor for them for several years and has met everyone of them now. Charmaine Charmaine(Zhang Chunyan 张春燕 ) is  studying preschool education at Shaanxi Normal University in Xi'an China.


Tonight I am in Xi'an, China.  I met with Charmaine,  and we talked for about 3 hours.  I am sure she was ready to go crazy and of course very nervous to start with.  I asked at least 500 questions.  She was very intelligent, and her English is not too bad.  I told her to remember to go talk to you and not be shy.  I think she is doing well and enjoys school.  I am so lucky with my  four sponsored students.                                                                                                                           
Tomorrow, Beijing.    

 Russ


Qinzhou Students' Thank You Letters 

Dear Blessing Hands,

I am honored that I can write to you. I am Ling Xiangchun who received your help this year. I am in Grade one No.1 Middle School. Now I give my thanks to you. Thank you for your help that let me continue my study. I was born in a poor family in a village in Qinzhou, Guangxi, China. My mother is often ill so only my father supports our large family by finding odd jobs and doing the farm work. When he felt it too difficult to support the family, he would ask me to drop out of school.

I know my father is right, but I can't. I still know knowledge is more important. If I want to change the situation of my family, I must learn more knowledge and so that I can help my father. I am eager to go on studying. Now you make my dream come true. I will study hard and great achievement.
Thank you again.
Best wishes.
Yours
Wu Qinyan
Ling Xiangchun (fall 2010 no picture yet)


 Dear Blessing Hands,

I am Wu Qinyan (Lisa); I am from class 11, senior two, Qinzhou No. 1 Middle School. Do you remember me?

At the evening party on July 7th, we had a very good time.  We at last got to see you.  We were very happy. All night we all felt as if we were members of one family. You were very nice and easygoing. Qian Qian (Laura White) and Sha Li (Jessica Wright) were very friendly. I am looking forward to your next visit to China.

Finally, let me say "Thank you" to you. I am sincerely grateful for all your help. Were it not for your help, I could not go on to school. My family and I thank you very much.

 I wish you the best.
 Sincerely,
 Lisa (吴溱艳) (fall 2010)

Chen Yinghua  Fall 2009
Thanks for your help! My name is Chen Yinghua; I'm a grade three student from Qinzhou No. 1 Middle School. Today our Blessing Hands students got together and got the money. I can't use words to express my thanks. I know that without your help, I can't stay in class and have a chance to study. It's important for me, so I will study hard. I want to go to the college. If I do that, I will have a good job, and I could help others like what you do. I will try my best to do that. Have a good wish for you!
Yours,
Della ( 陈映华) ( January 2010)

Dear Blessing Hands,

I am one of the students who benefits from your help. This is the first time I write to you, and I
Huang Lixin
just want to show all my respect and thanks to you, just for your kindness.

I am a poor boy born in the countryside. It is a great honor for me to be subsidized by you. With your help, my parents do not need to be as tired as usual. With your help, I don't need to worry about my books, pens and other things. I don't need to worry about those at least. Thank you for your help again.

I am 18 now; I have to think of myself. I am just a student, so I can't go out to work to make money. The only thing I can do is to try my best to study well. Now, you and my parents and other people are looking at me. I know all of you want me to get good results, and I am looking forward to that, too. So I will try my best in order not to make you disappointed.

This are all I want to say, "THANK YOU". And best wishes to you.                 

Sincerely
Huang Lixin (黄立新) 



Graduating student


It is 3:00 in the morning now, I don't know what is keeping me awake. But I really can't fall asleep. It is a little cold here. The last month I was busy in looking for a job. And I have done it. I have gotten a position in Chongqing, the largest city of China.

I will work for the Changan Group Corporation, the
                 Maxim
second largest automobile corporation in China, after my graduation from Harbin Institute of Technology in July 2011. I am majoring in the internal combustion engine. I love my major, and I will work hard in this field.
  
It is very nice to have your help the last four years.  Without your help I can't finish my study in college, and I can't find the job. Thanks a lot.
Yours,
Maxim ( 梁基纯)
  


  
Huang Zhenyan
Teacher at Dasi High School Comments 

I have learned to use the Chinese chat qq. Now I can talk to teachers and students online.  Recently I was chatting with Jenny (黄珍艳 Huang Zhengyan), who teaches at Dasi High school, so I asked her to write something for the newsletter.
  
我注意到我那些祝福手的学生他们变得更自信,学习也比以往更努力了。他们都很珍惜这个难得的机会。许多中学生都不善于与人交流。参加祝福手也是一个团体活动。他们变得更加自信,也更乐于助人。
I noticed my students of Blessing Hands became more confident.  They study harder than ever, because they treasure the previous chances. You know, many students in China are not good at communicating with others, especially the students in the town or in the countryside. Joining in Blessing Hands is also a group activity. They become confident and enjoy helping others.
事实上,祝福手也让我改变了很多。首先,我的英语提高了。我想每个祝福手的成员都受益匪浅。同时,我也交了好多新朋友尤其是ANAN BETTY 我从她们那里学会了很多很多。现在,我也享受助人的快乐。我终于明白了这句话的真谛:给予永远比拿愉快。
In fact, Blessing Hands has changed me a lot. First, my English has improved. Every one with Blessing Hands can benefit from it, I think. Then, I have met many new friends- especially you and Anna. I can learn much from you beyond what you can imagine.  Now, I enjoy helping others.  I know the true meaning of "It is better to give than to receive".


黄珍艳  Huang  Zhenyan

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

More Scholarships Needed




Scholarships Needed
Join Our Mailing List
More Scholarships Needed
For the Upcoming School Year --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lisa Needs a Scholarship to Study

Liao Xiaoling
Lisa wants to study tourism in a three year college. Since Yangshuo is a tourist destination for people from many nations, she should have no trouble getting a tourist job close to home. The strange rocks and hills there are admired for their beauty.  She took the photo below on her beautiful high school campus.

Liao Xiaoling (Lisa)
My name is Liao Xiaoling.  My family has five people. They are my mother, father, two sisters and me.  I am from a far and poor mountain village.  My parents are farmers.  
My home has little land and fruit trees. In order to give my two sisters and me a chance to go to school, they work hard every day, but they still can't pay for our tuition. Our relatives are not rich, but they know my family is poor. They deliver some food and some money to us. 



Photo taken by Lisa at the
  photo workshop
When we studied in middle school, my parents had to borrow much money from our relatives and our parents' friend, because my family is too poor. So my two sisters had to leave school to repay the money to others.  In order to let me go to high school, my parents borrowed more money.  
They have been ill starting from two years ago.  My father's leg has a disease.  It is serious.  He had to have an operation, which cost us much money.  My mother's eyes are not good. She sometimes can't clearly see people and things. Her eyes need much money to become well, but our home is poor, so we can't help her eyes.

By the time I graduated from high school, my parents had borrowed nearly 20,000 yuan ($2,985 USA) from others.  My parents hope I can go to college, and I also want to go to college.  It is my dream.  I like 
Liao Xiaoling (Lisa)
studying and want to learn more knowledge.  I want to learn how to become a useful person in college. Although my family is poor, I hope to have a chance to go to college and have my dream come true.  

Lisa's scholarship movie  is athis link. 
You can get information about how to give to Lisa here.
 or give with a credit card online here.

I Am Proud to Be a Teacher


 He Aizhen

When students in China are not accepted into the college of their choice they sometimes decide to go back and study another year to get a better grade and qualify for a better college. Aizhen is one of those determined students, who would not give up. She returned to high school twice looking for the best situation and grades to fulfill her dreams.  Now she has been accepted.  


He Aizhen 何爱珍
I am He Aizhen who comes from Qinzhou No.1 Middle School. I have been a Blessing Hands student since 2005. Blessing Hands gives me big hands to continue my study, which inspires me all the time. Whenever and wherever I go, I always remember all applications that I receive, and I do try my best to help others around me.

I hope to enter the university to continue my study, but the tuition in the university is much more than middle school. What is more, my family is poor, so I need your support to continue my study in a university.
As a matter of fact, I have been a senior 3 student for three years. I once felt tired and lost my heart to head for a bright future .When I came back to my poor house and saw my aged father, I knew I had no reason to say "No" to my study.
Knowledge is power. Strong people never give in to difficulties, right? 
I know, I am not the most cleaver student, but I do know, as long as I study hard, I will become better.
Though I have to spend more time and energies than others, at least, I have enough courage to face the fact that I might not be admitted to an ideal college or a key university. Betty said: "Though your dream will come true later than others, you can use your determination to create your bright future!" 

I live in a poor family. My mother died when I was nine years old. I have two sisters. My father is a farmer whose age is more than sixty. The family`s income is too limited to support my study, so I really need some help. Without your help, my father cannot afford to send me to a university.

I am poor, but I never suspect that everything will not come out bright. What is more, I do believe that I can help others who are in troubles through my hands one day. Just as Blessings Hands teaches me " Be thankful for everything. Pass on love"!    Don`t abandon life.  Don't give up.  I hope everyone can have dreams come true and create a wonderful future!

Best wishes to all of you!
                                    
                      Give to He Aizhen here.
Yours,
                                                                                                               He Aizhen 

You can see Aizhen's scholarship move at this link.  
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Tang Mengxue (Candy)
Tang Mingxue

My family has five people.  My entire family work as farmers and depend on my parents. I have an older sister who goes to college. Her school expenses take 6000 yuan ($896 USD) every year. Every month the living expenses add up. We need more and more money. Each time school starts, we must borrow money in all directions. 

My parents' health is not good. They cannot do heavy labor. I also will have to go to college now and also need money for many school expenses. I want to study. Therefore, I hope I can obtain your help to pull through. 
Photo taken at the Photo Workshop

Thanks,
Candy

Candy wants to study for a degree in hotel management. That will serve her well in Yangshuo where tourist come from all nations to see the beautiful, strange mountains.
Tang Mingxue's Scholarship movie is at this link.  
You can give to Candy with a credit card at this Link, or writefor donation instructions for a direct deposit wire.                                                        
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GOOD NEWS
Liang Lianyu (Alice) has finally gotten her full scholarship. She can go to nursing school with a peaceful mind now. She has 4 sponsors. If you want to share a college scholarship with another sponsor let us know.
The 8 Blessing Hands students who have found sponsors are headed off to college about now. Some, like these girls, are still hoping you will help them and their families. It is really hard for girls in Asian cultures. They often are over looked for education, jobs, and life in favor of their brothers or other boys. They try very hard to succeed. Won't you help them? They are just as talented and have just as much drive as boys. Help them help themselves.
Sincerely,

Betty Cutts
Blessing Hands