Guangzhou Huiling

Dear Friends,

When I knew I would be given an award for what I did for Huiling, at first I wondered whether I should take it, because I knew that what I did was little. Then I realized that Huiling people had been so good to me, so I decided to accept it. It was an opportunity to let people know that although I myself am a physical disabled, I can do something for Huiling. I hoped that other people also could do the same.

When I was standing on the podium with Mrs. Andrea Miraglia, wife of the Consul General of Italy, all people were looking at us. It was splendid! But I never forget that most of the times I went to Huiling office and work with Fr. Fernando, I felt lonely. However I was determined to overcome my loneliness and continue to work. It was my conviction that Huiling mentally disabled students should deserve the best treatment. They have the same rights of others and therefore they must be accepted and respected. It was for this reason that I as well as many other people attended the party.

I am indebted to a lot of people for this award.

First, I thank Fr. Fernando and Fr. Mario. They have great confidence in me. They give me many chances to work for Huiling.

Secondly, I thank all Huiling people. They understand me and consider me as one of them.

Thirdly, I thank my parents. They are happy that I do voluntary work for Huiling. Sometimes, when I was about to go to Huiling office on Saturday, I noticed that my mother was not feeling well. I worried about her and I wanted to stay at home and care for her. But she would say, “I am OK. Don’t worry about me. You promised Fr. Fernando that you will work with him. You should not break your promise.”

I don’t think I am a very smart person. There are many people smarter than me in China. But I am lucky. People at Huiling are willing to give me a chance and I am happy to do something to help them. I can see that what I do is useful, and this prompts me to do more for people in need.

When I attended the party, I found that many Huiling trainees were there to serve the people. Some of them carried water, juice and red wine on a plate and asked the guests to select the drink they liked. Other students helped the staff to hand out food to the guests queuing up. I can see the students felt proud of their success. Maybe they were satisfied with the fact they could serve others, and not that others served them. When I watched it, it was as if I were hearing a voice from the students, “Give me a chance, I can do it. Give me a chance, I can return you a wonder. Give me a chance.” I was touched by what I saw during the party.

When the earthquake took place in Haiti, I heard a voice, “No matter what we believe, no matter where we are from, no matter which complexion we have, we must try our best to help the poor people in Haiti. Because we are all members of the same human family”. The slogan for Beijing Games was “One World One Dream”. I hope the disabled persons and the poor people can enjoy the same rights of others. I hope that the ideal “One World One Treatment” can be realized, because we all are human beings. I know that it looks like a dream. Yet, it has been possible at the party. Huiling trainees were serving the guests as waiters and waitresses. They did a good job.

See you soon. Take care.

Yeung Pan