Heifer International: A Close-knit Family

With grey hair and an average age over 65, they were as energetic as the young; with their rain shoes stepping on the muddy village lanes, they came to the strange farm yards from the other side of the ocean; speaking a different language, they still managed to communicate with the farmers warmly; hand in hand with the village children, they lighted up the whole campus. After all these years of providing financial support to the people in need all around the world, they eventually met those who have been helped.

They were members of this year's Donators Visiting Group organized by the head quarter, which was led by Jane and Phil, the children of the founder of the HPI.., Dan Wester. From the 21 st Sep to the 5 th Oct., the group of 22 visited the HPI projects in Miyun ( Beijing ), Dayi ( Sichuan ), Nanbu and Songpan. The friendship between them and the project farmers were built all along their journey.

Visiting the King of Rabbits

Ren Xuping used to be a poor boy who, dropping out of school, made a hard living by raising rabbits. With the help from HPI, now he was called the Chinese 'Rabit King' with 40 million assets and also a volunteer, donator and partner of HPI projects. On hearing Ren's story, the visiting group member Mike was so touched and said, "50 years ago, my father came to China with the first project cows. This time right before I left the states, my 90 years old mother held my hands and told me, 'you must join the group and go to China .' She has never had such insistent requirement for me before. Now I'm here, with my father's inspirations. I am moved by what I've seen. It's a worthwhile journey and I will share my experience with my friends in the states."

At the entrance of the Chunming village in Dayi County, the visiting group presented the second project rabbits to the farmer families who were greatly in need. The farmer became rather excited when they were told that these people were the donators from overseas. A woman said, a little shy, 'They came a long way here to give us the rabbits, so we can't disappoint them. We must do a good job.'

Because of the lasting rain in Chunming village, the water in the river rose up and brought away the big stones used as a bridge. Every one had to walk across in the river. The quiet river banks became crowded with farmers coming to help. Some were busy changing slippers, many were queuing on the zigzagging lanes, and some farmers were standing along side the lanes helping those who were trying to get down the slope. 'Be careful, don't fall.' 'Come and give a hand.' 'Throw me a pair of slippers.' 'Let me lead you. I know the river.' People kept calling. The villagers and the working team, with their trousers rolled up, walked back and forward across the river helping the elderly crossing the river. The scene was like a vivid picture.

During the following visiting, the group met Guo Minghua's mother, who devoted everything and tried persistently to have Minghua's kidney disease; Aunt Yang, who had experienced all the harshness of life but kept strong and industrious and young Liu Xiaoju, who, being almost blind, never stopped fighting her way toward independence and self-value. The group also acknowledged the great changes happened in the village. Since the initiation of the rabbits raising project, the villagers were no longer worried about making a living. Rabbits raising brought about hope in their lives. The health care and market information of rabbits became a hot topic among villagers. Helping and thinking for each other, the villagers were planning to make their village a rabbit raising base. The visiting group saw innocent and passionate villagers, and a HPI project community full of energy and kindness

Love between sisters

In Nanbu, the lasting rain in the past few days had made the village lanes especially muddy. The visiting group had to change to a minibus from their coach at the entrance of the No.12 village, Pingqiaoxiang, and then walk on their feet in rain boots. After the autumn rain, the air was foggy and fresh. Remote barking of dogs brought out the quietness of the village. The visiting group were divided into small groups and visited a couple of families respectively. Barbara, the oldest in the group, ran into an old lady on the way. The old lady was very happy when knowing who we were. She chatted warmly with Barbara holding her hand. When told that Barbara was 82 years old, she said with gestures, 'I'm 75, so you are older than me, sister!' She then led Barbara to her home. Though not understand her Chinese, Barbara could still tell her hospitality from her smiles and gestures. Hand in hand, they really looked like two sisters.

Leaving

The 5 th October was the day to say goodbye. We hugged each other at the airport. They said they would not forget this journey to China ; they felt young being with us; and they would never forget China or us and they would come again. We couldn't forget them either. Phil, the polite gentleman and also an expert of Chinese history, Jane with her elegance and beautiful voice, Mike, who was open and warm hearted, Cathy, who spoke English so fast and liked to teach us whenever possible, David, the humorous 'Mr. Hollywood', dear Barbara and her good partner Carol, Kevin, our kind teacher of 'Jishi Taiji', and John who was loveable and funny. Everybody in the visiting group impressed us. They had learnt Chinese culture and the HEI..projects in China and we had also learnt a lot from them and had good times with them. Wish them health, good luck and all the best.

Echo from the Study Tour

What a trip. We were going constantly, but it was fantastic to visit the villages and their livestock projects. The people are so warm and caring. We’ve seen pigs, sheep, yak, rabbits. The progress in China is amazing. We could learn a lot. ——Barbara & Caroll

This has been an amazing study tour. So much insight and learning along with China staff!!! Every day surprises us with new adventures, insights into Heifer's work, and life in China!

Everyone is in good health even though many have experienced a three-day cold which seems to clear up pretty quickly.

We will be glad to return to our homes, but I know we will be sad to leave China too. Everyone seems to be dedicated to become ambassadors for China. They have told me they learned more than they expected to learn!
-——Jan Schrock