Every child in Fragrant Lodge has a sad and bitter history. Every child has come through unimaginable experiences. But now, through the kindness and generosity of many wonderful people, every child has the opportunity for a brighter future.
Who can empathize with the inner pain and sadness of these children. They all come from different backgrounds. Here are just some examples:
Rich family boy…..
We shall call him Bob, aged 11 who came from an upper class family, who attended a private boarding school. Because his parents were divorced, he was sad and lonely. When asked how he felt about his parents being separated, he said he did not know what divorce was all about, but just felt sad and unwanted. He never expected that he would like the poorly equipped Fragrant Lodge school; however after three years he has been overwhelmed by the warmth and love extended to him from staff and students alike and has become really happy and secure despite the poor conditions.
Boy Wanderer…..
Little Jack came from Kwai-Chou. When he was only two years old his mother left the family and never returned. Father remarried but his new stepmother refused to accept him as part of the family. Little Jack became a street urchin, homeless and resorted to any trick just merely to survive. However a family friend heard about Fragrant Lodge Orphan School and he was soon able to attend. It took him quite a while to settle in and change his bad habits that he learned when he was a street urchin, but over time with the support and encouragement of teachers, his behaviour became modified and he is gradually becoming part of this big loving family where he "will never go hungry again".
Teacher Wong……
Work stress for Teacher Wong was becoming overwhelming.; he could not understand the unwarranted criticism in the community about the School; conditions were poor but the children needed him. Teacher Wong became increasingly depressed and eventually decided to leave the school and the work he loved.
However the news leaked out and the older students decided to organize a meeting with the staff to see if there was any way that Teacher Wong could be persuaded to stay. They appreciated his dedication to his teaching and the love he showed to all the children and would miss him if he left the school. Teacher Wong was very touched by the children's trust in him and decided to remain and continue his work at the Orphanage School.
Two homes but nowhere to go…..
Little Jimmy felt he had no home to go to. His parents had divorced and set up separate homes and he was not welcome at either. Then, in the midst of his despair the opportunity to attend Fragrant Lodge became available. He is now living with lots of "brothers" and "sisters" in a big home where he receives the love and care he so desperately needed from teachers and friends.
Understanding, nurturing and trusting…..
The children at Fragrant Lodge have come from many different backgrounds, and some, as the result of child abuse and emotional upheaval, find it difficult to interact with adults, teachers and other members of this big family, Because of their sad experiences many of the children have lost faith in adults and would rather talk issues over initially with their peers where problems and difficulties can be sorted out and concerns expressed; and so a Students' Club has been established. Bob, Jenny and Doug, fellow students, have been selected as representatives and are able to attend meetings with staff to put forward concerns on behalf of these children. They can convey these concerns on to those adults who may otherwise be unaware of many problems. For many children, their best and most trustworthy friends are these older children who represent them.
Winter Washing…
When Teacher Liu came to the Orphanage School, the first thing he saw was a group of teachers doing their weekly washing in a bucket in the courtyard. It was a cold wintry day, there was evidence of frost still on the ground. Upon enquiry, he was told that the second-hand washing machine had broken down � again; and yet they seemed happy enough, were not complaining. In fact it was all in the day's work! He was touched by the dedication of these teachers, that they could give up a comfortable lifestyle in the big city to come to the back-blocks of China for the sake of these vulnerable, impressionable little lives. What was it that inspired them to do this? He must find out. He must stay and be part of their lives.
Facing failure?.....
He was just a young child � only 3 three years old when Jack first became aware of the need to survive. He lived in a big city. There was not much money coming into the home and his father had now lost his job. There was no other choice but to resort to stealing and as time went on this became easier and little Jack learnt well from his Dad. But one day his father was caught and was beaten up so bad. And so, thanks to some connections, Jack, now six years old, found himself at Fragrant Lodge. But everything was so new to him - he found it difficult to fit into the rules and regulations here and soon, along with several others, began his habit of stealing again. His peers soon began avoiding him, his teachers found discipline very difficult and his adult carers were quite at a loss about how to control this strong willed young man. And so, with heavy heart, it was decided that, for the sake of the other students, Jack must be sent away. .
Three abandoned infants….
In 2006 the local Police Chief brought three abandoned children to the School. They had been left on the doorstep of the Police Station. There are no Government orphanages in this area, so what to do? Would Fragrant Lodge be able to help? How could they be turned away? One little one was blind; one had a severe disability and the other was ill. With limited resources it was decided to take them in. Sadly, in spite of all attempts, the child that was ill passed away; however Teacher Lee's wife adopted the blind boy and Principal Chang's elderly mother took on the challenge of adopting the disabled boy. What courage! What a commitment!
The little blind girl is 2 years old now and loves to play with Teacher Lee and his wife. The disabled boy is showing signs of becoming quite intelligent and loves music, despite his disability. He cannot talk but responds enthusiastically when he hears singing.
Bed Wetting…..
Bed wetting can be a problem with many growing boys and Fragrant Lodge also has its share, especially with three boys aged 11 and 12. Not only is this inconvenient to the boys as well as to staff, but it is also embarrassing, and contributes to their low self esteem. In an effort to overcome this problem, senior students have been rostered to wake the children during the night so as to avoid accidents, and it is pleasing to report that with encouragement, the situation is gradually improving.
Smiling Betty…..
Life for Little Betty could not get much worse � her father was executed for crimes he had committed; her mother, unable to cope, committed suicide and little Betty was left alone in the world. Friends brought her to the Orphanage. She did not know how to smile. She could only manage a small grin. Visitors commented on her sadness. But slowly, with the encouragement of teachers, the friendship of other children and for once, a real sense of security, little Betty is experiencing love and has regained her smile, and can now face the future with optimism and happiness.
David's Promise…..
David's father was a drug dealer, serving a long jail sentence, his mother remarried. His grandfather was sentenced to die for dealing in drugs. His grandmother was too old to care for him. He was abandoned with no one to care for him, until friends brought him to Fragrant Lodge. After some time David settled in to school life and one day he, along with other students was asked to write a short essay about their family life. David wrote: "My father is a criminal serving a long jail sentence, but when I grow up I want to be a good person. I want to be a useful person and make a big contribution to society". By the love and security of the Orphanage School, may David's desires be fulfilled so that he can be a living testimony to how a life can be changed .
Trust in Teachers….
It was decided one day to take all students out on a field trip. What excitement and anticipation - for all except Jimmy. He did not want to go. He was afraid that "something bad" may happen, that he may not return to the home that he loved so much. He just sat down and cried. Teacher Young took him aside. "Why don't you want to come with us?" "I am afraid", said Jimmy, "that I may not come back and I would be very sad". Teacher Young thought, then said, "Do you trust me, Jimmy? If I promise to take very good care of you until we return, and stay with you all the time, would you come?" Without another word Jimmy happily joined the group and had a wonderful day. A little bit of love and respect and trust between staff and students can go such a long way.
These are but a few short glimpses into the lives of some of the students at Fragrant Lodge. The monetary reward for teachers and staff is meager, but the reward of seeing young lives changed is worth every ounce of sacrifice that these wonderful people so freely give. They do not expect any credit, any recognition, any medal, but by God's grace and with His help, the passion and faith in God, demonstrated at Fragrant Lodge Orphanage School will be reflected in the lives of these young people entrusted to them. This will be reward enough!
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Guestbook 1
fragrantlodgeschool 24 September 2009
Every child in Fragrant Lodge has a sad and bitter history. Every child has come through unimaginable experiences. But now, through the kindness and generosity of many wonderful people, every child has the opportunity for a brighter future.
Who can empathize with the inner pain and sadness of these children. They all come from different backgrounds. Here are just some examples:
Rich family boy…..
We shall call him Bob, aged 11 who came from an upper class family, who attended a private boarding school. Because his parents were divorced, he was sad and lonely. When asked how he felt about his parents being separated, he said he did not know what divorce was all about, but just felt sad and unwanted. He never expected that he would like the poorly equipped Fragrant Lodge school; however after three years he has been overwhelmed by the warmth and love extended to him from staff and students alike and has become really happy and secure despite the poor conditions.
Boy Wanderer…..
Little Jack came from Kwai-Chou. When he was only two years old his mother left the family and never returned. Father remarried but his new stepmother refused to accept him as part of the family. Little Jack became a street urchin, homeless and resorted to any trick just merely to survive. However a family friend heard about Fragrant Lodge Orphan School and he was soon able to attend. It took him quite a while to settle in and change his bad habits that he learned when he was a street urchin, but over time with the support and encouragement of teachers, his behaviour became modified and he is gradually becoming part of this big loving family where he "will never go hungry again".
Teacher Wong……
Work stress for Teacher Wong was becoming overwhelming.; he could not understand the unwarranted criticism in the community about the School; conditions were poor but the children needed him. Teacher Wong became increasingly depressed and eventually decided to leave the school and the work he loved.
However the news leaked out and the older students decided to organize a meeting with the staff to see if there was any way that Teacher Wong could be persuaded to stay. They appreciated his dedication to his teaching and the love he showed to all the children and would miss him if he left the school. Teacher Wong was very touched by the children's trust in him and decided to remain and continue his work at the Orphanage School.
Two homes but nowhere to go…..
Little Jimmy felt he had no home to go to. His parents had divorced and set up separate homes and he was not welcome at either. Then, in the midst of his despair the opportunity to attend Fragrant Lodge became available. He is now living with lots of "brothers" and "sisters" in a big home where he receives the love and care he so desperately needed from teachers and friends.
Understanding, nurturing and trusting…..
The children at Fragrant Lodge have come from many different backgrounds, and some, as the result of child abuse and emotional upheaval, find it difficult to interact with adults, teachers and other members of this big family, Because of their sad experiences many of the children have lost faith in adults and would rather talk issues over initially with their peers where problems and difficulties can be sorted out and concerns expressed; and so a Students' Club has been established. Bob, Jenny and Doug, fellow students, have been selected as representatives and are able to attend meetings with staff to put forward concerns on behalf of these children. They can convey these concerns on to those adults who may otherwise be unaware of many problems. For many children, their best and most trustworthy friends are these older children who represent them.
Winter Washing…
When Teacher Liu came to the Orphanage School, the first thing he saw was a group of teachers doing their weekly washing in a bucket in the courtyard. It was a cold wintry day, there was evidence of frost still on the ground. Upon enquiry, he was told that the second-hand washing machine had broken down � again; and yet they seemed happy enough, were not complaining. In fact it was all in the day's work! He was touched by the dedication of these teachers, that they could give up a comfortable lifestyle in the big city to come to the back-blocks of China for the sake of these vulnerable, impressionable little lives. What was it that inspired them to do this? He must find out. He must stay and be part of their lives.
Facing failure?.....
He was just a young child � only 3 three years old when Jack first became aware of the need to survive. He lived in a big city. There was not much money coming into the home and his father had now lost his job. There was no other choice but to resort to stealing and as time went on this became easier and little Jack learnt well from his Dad. But one day his father was caught and was beaten up so bad. And so, thanks to some connections, Jack, now six years old, found himself at Fragrant Lodge. But everything was so new to him - he found it difficult to fit into the rules and regulations here and soon, along with several others, began his habit of stealing again. His peers soon began avoiding him, his teachers found discipline very difficult and his adult carers were quite at a loss about how to control this strong willed young man. And so, with heavy heart, it was decided that, for the sake of the other students, Jack must be sent away. .
Three abandoned infants….
In 2006 the local Police Chief brought three abandoned children to the School. They had been left on the doorstep of the Police Station. There are no Government orphanages in this area, so what to do? Would Fragrant Lodge be able to help? How could they be turned away? One little one was blind; one had a severe disability and the other was ill. With limited resources it was decided to take them in. Sadly, in spite of all attempts, the child that was ill passed away; however Teacher Lee's wife adopted the blind boy and Principal Chang's elderly mother took on the challenge of adopting the disabled boy. What courage! What a commitment!
The little blind girl is 2 years old now and loves to play with Teacher Lee and his wife. The disabled boy is showing signs of becoming quite intelligent and loves music, despite his disability. He cannot talk but responds enthusiastically when he hears singing.
Bed Wetting…..
Bed wetting can be a problem with many growing boys and Fragrant Lodge also has its share, especially with three boys aged 11 and 12. Not only is this inconvenient to the boys as well as to staff, but it is also embarrassing, and contributes to their low self esteem. In an effort to overcome this problem, senior students have been rostered to wake the children during the night so as to avoid accidents, and it is pleasing to report that with encouragement, the situation is gradually improving.
Smiling Betty…..
Life for Little Betty could not get much worse � her father was executed for crimes he had committed; her mother, unable to cope, committed suicide and little Betty was left alone in the world. Friends brought her to the Orphanage. She did not know how to smile. She could only manage a small grin. Visitors commented on her sadness. But slowly, with the encouragement of teachers, the friendship of other children and for once, a real sense of security, little Betty is experiencing love and has regained her smile, and can now face the future with optimism and happiness.
David's Promise…..
David's father was a drug dealer, serving a long jail sentence, his mother remarried. His grandfather was sentenced to die for dealing in drugs. His grandmother was too old to care for him. He was abandoned with no one to care for him, until friends brought him to Fragrant Lodge. After some time David settled in to school life and one day he, along with other students was asked to write a short essay about their family life. David wrote: "My father is a criminal serving a long jail sentence, but when I grow up I want to be a good person. I want to be a useful person and make a big contribution to society". By the love and security of the Orphanage School, may David's desires be fulfilled so that he can be a living testimony to how a life can be changed .
Trust in Teachers….
It was decided one day to take all students out on a field trip. What excitement and anticipation - for all except Jimmy. He did not want to go. He was afraid that "something bad" may happen, that he may not return to the home that he loved so much. He just sat down and cried. Teacher Young took him aside. "Why don't you want to come with us?" "I am afraid", said Jimmy, "that I may not come back and I would be very sad". Teacher Young thought, then said, "Do you trust me, Jimmy? If I promise to take very good care of you until we return, and stay with you all the time, would you come?" Without another word Jimmy happily joined the group and had a wonderful day. A little bit of love and respect and trust between staff and students can go such a long way.
These are but a few short glimpses into the lives of some of the students at Fragrant Lodge. The monetary reward for teachers and staff is meager, but the reward of seeing young lives changed is worth every ounce of sacrifice that these wonderful people so freely give. They do not expect any credit, any recognition, any medal, but by God's grace and with His help, the passion and faith in God, demonstrated at Fragrant Lodge Orphanage School will be reflected in the lives of these young people entrusted to them. This will be reward enough!