Meng Lu - dreams of visiting America

I met an amazing young man today who has touched my heart - Meng Lu.

He is an orphan of Bengbu SWI, and has been living in the SWI since he was an infant. He has a disability which prevents him from walking, but he can get around well in a hand-pedaled wheelchair.

We could really use to get these replaced with electric carts!

He is now 18 years old, and very articulate. He can speak good English, but he's shy in front of the camera. He is a very talented artist, and painted some wonderful watercolors which Packages of Hope will use for auction to raise money for these children. He's also dabbled in contemporary Japanese art.

While he sat and gave me a touching rendition of "Auld Lang Syne" on his harmonica, I was drawn to this remarkable young man.

Wiping away tears in his eyes, keeping as strong a composure as he could, he told me that it is fervent wish that he could one day visit America.

I'm going to work to make it happen!

If any of you know how I may be able to do this, please let me know!

Click here to see some video of this remarkable young man!

Bengbu - The new Orphanage - POH donations

I was able to get to have a look at the new orphanage today, and have a look!



It looks to be about 90% complete.



However, Director Song says that the officials have given an edict that says that they must be moved into the new orphanage by the end of June 2007, so we'll keep our fingers crossed!


As representative of Packages of Hope, today I've committed to purchasing 25 new desk/chair combos for the new orphanage!

Bengbu - Returning to Hallowed Ground

With great pride and pleasure I visited the Bengbu orphanage today!

I was greeted with a great reception from SWI director Mr. Song, and from Orphanage director Ms. Wan.

We exchanged gifts, and I presented her with our present from Packages of Hope.

They recognized every single photo on the photo I gave to them.

I conveyed best wishes from the families that had sent me items to deliver to the ophanage.

They presented me with a beautiful piece of embroidery, as well as artwork from the orphanage children in order for us to raise money for Bengbu Orphanage. Each piece contains a photo and a synopsis of the orphan's history. They are truly amazing!

I took some photos and some video of cute kiddos whose parents are on their way.

It was great to take a peek at the kids!

She mentioned that the toy rocking horses are a HUGE hit, and they could use approximately 50 more.

She mentioned to me that there are 90 children in the 0-3 year old orphanage building, and 60% are disabled.

With her staff of 40 nannies, Ms. Wan provides great care to these children! They looked happy and healthy!

Here's some video of the orphanage for 0-3 year olds used from about 2003 to 2007:

Click here

Made it to Bengbu

After a long train ride from Shanghai, I made it to Bengbu.

I was greeted by Lei Cheng's father, and also by my good friend Steven Tao, and also by our new friend, Sun Lele. After checking me into a nice new hotel, I took a quick look around the city, and then had a really nice dinner with the entire volunteer group.

Director Song will be meeting us tomorrow for a trip to the orphanage!

Click here and here to see some nice Bengbu scenes!

Also click here to see our great volunteers!

Suzhou Orphanage -NEEDS

On Saturday, we visited the Suzhou orphanage. I went with YongMing and with Lei Cheng.

(from left to right: Jin YongMing, Perry Perse, Karen Perse, me, Director Shu, Lei Cheng, Nan Yian - Siemens Hearing Aid)

YongMing drove us in his new car, assisted by his new handy-dandy GPS/cellphone. This all-in-one device sat neatly on a holder on the dashboard, and with the aid of downloadable maps, guided us all the way to our destination.

We visited Karen and Perry Perse, American ex-patriates that are part of an ex-pat association that are doing organized volunteer work in the orphanage. They have some 40 women that volunteer at the orphanage, going in 2 shifts per day, 5 times per week from 9 to 11am, and then again from 2-4pm. Currently they work in the infant rooms, just holding the babies and feeding them.

Currently there are 60+ children there, 80% of whom have special needs, from cleft palate, to heart defects, to mental disabilities.

Karen is a really sharp woman, and she looks to have a lot of local ex-pat support, but she could still use our help.

She's currently trying to figure out how to reduce the mold and mildew in the orphanage, caused by the pads on the beds, and the wooden frames at the base. I told her we would help with brainstorming some solutions.

She also is in need of rash creme.

Also, there are 4 older children with mental disability that are in need of special wheelchairs which will get them up and about instead of just laying on a bed all day. They have the money to support such an orthopedic chair, but they just need to find out where they can get one.

We also were fortunate to have along with us Ms. Nan Yian (Nilly), from the Siemens Hearing aid facility in Suzhou. We took some photos of some children we have sponsored in the past for hearing aids through Siemens discount.

I was also able to take a look at a young girl that YongMing and I have been working on to assist with since 2004. She looks bright and healthy! I just wish she could find her parents soon!

We also verified donations of a Library and bouncy seats

Hotel Beds in Shanghai

Now I know why massages are perfected in China.

Click here to see my hotel bed.

Leaving Lanzhou for Shanghai

It was very difficult to leave Lanzhou this time.





I just couldn't say "thank you" enough to my host, Joe Huo, for his support and hard work in helping Packages of Hope.





He coordinated the audience with the Mayor of Lanzhou, he coordinated our trip to DingXi, to the Chen family, to the No. 34 middle school, AND his office paid for my hotel (including those delicious breakfasts)!





We all owe him a great debt of thanks for all he has done!





On Friday I journeyed to Shanghai, where I was able to spend an evening with Jin YongMing, our dedicated volunteer in China. A truly amazing man, who has selflessly given us so much of his time and effort to distribute our aid in China.



Later, I was able to meet Lei Cheng, another one of our volunteers.



We are really lucky to have such great folks supporting our cause (on a total volunteer basis), in China.

You can see them both here

Teaching Chinese Children -- English teachers wanted

In the afternoon of May 17, I went to visit a good friend of mine, Yellow Rose. She is teaching English to Chinese students.

She gave me a brief introduction to how kindergarden-aged children are taught Chinese. I thought this to be a very interesting video!

You can see part 1 here, part 2 here, and part 3 here.

Also, here's some children rehearsing at a local art school.

Click here

Also, Lanzhou is always looking for English teachers! If you know of anyone that would like to teach English there, please let me know!

Yellow River Green Restaurant

I went to lunch at an absolutely incredible place called "Yellow River Green Restaurant".

Because Lanzhou is cold and dry in the winter, the people have set up a sort of "tropical greenhouse getaway".

Quite literally the place is a greenhouse, complete with complete sunroof and enclosed on the sides. But it not only houses multiple streams, manmade rivers, ponds, trees, and tropical plants, but it also has a restaurant, a gathering area (for sit-down events like parties or card games), a kids play area, and a tiki bar.

This place is a MUST VISIT if ever in Lanzhou!

You can see it here (part 1) and here (part 2)

Meeting with the Students of No. 34 Middle School - Lanzhou

When my host, Foreign Affairs Director Joe Huo, told me he thought it would be a good idea to meet with local high school students, and speak some English to them, I jumped at the chance.

Before I left for China, I had a work colleague contact a local Orlando school teacher to have his students prepare a DVD for my trip, which showed what life was like at a local high school.

They put together a 20 minute presentation, and also gave me a used textbook to share with the faculty.

Little did I know what I was in for when I arrived at Lanzhou No. 34 middle school.

Here's a photo of the front of the school:

Now, Check out what's on the lower banner, in 3ft high letters:

I met with members of the press, with the Minister of Education of Lanzhou, with the headmaster, and the English teaching staff.

We exchanged gifts, and I took a short tour of the school.

I then went to a classroom of about 50 students, and showed them the DVD made by the Timber Creek High School.

You can see it here

Afterwards, I had the students practice their English with me, and also mentioned to them about community responsibility, and giving back to those less fortunate. I told them about what I'm doing with Packages of Hope for the children of Lanzhou, and encouraged them to volunteer as well. I told them that it was my hope that these students could exchange emails and ideas with students in America, and help bring down the walls that divide our ever shrinking world.

I asked if they agreed that the people of the world should communicate with each other for peace, and they resoundingly replied, "YES!"

Meeting with the Mayor of Lanzhou

In the afternoon of the 17th, my host arranged an audience with the mayor of Lanzhou city. I had to buy a new suit for the occasion! Suit, pants, socks, shirt, and tie were all under $65!

The mayor discussed with me Packages of Hope mission, and was committed to work together for ways to help us to help the orphans of China.

Visiting Lanzhou orphanage - NEEDS

In the morning I had the opportunity to visit the Lanzhou SWI. We prepared a small donation of a few basketballs, soccer balls, ping pong paddles, and some notebooks. They were a big hit with the staff.

I was greeted by Vice-Director Madam Dai Mei Lan, Mr. Chen, and a staff member named Ms. Fu (I’m not 100% on her name, when you see the video, I’m sure you all will be able to correct me!).

I was impressed with Madam Dai. She looked to me to be a no-nonsense, cut-to-the-chase type of manager. Also, Ms. Fu recognized all the names I provided to her, and was able to describe to me the details of the children.

To Brent and Tracy, and to Kimberly, I wasn’t able to check in on your cuties, because they were either in foster care, or in Beijing for an operation.

To Cindee Robinson, I want to personally thank you for an experience I’m NEVER going to forget, which was to meet your dear Morgan’s orphanage friend, Song Peng. What an AMAZING girl. She is very bright and happy!

Madam Dai told me there are 200 children there, most of whom have a special needs.

I took a lot of video, and said, "beautiful" a lot. I am at a loss for words when it comes to these beautiful Chinese children

You can see some video by clicking

here (the Green Fence!)

here (the Lanzhou SWI)

here (off the beaten track)

here (interview with Lanzhou locals)

here (message from orphanage staff)

The orphanage does have an immediate need. They need an incubator. The one they have is old and insufficient. I told her that we bought one for the Siping Orphanage in Jilin for right at $1000.

If you would like to support this, please donate to Packages of Hope, and we'll get one there right away!

Thank you!

DingXi - Girl in need

During my trip to DingXi, there was a little girl that looked to be in serious need of medical attention. Throughout my stay we were strategizing on how we were going to get help to her. It turns out, she will be staying in DingXi, and will be receiving an operation locally. We will be sure to follow up on this case.

It's been an up and down journey, but I'm optimistic that this girl will get the care she needs!

DingXi - Chen family, Street Opera and Dinner - Video

After the visit to the orphanage, we went to visit the Chen family. We made a donation to the wonderful Mr. Chen, and were able to meet with 3 of the 8 children that he (now 82) and his wife (a youthful 81) take care of. Thanks to all the families, including the Heinsohn family, that are donating to make this effort possible!


When I visited with the children, I was swarmed by their classmates wanting to shake my hand and say hello! The experience filled me with joy!

On our way out of town, I stopped by to see street opera being performed.

My host also graciously invited me to a meal. It was SO good! I took some video of some of the more exotic creatures available for consumption.

You can see it all here


I did eat the whole cooked pidgeon, and it was delicious. I did not try the "Extremely Large Toads" though...

The DingXi Orphanage - Video

It's about 12:30am here now in the business lounge, and the attendant is giving me a harsh stare. Combine that with a packed schedule tomorrow, so unfortunately I'll have to make this note as brief as I can.





I had a wonderful day today, starting with an absolutely fantastic chinese breakfast at the Lanzhou Legend Hotel.





I met with an interpreter from the Lanzhou Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Su Wei (Suzanne), and off we went to the market to get some things for the Chen family and the DingXi SWI. We purchased some soccer balls, basketballs, and ping pong equipment. During my last visit in October 2005, the Chen family children said that that's what they really liked, so I wanted to make sure I oblidged them with top quality stuff.





I also had to buy a suit, because tomorrow I will be meeting with the Mayor of Lanzhou, in a televised interview (but I'll leave THAT story to an upcoming post)! A suit jacket, pants, shirt, and tie, cost me 550 RMB, or about 65 USD. It was altered on the spot, free of charge.





Off we zipped to DingXi.





We met the DingXi officials at the base of the main exit ramp to the city of DingXi. In attendance was Mr. Yang, the child orphanage director, Mr. Niu the DingXi civil affairs director, Mr. Liu, the SWI director, and Mr. Guo, a foreign affairs officer.





Together we wound our way through the developing town, and turned off into a narrow sidestreet which was bordered on both sides by a 10 foot hall brick wall, and twisted and turned for several hundred yards. We finally entered an open courtyard to the orphanage





GPS coordinates: N 35' 34.943", E 104' 36.718"





(shown here is me at the entrance to the orphanage, surrounded by the orphanage staff. The man standing to my right is Mr. Yang, the orphanage director)



The orphanage is housed in an older building, but was recently renovated within the last year, and has only been housing children since the last year. The entire facility is situated on one floor of a 3 story building. It consists of one major hallway, and 6 or 7 rooms branching off from the hallway. There are 12 children there, ranging from 3 months old to 8 years old.





I found the shiny tiled rooms very clean and neat, with very little signs of dirt or grime, and I could not detect any odors at all. With my experience in MY house with a 6 and a 4 year old, I consider this lack of "child odor" to be a great cleaning accomplishment! The were at least 4 nannies that I saw, each were full of smiles, dressed very neatly in white smocks, and holding and interacting with the children that were there. The children looked animated and looked to have developed good motor skills. I have been to many orphanages, and I have seen that "vacuous orphanage look" that comes with children not receiving attention, and suffering various degrees of mental and physical atrophy. Clearly this was NOT the case here.





The visit was unfortunately brief.





On the plus side, I sat for a long time with the orphanage officials, explaining the Packages of Hope mission, and our willingness to provide for any need at the orphanage. They definitely got the message. We were going to donate a soccer and basketball, but most of the children were still in cribs, so we told the staff we would donate these items to the Lanzhou SWI. They happily agreed. Also, with gracious appreciation to Allison Heck and her family, we were able to make a donation of a Best Buy digital camera with a 512mb Chip.






3 families with children waiting for them in DingXi contacted prior to my trip, and I visited with their children, and took some photos and video, just for them. I was profoundly humbled and honored by being part of their sacred story.

Also, the orphanage director informed me that they had an emergency medical need for one of the children there, and communicated the details to me. Due to sensitivity, and the fact that the child is not yet available for adoption, I would like to refrain from disclosing the details. But rest assured that before I left DingXi, I was on the phone, contacting medical teams in China, including Love Without Boundaries.





We're gonna get this kid help!





Jeff can make it happen!





Once we get more of the details down and the situation properly assessed, I'll be sure to let everyone know!





Here's a video of the orphanage





Click here to see a video of my wonderful host, Huo Zhao Chen, Foreign Affairs Director of Lanzhou, who is my host.


Click here to see the DingXi orphanage


Username: packagesofhope


Password: donate (you may have to enter it twice)

Made it to Lanzhou!

The internet connection is very slow here, I wanted to post some photos, but it's just some video for now.

I'm off to DingXi and to see the Chen family today!

for the video, click here

Made it to China!

Hi from LaGuardia Airport! Saying goodbye to my family was very tough, but my folks came down for my sendoff, and that made things a bit easier on our daughters.

I got a great deal on my flight to China, but it involved a bit of a rough outbound itinerary. I flew from Orlando to New York on Saturday evening, and after an extended layover here, fly from New York to Chicago in the morning to catch the Chicago-Shanghai flight.

As I said, I really shouldn’t complain, as my travel agent spent a very long time with me in order to get this great deal. I even told her about Packages of Hope and what I was doing, which made her work all the harder to book the flights in the time window I was looking for.

But sitting here in the airport at 2am at an all-night cafe, I realize the price I have to pay for the good airfare.

Here's a video of my stay in the airport

The ChiFeng Project

The ChiFeng orphanage is located in Inner Mongolia.

Packages of Hope's involvement began with another concerned parent who was waiting for her son, Nathan, to arrive home. (Since that time, Nathan has arrived ome with his family, safe and sound!)

We made contact with the orphanage, and found that there was need there for hot water heaters and boiling water makers (devices used to heat water to make tea and formula milk).

Again, many pieces fell into place. We found wonderful volunteers in China to facilitate dialogue, and we found a way to establish reliable trustworthy links to get aid to this needy orphanage.

I can't wait to get there and help out!

The Lanzhou Project

I will also be making a return trip to Lanzhou, where I will be assisting an incredible foster family. It is a story of an elderly couple who, over many years have taken care of 42 children.

Since first making contact with the family, and with the dedicated support of wonderful donors, we have been able to help the Chen family take care of their children, as well as help them through the hard winters of northwest China, by providing radiant heaters for their home.

I will also look forward to visit the Lanzhou SWI, located just outside the city center.

The Bengbu Project - video

One of the places I will be making a return visit to is Bengbu, located in Anhui province. This has really been a success story all around. And like all really great successes, this has been completely due to the outstanding, incredible, and dedicated people involved.

Click HERE to see a video of one of the more exotic meals in this region. It's called "Drunken Shrimp". Live shrimp are placed directly into a wine/soy sauce, and are eaten while they are still jumping! I thought they were good!

The project started with one adoptive parent, Marie Gonda, combing the internet to find some photos of her adopted daughter's orphanage city. She was able to contact a kind young man named Steven Tao. He volunteered to take some photos for her. Marie then forwarded Steven's contact information to Packages of Hope, and the rest, as they say, is history.

However, it has been hard earned history, all thanks to the support of everyone involved. We have wonderful donors, who have shown their solidarity and support of programs at the orphanage. We've had an increasing number of local volunteers, such as Lei Cheng, Sun Lele, and Kerrie (a teacher from Australia), to offer their assistance. In addition, we've had the good fortune of an open and communicative orphanage staff, who are willing to open their arms to our offers of support. All these elements put together have yielded incredible benefit to the orphanage children of Bengbu.

We've provided supplies,

We've provided beds,

We've provided milk powder,

A dish disinfecting machine,

Clothes,

and recently, computers for the children.

We have big plans for donating when the children move into their new orphanage location, including a playground, some air conditioners, and more furniture.

The Support

My trip will be a short 2 weeks, and jam-packed with things to do. Although I will be traveling alone from my home in Orlando, I will by no means be alone. I have the support of my family, Packages of Hope, donors, and volunteers in China who have played the largest part of our charity efforts in China. I only hope to diligently and proudly represent them, and do all I can for the children during my short stay.

There are many people that are owed thanks and recognition for this trip. All the donors have touched my heart so deeply, and it gives me a great sense of pride and hope to be associated with such a community.

This community comprises fellow Americans from nearly all 50 states. However, it also extends across borders, around the world. Suzanne Erstad, a Canadian living in Norway, with her students,

have been ardent supporters of Packages of Hope. There are supporters from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Netherlands, England, France, Finland, Spain, and Singapore.

And I am truly touched by the supporters in China. I have had the great honor to know citizens in Beijing, Shanghai, Lanzhou, and other cities who have contributed time and money to the cause of helping orphans.

Thanks to the Orlando Chinese Professional Association for their support in helping me translate documents.

Thanks for all those who helped me during the last few days in final preparations for my trip, getting me last minute items to take over, giving me such inspiring words of support and well-wishes.

Finally, thanks to my family, the source of my inspiration and my strength.

Packages of Hope

Packages of Hope, Inc. provides packages of needed supplies, such as clothes, over the counter medicines, shoes, bedding, school supplies, playgrounds and toys, to children living in orphanages in desperate conditions.

In 2006, Packages of Hope accomplished the following:

• Libraries of Hope provided to orphanages throughout China: Suzhou SWI, Beihai SWI, ShenYang SWI, Kaiyuan SWI, Lanzhou SWI, ChangDe SWI, Siping SWI, Changchun SWI, LianChuan SWI and Jinzhou SWI.



• 25 baby bouncy seats for the ChengDu SWI



• Hot water heater provided for the Siping SWI



• New copy machine (to aid with copying adoption documents) provided to the QianJiang SWI



• Rocking horses, walkers and musical instruments provided for the Bengbu SWI



• Two caretakers hired in Gansu province



• Special education teacher hired for one year at the ShenYang SWI



• New washing machine provided for the Yanbian SWI



• 80 new beds for the Bengbu SWI



• New playground provided at the LinChuan SWI



• New clothing and quilts for 100 children at the QianJiang SWI



• Funds provided for the building of the new Holly House Home in Nairobi, Kenya



• 63 baby walkers supplies to orphanages throughout China



• Digital camera provided to Quanjiao SWI



• Milk powder for Bengbu SWI in China



• Clothing for 200 children at Bengbu SWI in China



• Hearing aids provided for two children at the Suzhou SWI



• Thousands of needed supplies shipped to orphanages throughout China: Bengbu SWI, ChangDe SWI, Dongchuan SWI, ShenYang SWI, Suzhou SWI, Kunming SWI, Gui Ping SWI, Qing Liu SWI, Kaifeng SWI, Shangrao SWI