Dear Auntie Pang,

How are you doing?

I am He Lichi, one of the students at PEACH that you have sponsored the last three years. Perhaps our paths could only cross once. I may never have the chance to see you again. I am here to express the deepest gratitude in my heart through this letter.

It is so hard to forget those days of helpless destitute when my father left home abruptly without a trace. There was no communication to my mother, my brother and me from him. My mother clung onto his lies to her before he left us and took up the heavy burden to sustain us on her frail shoulders. At that time, I already entered Ninth Grade and about to enter Tenth Grade. A considerable sum of expense was about to befall us and yet my father had already spent the only little savings we had.

My mom is illiterate. So she could only earn some money by selling the chicken that we raised and the fruit we grew in town. One day when I had to return to school, she gave me all of the RMB20 out of the RMB22 that she had, leaving only RMB2 for herself that was not even enough to buy any food for dinner that day. I was so sad, but there was nothing.

On that particular day, the weather was very hot. When we were about to reach the school, I wanted to buy a bottle of water for mom so she could quench her thirst. But she refused and told me not to worry about anything, just focus on my study with a feigned smile. She knew in her heart that the RMB$20 that she gave me would have to cover the expense of my schooling for the next few weeks. There was nothing to spare. I felt so sad and helpless. But fortunately, I was then selected to receive the assistance from PEACH. I was so happy. It was like a torch that suddenly appeared and lit up the dooming darkness in my heart.

Then one day, all of my father’s lies were revealed. My parents finally got divorced. My mother collapsed and fell ill, washing her face with her tears everyday……At that moment, I felt the sky had fallen. It was a Godsend that I had you and PEACH giving us the financial support, helping me to toil through this difficult period.

With your support, I was able to finally finish my high school education. Even though my final examination result was not as good as I wished, only 521, and not good enough to put me into my favorite university, I am contented. It was through your help, Auntie, that my destiny was changed. I will not disappoint you! On my road forward, I will never give up. I am confident that as long as I strive hard, I shall find my place in this world and my life will be better.