Attached is Yong Mei Li's first letter to Givology. If you feel compelled to send her a letter back, please do so! We will even translate the letter for you.
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"ID:14071
Yongmei Li
I am Yongmei Li. I am a optimistic 15-year-old girl. I come from Ale village, Judian, Lijiang. I spent my life here and I am going to Yulong Fifth Middle School.
Our economy condition is not good even in our village. I was self-abased when I was young because I did not want others to know my poverty. I was even afraid to invite my friends to my house. When I was bullied by others, I did not dare to fight back. However, I learned to protect myself as I grew up so when people look at me with arrogance, I turn the contempt into a motivation that pushes me forward. I know that I have to overcome the difficulties.
Although we do not have a big house, I still love my small one and my family. I love my grandfather, father, mother and Brother. They make me feel the warmth of the world. I know they have their own stress and we all worry about our low income. My grandfather is already seventy eight years old and he often feels unhealthy. However, In order to reduce the burden, he always work too hard. My father is also in his fifties and he works in other town to support me and my brother. The exhausting jobs weakened him. His back often aches and has to be hospitalized for a few days. Every time I am lying on the bed, I feel sad for my father. I have to study hard and create a better future for him! My mother is an “Iron Lady” because when my father, my bother and I are out, she has to support the family. Although many people may look down upon her, she will not complain about life. When I was little, she was seriously ill and cannot get better. It was my father’s uncommon recipe that saved her life. Now she has a hearing problem yet we do not have the money to heal her. I have a brother who loves me most. He is very shy yet really cares for me even though we have different fathers. He is a Junior in high school now and it is impossible for us to support him. My parents said they will support us to colleges no matter what the cost will be. I know it is impossible and I probably cannot even get into a high school. But everyone is trying so I cannot let them down. We own others 10,000 and we do not have a chance to pay this debt. I wish I could be successful and pay this debt and live a happy life with my family. I might also have power to help those in need.
I have to work harder. I need to fulfill my dream and improve the status of our life. I am like a sunflower which always follows the sunshine. One day, I hope I can catch my own sunshine!"
Translated by Givology volunteer, Junhong Chen
06 JAN 2015