Haiyan’s New Home
The Chinese New Year last January marked a new beginning for eight-year-old Haiyan. Her family settled into their newly rebuilt home, subsidized by World Vision.
“We were able to move to our new house during the Chinese New Year,” recalls Haiyan. “I was very excited because we cooked our New Year’s dinner in our new kitchen.”
Haiyan’s family lives in Sichuan province. Her village turned to ruins when an 8.0 magnitude earthquake rocked the province last May. Millions of houses buckled from the tremor, including Haiyan’s.
Hard Days
When the quake struck, Haiyan was taking a nap in her school dormitory. She was awakened by shouts from her teacher, telling students to run outside. After the quake, Haiyan’s neighbor came for her, until her parents could get there.
Looking back, Haiyan’s mother remembers how their home quickly turned to rubble. With very little savings, she says, the future felt bleak. “It seems like we had no way out. Our money was spent on our children’s education and medicine for my mother, who has rheumatism.”
“During those hard days, my granddaughter always took care of me, even though she is still young,” says Haiyan’s grandma.
The family was grateful that no one was hurt among them. Together they moved into a temporary shelter.
”I like my new home”
Six months later, Haiyan’s dwelling changed from temporary to permanent.
“World Vision provided funding for us, and we were able to purchase materials to rebuild our home,” says Haiyan’s mother. Neighbors pitched in to help with the construction, and Haiyan’s family is grateful. They, in turn, will help their neighbors rebuild.
With a smile on her face, Haiyan says, “I like my new home. Thank you very much for helping me rebuild my house!”
More to Come
Among the top ten of her class, Hayian was also very excited to learn that the construction of a new school building will start soon. World Vision will provide funding for the construction.
There is still a lot to be done for Haiyan’s homeland but with help her village will be rebuilt.
Read more about World Vision’s recovery work in China and other personal stories.
