Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we write Robin, Joyce and Katie are on holiday in the UK. As most of you know, Robin has recently been awarded the MBE Award, which was presented to him at Buckingham Palace on June 22 nd. In addition to receiving this great award, they are taking some time to visit friends and relatives and have even been able to go on a sailing trip, a hobby which Robin has loved for many, many years.
There was a wonderful article written about Robin and Joyce in the South China Morning Post: http://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/families/article/1978406/british-honour-recognises-work-couple-whove-helped-thousands
Here in Beijing, June began with a Children’s Day celebration. This is a Chinese holiday in which children around the country are celebrated. We had some local visitors who showered the children with gifts and some wonderful sweet treats! It was very touching that on this day when children are celebrated, there were so many people who thought of our children and came out to visit them.
June has also brought with it hotter weather, which means the children have finally been able to take part in swimming! Most are ecstatic when Tuesdays and Thursdays come around and they get to swim with volunteers and classmates. A big thanks to all who donated rash guards/swim shirts for our children to use this summer!
We have 3 great volunteers helping us this summer: David from Canada, Emma from the UK, and Ella from Ghana. We are very grateful for their help and for the way in which they enrich the children’s lives with their time, energy and presence.
In addition to our volunteers, summer usually brings groups from all over the world to visit our children. This month we welcomed a group of high school students, staff, and parents from Texas. This group spent the majority of their time playing with the children, but also helped us with multiple projects around the home including cleaning, painting, and gardening.
We know that the work we do would not be as enriching for the children without so many hands and hearts being a part of it with us, and for that we are very thankful!
With Love and Gratitude,
Robin, Joyce and the New Hope Staff
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