Seeing is Believing
Story and photos by Sun Ying Lun, World Vision Singapore Child Sponsor

My sponsored child, Zhang Hui (black top), her parents and I.

“Seeing is believing”. This is a familiar saying, especially for things that seem too good to be true!

For me, experiencing World Vision supporters’ trip to Yongsheng Area Development Programme (ADP) in China this March truly exemplifies it.

The visit to Yongsheng ADP will remain in my heart for a long time. To note a few memorable moments of the trip, I especially enjoyed witnessing the community development projects that are so often mentioned by World Vision; the visit to a World Vision-supported school where children learn and play; and also to experience the way of life in the villages.

Ever since I started sponsoring a child, I would receive Annual Progress Reports of my sponsored child’s development and the positive changes that are carried out in her community. To be frank, I’ve never been completely convinced by these reports. I am glad to say this has taken a 180 degrees turn upon stepping into Yongsheng and seeing the obvious changes before my eyes.

It warmed my heart to see that the villagers could now use public facilities that we would normally take for granted in Singapore, such as proper roads and clean water. The farmers in Yongsheng learned to better cultivate crops on their limited arable land to raise income levels. The schools built by World Vision are basic but the students seem to have a lot of fun – especially learning to dance! It was a great joy to see children honing their dance skills and they were really talented.

It was also exciting to give out gifts to the children and I felt touched that we were able to add a bit of happiness to their day through this simple gesture. The tree planting activity in a nearby village called Songping was one of the most impressive moments. We planted trees with the children and I’m sure both the sponsors and the students would remember the trees and the time shared together for years to come.

An unforgettable moment

It was wonderful to see children take joy in simple games that seem to have been forgotten by city kids.

The climax of the trip was meeting my sponsored child, Zhang Hui and her family. I was probably more nervous than Hui. I worried that I would unintentionally come across as being arrogant in our interaction.
But all my worries quickly slipped away once we met. Hui’s innocence warmed my heart. We talked about school and she shared her dreams of becoming a doctor one day. Many children do not have the opportunity to attend school because they have to work to help the family. I thanked Hui’s parents for encouraging and allowing her to obtain an education that will likely lead to a brighter future. To see the hope in her eyes is the most fulfilling memory of the trip.
It’s difficult to describe my experience in Yongsheng ADP in a few words. I am profoundly assured that World Vision’s faith in sustainable community development is not just lip service but very meticulously carried out as well.

Click here to watch a video of the Child Sponsors' trip to Yongsheng ADP.

Join us on a supporters’ trip to these World Vision-assisted communities and be inspired by their faith and strength to survive! Click here to see the list of trips planned for 2009.

Because of Child Sponsorship, children in need can receive the basics of life such as nutritious food, clean water, healthcare, education and economic opportunities. Click here to sponsor a child now.