Not sure if you guys remember, but Li Er Mei was a bright 14 year old girl with enormous potential. She was one of the orphanage favorites when it came to public speaking and representing the orphanage. All the orphanage staff had high expectations for her. However, at age 14 (the last year for required formal education), she decided to go into the work force (with the pressures from village family members), gave up education and left the orphanage behind. This was over a year ago…

When I came back last time, she had told me prior in an email that she would come visit me. I came and gone…with no visit from Li Er Mei. When I got back to the states, she emailed me and said “Sorry, brother, that I disappointed you. I wanted to come visit, but I was embarrassed to go back to the orphanage and see everyone.” Prior to THIS trip, she emailed me again and said she would come visit me this time around. No one from the orphanage has heard from her in months and not sure what she was doing with her life. The days came and gone…but on the last day, as we were eating lunch, there she was, Li Er Mei came to visit me.

It was an awkward visit, you can tell there was division between all the kids (that used to look up to her) and Li Er Mei. There was also division between the staff and her as well. Because all the kids were seeking attention from me, I didn’t have but a few minutes to talk to her in private. No more than 30-45 minutes after she came, she mysteriously left without saying goodbye. I wish I had more time with her. I wish I could have sat down and asked how she was, what she was doing, if she was happy or sad…

Li Er Mei looked up to me, and I feel like I failed her for some reason. I had asked you guys months back to pray for her. Could you please continue to pray for this girl? I don’t know what she is up to, but she came to the orphanage with dyed hair and very revealing clothes. I worry about her. I pray that I can continue to stay in contact with her, via email, and not lose that relationship. My heart is breaking for her…

Looking up with great anticipation,
Dan

*Li Er Mei in 2007-2008*