Sweet XiuLi

In 2006, we were able to meet the eldest non special needs orphan at one of the orphanages in Guangxi. She had eyes and a smile that would just touch all who met her. I watched as she played with such joy with my daughter. Living in an orphanage had not crushed her spirit...yet. In 2008, we saw her again. We begged the orphanage director to place her in foster care, with a family. For reasons unknown, he placed the second eldest orphan in foster care, but not sweet XiuLi. Soon after, she ran away.
I guess that is what happens to many older orphans who never know the love of a family and who must just want something more from life. Last year, we would not see XiuLi. She was living in another province. She sounded ok.
We've been trying to find a way to continue to help this sweet soul, who has no one in the world. We've managed to keep in touch with her, and have learned she is back in Guangxi and asked to see us when we travel next week. We all cannot wait to see her again!
My heart broke when she said that she now hates men, and is working by selling clothes to survive. All at the tender age of 15...
XiuLi has never left our hearts and there has to be a way to help her. Even if it is only to know that there are people who care for and love her in this world.