Newsletter-Lumen

Message From Cathwel

By Sr. Rosa Wang

Bible said: “There is a right time for everything : a time to be born, a time to die,…a time to cry, a time to laugh, a time to grieve, a time to dance,…a time for keeping, a time for throwing away,…a time to be quiet, a time to speak up, a time for loving, a time for hating, a time for war, a time for peace.…And I know this, that whatever God does is final -- nothing can be added or taken from it.” God’s purpose in this is that man should fear the all-powerful God.
This year, I would like to share the story of a young man who we had once sheltered and cared. Despite all of our efforts, he still ended up in the reform center. But one social worker never gave up on him because he was an orphan without someone dear to care for him. Every month, we continue to visit him in the reform center, and slowly we started to notice his changes. He wrote an article that had won him the first prize of a writing contest. And I would like to share a section of his writing with you.
“The image of a family having fun, doing barbeque and laughing together had caught my eyes. This is exactly what I dreamed to have all my life. It had touched the darkest corner of my heart and the pain had brought tears to my eyes.  At that very moment, I felt so alone as I was the last person on earth. I never had any family experience like other kids had. I never had a carefree childhood as other kids had and I could only imagine how wonderful and heavenly it would be to have a family of my own. But God’s mercy had showed me kindness of people. I was arranged to live in a halfway home and met the kindest social worker that had showed me love and consoled my pains.
For years I lived a sheltered life and with generous love and care. The love she had given me nourished my heart and soul. Up until now I still remember and cherish the time she had spent with me. All of a sudden, I realized what terrible wrongs I have done and how much I had hurt the ones who ever cared and loved me.  I felt an immense regrets and deep remorse of my own wrongful behaviors. 
And now, as I stand under the sinking sun, looking at the infinite sky alone in the reform center, I think about my life in the past and future and feeling melancholy and let regrets fills my heart. I can’t stop missing the kind social worker’s face and smile, and the love and mercy she had shown me.”
By sharing this story I wish to show you that even when people make mistakes, they still deserve mercy and love. I believe sometimes, all we need is love and love is the only chance we have for a better and brighter tomorrow.
Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you all.

2011 Root-Finding Trip

Sign up between March 1 and 31, 2011
●Inquire application via: cathwelservice@cs.org.tw
●Limited to 15 participants, with 5 stand-bys
●If less than 10 people signed up, this year’s event will  be cancelled
●Participants are responsible for the airfare and other  expenses
●Cathwel Service will provide the accommodation and board
●Airport transportation can be arranged
Applicant Requirements
●Has to be an adoptee from Cathwel Service
●Between the age of 18-25
Event Details
●Trip will take place within July  or August 2011
●Event includes a cultural fieldtrip around Taiwan, volunteer work at Jonah House and reunion
●Anyone who wishes to find his/her birth family, please specify in the application
●Underage adoptee will be required legal guardian’s approval and signed agreement in order to participate