有这么一群中国孩子，因为先天的身体残障，被亲生父母遗弃，心灵受到严重创伤，有的甚至自闭自残。但在位于福州的“藏宝园”，他们重获家庭的温暖，眼睛里流露出的幸福快乐，令人折服于爱的力量。与一般的孤儿院不同，这里只收容残障儿童；更不可思议的是，它是由一对美国夫妇建立的。2005年，凡豪夫妇在内心的召唤下，毅然放弃在美国佛罗里达州的一切，带着三个孩子来到中国，只为了把爱传递给这群折翼的天使。

    When Mike and Deena Van Hul visited a local orphanage in Fuzhou years ago, they felt a sense of sympathy for the children and were saddened by the conditions in which the orphans were fostered. Unlike most people who simply leave with a few words of kindness to the children as they depart, the couple resolved to return to China and build a home for the most challenged orphans. Driven by a sense of purpose, they sold their possessions and left America in 2005 to make their home in China.

    Turning point 

    Q: Tell us about your life before coming to China.

    A: We were living a perfectly happy life in Florida. Mike was a banker and I was a speech therapist. We had promising careers, a loving family and two wonderful sons, Logan and Mitchell. I guess you can say we were living the American dream.

    Q: From where came the idea of adopting orphans and how did it come into shape﹖

    A: After a trip to help the poor in Africa, we felt an urgent desire to bring more children into our home. Almost two years later, we adopted our daughter Priscilla from China. She became the key to another turn in our path. During a visit to an orphanage in Fuzhou, we looked at the faces of those children and asked ourselves:“Are those children any less important than our children, and don’t they deserve as much love as our children do?” We had a desire to create an environment where every child could experience the love of a mother and a father. That experience changed us forever and led us down a completely different path.

    Q: Did you foresee potential problems and difficulties﹖ Were you afraid﹖

    A: Yes, we were nervous initially. We had a passion to help children but were not sure we were up to the task. We constantly pondered the issues that adoption brings to a family. However, once we overcame the hesitations and fears in our heart, amazing things happened. Problems were answered by solutions. We realized that as long as we dared to take the first step, nothing would be impossible.

    Hidden treasures

    Q: What changes took place in your life after you moved to China﹖

    A:  We lived in an apartment in Fuzhou for ten months before opening Hidden Treasures [the home they created for disabled orphans] outside the city. We have been able to welcome, love and care for many special children. It is our fervent desire to always have room for one more. This incredible journey has taken us to extraordinary places and situations as we embraced both the joy and the sacrifice of our life change.

    Q: Does the name Hidden Treasures Home refer to your sense that the children are treasures waiting to be discovered﹖

    A: Exactly. We feel that we have the greatest honor to care for babies and children who have been abandoned, abused and neglected. They are rare treasures hidden behind deformities, disabilities and social prejudices. In these little treasures we have found something so rare and valuable. By loving, understanding and caring for them, we have learnt what love really is -- acceptance and admiration of a person’s true nature.

    Q: How did you navigate difficult times﹖ Have you ever regretted your choice﹖

    A: There are ups and downs, but we always remind ourselves of how blessed we are to have the support and strength necessary to continue what we chose to do. As we watch miracle after miracle take shape, we become more grateful for every day and are thankful for all the goodness that has befallen us.

    Positive outlook 

    Q: What kind of roles will the children play in society when they become adults﹖

    A: Some of the children at Hidden Treasures will have to rely on other people for the rest of their lives because of their health conditions. Some can function reasonably well without aid if trained properly, and they will be able to live on their own by doing jobs that involve relatively simple tasks. We teach not only academic subjects but also basic life skills such as personal finance and interpersonal communication in the hope that they will become sensible and loving adults with high self-esteem and respect for others.

    Q: What is your main concern for the future of these children﹖

    A: Since we will not be available to tend to them forever, we must start drawing up long-term plans to ensure someone else is going to take care of them after they leave our care. Adoption is one of the means by which these children can find their next home. We are always happy to see sincere and loving parents who are willing to accept the children at Hidden Treasures into their families. We hope more and more people will reach out their hands to help these children in need.