Having grown up during the Depression, Rev. Robert Wedaa remembers what it was like to be poor: putting cardboard in his shoes when they wore down and never having as much food on the table as his family would have liked.
His experiences, like those of many other members of his generation, were harsh back then—but many families continue to live in such conditions (and worse) in a remote region of China where Wedaa volunteers his time. Through his work with Threshold Ministries, Wedaa helps make life better for orphans there. His current project is a children’s book he wrote, illustrated by the orphans in Threshold Ministries’ orphanage in China, When I was a Boy I played in a Hayloft.
The book centers on Wedaa’s experience as a boy during a time when life was technology-free and fun could be had enjoying the simple things. Wedaa wrote the book, which contains Chinese translation provided by Chen, Li. Proceeds from sales help supplement money received from sponsors and donations for Threshold Ministries and its work with Chinese orphans.
“We are always kind of on the edge financially because we are trying to help as many kids as we can,” Wedaa said.
The book is the second for Wedaa, following When I Was a Boy I Caught a Rabbit. Both stories were inspired by his childhood.
“So far, the first book has sold 1,000 copies and the second, which we just recently released, is doing pretty good so far,” Wedaa said.
He explained that the book’s success is important to the ministry’s efforts. The money goes toward food, heat, clothing, and tuition for the children they help. And helping the children helps the family, Wedaa said.
He retold some of the stories about children helped by the orphanage, TMI Hope House for Children, located on an island in the Yalu River, just 150 miles from the North Korean border.
Wedaa talked about a 5-year-old relinquished to the orphanage by his frail and aging grandfather. The only thing he had were the clothes on his back and a small water pistol he used to shoot anyone who got near him. The “mamas” at the orphanage, Chinese nationals who have devoted their lives to caring for the children full time, couldn’t get near him. But a crusty old guard who works for the orphanage could. He kind of reminded the boy of his grandfather. The guard held out his arms, and the boy came running. The guard rocked the boy for hours until he stopped crying. The moment was an ice breaker, allowing the orphanage caretakers to finally gain access to the boy emotionally. It was a heartbreaking moment but also ushered in relief that the boy would finally begin to adjust to his new way of life.
In another instance, Wedaa recalled visiting a home in a small mountain village with dirt floors and a bed where the whole family slept. A 10-year-old girl was doing all the cooking and cleaning to care for her family. Her father had black lung disease, and her mother was in a severe state of depression—so severe, Wedaa said, she was almost catatonic. The father had asked Threshold Ministries to take the girl into the orphanage.
“[The father] knew that he was dying and his wife was totally incapable of taking care of anyone,” Wedaa said. “And she cried. She didn’t want to leave her father and mother. Heart-breaking circumstances. Decisions have to be made.”
Threshold Ministries began as an effort to feed a few hungry families living within a 250-mile radius of Linjiang City of Northeast China and has grown to provide for more than 250 children through sponsorship programs and Hope House for Children orphanage.
“The idea is to get these kids educated so they can have a better place out there,” Wedaa said.
He said the children are carefully screened to make sure they’re willing to continue their studies through university. It also helps sponsors feel confident their donations are well spent. Though their situations all differ, the common element is that they live in poverty. They often live with their grandparents, who care for them until they no longer can, whether physically or financially. If the children do live with parents, there are typically instances of illness in one or both parents, causing undue financial strain.
For Wedaa, helping those children and their families is its own reward.
“There’s nothing like going up to the front of the orphanage and seeing all these kids running to you and getting hugs and having them tell you they are glad to see you,” he said.
Arts Editor Shelly Cone is glad to see you. Contact her at scone@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jan 14-21, 2010.
