Travels in China 2007
Our Youth Ambassadors: Russell, Alex, and Keri Newton in China
Russell, Alex, and Keri Newton accompanied their parents, Roger and Coco, to China in July 2007 as junior members of the Esperance Family Foundation Board. Kerri and Alex had already traveled to China the previous year and noticed the dramatic expansion in Golden Courage programs and the significant increase in support from various sources.
I interviewed Keri, Alex, and Russell by phone in late fall 2007 to get a better sense of who these remarkable young people are, their hopes for the future, their participation in the foundation, and their experience in China learning more about the inner workings of Golden Courage International.
Alex and Russell have a strong commitment to environmental issues. Russell is applying to law school and hopes to work in the area of environmental law. Alex is particularly interested in land-use issues and joins his parents in their passionate attempt to preserve farmland in Northern Michigan. Kerri is drawn to helping children and has "such deep respect for Yun's love of children and his commitment to the improvement of children’s lives." Kerri observes the intense motivation of the children for a better life and how "this helps to put things in perspective for what we take for granted."
All three of the young people were particularly touched by the children, their stories, their work ethic, and the adversity they have to endure. Alex notes: "An aspect of the Golden Courage program that surprised and encouraged me was to see how closely they work with many of the families. Working this close shows the kids and families the commitment that GCI really has and is very uplifting for the families." Alex also observes how strong the young kids are and the amount of responsibility they have at such a young age.
Russell, too, feels that "the memory of the children stays with me. I feel blessed to be on the Board of the Foundation and have the opportunity to make an impact in children's lives. It is a great honor. I hope my career can have something to do with the foundation, and I can become more involved."
Alex, also, wants to be part of "building a strong relationship with Golden Courage and its partners in China to enable the foundation to build the program and affect more children in a positive way." Keri wants to continue supporting Golden Courage, as well, through the foundation. "My family has made an investment in the children in China, and I have personally made an investment for these past two years of work and travel in China. I have deep respect for the children and the country as a whole."
Golden Courage International is, indeed, fortunate to have such caring, compassionate and bright young people supporting our efforts. In their speech to the children in China this summer, these young directors articulated the need for all children to have a chance to follow their dreams. And it is through the efforts of Russell, Alex, and Keri that many children in need will have an opportunity for a life of hope and possibility.