"I can't imagine what my life would be like if I did not grow up in a family," said Guo Dangye, 30, who grew up in a foster family in Tangjiabao. "An institution could never replace the love and care that parents and a home can give a child."

Guo was born without a right hand and was abandoned by her biological parents. She was taken in by the institute and sent to live with a family surnamed Guo.

She enjoyed a carefree childhood like other children and did not know she is an orphan until age 14. To express gratitude to her foster parents, Guo studied hard and received a master's degree in social security in 2007.

Now she is a Datong University instructor. She is married and the mother of a 2-year-old girl.

"My (foster) parents are poor farmers, but they are very kindhearted," Guo said.

"Their love gave me the strength to bravely face challenges on the rough road of life."

China Daily

(China Daily 12/10/2010 page5)