When a Dream Dies

Anna waits to hear when, and if she will be able to return to her home and family in XinHui

Eight years ago, Anna, living in Xinhui, China, married A-Kai from Hong Kong. She was 41 and had wondered if she would ever experience the joy of having a family of her own. Children were probably out of the question, but a husband would be a companion for life... or so that happy couple both thought.

For six years Anna and Kai battled for permission for her to come to Hong Kong. Kai travelled to Xinhui as often as he could to spend time with his lovely wife. In 2011 Anna began to suffer with an upper respiratory tract infection that would not heal. Tests finally revealed that she had lung cancer. Anna and Kai were devastated by the news.

Anna hung onto her dream and decided to fight the disease. Treatment began. In 2012 this couple was finally granted permission for her to move to Hong Kong. In 2013, Anna officially went into remission. Receiving the outcome of those tests following their other battles was truly a day of celebration. Oh what joy they shared!

Life in Hong Kong was challenging, especially the extremely high cost of living. Still, Kai and Anna were experiencing their second honeymoon so the long hours of hard work didn't detract from the happiness they shared.

But their 'happy ever after' was short lived. Kai contracted a chest infection in November 2014, and he has died. Anna's world collapsed. She was alone again. Working as a cleaner in a restaurant hadn't been that bad while Kai was there to encourage her. Now it became a daily drudge. Her long fight with cancer, the loss of her husband and the demanding physical labour took its toll. Severe lower back pain has forced her to stop work. Unable to afford medical care in Hong Kong, Anna regularly travels back to Xinhui to see a Chinese herbalist.

She longs to return to Xinhui where her loved ones can support her. Once mainland Chinese have migrated to Hong Kong, they lose their residency in mainland China.

A new 'Returning Home Policy' for mainland Chinese who have immigrated to Hong Kong and wish to return to their home town, is very important for people like Anna. The policy is currently tabled for discussion. Please pray it will be passed later this year so that suffering people like Anna can return to their loved ones and receive help.