Last December's tsunami claimed their parents, but it did not carry love and care out of their lives completely.

Twelve children from Thailand, aged 8-12, are arriving today for a one-week stay in Beijing, where the bright summer sunshine may help drive away the shadows brought by the loss of their loved ones.

Historical sights are waiting for them, such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City; exotic animals are awaiting them at the Beijing Zoo; their Chinese friends are ready to play games with them; and gifts will be presented to them as part of a special goodbye.

To bring these children family love of another kind, the program, co-sponsored by the Red Cross Society of China and Gome Home Appliances, sent out invitations last week to local families in Beijing who volunteered to serve as hosts.

"Our phone has become a hot line. So far, more than 80 families have expressed their willingness to host the children," Deng Mei, an employee of the program organizing office, said yesterday. "We had to hold a small contest to make the final decision."

Of the volunteer families, 20 qualified to attend the contest yesterday afternoon. "We hope host families may have a child of the same age group," Deng said. "And family structures and their financial conditions are also considered."

The 20 families prepared their speeches, hoping to be one of the 12 final winners.

Tang Yongyou, a 12-year-old middle school student who accompanied her parents to the contest, showed some nervousness before making her speech.

"I first saw the news in the Beijing Evening News and thought it a meaningful thing," Tang said. "I would like to share my parents' love and care with those poor kids who suffered in the tsunami, and I'm sure our friendship and care will bring those children out of sorrow and despair."

Tang's father, an economist with the Beijing Energy Investment Holding Company, said: "I come from a poor rural family, and society helped me a lot when I was young. Now it's time for me to repay society."

Tang said she would teach her little guest some basic Chinese, telling him/her stories about Chinese history and culture.

Seven judges from the Red Cross Society, Gome, and other public service organizations made a difficult decision, saying "all families have a strong willingness to host the children." Tang's family was one of the 12 chosen.

"That's great! We were hoping our little guest could live with us," Tang said.

Instead, the children will stay in a hotel, supervised by Thai Red Cross officials.

"But each host family will accompany their guest child throughout the trip."

(China Daily June 21, 2005)