Reunion 3!

Reunion 3 is history but what a delightful and satisfying chapter, thanks to the superb organization of the Planning Team led by Fang Ling and the support of the Fangqianxun Foundation 方谦逊基金.

It was electrifying as the six dozen or so kinfolks gathered for the Welcome Dinner at the Dalicentury Hotel in HuiAn, China. Watching the dynamics, one would not know that most in the group had never met one another before yet there was much “congenial, upbeat and happy interactions” (as a “thank you” letter describes it) with everyone enthusiastically exerting efforts to get to know kins, whether they be from China or abroad. Several participants have also written to express gratitude to our DingMo relatives for their hospitality, especially to Fang SiQiang’s and Fang SiYuan’s parents for opening their home to host the luncheon.

Our DingMo relatives were particularly interested in understanding the family tree and had many questions about the Fang Family logo. It is significant that a record number of participants (proportionally) were youthful, offering hope that they would organize Reunion 4 a few years hence as well as helping keep the family tree alive. We certainly look forward to hearing from volunteers and for suggestions on where to hold the next reunion.

The day spent in our Ancestral Village left an indelible impression on everyone. It was heart-warming to see all visitors enthusiastically ploughing through the difficult terrain to visit the abodes of their ancestors.
This reunion was marked by the spontaneous assumption of leadership by many individuals when we sang carols and when we engaged in impromptu self introductions.

How appropriate that the family would gather to sing on Christmas Eve in the land whence our ancestors embarked the vessels carrying them to Singapore and Sitiawan. Indeed, the Christmas carol sing was so touching and moving, leaving many of us teary-eyed.
We invite everyone to check out the reunion photos posted in Facebook.

See you at Reunion 4!
Constance & Marc 妙遠 与 中善