This year, countless Sinomachers abroad who are unable to have a family gathering with their loved ones during the Spring Festival holiday will hold fast to their posts.

In the face of challenges caused by the deadly COVID-19 virus, which is still on a rampage across the world, more and more Sinomachers have thrown themselves into the breach and shouldered the mission of overseas construction set by the company and the country.

Jiang Yaning, Belarus

Jiang Yaning, an employee of Sinomach’s representative office in the Great Stone China-Belarus Industrial Park, wrote a letter to his children at home as Spring Festival was approaching. An excerpt from Jiang’s letter follows:

“How are you, my dears? A year is too short to watch you growing up and it is too long to endure with only the thoughts of you... This year, Daddy left the first footprint on the Belt and Road and decided to rise to the new challenges in the alien land. When you grow up, you can proudly say to others: ‘My father once sweated for the Belt and Road construction’… I’m sorry that I can’t accompany you during this Spring Festival holiday, but I hope you can learn that Daddy’s choice will pay off in your tomorrow.”

Liu Xiaohui, Indonesia

“I am much honored to participate in the China-Indonesia Belt and Road construction where I felt the excellence of Chinese engineering,” wrote Liu Xiaohui, an employee of Sinomach subsidiary SINOCONST, in his letter to parents. “Here, I have witnessed the brilliant achievements of the Belt and Road Initiative and the major leap of ‘Made-in-China’”.

“‘A lonely stranger in a strange land I am cast, and I miss my family all the more on every festival day,’” Liu said. “Mom and dad, although I miss you very much, I still decided to stick to where my duty lies.”

“I will do my best on the post to live up to your cultivation! Wish you a happy Spring Festival!”

Wang Yan, Cambodia

Wang Yan, who works for Cambodian Tatay Hydropower Station, expressed his gratitude to his wife before Spring Festival through a letter home: “I volunteered to stay on the job so that my teammates with young children can meet with their loved ones. Thanks for your understanding and caretaking! My love, what a pleasure it would be to see you…”

“My dear, I missed a lot of precious and important moments in your life, and I feel much guilt and regret for having been so little involved in your development…But we have to take responsibility for our choices… Although not by your side, I will always be your strongest backup,” Wang wrote to his grown-up daughter. 

Sinomach SIPPR Bamako University Project Team, Mali

“Dear family, I will spend this Spring Festival with my teammates in the Aid Mali Bamako University Project… Sorry for another year to stay on my job instead of being there for you… Although I have missed many family gatherings, I will never regret choosing to be a Sinomacher. And your support and understanding give huge impetus to my struggle.”

“My child, if someone asks you why your father is not with you, you can tell him proudly: ‘My dad is in a great undertaking in Mali, Africa.’ Why do tears always well up in my eyes? I am in deep love with my motherland.”

Zhang Rui, Serbia

Zhang Rui, a young employee of CMEC, expressed his determination to contribute to the local construction projects and sent the blessings to his parents in a letter:

“Mom and Dad, best wishes for the approaching Lunar New Year and wait for me to come back with fruitful results! With your understanding and support I can devote myself to accomplishing the glorious mission given by the Belt and Road construction.”

“It’s all worth it when I witness the progress of the project and the increasing praise from our foreign counterparts. I know you’ve always been proud of me.”

Giving a million thanks for the support of their families, Sinomachers can feel at ease in their work abroad. We give a million thanks in return to all the builders abroad of Sinomach! Best wishes for the Year of the Ox!