Phong Chau's Gift

I bought cloth and I made a pair of pants for my friend's baby. My nephew had twin girls and I gave bangles for the new twins.

Fang's Gift

I gave a necklace to my friend's baby five years ago.

My friend Yeau liked the necklace very much and she felt happy.

Later I bought a children's book for her to teach her baby to read. Now we meet each other very often.

Ming Tao's Gift

I gave a novel book to my friend Sheng last year on his birthday.

My friend Sheng likes to read novels very much. I knew he would like this book.

After I gave him the book, he felt very happy. I think maybe he will become a famous writer in the future.

Sanjoo's Story

In 1996 I worked for the Democratic Party in Burma. The police came to my house and asked me about the Democratic Party. I never answered them. I only told them that I did not know anything.

A few months later, the police came to my house again. I was very lucky because I was not home. I was at a friend's house. Two hours later, my mother came to see me. My mother told me, "You shouldn't come back home. You must run away. "

One day later, I went from place to place. After a month, I met my friend, Anil. Anil was my best friend. Now he is my husband. We are social workers together.

if we go back to Burma maybe the police will kill us or put us in jail.

Now that we are safe in the United States, we are fine. Sometimes I miss my mother and friends. I am very sad. I haven't seen my mother for ten years. Sometimes I call my mother, but I only listen. I can't talk because the telephone is tapped. The police always watch my mother.

I cry now because my mother is old.

Letter from Sanjoo

Dear Sir Richard,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!

First off, all I would like to say is my heartfelt regards to you. I will be thankful to you in my entire life. I have learned many good things from you. I believe that it will be very helpful in my life.

Where ever I go, I will never forget you. You will be in my memory. I will miss you always. You are my best teacher and friend. I always pray for your good health.

When you teach you make us very happy in our class. There are many activities and fun during our class. This all will be good memories in our lives. I believe that all of my classmates will never forget you.

With love and best wishes to you.

Respectfully,

Your student,

Sanjoo

The Gift of the Magi

Listen to this classic Christmas story by O'Henry.

Read the story.

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