LISA IN CHINA

Lisa sat in her family's small living room, staring out the window at the bustling streets of Lagos. It was December 23rd, and while most people were preparing for Christmas, Lisa was lost in thought about her dreams. At 14 years old, she was ambitious and determined to achieve something extraordinary.

Her younger sisters, Rose and Ella, were chattering about their plans for Christmas. Rose, who was ten, was asking for a dollhouse, while Ella, the bubbly seven-year-old, wanted a scooter. But Lisa wanted something different—something bigger.

"Mom," Lisa said suddenly, turning to her mother, Elizabeth, who was sitting at the table with her laptop. "I've been thinking… I want to study abroad."

Elizabeth looked up, her brows raised. "Study abroad? Lisa, you know we can't afford that right now."

"I know," Lisa said, "but if I could choose, I'd want to study in China, at the Shanghai American School. They have everything I've ever dreamed of—great facilities, diverse students, and opportunities to learn and grow."

Elizabeth sighed. Her family had been through tough times, but she was a determined woman. She had recently started trading forex, and although it was risky, she believed it was her way to a better future.

That evening, something incredible happened. Elizabeth made a massive profit in her forex trading account. Her screams of joy filled the house as she realized she had earned enough money to change their lives.

"Lisa," Elizabeth called, her voice trembling with excitement. "I don't know if this is a sign, but… maybe your dream isn't so impossible after all."

Lisa's heart skipped a beat. "Really? Do you mean it?"

"Let me talk to your father," Elizabeth replied cautiously. "This is a big decision, and we've already been planning to visit Norway next year. But… let's see."

For the next seven days, Lisa waited anxiously. She poured her heart out to her parents, explaining why this opportunity was important to her. Her father, Michael, was hesitant at first, worried about sending his daughter so far away. But by January 1st, the decision was made.

"You're going to China, Lisa," Michael said with a smile.

Lisa screamed with joy, hugging both her parents tightly. "Thank you! I won't let you down."

On January 6th, Lisa boarded a plane to Shanghai, nervous but excited for her new adventure. Her parents had hired a maid, Juan, to take care of her. Juan was kind and hardworking, but Lisa soon learned that her life was far from easy.

Juan had three children: Grace, an 18-year-old university student who had fallen pregnant and been abandoned by the father; Felix, a brilliant 16-year-old who had sacrificed everything to support his family after his uncle stole their fortune; and Joseph, a mischievous but lovable 14-year-old. Despite their struggles, Juan remained optimistic, determined to give her children a better life.

As the plane touched down in Shanghai, Lisa took a deep breath. This was her chance to shine, to make her dreams a reality. She was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.