This Autumn moon marks a special time here at Children’s Advocate as we introduce our first Chinese language content in printed format. You will find articles translated into Chinese on pages thirteen through twenty of the magazine. This special issue has been made possible through our partnership with OASES (Oakland Asian Students Education Services), the assistance of Cathay Bank, and our wonderful translator Angel Ho. Let us know if you would like to continue to see the Chinese translation of Children’s Advocate. If you can help with a donation of services, make a financial contribution, or become a sponsor, please contact me at lisa@4children.org.

Our cover illustration shows the Mid-Autumn festival celebration, a time of stories, red lanterns, mooncakes and many smiles. In Chinese the word “round” also means “gather together around.” So a round full moon can also mean reunion. As the moon grows full and round, the whole family should gather together. And when we are far away from the ones we love, we can look at the moon and find each other.

Sit by the window tonight and look up at the sky. The moon is at its fullest, brightest and roundest. Science tells us this moon is so large and bright because it is orbiting at the lowest angle to the horizon. So it appears larger in size because the brain sees a low-hanging moon as larger than one that sits high in the sky. Once a year this special moon visits us. What memory does this shining orb offer you? A bountiful harvest? A galaxy of stars? The man in the moon? As a child I believed that the moon watched over our car as we drove safely home from my grandmother's house. Now I like to think that this bright, round moon guides each of us through the night, lighting our path.

Warmly,

Lisa Shulman Malul