Chinese writer finally reunites with family in China

A Chinese writer who became homeless on Saipan for two years after being stricken with mental illness has now recovered and is back with her family in Fujian Province, China.

Despite her illness, Lina Sun, 43, managed to survive on the island with the help of many members of the Chinese community and other people.

Sun was treated at the psychiatric ward of the Commonwealth Health Center. With her mental condition finally improving, she called former Chinese Association of Saipan president Ta Bun Kuy two weeks ago, saying she wanted to go home.

Ta and Chinese Association of Saipan staff Owen Ji provided assistance, contacted Sun’s family in China, and then sent her off at the Francisco C. Ada-Saipan International Airport on Monday at 2am.

Later that night on Monday, Ta and Ji received photos via email showing Sun finally meeting her family at an airport in China.

“She looked very happy and that makes us very happy too,” Ji told Saipan Tribune.

Based on what he had gathered, Ta said that Sun, a writer, arrived on Saipan alone as a tourist. “She really writes well in Chinese,” he said.

Ta said that Sun entered into a fixed marriage but during the interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, the man did not show up as he had already left the CNMI.

Ta and Ji said that Sun often called them since last year, seeking help about finding a job on the island.

Anna Chan, the Chinese Association of Saipan vice president, took Sun under her wing and let her stay in an apartment last year. For a few months, a certain Mr. Deng also took care of her.

Another Chinese woman tried to help by calling the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles, the Department of Public Safety, American Red Cross, Homeland Security, and Immigration.

Upon learning that her mental state was deteriorating, Ta and Ji offered help for Sun to see a doctor but she refused. Sun was seen “bothering” customers at a hotel for a week. She was subsequently taken to CHC, where she received treatment.

When Sun contacted Ta two weeks ago to express her desire to go home, Ji said they contacted the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles about her passport and then her family in China about her plane ticket. The family purchased the plane ticket.

Ji said their director and Ta visited Sun at CHC and brought her luggage, clothing, and food. They also gave her some cash, with additional contributions from some CHC nurses and other staff.

Ta and Ji then accompanied Sun to the airport on Monday for her flight.

Ta said it was Immigration that gave Sun her passport at the airport.

Sun was reunited with her brother and sister at the airport in Xiamen City.