Impact on X

X was abandoned in 2018 as a tiny preemie weighing just 4 lbs. Knowing of our vast experience in caring for premature babies, the orphanage asked us if we could help her. When little X arrived, she appeared to be healthy, but a few days later our careful monitoring picked up on signs that all was not well. We transferred her immediately to see specialists in Beijing. She was diagnosed with a serious congenital syphilis infection which had spread to her central nervous system and caused damage to her liver. The doctors in Beijing worked very hard to stabilize her and clear the infection. She was discharged home to us after a few weeks but continued to need follow up and treatment for several years.

Newborn Xin

Today, X is a curious, thoughtful 5-year-old who impresses all who meet her. She is very patient and shows intense concentration on her work in school. She has been placed in our family model of care and become very attached to her foster mom. X has blossomed into a caring and capable little girl who interacts well with her foster siblings and cheerfully participates in household chores.

Planting a Garden

Washing Up

We’ve seen how our assistance is indeed vital to saving the lives of vulnerable children in China’s orphanages. Because we have access to Beijing’s top specialists and hospitals, have a network of staff and systems to safely transport children to these resources, and are able to provide the specialized care that these children need, we are able to provide healing and hope for a healthy future. But we also recognize that meeting each child’s emotional needs and becoming the family that they have lost is every bit as important as resolving their medical issues. We’re privileged to be able to provide both for X. 

Practicing Numbers

Birthday Girl

Beat the Heat: Making Fruit Popsicles Together!

With scorching temperatures recently soaring above 100 °F in Beijing, finding ways to beat the heat becomes a top priority. What better way to cool down than with a delicious and healthy treat? Thanks to one of our long-term volunteers, making fruit popsicles has become a regular fun and interactive activity at our Beijing Medical Home. Not only do we enjoy the refreshing outcome, but we also create lasting memories while bonding with the children in our care.

  

 

Step 1: Gather the Ingredients 

Before embarking on our popsicle-making adventure, we gathered all the necessary ingredients. The first time, we used an assortment of berries likes strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. We also added honey, coconut milk, and cream. And of course we prepared our popsicle molds, wooden sticks, and a blender. The second time, we switched the fruits and used mango and passionfruit instead. 

 

 

Step 2: Blend and Mix 

Next, our five-year old little helper, P, was ready to take the lead. He added the fruits to the blender, poured some coconut milk and cream. Of course, he first wanted to taste each of the ingredients. His favorite was the honey! Next, P assisted with pressing the button to blend all the ingredients until smooth. 

  

 

 

 

 

Step 3: Fill the Molds 

With the fruit puree ready, it was time to pour the mixture into the popsicle molds. P was very eager to keep "tasting" the puree but eventually agreed to help pour the fruity goodness into each mold. 

Step 5: Freeze and Wait 

Patience is a virtue when it comes to popsicle-making! Luckily, we had a little extra fruit puree that P enjoyed eating while we placed the filled molds in the freezer. 

  

Step 6: Enjoy the Fruity Delights 

P was very excited when we told him the long-awaited moment had arrived!  He could finally savor the fruit popsicles he made! 

With the sweltering heat outside, making fruit popsicles not only offered a refreshing escape but also provided an opportunity to strengthen our bond with P. The second time around, it was amazing to see how much of the process P remembered. He told us what to do at each step and even tasted the puree to make sure it was sweet enough before pouring it into the molds. We are so grateful that we have an activity to beat the heat, create memories, and relish in the sweet taste of our homemade fruit popsicles.