A Story of Strength and Hope

This month, we would like to share a little about a girl named MZ who has been receiving treatment in our medical home recently. 

Just Arrived

Little MZ suffered serious burns on many parts of her body as an infant.  Over the past three years, her orphanage has worked very hard to help her recover. Despite repeated surgeries and extended hospitalizations, she still has areas that refuse to heal. Her orphanage contacted us to see if we could help her, and of course we said yes.

Hospital Days

MZ has a serious wound that is impacting her right knee, making it so she is unable to straighten out her leg. Despite the pain that she is in, MZ is a strong girl. She tries to stand up by her bed and stretch out her leg, doing the various therapy exercises she needs to do each day.  The burn hospital specialists have created a plan of surgeries to help heal her wounds and release the joint contractures. Both in the hospital and at home, MZ is accompanied by her special nanny 24/7 to make sure all of her needs are met.

Bedrest

Puzzle Time

We are both humbled and amazed by MZ’s strength and determination.  She is an incredibly capable child who meets each day’s challenges with courage and a cheerful attitude.  She’s a quick learner and loves engaging in games, puzzles and craft projects.  Your support allows us to provide healing and nurturing to children like MZ. 

Beautiful MZ

A Brighter Future for H

Meet H! This sweet little girl was transferred to our care in July 2023.

 

Her parents were unable to care for her, so she was being raised by her grandfather. Last year, H’s grandpa recognized that due to his advanced age and worsening health he couldn’t keep up with an active preschooler. So four year old Han was taken to the local orphanage. The orphanage staff noticed that she had a number of minor health issues and made plans to follow up on those. She seemed otherwise healthy, though perhaps a bit developmentally delayed.

Before H was able to consult with any specialists she suffered a gastrointestinal emergency and needed surgery immediately. The local hospital in her province was unable to help her, so she transferred to Beijing, where we assumed responsibility for her care. At the end of July, she had surgery.

 

Following her recovery form the emergency surgery, we arranged the ophthalmology and ENT consults that she needed. In September, she underwent another successful surgery for her ophthalmology needs and in October, she had another surgery for her ENT needs. We are grateful that we could provide her with treatment for all of her medical needs.

H is an inquisitive, determined, resourceful little girl who has adapted well to our home. She loves to read books, play with play-doh and do arts and crafts. We look forward to witnessing how this sweet girl grows and thrives in the days ahead.

A glimpse into the future

It is our goal to provide each of the children in our care the best possible foundation for a brighter future. So it is not surprising that one of the questions we frequently hear from our supporters is "What will happen to these children when they grow up?"  Let us tell you about something that happened recently that gives us a little window into the possibilities.

Last month a group of young men and women who were formerly cared for in our projects gathered together in China for a “family” reunion.  Some of them now live and work in Beijing, some live in other provinces in China, and some came all the way from the US for this gathering.  Among the group, some are married or living alone in their own homes, a few are living with their adoptive families, and others live with foster parents or in group homes.  

Despite the separation of many miles and many time zones, the group had frequently been in touch  through messaging and video apps. Yet this was the first time in over ten years that they were able to be together in one place.  During this time, it was possible for them to reunite with some of their former caregivers, foster parents, teachers and other Little Flower staff.  

Many special meals and outings were planned; precious childhood memories were relived, and new ones were made. We were even able to celebrate a birthday!

Some from the group were able to travel to their home province and visit the orphanage where they had been before they came to Little Flower.  The buildings had changed, but they still recognized many familiar landmarks. 

   

Those of us who loved and cared for them when they were small were amazed to see how much they’ve grown and changed.  Each has tackled life’s challenges with grace and perseverance.  Most of them have found employment in various industries that suit their skills and abilities.  Some are still hoping to continue their education or vocational training.   Most of all, it was delightful to see how each has developed a unique personality and lively sense of humor.  We are so proud of the capable, independent and compassionate young adults they have become!

Your support allows us to provide medical care, education and nurturing family-based care to the 131 children currently in our care.  It is our greatest hope that twenty years from now we will be having another reunion, welcoming the children you are supporting today to share memories of the past and hopes for the future!

A Farewell to Summer

As the sun sets on another splendid summer, what better way to bid adieu to the balmy weather than with an enchanting end-of-the-season party? Thankfully, one of our volunteers organized just such a morning filled with laughter and joy.

Our first activity was a magical box full of dress-up costumes and masks. The air buzzed with anticipation as the children looked through the box and picked their favorite costumes. From capes that billowed in the wind to masks that hid mischievous grins, the playroom transformed into a realm of limitless imagination.

 

The next activity that awaited the young adventurers – a tower of cups standing tall, begging to be knocked down. Armed with colorful balls, the children took careful aim, sending the cups tumbling in a symphony of clinks and laughter. This simple yet captivating game showcased the power of teamwork and determination, as friends cheered each other on and celebrated each triumphant strike.

Next, we set up a small basin with water for the children to play with toy ducks. They quickly had the idea of giving the ducks a bath and then drying them with a "towel". The ducks were very dirty and needed a long, long bath!

The end of summer was celebrated in style – a day of imagination, camaraderie, and carefree play that will linger in their hearts long after the seasons change.

 

Bringing Smiles

Meet M! M was abandoned this spring with a cleft lip and palate. Cleft lip and palate is a birth defect that forms very early in pregnancy, when the lip or palate fails to join completely, leaving a split, or cleft.

Just Arrived

M was just a week old and quite small when his orphanage asked if we might be able to accept him for care. He was wheezing a bit and needed supplemental tube feedings at first, but once he learned how to use a special cleft feeder he did really well. His nannies spent hours talking to him, holding him, singing songs, doing infant massage and responding to his emotional needs for comfort and nurturing. We know that these are as important as (often more so) making sure that a child’s physical needs are met.

With Nanny 

Before Surgery

 

In July, M was admitted for his cleft lip repair and the surgery went smoothly. He is now sporting a beautiful new smile! Little M loves to be held and bounced and he keeps up a steady stream of baby talk in response to his nanny telling him how handsome he is! 

After Surgery

So Much to Say!

A Day of Firsts!

During the summer vacation, this July, our dedicated staff  embarked on an extraordinary journey with 16 eager children. Together, they set out to discover the world beyond their familiar walls.

Among the group, only a handful had previously ventured into a supermarket, during a trip to Beijing for medical care. For the majority, it was an exciting first-time experience. The older children were given 15 yuan (a little over $2),  and the younger ones were given 10 yuan ($1.4), as their shopping funds, they were ready to indulge their senses and make their own choices. With wide-eyed enthusiasm, they wandered the aisles, cherishing the newfound sense of independence that comes with handling their own money. Each decision was carefully weighed, as they eagerly calculated whether their treasure would be sufficient to satisfy their desires.

But the supermarket was just the beginning. As the day unfolded, the children stepped into a realm of pure delight—the amusement area of a bustling shopping mall. There, they encountered thrilling rides and daring attractions that beckoned them to unleash their inner courage. To our astonishment, they fearlessly embraced the challenge of high-altitude walking, defying their doubts and embracing the exhilaration of adventure.

As noon approached, it was time for another first—their inaugural restaurant experience. At a nearby noodle shop, they savored a simple yet significant meal of steaming noodles. Amidst the laughter and chatter, we witnessed their genuine curiosity and enjoyment for the ordinary pleasures of life.

But the day was far from over. As the sun began its descent, the children embarked on their most anticipated journey yet. For the first time, they strolled into a cinema, clutching their popcorn, to immerse themselves in the magic of movies. This experience will undoubtedly etch everlasting memories of joy and wonder in their hearts.

 

Lastly, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the generous donors, whose unwavering support and generous donations made this exceptional outing possible. Together, we've ignited sparks of hope and cherished dreams in these young hearts, empowering them to see beyond their circumstances and embrace the boundless opportunities that await them in the world. 

Seven Days of Impact

Written by: Angelina Anh Laute

 

If I had to summarize my 7 days interning at a children's home for orphans in one word, it would be: moving. I was moved by the passion and hard work of the leaders, and their dedication to making the world a better place. I was moved by the resilience and courage of the children and the fight they fight every day for their lives. I was moved by how they forced me to experience the joys and challenges of a type of life I was never exposed to before. I was moved as I came back through the doors every day a little bit stronger.

When it was time for my classmates and me to pick an area of work that we wanted to join for “World of Work” – a Western Academy initiative where all grade 10 students get a taste of the workforce by undertaking one-week internships– I knew immediately that I wanted to have my experience with them.

 

The backbone of all this is a team of strong, inspiring, compassionate women. In one small office, these women change the lives of hundreds of children. Each member is responsible for one component of the complex operational processes that makes this a successful nonprofit organization capable of making large, meaningful impacts. When they come together as a team, they are a powerful force of good where every action is dedicated to improving the lives of the children in their care. Every day, these women must adapt to constant changes in their work, opening their arms to new children entering the program and finding new, innovative ways to share the good work that they do with others. No matter how challenging work can get, they always have the safety and happiness of their children as the number one priority.

 

It would be a lie if I didn’t say the first few days of my internship were nerve-racking. All the children had their own experiences with their unique medical conditions and being abandoned as a baby. I was in no place to pretend to know exactly how they felt every day based on my childhood experiences. For every child, I had to be aware of their medical conditions and get to know their personalities so when playing with them so I could ensure they were safe and comfortable. I had to know whom I could not play very physically with, who just had surgery and had a specific part of their body that had to be treated with care, who was more shy, and who enjoyed drawing, reading, or singing. I had to be calm, be fully in the moment, and be a role model because I knew they were learning from the actions I made around them. As a result, I had some of the best hours with them. They taught me how to positively interact with others with awareness, patience, respect, and a whole lot of fun.

 

One boy, in particular, taught me this the most – his name is Ping. Ping suffers from a genetic skin disease (epidermolysis bullosa or EB) that leaves him with blisters around his whole body. Every day his caregivers spend hours gently rubbing ointment around his body and wrapping him, head to toe, with bandages like a “mummy”.  I could only try to relate to the discomfort, insecurity, and even physical pain that Ping may experience through thinking of my brother who also suffered from skin issues when he was younger, but even so, those were just 1% of what Ping goes through. I could only imagine, how hard daily life was for him. So, it wasn’t a surprise the last time I saw Ping 2 years ago, he didn’t say anything to me. It wasn’t a surprise that I hadn’t clearly heard his voice before this week, that he would always sit by the window and take on the observer’s role and watch all the other children interact with guests from the side. But I think during this time, he has become aware of his surroundings, understanding the daily system within the children’s home, and has now taken on the big brother role for all the younger children he lives with. Because when I saw Ping this week, the moment I walk through the door every morning – even if he was taking a potty on the toilet –  I would hear a friendly voice, “姐姐你好！” – “Hi Sister!”. Even though I was only with the children for one week, I experienced a glimpse of the magical feeling the caretakers were describing to me one day – a feeling of bliss and fulfillment as they watched the children grow, fight through challenges, and moments of difficulty to become the healthy and happy version of themselves they are today.

 

 

One day I came to the workplace in two braids and one of the little girls said she loved them and wished she could have ones of her own too. So, we sat down on the ground together and I started to braid her hair. As the minutes went by, we sang aloud to songs playing on her toy radio, she showed me her favorite puzzle which made me have to keep reminding her to look upwards and not on the ground so I could properly braid her hair, she gave me an in-depth explanation of her favorite colors and flowers, and I read to her the Ugly Duckling as she was in charge of flipping the pages in the picture book. There’s a sort of intimacy that we fell into while I braided her hair, the same kind that I felt with my mom and me. I always took for granted, that I would have someone to braid my hair, someone to read picture books to me. It's these smallest things about a family that gives you memories you never forget. I am grateful that I was able to have those small moments when I was younger, and I am so happy I was able to give the little girl that experience.

 

No matter how much I want to believe it as untrue and no matter how hard we try to make it that way– I know there will always be children left behind on the streets. But what I learned during my week here, is that compassion isn’t about solutions. It’s about doing what you can, where you are, with what you have, to leave someone just a little bit happier than before you crossed paths with them. It’s amazing how one person can make a difference in a child’s life. No matter how big or small that difference is, it’s important I believe to try. And every time I try, I safe in the knowledge that compassion will create a ripple that has no logical end. This ripple can start with me, and it can start with you too.

 

I was touched by the words imprinted on the back of the T-shirts worn by the caregivers and team. “We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something. – Mother Theresa”.

The drops of these women have given the children a future with hope. My drops have given the children a week of laughter and smiles. The drops that the children have given us all, is the reminder every day, of what beautiful, powerful things can be done with sheer human love.