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.

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.