Little Y

Little Y was abandoned as a tiny baby 6 years ago.  She was diagnosed with Down Syndrome and a congenital heart defect.  Her orphanage asked us if we could accept her for care and arrange her surgery.

Y’s surgery was arranged in Beijing shortly after she arrived, though it took her many months to recover and become stronger.  Once she did, we began to see her sparkling personality emerge!  

Y is a very gentle, friendly girl who loves to sing and dance.  She watches the nannies in her home very carefully, and is always ready to help them in their tasks in caring for the younger children.  

Little Y has a very cheerful, outgoing personality, and has never met a stranger!  It’s moving to watch her care and tenderness toward the other children.  

We are so very grateful to all of you who support us!  Because of you, little Y has someone advocating for her needs and loving her for the very special, unique person that she is. 

Made for Love - The Story of a Little Pig

Children living in institutional care settings are often filled with complex feelings about home. An orphanage is a very unusual kind of "home", and some institutionalized children also face additional, complex issues such as adoption transitions, disrupted placements, or separation from parents due to imprisonment, mental illness or loss. For them, "home" is a confusing concept that can bring up many conflicting emotions.  What is home? Where do I belong? 

To help children identify and process their feelings, we designed a series of role play activities using the Conceptual PlayWorld* model. This approach allows strong emotions to be explored safely in an imaginary world, with trusted adults joining in to keep the play positive and supportive.

We recently held a weeklong session for a group of selected children in a partner orphanage who have been facing many of these concerns.  In our activity, the children stepped into the story world of Charlotte’s Web (book by E. B. White), took on the roles of farm animals, and extended the story beyond the book. By solving problems together in this make-believe setting, they began to discover the many meanings of "home". 

On the first day, the children became farm animals living on the Old Barn Farm, and they welcomed a weeping baby Wilbur (played by a teacher) who just arrived. As he had never lived on a farm before, Wilbur was scared and hesitant. With help from the farmer (another teacher) and the animals, he calmed down enough to start wondering what makes a place feel like "home". To answer, the animals created their own “homes” with craft materials, showing what home meant to them.

During the second session, the concept of home went beyond the physical structure and focused on relationship and connections. At night, Wilbur often felt too sad and scared to sleep. Together, we discussed what could bring warm and comforting feelings of a home and brainstormed ways to help Wilbur feel more at home on the farm. 

In the third session, the children explored how homes can change. A little robin arrived with news of a new farm across the mountain, inviting the animals to visit. Each animal chose whether to stay, go for a short visit, or even move. They packed what mattered most—both objects and memories. Because this was imaginary play, the children could think about change safely and playfully.

The final session ended with a joyful reunion and feast. Animals who had traveled shared their experiences, while those who stayed told of fun at home. Together they decided whether to travel again, realizing that home may take different forms but is always about protection, companionship, and belonging.

This brief week-long activity may not have provided all the answers, but it offered a beginning, and the reassurance that wherever they are, someone will be weaving a web by their side, offering care and a sense of home.

*Fleer, M. (2018). Conceptual PlayWorlds: the role of imagination in play and learning. Early Years. DOI: 10.1080/09575146.2018.1549024

Launchpad 🚀 - Adventures in Coffee!

The participants in our Launchpad program are always learning.  They are exploring many different job skills that might be suitable for them to earn a living in the future.  Although China is famous for its tea, coffee is also a very popular beverage in many larger cities.  This month they decided to see what making (and drinking) coffee is all about!

Here's what they had to say about it:

"Italian espresso is so concentrated!  It's so intense that it seems to awaken all the taste buds, with a bitter, fragrant and rich flavor. The interweaving on the tip of the tongue brings a strong sense of impact.

Americano coffee has a refreshing taste, with a hint of bitterness and a light aftertaste of sweetness. It's like the breeze on a late summer afternoon, simply but refreshing. 

Cappuccino is a blend of milk and coffee, with a soft and dense foam. With just one sip, it seems to make the scorching summer gentle. 

Caramel macchiato adds the sweetness of caramel to the rich coffee, with a distinct taste layer. The interweaving of sweetness and bitterness is just like the bittersweet flavors of life.

Different coffee is like different moods; some are refreshing and straightforward, some are gentle and delicate, some are intense and unrestrained, and some carry a touch of romance.

Every time a cup of coffee is brewed, we will gather together and take turns to taste it. Some of us prefer the refreshing American style, some like the sweet macchiato, and others are fonder of the rich Italian espresso. Our different preferences have brought about a lively discussion.  It is no longer just about learning about coffee, but more of an exchange of thoughts and tastes.

From each other's descriptions, we learn to use more words to describe flavors, and from different feelings, we discover that life can be savored so delicately. 

Every bean, every grind, and every sip reminds us to treat our daily life more meticulously. Coffee teaches us far more than just the brewing method and the difference in taste... it is also a mindset.

Of course, we learned many other things in August... more than just coffee. Each of us continues to expand our culinary skills... we are trying new dishes in the kitchen and occasionally get together to make dumplings - a simple activity, but always a celebration.  These experiences help us understand that the meaning of life does not lie in how grand it is, but in whether we experience it with our hearts.

Even in the hustle and bustle of life, it's important to set aside some time to slow down and enjoy a moment of fragrance and tranquility. May we continue to maintain such enthusiasm and the spirit of exploration in the days to come!"

Little H

 Baby H was born with Down syndrome and imperforate anus.  This gastrointestinal defect is more prevalent in children diagnosed with Down syndrome, and is a life-threatening situation that requires multiple surgeries, with the first needed immediately after birth.  

Little H did have his first colostomy surgery right away, while he was still with his birth family.  We suspect that his family did not receive the diagnosis of Down syndrome until some time later.  He was about two months old when he was abandoned and taken to an orphanage.  The orphanage asked us right away if we could provide the special nursing care he needed, so he came to stay in our infant care project.

Our initial evaluation revealed that his colostomy was prolapsed and did not look entirely normal, so we transferred him to Beijing for a consult with the specialists.  Fortunately, he did not need hospitalization or ongoing treatment, so he returned to our baby home after a brief period of observation.

Little H will need additional surgeries once he gets bigger and stronger.  His nannies are working hard to help him gain weight.  He is an easy-going baby who smiles and giggles easily.  When you speak to him, he talks right back, but we don’t fully understand what he is saying yet! 😊

We don’t know what the future holds for little H, but we are privileged to be his "family", offering nurturing care, advocating for all of his needs, and of course -  loving him for the very special, unique person that he is.  

Winning the Race!

 This summer, something extraordinary happened. A group of children who have lived through some of life’s hardest challenges stepped onto an obstacle course challenge. Determined and filled with excitement, they proved to themselves and to the rest of the world that they are stronger than anyone could have imagined! 

Many of the children in our care have come to us not only with physical disabilities, but also emotional scars and self-doubt. To tackle these challenges, we introduced physical training as a way for the children to push beyond their limits. 

Through strength-building activities and obstacle courses, we worked to support them unlocking their potential and nurture qualities like courage and perseverance. We believe that they can regain their confidence through continued effort and determination, that they can become better equipped to face difficulties and challenges—and ultimately, become a better version of themselves. 

We began training the children for a Spartan race. At first, even simple drills, like running a short distance or climbing a rope, felt impossible. But nobody gave in. Week after week, training became more than exercise, but a lesson of perseverance, resilience, and self-belief. 

Summer holiday came and the race was finally organized. That morning, the children stood at the starting line, feeling nervous and excited. Among them was X, a quiet 11-year-old who has a limp because he was born with cerebral palsy. He had never missed a training, even though he was given a free pass due to his physical condition. He was determined to complete the course, one step at a time. Seeing him get through to the finish line was one of the most powerful moments of the day. 

One of the highlights of the day was the special Parent-Child Spartan Fun Race. Some of our young children and their group home parents joined the day for a shorter course. Together, they ran, climbed, and crawled through the course. 

For some of the young ones, this was the first time that they experienced the thrill of competing with a trusted mom or dad right next to them, cheering them on, running with them hand in hand, or comforting them when they fall. 

One day, little F became upset in the middle of the training because she could “not run as fast as big brothers and sisters”. Her group home mom was right there to give her a shoulder to cry on, and to ensure her that she can “run just as fast when she grows up”! Today, 4-year-old F confidently and cheerfully crossed the finish line with her mom right by her side. What we see in this group is that strength grows not from within, but from the bonds that we share with people who believe in us. 

By the time everyone completed the course, the air was filled with cheers and laughter. 

We hope that through participating in the race, the children learn that the past does not define their future, and strength is not about never failing, but about rising again, sometimes with the help of their friends and family. 

We are very proud of the children who persevere, the group home parents and our staff members who are always there for them. We are also deeply grateful to the volunteers and donors who made this event possible. Together, we are building stronger bodies, more resilient minds and brighter futures.  

Waiting for Surgery...

This month we would like to highlight 6-year-old K, who has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus and hemiplegia.  K has had several surgeries in the past, but his orphanage reached out this spring to ask if we could help him get a surgery in Beijing that would help to both straighten and strengthen his weak ankle and leg.  

K is able to walk, but he is very unbalanced and has a significant limp.  Surgeons are hoping that this procedure will help him gain strength, flexibility and mobility.  Unfortunately, K traveled from his province to our Beijing medical home in May, just as the temperatures were beginning to rise.  

After his initial surgical consultations, the surgeons recommended that we wait until fall to do his surgery - because he will need many weeks recovering in a full body cast.  They worried that he might be very uncomfortable during the heat of the summer, and we agreed it would be best to wait for cooler weather.  In the meantime, our staff makes sure he gets his massage therapy and stretching exercises every day so that his upcoming surgery will have the best chance of success.

While he is waiting, K has plenty to do!  He enjoys interacting with the other children in the home and loves to go on outings to explore the surrounding area.  He happily participates in the crafts and educational activities in our early learning center.  And he is always delighted when our dedicated volunteers arrive to spend a morning playing, singing and laughing.
  

He tackles life with quiet smile and a maturity beyond his years. 

Because of your support, we are able to provide loving, nurturing care to children like K while he waits for, undergoes and recovers from his surgery.   We are so grateful to all who are making this possible! 

Made for Love - Supporting Our Caregivers

Over the years, we have learned a powerful truth: the well-being of children facing disadvantages is closely tied to the strength, effectiveness, and resilience of the adults who work directly with these children. 

Whether they are nannies, group home parents, teachers, or project managers, these individuals are often the primary source of emotional security and support for children who have experienced abandonment, trauma, and tumultuous family situations. 

We believe that to truly support the children in care, we must first support the adults in their lives. It is essential to meet them where they are, to be culturally sensitive, and to engage and motivate them through strength building activities, rather than resorting to deficit-focused approaches.  

Frontline caregivers often come with their own personal histories, beliefs, and unique challenges. Expecting them to adopt new ideas or methods without acknowledging their own realities may lead to passive resistance and frustration. Meanwhile, traditional training and support programs often take a deficit-focused approach. Experts come in, identify what caregivers are NOT doing well, and prescribe external solutions. While this is well-intentioned, it can leave caregivers with feelings of inadequacy, demoralization, and confusion.
               

Instead, we have adopted a strength-based and culturally sensitive model which begins with listening. We invite caregivers to share stories about their daily challenges, joys, fears, and needs. For example, in a training for teachers working in orphanages, the teachers mentioned that some children’s behavior issues and their lack of progress in learning were their biggest challenges at work. Knowing this allows us to tailor the training to their actual needs.  

Seeing caregivers as capable and competent problem solvers and amplifying their strengths fosters motivation. For example, in trainings about how to engage with children through play, we started by asking: what kinds of play do you already use with the children in your care? What games did you play when you were little? The discussions brought smiles to everyone’s face. One caregiver shared that she remembered playing “selling piglets” as a child with her siblings, which involved a lot of pretending, playful physical contact, and laughter. She was encouraged to introduce this game to the children during her shift, and it became the most popular game at the time. 

Working with caregivers from diverse cultural backgrounds means we need to be adaptable and drop the one-size-fits-all approach. In one of the orphanages, many caregivers were skeptical of formal training but possessed rich local knowledge. Rather than insisting on typical workshops, we used shared staff lunchtime (nap time for the children) as a teaching tool and capacity building opportunities to talk about how to interact with children and understand their behaviors. During this time, caregivers were more open to share their concerns and strategies, rather than quietly noting down information passed on to them as often seen in traditional professional development sessions. 

Supporting adults who care for vulnerable children is not about forcing them to conform to a single mold. It is about recognizing their voices, amplifying their strengths, and walking alongside with them humility. When we meet caregivers where they are, we help create a more nurturing and stable environment for the children, and for the caregivers themselves too. This approach emphasizes that quality care begins not just with food and shelter, or training, but with human connections.