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.