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. 

Big changes for S!

 S was born with a cleft lip and palate and abandoned as a tiny infant in 2014.  Her cleft repair surgeries were done when she was small, long before we met her.  Five years ago, when we began operating our family model of care in her province, her orphanage asked if she could join our project.

When S first arrived, she had many behavior issues.  She did not know how to regulate her emotions, and would frequently throw tantrums and try to hurt herself when she was upset.  Her foster parents worked hard to help her understand her feelings and her reactions.  

Gradually, her outlook changed, her interactions with her parents and siblings improved, and her outbursts lessened.  Right before our eyes, we began to see her blossom.

Knowing her now, it’s hard to believe she is the same girl who joined us 5 years ago.  S seems content and very much at peace.   

She is very thoughtful and helpful toward others in her family.  She studies very hard at school; both her parents and teachers are continually impressed by her hard work and independent spirit.  She is truly a joy to be around!

And the best part?  A local family has expressed interest in adopting her and they are working to fulfill the requirements to bring her home.  We recognize that although adoption is exciting, it’s also a huge transition with the potential to arouse many strong feelings and emotions.  We are working with S to give her the tools and resources she needs to navigate this difficult, life changing event.   

Because of your support, we are able to provide loving, nurturing family-based care to children like S, building a solid foundation for the future, whatever that may be!

Made for Love - It Takes a Village

We believe that is is important for children with special needs to build stable and supportive relationships through a network of adults—caregivers, teachers, group home parents, project managers etc.

There’s a well-known proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” In the work we do, we see the truth of this every single day. When a child has been abandoned, or when a family is unable to care for their child due to hardship or illness, the village becomes not just important, but essential. It is this village where the child learns to trust, to connect, and to hope again. 

Many of the children we care for are not only orphans or separated from parental care, but also live with special needs. Some were born with disabilities that their birth families felt unequipped to support. Some have developmental delays. Others carry deep emotional scars from early trauma or chaotic family situations. Each child’s story is different, but they all share a common need: relationship—secure and nurturing relationships with stable adults in their lives.  

What we see in our daily work is that when a child is both orphaned and living with special needs, it takes an entire village working together to help them heal, grow, and thrive. 

Group home parents provide daily nurturing, routine, and a sense of family and belonging. 

Caregivers offer care, tenderness and warmth. 

Teachers adapt learning to each child’s capabilities and developmental ages. 

Managers ensure environments are safe, responsive, and rooted in respect. 

Volunteers and sponsors provide additional and specialized support that helps transform survival into thriving. Each one plays a vital role—not alone, but together, as part of the “village” that raises and supports every child. 

When these adults work together, consistently and compassionately, they begin to offer what many of our children have never had: a stable network of care. For orphaned children with special needs, this kind of relational stability is crucial. Above all, they need adults who do not give up on them—who keep showing up, even when progress is slow or behaviors are difficult.

We have learned that healing does not happen through structure alone. It happens in the seemingly trivial everyday moments like shared meals, random conversations, and celebration of every child’s birthday. These moments, woven together by a team of caring adults, tell a child, “You are important. You belong. You are not alone.”

We realize it is essential to invest in creating this village. We train staff in play-based, trauma-informed, and inclusive practices. We work to build trust among our staff members. We strive to hold children with compassion and dignity, recognizing their unique potential and not just their diagnosis or history.

We cannot replace a parent, but we can be a village—a network of consistent, loving adults who help each child develop, one relationship at a time.