Friday, May 27, 2022

From Hopeless to Hopeful

In February 2022, a sudden outbreak of COVID in Hohhot stopped our visits to children in difficult situations. It did not stop us from caring for all the children and families in the Eleos Project—the development project for children in distress. Like many parents who care about their children, we often think of them: how are you doing? Are the supplies we sent useful? Has the epidemic affected your learning? 

 


We hadn't seen each other for nearly 5 months (However, through the project manager, we were able to keep an eye on the needs of the families). Since the situation has improved recently, we were allowed to arrange a visit and several volunteers went with us. This trip we will meet with a new family who recently joined the project.


Poverty because of illness is a major difficulty faced by most poor families. Mengmeng's family faced her mother's illness along with the original difficulties. The family had no choice but to seek medical treatment to save her life. At present, they are still facing many difficulties. But when we met the mother and daughter, we found that they faced the difficulties in life with strength. Their attitude and optimism are touching. Every time the volunteers go to visit, they are greatly encouraged by them.



Huihui is a child who just joined our program. When we first met her, she was very shy and did not interact with us. We spoke to her softly and tenderly, waiting for her to open up to us. In the end it was the volunteer’s child that broke the ice.  He asked her, "Sister, what do you like to eat, I'll buy it for you next time!" It was the first time we saw her smile. Because her mother passed away and her father left when she was a child, Huihui experienced a lot of difficulties in her short life. This caused her to remain silent with a closed heart. We took her out for lunch, and in the afternoon, we took her for a walk and chat outdoors, hoping to show our concern for her. Our hope is that she will be able to face the future with confidence.




We went to visit the home of another child in distress, Cai Yun. Cai Yun is a very kind and optimistic young lady. She is a smart and sensible child who works hard in her studies and life. She also lives with her aunt who is elderly. Her aunt told us when she dies Cai Yun will be entrusted to us. We couldn't help but feel sad when we heard it. We are only temporary passers-by in our children's lives, but for them it may be a ray of light in the long night, a haven that they can temporarily rely on. We can't help but be more in awe of the mission and entrustment we shoulder.



When we saw Ranran, we saw that he had become more cheerful than before. When we first met, he was shy and reluctant to speak. This time, he saw us as old friends and wanted to show us the experiment projects we sent him. He also took the initiative to have the volunteers join in doing some experiments with him. He is becoming more willing to communicate and cooperate with others. We believe that with the constant care and visits we make to him, he will open his heart more and more and have the courage to go out and participate in more healthy outdoor activities. We also communicated with Ranran's father about the choice and academic planning for junior high school and discussed how to discover more advantages for his future, considering the actual situation of the family. We want to help them plan appropriate paths and guidelines.

 


When we brought the set of experimental toys to Jiaxi, she was initially shy, afraid to try new things, and didn't know how to play. Our volunteers guided her step by step to download the APP, helped her to cut paper, and prepare materials. Jiaxi slowly became interested. When she watched the petals, she cut out placed in the water gradually unfolded miraculously, as if flowers were blooming in front of her eyes, her expression expressed her joy and surprise. The success of her first attempt inspired her to explore other experimental materials, and then she also learned a lot of tips on paper-cutting from a volunteer who went with us on the trip.



Each visit is a unique opportunity to learn more about the families and children, and for them to learn more about us. We have a simple wish - to help them to grow and develop. To use our resources to let the children who are temporarily facing difficulties know that they are safe, loved, and that they can do everything. It is hidden in their hearts and has not yet been awakened- may they take the risk to dream and explore their talents!


Love can change lives.

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