The warmth in winter - A visit to the kids in Eleos project

As winter began to settle in, the chill in the air grew stronger, prompting us to embark on a visit to the children involved in the Eleos Project. Though we hadn’t announced our arrival to everyone, it seemed as if all the children were aware of our plans. Dressed in light garments, their faces radiated anticipation and happiness, allowing us to momentarily overlook the looming long nights of winter.

The winter sky held a faint glimmer of light. 

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Upon our arrival, we found Zilong seated at the small table on the kang (a heated platform), diligently working through his homework, each stroke of his pen captured in the soft glow around him.

The light was faint, yet it did nothing to diminish the focus and determination shining in his eyes.

 

 

I couldn't help but wish for him to have a larger desk, one that could nurture his thirst for knowledge. 

I longed for him to possess a bright desk lamp, illuminating the shadows of the night and guiding him on his educational journey.

Zilong, my wish for you is to flourish in this gentle light, until a day comes when your world is filled with warmth and brilliance.

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Wenting's mother skillfully crafts the fabric of daily life with her diligent hands. Every nook of their home sparkles with cleanliness, radiating a warmth akin to sunshine that brightens the heart.

 

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Love, quiet yet enduring, fills the air. Even though Guowei's mother is no longer with him, the profound love and support from his family chase away the shadows that linger in his heart.

It’s a form of quiet influence, akin to the soft glow of lights on a winter’s night—faint yet enduring.

 

Guowei's father prepared three portions of millet and three hefty pumpkins, casually informing us that they were harvested from his own fields, sending them along with us.

Though his words were delivered with a casual air, they were filled with sincerity. The golden grains of millet seemed to carry the warmth of the sun from the fields, while the pumpkins, round and robust, exuded the earthy fragrance of the land.

These humble gifts, though not lavish, were filled with his heartfelt intentions, embodying a small dream of spreading goodwill to others.

 

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For Xiaofei, the most surprising moment came quietly. Uncle Aori presented him with a special gift.

It was a world encyclopedia, a treasure trove where Xiaofei's dreams lay nestled within its sturdy cover.

Uncle Aori had remembered a wish that Xiaofei had mentioned casually, transforming it into this thoughtful and cherished gift.

As Xiaofei held it delicately, his eyes sparkled with a mix of surprise and gratitude that he couldn't hide. A shy smile spread across his face, radiating joy.

"Thank you, Uncle!" he said, his voice soft.

The gentle breeze swept through, carrying away Xiaofei's laughter, while each page of the encyclopedia fluttered like wings, transporting him to a broader world filled with the unknown and endless possibilities, allowing his imagination to take flight.

 

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As our visit ended, we were filled with deep emotion. 

The children’s growth and transformations resembled the ripe fruit hanging from autumn branches—plump, fresh, and fragrant. 

In their eyes sparkled a fervor for life, the brightest beacon of youth, illuminating the ordinary days. 

We wish for them to forge ahead with courage on the journey that lies before them, using their dreams as vessels and their hearts as oars, setting sail toward their own far-off horizons.