Eleos Update

Each visit ignites a stronger urge to contribute to the well-being of these children, yet it also heightens our understanding that true assistance goes beyond mere handouts. We grapple with the challenge of providing hope while ensuring we don't hinder their personal development. In this edition, we explore this complex issue together by reflecting on the experiences of various children, focusing on the themes of hope and growth.

 

During the holiday, Xiaolin experienced another epileptic seizure. As it began, she sensed it coming, expressing to her mother that she felt dizzy and urged her to hurry. Thankfully, the episode was brief, and she recovered quickly, though it left her mother feeling quite anxious.

Nowadays, Xiaolin tends to avoid going out. She often remains at home, lacking friends to spend time with. We’re concerned that this lifestyle might weaken her immune system and make her more susceptible to colds.

Hope lies in the belief that her illness will not overshadow her future. 

Growth is the resilience she shows in overcoming each seizure. 

Hope is the promise that medication can alleviate the discomfort of her episodes. 

Growth is about opening her heart, allowing light and warmth to enter her life.

During the holiday, Xiao Su accidentally cut his hand with a sickle while helping his family by cutting grass. Unfortunately, he missed the optimal time for suturing the wound, which led to a more serious injury.

At dinner, Xiao Su found it difficult to pick up his food with his injured hand. The staff encouraged him to ask his friends for help. Xiao Shuo and Xiao Hao quickly stepped in, eager to assist Xiao Su in eating his meal.

 

Hope is knowing that sharing household chores is a commendable responsibility. 

Growth is understanding that sometimes, one must find strength to navigate life's challenges. 

Hope is the warmth of support from friends, as comforting as a sweet fragrance.

Growth is embracing the belief in love, a steadfast principle that remains in our hearts.

Yilin has always struggled to find motivation in his studies and expressed uncertainty about his future after graduating from junior high school. However, during a recent dinner, a classmate shared some encouraging news: Yilin had recently received praise from his teacher. When we brought this up, Yilin confidently confirmed it, mentioning that he had been recognized in front of the entire class for scoring 28 points in history—just two points shy of passing (the full score being 50 and the passing score 30). This moment reminded us that every child yearns to be seen and appreciated.

Hope is the understanding that grades do not define your life.

Growth is about embracing your responsibilities. 

Hope is knowing that every effort deserves recognition.

Growth is the realization that with hard work, you can achieve even greater things.

After more than a year of rehabilitation, Ruiying has made a remarkable recovery and returned to school. What she has been through is unimaginable for children her age. Ruiying is a resilient young lady who tackles challenges independently. Last year, she traveled alone to Hohhot for medical treatment, spending several months there and navigating hospital visits by herself. She also managed to gather the necessary information for her school after classes resumed. She shared that her father works in Xuejiawan. After all she has endured, Ruiying is becoming increasingly mature.

Hope is the belief that illness and darkness cannot hold you back. 

Growth is finding strength in silence and using courage to help guide you. 

Hope is knowing that the future lies beneath your feet, with support behind you. 

Growth is the quiet strength that develops in solitude.

To conclude, we’d like to share a quote: "Empower the person you want to help until the day they no longer need you and can confidently navigate their own life." The goal of "helpers" is to enable those they assist to cultivate their own strength, so they can not only support themselves but also uplift those around them. This is our mission as well.

September was a Busy Month

Savannah Project and Little Deer Project

School Season

Seven primary school students in the Savannah Project have started school.

Mia is in the fourth grade, Joy and Benjamin are in the third grade; Samuel and Jacob are in the second grade, and Joshua is in the first grade.

 

Joshua 

Theodore is studying second-grade online and is finding it interesting. When Theodore came to Beijing for a study tour, he was able to meet his online teachers and classmates.

 

Seasonal Activities

Daily games: Mr. Potato-know the parts of the body.

 

Language activities: The nannies shared the book "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." The children had the opportunity to experience color matching in the painting activities and try to use the large brush specially made by their nannies to paint colors.

 

Mid-Autumn Festival: Learn about the origin of the festival, taste Mid-Autumn food, and play various games with the nannies.

 

Beijing Study Tour

From September 23 to September 27, the children were able to go on the long-awaited study tour. Seven children came to Beijing, they visited the Beijing Aquarium, Beijing Zoo, Automobile Museum, CCTV Tower, Tiananmen Square, Bird's Nest and Water Cube... the study tour is a very valuable experience for the children. We will make an album for each child to have a beautiful memory of where they visited. Thank you for the company of volunteer friends.

 

Gabriel loves to work hard in studying music. His performance in Hohhot "Dreams as Horses, Moving Forward for Love" was wonderful and received praise. We want to thank Teacher Cui for his careful teaching!

Growth

Kai likes puzzles. He likes to try different types of games, including puzzles, Lego building, etc.

Nolan can walk independently, but he walks very carefully, afraid of falling. 

Medical Rehabilitation

Frank was diagnosed with congenital hydronephrosis. We contacted Peking University First Hospital, and he came to Beijing for hospitalization on September 26. On September 29, the left hydronephrosis drainage was completed by surgery. After postoperative observation, it was decided the left kidney could retain its function and decide on the second-stage surgery plan.

Isaiah was hospitalized in Beijing Children's Hospital.

 A Visit of Love

A volunteer team has sponsored the children for many years. This time, they came from Beijing to the Savannah Project to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with the children and make moon cakes. 

Thank you, team, for your kindness in playing with the children, doing events with them and bringing needed supplies.

Eleos Project

Home Visit 

In September, the team visited and served 34 families and children in need. They invited 14 children to have a party and dinner together.

 

Scholarships and Material Distribution

This month, $1250 in scholarships were distributed to 29 children in need. Caring people purchased and distributed materials according to the children's needs for school: 15 quilts, 15 sets of quilt covers, 30 towels, 15 sheets, 15 pillowcases, 15 pillowcases and other bedding.

Dinner Activities

During the monthly visit, we invited 14 children to have a party and dinner together. The children sat around the dining table, talking and laughing, enjoying themselves..., in the interweaving of the children's laughter and words, Jiashuo's humor, Jianzhong's laughter, Weihong's service, Xiaohao and Xiaoshuo's careful care for Xiaosu, Liya's finger games, Jiahao's skillful completion of the game movements, etc. This simple gathering has become an unforgettable light in the hearts of the children.

Case counseling and resource links

This month, social workers provided one-on-one services to families and children with special needs.

Jiahao's sister wanted to drop out of school, but after communication and counseling by social workers, she has returned to school.

During the summer vacation, volunteers helped Aoying borrow a complete set of high school books for preview, and prepared new quilts, quilt covers and other supplies.

A sponsor prepared a desk lamp for Xiaoyan to study, they explained the importance of good lighting and proper posture when he studies.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, when families gather, staff and volunteers visited Ruyue, Xiaofang, Zhanhe and Jiaxin, and delivered moon cakes, rice, cooking oil and fruit to their families.

Xiaofang took us by the hand and went to the grape arbor planted by her father. She picked a bunch of grapes for each of us and let everyone eat them. Her hospitality and willingness to give touched everyone!

Xiaofang

Jiaxin

Thank you for your help. We believe that life is changed by love!