July visit to the Eleos Project

In July, the Qingshui River valley stretches out, hot and expansive.

Over the span of two days, the team visited 29 children traveling over 373 miles, all to reconnect with them, to draw closer to them, honor them, to cherish their memory.

We hold their names close, as well as the glimmer in their eyes, their quiet moments, and their joyful smiles.

01｜Jiaxing: The boy who returned to the fields after his high school entrance exam. 

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"If you buy me a mobile phone, I promise to score more than 400 points."

His grandmother agreed, and Jiaxing delivered—achieving an impressive 423.5 points on his high school entrance exam.

Yet, what truly inspired us was his decision not to relax after the exam, but instead to toil in the fields.

We eventually found him working hard over 6 miles away. His clothes were drenched in sweat, but his face radiated confidence.

May Jiaxing always hold onto his dreams and move forward with courage—there will come a time for him to brave the winds and waves, setting sail to navigate the vast ocean ahead.

02｜Jia Shuo: The Late-Night Call 

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We felt his absence keenly, but at 11 o'clock one night, we received a call: "Auntie, when are you coming?"

 

The following morning, we visited his home. Jia Shuo was by himself; his father worked in a coal mine, and his grandparents' poor health prevented them from caring for him. Each day, a neighbor would call him over for dinner, and occasionally his father would return for the night.

He spoke with a calm demeanor, yet we could sense the underlying loneliness. Here was a 10-year-old boy living alone, smiling and saying, "It's okay," while yearning for someone to notice him.

May Jia Shuo always carry a light in his heart, knowing that even in solitude, he is not truly alone, understanding that friendship can transcend distance, and that even miles apart, we are still neighbors.

03｜Xiao Fei: A Personal Sanctuary 

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His home lies at the farthest distance from our office. He chooses to stay in the countryside rather than join his father in the city, saying, "I feel more at ease at home, even if I have to eat alone in Hohhot."

Xiao Fei is self-sufficient; he can cook, grow leeks, cucumbers, and green onion seedlings, and prepare noodles for himself. He mentioned that he prefers not to share meals with his grandmother, as he finds it unclean.

What we see is a boy battling a serious skin condition, striving to care for himself and safeguarding his way of life through his actions.

May Xiao Fei cherish that space of peace and hope—gathering flowers beneath the eastern fence, contentedly gazing at the southern mountains.

04｜Xiao Shuo: Rebellion and Yearning 

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During the recent holiday, Xiao Shuo found himself in two altercations—one leading to a hospital visit and the other to the police station. His school wouldn’t allow him to stay on campus, so his father had to pick him up every day.

No one truly knows the emotional scars he carries within. His actions serve as a repeated cry for help, a reminder that this boy needs professional support, along with greater understanding and compassion.

May Xiao Shuo make the most of his youth and strive for personal growth—may he work hard and not squander the time and effort of his formative years.

05｜Jia Wen: The Miracle of "Whispering" 

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Jia Wen is a child with intellectual challenges and autism.

Three years ago, he was shy and avoided contact with others. Now, he tightly holds our hands, greets us with enthusiasm, and walks us to the door when we leave.

He shed his old, worn clothes for new ones and fresh shoes, his laughter ringing with joy—at that moment, it felt as if the sun shone even brighter.

May Jia Wen's life mirror the radiance of his smile today—like vibrant blossoms emerging on a once-barren tree.

They are the children of the Qingshui River Valley. Some are quiet, while others are mischievous, and some are wise beyond their years. They have navigated a more difficult journey of growth than their peers, yet they continue to live with sincerity and courage.

Thank you for taking this journey with us.

May each of the children receive care and steadfast support as they travel their own roads.