No Longer Abandoned

Twenty year old Juan has spent half her life at Xining Children's Home. She's lived in a small group home with her 'brothers and sisters', and two 'mama's' helping to create a sense of family. Unlike the other children who've come to us, Juan is old enough to give us a background to her own story.

Juan couldn't tell us how the right side of her body became paralysed, but doctors attribute it to complications from having measles as a child. In spite of her disability, Juan is a very independent young lady. She is always eager to lend a helping hand where ever it is needed, and she loves to do household chores! Furthermore, she is sensitive to the needs of the younger members of her ‘family’ whose disabilities prevent them from being fully independent.

Juan is always willing to help out with
household chores

Juan’s biological mother abandoned her husband and remarried, but Juan’s step father did not treat them well. Unable to cope, Juan’s mother finally abandoned her second husband and even her own daughter. It was a very sad and frightened little girl who came to live with us. Fortunately the small group home was able to provide the family that would eventually start Juan on the path to healing and wholeness, as well as restoring her childhood.

Her cognitive disabilities prevented her attending school in the public system, so Juan attended the special education classes at Xining Children’s Rehabilitation Centre. She has learned to read and write Chinese characters with her left hand. Since Chinese calligraphy is a highly esteemed part of Chinese culture, she is always being complimented on her ‘pretty’ hand writing - which makes her blush! Juan has now completed Form 3. She always wears a smile, and her laugh can frequently be heard ringing through the corridors of Xining Children’s Home.

Like all children, Juan should have had a carefree childhood. Thanks to your prayers and financial support Christian Action’s work at Xining Children’s Home has provided the love and encouragement that every child should receive. The mama’s in Juan’s small group home continue to love and affirm her. As she’s grown into womanhood her childhood fears have been replaced by hope! We’re hoping that Juan will gain admittance to a vocational training institute, where she can learn the skills she needs to earn a living and make an independent life for herself.