Hope for a Haunted Boy

Traumatic childhood images buried in the unconscious have been found to have long-term behavioral effects. Many times those effects are not recognized, bringing even more trauma for the growing young person. San Ji was one such person.

San Ji came to Haixi Children's Home in April 2013. He had been living with his aunt, but she had been unable to cope with the boy's introversion and his inability to concentrate at school. She had neither the time, resources or interest to care for his special needs. And if ever there was a child who needed special love and care, it was San Ji.

He was just three years old when he witnessed the death of his mother at the hands of his father. Nobody understood the psychological and emotional consequences of seeing such violence. San Ji was left to deal with the traumas of that horrific event on his own.

After he came to Haixi Children's Home, and still haunted by his memories, San Ji refused to interact with anyone. Besides, he spoke very little Mandarin because his mother tongue is Mongolian. But as he gradually realized that he was in a safe place, a place where there was love and acceptance, he began to open up to his caregivers, establishing a specially strong bond with Lau Ma, the childcare worker supervisor.

Now, after just 18 months, 11-year-old San Ji is speaking fluent Mandarin, enjoys school and does beautiful Mongolian calligraphy. "He is very good at games, but it would be great if he put as much effort into his homework!" one of his teachers commented. San Ji is popular among his peers too. When no-one could figure out how to weave a Rainbow bracelet, the other children called out in unison to San Ji: "Come quickly and help us figure it out!" True to form, that is exactly what he did! The first bracelet made by San Ji was gifted to his best friend, DouDou, the second to Lau Ma, and the third to the Christian Action staff member who had brought the bracelets to the home.

Though the rainbow bracelets represent a simple creative pastime, they also represent the hope we bring into the lives of children like San Ji who may have experienced trauma or neglect in their young lives. Thank you for partnering with us as we minister to the most vulnerable in Qinghai.