Unique Challenges

There are orphanages and children's homes all over the world, but I doubt that there would be any with more challenges than the ones we anticipated when Guoluo Children's Home opened its doors in 2012. Its location and the very thin air brings a real risk of altitude sickness. The average summer temperature is 9°C or 48°F, so the extreme cold is an ongoing battle. On the plus side, the Tibetan sense of community is still extremely strong; they must rely on one another or risk their lives.

With not quite two people per square kilometer, many still live the way their forefathers lived five hundred years ago. They are susceptible to the elements, and sickness and disease is a real risk. Nomadic lifestyles also take the people far from any modern medical facilities.

Christian Action staff eagerly anticipate their bi-monthly trip to Guoluo to spend time with the 32 children and four childcare workers who have crept into their hearts!

The Tibetan children range in age from six to 15 years old. Their Tibetan carers, employed by the Guoluo Civil Affairs Bureau, are from the surrounding villages. Their experience as wives and mothers who know how to survive in one of the worlds’ harshest climates qualifies them to care for these children.

Christian Action’s goal is to provide support as they raise the children to be independent, contributing members of society. The children never really leave their communities (which are too poor to support them), but are placed in children’s homes where there is sufficient food, clothing and education to facilitate a successful transition into adulthood.

In May 2014, Christian Action staff completed a four day workshop at Guoluo. They chose an ‘outer space theme’: the children were an army of warriors! Via carefully designed activities, the children realised that they needed to co-operate and communicate with each other in more respectful ways. The childcare workers also expressed a desire for assistance with helping the children learn Chinese; build character; learn etiquette, and gain a good education.  Additionally, nomadic Tibetans rarely bathe more than once a week, resulting in skin diseases which lead to other more serious health conditions.  Helping the children understand the connection between personal hygiene and health takes time and patience!

Thank you for your prayers and financial support as we reach out to the people of Guoluo Prefecture!