Jin Song is meeting new friends and teachers.  Both a new teacher and a new volunteer have now been to his home and are connecting well with him.  After just a half an hour together, Jin Song seemed to visibly relax and shyly asked if he could add them as a contact on WeChat (a popular Chinese messaging app).  He also asked if he could add their telephone numbers into his phone.

This is very encouraging.  When Jin Song, who is naturally shy and cautious, goes out of his way to add their contact information it shows he is comfortable with them and intends to stay in contact.

During their time together, Jin Song and his new friends confirmed his growth and learning plan.  In addition to singing (which he enjoys), they will work on his recognition and Chinese characters as well as expanding his vocabulary.  They also plan to work on his Pinyin so he can type Chinese characters into his phone or computer.  This will also help with his reading and writing of the Chinese language.

Jin Song interacting with a new volunteer (center) with his grandmother also joining in the fun

They are also working on developing his photography.  With better language skills and more refined photography, his goal is to use these abilities to better connect with and grow his social network online.  Right now this is of particular interest to Jin Song.  Like any other teenager, he wants to increase his number of “likes” on social media!

His teacher also has plans to help Jin Song improve his mathematical skills and even has machinations to introduce him to multiplication.

Jin Song getting out and interacting with the local wildlife 🙂

Recently, Jin Song also mastered a new game – Flying Chess.  His Grandmother was delighted to watch Jin Song and his friends play so happily and with uproarious laughter.  We plan to gift him a Flying Chess set soon so Jin Song’s father can join in the fun.  We are thankful to see an increasing amount of joy both in Jin Song and his family.

I love to see him engaged and learning

Here is Jin Song getting a little sun during a recent home visit from Mr. Wu.  These are some of my favorite times with children and families.  It can be stressful and difficult just to get out of the house.  And once outside, visibility is high while warmth and understanding may be a bit spotty in the surrounding community.

But it is amazing what an entourage can do for a young man like Jin Song.  What normally may have been a somewhat awkward and short-lived excursion becomes a circle of care that bears witness to the neighborhood.  This young man has friends and fans who think the world of him.

And on many occasions I have seen hearts open before my very eyes and openness and sincerity be re-born.  Many times, we find human compassion and kindness are just below the surface.  They just need a bit of polishing in order to be revealed 🙂

“I’d walk a million miles for one your your smiles” – Al Jolson

Here is a recent home visit with 劲松 Jin Song.  I love to see our children and families surround by a Circle of Care.  He is doing so well!

劲松 Jin Song looks to be enjoying his one-to-one session with Mr. Wu at home!

Mr. Wu was back out at 劲松 Jin Song’s home yesterday for another Computer Literacy session.  This makes me smile every time. 劲松 Jin Song really wants a chance to show what he can do.

He is quite a diligent student 🙂

This is a developing story.  劲松 Jin Song is in his late teens and has shown an interest in computers.  We plan to connect him with Mr. Wu (who leads our Enrichment Program) to see how we can help.

Here is 劲松 Jin Song adding Miss Chen as a contact on his phone