GHE China Team Update #3
Hello everyone, the China Team hopes everyone is having a wonderful day! We are thankful for everyone’s gift of prayers and support that has brought us to this wonderful world of teachers, parents, and children. The sharing of information and evidence-based practice techniques also brings health care professionals together in China. California Baptist University and the government of China has enabled us to all work together to improve the communication skills of children with special needs. Parents of children with autism now feel hopeful more often than despair. The shift in thinking about the potential of all children is a blessing for everyone.
Our last day in Qinhuangdao ended with a once in a lifetime walk on the Great Wall. We visited “Dragon’s Head”, the start of the wall at the seashore and further along where it went through a village founded during ancient times. The Chinese government generously arranged the tour because of the clinical work we performed all week at the Redwood Kindergarten in the Rehabilitation Department and at the city’s hospital for women and children.
The China Team from CBU has learned to be flexible and adapt to changes in schedule, venue, and comfort level. When a rehabilitative site became unavailable at the last minute, the team moved their presentation to a kind family’s home. The Chinese educators were also very understanding and met us at the new site to continue attending the learning sessions. As for comfort level, the China Team learned that 4 bunks in a sleeping compartment the size of a queen sized bed and without windows is a bit claustrophobic but survivable. The train was equipped with only brakes located in the front of the locomotives. At various stops throughout the night, we learned to lull ourselves back to sleep after the resulting abrupt, jolt. We all agreed that sleeping can be an exciting adventure.
While at the Great Wall, we learned about the history of ancient China. The tour guide leading our tour spoke perfect English despite the fact that she has never visited America. She explained to us that although the wall was originally a barrier against outsiders, it is now a landmark that promotes togetherness. People from all over the world visit China to see it. Like the Great Wall, research and clinical evidence is much too precious not to share.
Signing off for now,
Blessings from Gen and the rest of the China Team.
