Travels in China 2008
Yan Qing County
We have just returned to Beijing after three days in the cool, fresh northern mountain air, where we had our first experience of visiting the Golden Courage children in the elementary and middle schools of Yan Qing County. Dr. Lu Sr. and Dr. Pang, the remarkable parents of Dr. Yun Lu and the wise elder guides of Golden Courage-Beijing, accompany us on all of our travels as do the three staff members and four volunteers, bringing our entourage to 16 very energetic and committed people.
We start the day with 75 minutes of Tai Chi in the chill morning air led by the accomplished Dr. Lu Sr., who patiently instructs us on the proper forms and movements under the towering mountain peaks in a spectacular and inspiring setting. After a healthy and more than ample breakfast of locally grown vegetables, fruits, and freshly made tofu and steamed buns, we depart for the Yan Qing Elementary School. We are warmly welcomed by Principal Lee, the teachers and the 240 children in his care with a special ceremony thanking Golden Courage for our help and support. Brightly colored banners honoring Golden Courage International decorate the meeting room where children from the age of 8 to 14 sit very quietly listening to the greetings from the local officials who acknowledge the important contribution Golden Courage is making to the education and well-being of these special children.
With an audience of eager and appreciative parents, students, teachers, community officials, political leaders, and our highly anticipated delegation, Dr. Yun Lu encourages each and every child to do their very best so they can be successful and assist other children to succeed as well, reinforcing the strong Golden Courage message of helping others every step of the path. Jean Chorazyczewski is given the honor of representing us in saying: "It is a privilege to be a part of this delegation and to be building a bridge between our two countries through our shared commitment to helping each of these children reach their fullest potential."
After the signing ceremony of commitment to diligently follow the rules and guideline of Golden Courage, to study hard, and to exhibit excellent conduct, we give each child a goodie bag of candy and small toys that the staff has put together from the huge mound of treats each of us brought with us exactly for this occasion, the first candy that most of these children have ever tasted. And then the unforgettable interactions begin, each of us connecting with these beautiful children with gentle looks, smiles, hand shakes, exchange of names, and any other means of showing our open hearts. Our volunteer translators circulate from group to group helping us to learn more about the children, their families, their favorite subjects, and their hopes for the future.
After a very fulfilling morning we share a delicious lunch with the school principal and other community leaders to learn more about the growth of these children and our programs. Meals in China are just about the opposite of "fast food" or, for that matter, anything any of us have encountered. Seated around a beautifully set round table with a huge lazy susan in the center, as many as 25 (as counted by Donna Kellstrom) artfully created dishes are set before us in a specific order that we are just coming to understand and anticipate so we are not utterly incapable of eating our favorite pancakes or soup that might arrive unexpectedly at the very end of the meal.
Our senses delighted and feeling completely sated, we now have the opportunity of visiting the homes of some of the Golden Courage children. Its difficult to choose a favorite part of any of our very full days of activity, but I must say that walking into the very modest but clean homes of our children and feeling the profound gratitude of the parents and family members is certainly the moments which stay close to my heart.
On the long bus ride to her remote rural village, I sit next to one of the 14 year old twin girls who were rescued by Golden Courage three years ago. The girls need to board at the school because of the long distance to their grandmother's home. When we arrive at the village, it feels like we are traveling back into a distant moment of time. Except for the television set in the small room plastered with certificates of achievement earned by the two girls, it could be a room used hundreds of years ago, and actually it was.
The elderly, frail and almost blind grandma who tearfully greets us and an invalid uncle are the two remaining family members of the twins. Without the strong support of Golden Courage for medical care, tuition, and room and board at the school, they would not be able to continue their education. The gratitude of grandma is palpable and before we depart, she thrusts some of her embroidery work into Dr. Lu's hands as well as a bag of mushrooms picked from behind her village, tokens of her deep appreciation. On the bus ride back to the school, we raise over 2,000 yuan (over $300) from generous donations of the delegates which will enable the two girls to travel by bus each weekend to visit grandma, a small gesture that can make a large difference in the life of this family.
Wearily but emotionally charged, we return to our small hotel at the foot of the mountains for a light dinner and early evening. We hope you enjoy sharing this experience with us through these travelogues and can feel our enthusiasm and gratitude for having this opportunity to see the life-changing work of Golden Courage International.
Many blessings,
Lucinda Kurtz and the Golden Courage Family