By Ramona McKean Part II Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China If ever a Western foreigner could provide a "bridge" of appreciation and understanding between China and Canada, it is Dr. Norman Bethune. Though he’s been gone for 75 years now, the mention of his name in China can still cause many to stop [...]
Part I: Pre-China Endeavors and Accomplishments Dr. Norman Bethune went to China in 1938 to offer support to a peasant army combatting Japanese aggression then died less than two years later. This year marks the 75th anniversary of his death in China. To this day Bethune, Báiqiú’ēn (白求恩), is still viewed a hero in China. Sadly, [...]
Including an Introduction to Dr. Norman Bethune On February 10, 2005, during Spring Festival (aka Chinese New Year) in a rural area of China, I almost left this earthly plane. I can’t say I had a “near death experience” as I did not see lights, a tunnel, angels, etc. In fact, I did not even [...]
Don’t you know yet? It is your light that lights the world." ~ Rumi I'd like to share some of my process of discovering life purpose. The particulars are mine, of course, but perhaps there will be something in those particulars that others can relate to. If so and my words are of service, then I am glad. If not, then perhaps [...]
It's now the Year of the Horse, 2014-early 2015. I'd planned to write a blog about my experiences of Chinese New Year ("Spring Festival") while in China, but it's a little late for that now. Instead, I'll write a bit about money, that peculiar man-made thing that supposedly "makes the world go round." Incidentally, people [...]
Teresa Teng, Deng Lijun, 邓丽君 When I arrived in Harbin, China in 2004 to teach English, I wanted to learn at least a little Mandarin. Since music helps me a lot with other languages, I asked my friend Liyi for help. "Who can I listen to who sings Mandarin clearly and also [...]
Welcome to a Mini-City of Ice! The result of much expertise and industriousness, Harbin's International Ice and Snow Festival (Hā'ěrbīn Guójì Bīngxuě Jié), has got to be the most exciting winter celebration on earth! And it' s the perfect place--in Northern China, not far from Russia, with winds blowing in from Siberia. Yup, Harbin's a cold place in [...]
To my present and future friends the world over Xīn Nián Kuài Lè (新年快乐), Happy New Year! May 2014 be a year of many blessings for you all, and may the dreams of your heart come true! "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the [...]
"It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you . . . yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand." Mother Teresa Always Winter but Never Christmas? It may have seemed that way. Icy winds blew from the Gobi Desert, snow covered the ground [...]
The Answer: Chris Hadfield Quote of the Day: “Decide in your heart of hearts what really excites and challenges you, and start moving your life in that direction... Look at who you want to be, and start sculpting yourself into that person. You may not get exactly where you thought you'd be, but you will [...]
