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 [...]
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 [...]
"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 [...]
Building a Bridge of the Heart is dedicated to the fostering of understanding and friendship between China and what I have loosely called "the West," what some call "First World." I share some of my personal stories, photos, wishes and dreams. In addition, I share cultural riches of China that speak to my heart--music, poetry, [...]
When I was a teenager, I thought it was cool to be able to say "I love you" in other languages. Did knowing how to express that sentiment multi-lingually ever appeal to you too? As a high school English teacher in Canada, then as a college and university teacher in China, my students and I had [...]
