2009 China Service Project

China Service Project 2011

2011-06-07T22:31:00.001-04:00

http://csp2011.blogspot.com/
Here is the link to the new blog for China Service Project 2011.

Bill Learns to Count

2009-10-24T18:38:00.004-04:00

We've all been home for over a week now. Looking at the blog, I know I have left a lot out. Our time there was so full of experiences. Like Bill learning how to count in Chinese. One of the ladies at the Pearl Market sells purses and belts, and is a good friend of Louie and Bill. Here, she helps refine Bill's counting in Mandarin.

Good Bye Zhau Xian

2009-10-16T18:54:00.001-04:00

After say our heart felt good byes, it was time to leave Zhau Xian,
until next time.
It was a long drive back to Beijing where we rested for the flight home
the next day. These last 4 entries were typed during the flight from
China to Newark, to be posted from the airport when we land.

Trimmed And Ready

2009-10-16T18:53:00.001-04:00

Finished up the trim and it was time to go. Clean up was quick with many
hands to help.

Lunch At The Lumber Yard Owner's Home

2009-10-16T18:51:00.001-04:00

Here's a few pics from home of our friend who owns the lumber yard.

Day Two at Zhau Xian

2009-10-16T18:50:00.001-04:00

The next morning starts with another delicious breakfast in the dining
hall. Then some time to update the blog in the schools computer room.
One of the staff mentioned that two of the computer were not working. I
checked it out for them. Both had viruses, I was able to clean them up
and get the computers up to date before getting back to work finishing
up the cabinets. By lunch, all that was left to do was the trim.
One of the men that was working with us is the local lumber yard owner.
I did not get his name. Louie know him from previous trips. He invited
us to his home for lunch.His family welcomed us to their humble abode.
His wife mad the most delicious dumplings. After filling our bellies and
socializing a bit. It was time to get back and finish the job.

Friends

2009-10-16T09:35:00.001-04:00

We have made so many friends in China. Talking to many of them was made
possible by Brett, one of our closest friends. Brett is an engineer
working in construction. Each year, he leaves his employment to work for
us as our interpreter. This is only my second trip to China, but Brett
is such a likable character, he will always be a close friend. He cares
for the children just like the rest of us. And, even though he does not
intend to sometimes he says the funniest things. As we were getting in
the van, leaving Yanjiou, he asked me, "You are alligator with shotgun?"
It took a moment to realize he meant navigator riding shotgun, since I
had the GPS. Unitl next time, Brett, take care of yourself.

End of Day

2009-10-15T20:02:00.000-04:00

After a delicious dinner at the dining hall, we have some free time to
socialize.

Cabinet Coming Together

2009-10-15T19:55:00.000-04:00

Piece by piece, the cabinets take shape.

Lunch Time

2009-10-15T19:54:00.001-04:00

We have our lunch with the children in the dining hall. The watch some
of the younger children playing in the court yard before getting back to
work.

Building Cabinets

2009-10-15T19:51:00.000-04:00

The job is to build storage cabinets in a newly refurbished building in
an alley behind the boys side of the campus. The room on the second
floor will be used to store winter clothes and comforters in summer and
summer stuff in winter.

Many Hands Helping

2009-10-15T19:45:00.000-04:00

We had plenty of help cutting plywood sheets in preparation for building
storage cabinets.

Get Ready to Work

2009-10-15T19:38:00.000-04:00

We stayed the night at the orphanage in a guest dormitory then were
treated to breakfast in the dining hall. I know my wife can appreciate
the metal trays we use. Just like being at camp. Being well fed we are
ready to do some work.

Gifts - part 2

2009-10-14T19:49:00.000-04:00

The children played with the toys until it was time for bed.

The Gift Is In The Giving

2009-10-14T19:45:00.000-04:00

Even though it was dark, all the children met us in the courtyard to
receive the gifts. Tennis shoes, and toothbrushes were the practical
things. Louie made a personal gift of pearl necklaces to every girl and
to each of the women on staff. The 2-wheel skateboards with lighted
wheels were a hit with all the children. There were only four boards,
but the kids were great at sharing.

Road to Zhau Xian

2009-10-14T19:38:00.000-04:00

After sweeping up in the workshop it was time to get on the road. Louie
drove from Yanjiou to Zhau Xian. We tried to avoid Beijing traffic as
much as possible. At any time of day it can be stop and go.
It was almost 7pm when we arrived at the orphanage. Many of the older
children were not yet back from school. We took the opportunity to get
just a few more gifts for the kids. A brisk walk and several blocks
later we were at the only department store for miles. On the second
floor we found an assortment of toys; plastic tennis sets, skateboards,
toy cars, and some feathered weighted things that one kicks like hacky
sack. Purchase made we marched back to present our gifts.

Last day in Yanjiou

2009-10-14T19:34:00.000-04:00

We spent the morning finishing a couple of the therapy chairs. Sung has
different ideas on how these should be made. I think once we are gone he
will build something with more aesthetic appeal. After lunch it was time
to say good bye to Dan. Tina knew a taxi driver that could get Dan to
the airport for about 120 Yuan, that's about $20 USD.

Pictures for Return to Yanjiou

2009-10-14T19:31:00.000-04:00

Return to Yanjiou

2009-10-12T19:19:00.001-04:00

Louie, Issac, Brett, Dan and I drove back to Yanjiou to continue work on
the therapy chairs for Living Tree. Sung, a craftsman and friend for
Living Tree, was there to share his wisdom. Due to the painfully slow
internet connection today, there are no pictures.

Farewell to half the team.

2009-10-11T08:05:00.000-04:00

Sunday, half of our group will be flying home. Elizabeth, Karen, Sue,
Caleb and Bill catch their flights home in the afternoon. Saturday night
we left Yanjiou to return to Beijing. Early sunday morning, Elizabeth,
Karen, Sue, Dan, Brett and I got up early so we could visit the Temple
of Heaven. In the morning, many Chinese people are exercising in the
park around the Temple of Heaven.
We only spent a couple hours at the park then met up with the rest of
our group at the Silk Market. An old friend, Cai, joined us for a little
shopping before it was time for half the group to go to the airport.

Training Day - part 3

2009-10-11T07:39:00.000-04:00

In the afternoon, Brett and Dan took two of the children for a short
ride in their strollers. Along the way they treated the children to a
coin-op ride.
At the end of the day we checked in with the work crew. Bill showed us
one of the several chairs that were made. They are not finished yet. The
new model will also have an adjustable back.

Training Day - part 2

2009-10-11T07:30:00.001-04:00

Our group took care of the children and helped cook while the staff were
in training.

Training Day

2009-10-11T07:19:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, while Louie, Issac, and Bill continued work on the therapy
chairs, Elizabeth, Karen, Sue, Caleb, Brett, Dan and I went to each
Living Tree Home to relieve the staff so they could attend continuing
education classes for physical therapy.

Therapy Chairs

2009-10-09T18:31:00.001-04:00

The chair design was recommended by Eva, the physical therapist from
Hong Kong.

Workshop

2009-10-09T18:26:00.000-04:00

In the workshop, the guys are making special therapy stools. All of
these children have cerebral palsy. These chairs offer support for their
lower body and forces them to keep their legs in a position of balance.

Peace Home

2009-10-09T18:21:00.001-04:00

Peace Home is in the apartment on the third floor above Love Home.
Karen, Elizabeth, Sue, Caleb, Caleb, Dan and I assisted there.
Meanwhile, Louie, Bill, Issac, and Brett were building in the workshop
down in the basement.
The daily routine at Peace Home is like what I described at Joy Home.
But, today we took the kids for a stroll.

Joy Home

2009-10-08T18:29:00.000-04:00

Our day started with a quick breakfast at the hotel restaurant. From
there our group split up for separate tasks. Louie, Bill, Caleb and
Issac went to work on projects for the workshop. Elizabeth and Karen
went to Love Home to assist with caring for the children there. Sue, Dan
and I went to Joy Home, a short drive away, to assist there.
At Joy Home, language was a challenge, but Adam, one of the caregivers,
was very helpful. He is one of two caregivers at Joy Home that spoke
English. When we arrived, the staff were giving the children something
to drink. After helping by holding bottles for the little ones, there
was time to engage the children in play. At lunch time, we helped feed
the children. And afterward, helped with some diaper changing. When it
was nap time for them, we had lunch with the staff, then we had time to
walk about the neighborhood.
After nap time was over, the children were brought back to the main room
for some activity. Then another bottle time. Before we knew it it was
dinner time and we assisted with feeding. We played with the children
while the staff quickly cleaned up the floor. Food does get dropped.
While the staff had their dinner, we returned to the hotel to regroup
with the others and go to dinner as well.
That, in summary is the basic routine. Each child also has specific
physical therapy needs. The staff would attend to that since they knew
what was needed and when.

Living Tree Website

2009-10-08T18:03:00.001-04:00

http://www.noblepurpose.org/livingtreewebsite/
This is a link to Living Tree Foster home's website.

Living Tree's Workshop

2009-10-07T17:59:00.000-04:00

Living Tree - Children 3

2009-10-07T17:56:00.000-04:00

Living Tree - Children 2

2009-10-07T17:55:00.000-04:00

Living Tree - Children

2009-10-07T17:53:00.000-04:00

Living Tree Orpahange

2009-10-07T17:48:00.000-04:00

Some of the items discussed in our meeting were:
-Using and possibly improving the workshop that is in the storage rooms
of the apartment,
-Crafting physical therapy equipment for the children, Eva, a physical
therapist from Hong Kong could advise on what is needed.
-special chairs for the children could be built
-Elizabeth was asked to help Lisa who works at Joy Home with teaching
non verbal communication skills.
-We will also be assisting the staff with feeding and caring for the
children.
-Saturday we are needed to relieve the staff so they can attend some
continuing education.

On to Yanjiao

2009-10-07T17:32:00.001-04:00

On the next day, we packed up and relocated to Yanjiao, a smaller city
about 45 minute drive east of Beijing. Our friend Tina, who runs Living
Tree Orphanage, met us at Venus Hotel and helped us check in. From here
we are walking distance to Living Tree. As soon as our bags were in our
rooms, we all followed Tina through side streets to the apartment
complex where she and the children of Livng Tree live. There are three
apartments that house the 36 children, ages 16 months to 13 years. They
are named Love Home, Hope Home and Joy Home. The latter is at another
building 10 minute drive away.
At another apartment that serves as her office and home to two brothers
that work with her we had a meeting to discuss how we can assist the
orphanage.

Great Wall - part 3

2009-10-07T17:10:00.000-04:00

More images from the wall.

Great Wall - part 2

2009-10-07T16:48:00.000-04:00

Still catching up from 2 days ago. Plenty of photos to post. These are
of Caleb and Issac wearing souvenir hats. A short way up the wall there
is a long chain with many locks on it. The locks are promise locks. It a
form of engagement. Couples have their names engraved on the locks and
secure them here with a promise to get married.

Juyongguan Great Wall

2009-10-06T19:16:00.001-04:00

From one impressive piece of Chinese architecture to another, the
Juyangguan section of the Great Wall is 45 minute drive from Beijing. A
must see when you visit China.

Olympic Change of Plans

2009-10-06T18:52:00.001-04:00

On our way out for breakfast yesterday we were stopped by building
maintenance man. Our van was leaking gas in the parking lot. A tiny hole
in the rubber gasket that connects the fill pipe to the fuel tank was
dripping gas. There was sand spread under the van to absorb the fuel and
a bowl was placed to catch the dripping gas. Bret called the man he
rented the van from. He sent a replacement and a couple mechanics to
take the leaking van. The whole process had put us behind schedule for
the days activities.
We had intended to go to the Great Wall first, but instead we went to
see the Bird Nest Olympic Stadium, which is walking distance from the
apartment. The stadium is an amazing piece of architecture. But, it
looked bigger on TV.
After lunch, we made the drive to the Great Wall.

Hongqiao Market Beijing

2009-10-05T18:13:00.001-04:00

After lunch, we walk over to the Hongqiao Pearl Market to shop for many
thing including purses and, of course, pearls.

Lunch

2009-10-05T18:02:00.001-04:00

We stopped for lunch at a nice restaurant called Lao Beijing Zha Jiang
Mian Guan.

Tiananmen

2009-10-05T17:54:00.000-04:00

Our walk takes us back to Tiananmen Square to get a look at some of the
Olympic decoration.

Walkabout part 2

2009-10-05T17:47:00.001-04:00

Walkabout

2009-10-05T17:42:00.001-04:00

Walking along the street outside of the Forbidden City affords us a view
of local life.

A walk in the Park

2009-10-05T17:36:00.000-04:00

People on holiday can be seen paddling around in rental boats in the
moat that surrounds the Forbidden City. There is a nice park that
follows the canal. Children play and people walk or ride bikes on the
shaded roadway. Elizabeth and Sue pose for a photo on one of the bridges
over the moat.

Gate to the Forbidden City

2009-10-05T17:13:00.001-04:00

We move along with the flow of people entering through Mau's Gate. Along
the way Issac again demonstrates his inter cultural abilities by hooking
Bret up with Emily, another student visiting the area. Emily decides to
walk with our group for a while as continue through the outer gate then
opt for going out the west exit instead of going further into the
Fobbiden City.

Forbbiden City and Tiananmen Square

2009-10-05T16:55:00.001-04:00

After finding rare parking space within walking distance of Tiananmen
Square, we we wade in shoulder to shoulder with the masses of people on
holiday to see a historical location still decorated from the 2008
Olympics. Along the way, Issac is teaching Bret the social art of
talking to girls. He demonstrates his skill by getting the phone number
of these two students from Brazil.

Mmm, Mmm, I'm lovin' it!

2009-10-05T16:38:00.001-04:00

Monday morning in Beijing, we start with a quick breakfast at Mc
Donalds. A spicy chicken mcmuffin, pineapple pie and coffee are a tasty
start for the day.Then it's time to hit the road. On to the sight seeing
and shopping I mentioned previously.

Made it to Beijing

2009-10-04T16:33:00.000-04:00

We are all safe in Beijing. After rounding up our baggage, we met with
Bret, our interpreter and liaison. Bret had acquired a van for us. With
gear and personnel loaded into the van and one taxi, we went to Hui Yuan
Apartments, not far from the Olympic Stadium. After getting settled into
our accommodations, it was time for dinner at our favorite Beef Noodle
restaurant. Then with full stomachs it was time to get some rest to
recover from the lack of sleep most of us experienced on the flight.
Tomorrow: sightseeing and shopping!

A funny thing happened on the way to the airport....

2009-10-03T08:21:00.004-04:00

OK, not so funny. Louie almost missed the flight in Cleveland, Caleb stepped on a golf tee, I hit a deer with my wifes van, but we all made the flight and are sitting in Newark waiting 4 and half hours for our next flight.

In Honor of Adam Ristow

2009-09-12T14:51:00.001-04:00

As many of you know, Karen Ristow, Ohio Program Administrator for Family Adoption Consultants, lost her dear son Adam in early June following a year long battle with cancer. Adam loved to travel the world and visited 29 countries during his life. He had finalized plans to visit China in 2008 when his plans were cut short following his diagnosis of cancer that spring. Adam’s longtime friend Scott Wilson spoke eloquently during Adam’s memorial service and shared stories about Adams love of travel. Scott challenged all of us present to continue to honor Adam’s love of travel by each of us finding a way to travel to explore the world. As a result, the crew of the 2009 FAC China Orphanage Service Project dedicates our travel, our work, and our love for these children in China to the spirit of Adam Ristow, the entire Ristow family, and to Jen Curfman.

The Project Continues

2009-08-02T10:35:00.001-04:00

In May of 2008, ten friends traveled from the midwest to the far east to give of themselves for the sake of orphaned children and those who care for them. The chronicle of that adventure can be found on another blog. On October 3rd, 2009, we're going back.