by JD | Aug 30, 2011 | China
Tomorrow morning we will fly to Bangkok on the next leg of our year-long tour. It’s an emotional farewell. We have had such an amazing experience both in China and here in Hong Kong. It’s been a life-transforming time. So many lessons learned. So many moments spent connecting with remarkable, brave kids who move us to want to do more. We are wishing the kids here from New Hope successful operations and recoveries. And to all the doctors and staff of MedArt, our heartfelt gratitude and admiration. You guys are so inspiring. There are saints here in China who are doing amazing things. It has renewed my faith in mankind!
There is so much we can all do to make a difference. You don’t have to travel around the world to do it either. I’m learning. Believe me, I’m a novice. If you are moved to make a difference, start it now. Go to a soup kitchen, a hospital, a prison, a hospice, a crisis center or crisis hotline. Just do it. What I’m discovering is that it’s in the giving. The rewards are off the charts. You will give yourself the greatest gift ever…
Okay, I’ll get off the soap box. But when you have seen what we have seen in the last two months, you become aware that we all have a responsibility to do more, help more, save more… We are so lucky to have so much and a little goes a long way, especially over here.
We have met so many amazing people here in Hong Kong. We had the chance to check out Kowloon, the light show over the skyline of Hong Kong, Soho, and Happy Valley. Hong Kong is a happening city… alot of great energy. And thanks to our host, Jack, for letting us crash at your awesome house on Hong Kong Island. We owe you big time!
So as the sun sets on Victoria Harbor this Tuesday evening, with mixed emotions, we pack our bags.
And with anticipation for what lies ahead, we look forward to the adventures unfolding in Thailand. Up, up, and away! More to follow…
by JD | Aug 28, 2011 | China
We are heading out of Hong Kong shortly, preparing to work with the elephants in Chiang Mai, Thailand. But before we leave, I feel compelled to reflect on this incredible month in China. I am so grateful for the experience of a lifetime. China – the people, the cities, the architecture, the food, the temples, the squares, the markets… soon it will all be a videotaped and photographed memory. It’s hard to let go of a “real-time” adventure like China. A journey of emotion, sight, temperature, touch, and sound. One can’t really translate the visceral into the written page. It is to be experienced with one’s whole being.
Our first taste of Beijing… pulling in on the Trans-Siberian Railway… and disembarking into a hot, chaotic, and remarkably intimidating train station. I remember fearfully thinking, “How are we ever going to find our driver and what am I going to do if he’s not here? How are we every going find the orphanage?” Well, as fate would have it, he was there as planned and we were sped away into the hazy fog of Beijing and then off into the Chinese countryside.
The kids and I will never forget the experience of The New Hope Foundation. The kindness of Dr. Joyce, Robin, and Katie Hill, Dr. Steve and his family, Shannon Wu (our pal who helped us with everything!), the crew of Mama’s (the caregivers), and most importantly, the beautiful children of this orphanage.
We will wholeheartedly miss our new family at New Hope… and have vowed to keep up with the progress of these children. I know we will return to this place, so it’s not “good-bye” but simply, “Until we return…”. I hope that I am able to shed a little light on their work through this website and through my efforts when I get back to the states.
We were afforded the experience of true saints in action… People who have dedicated their lives to save the un-save-able. These kids were either rescued from the street, left in hospitals or taken from other orphanage that could not help them. This is the real deal. It’s not a reality show.. this is real life. When you are in the midst of work like this, your life changes forever. It’s subtle too, because no one is walking around saying, “Look at me, I’m doing noble things.” They are just doing what they are led to do.
These kids are so happy too. And rightly so. They receive tons of love, three meals a day, a playground, swimming pool, loving nannies who care for them and the chance of medical attention to help them walk, see, breathe, use the bathroom, and live. My thoughts and prayers, with a sense of helplessness, go out to the less fortunate that don’t make their way to New Hope or the likes.
I am so thankful for Dr. Joyce and Robin Hill. Not only for their self-less work, but because they took the time to show a Yankee and his two kids Beijing and The Great Wall. Robin took the boys and I Go-Carting, which is another highlight for the boys… (and secretly, for me as well). And damn, those carts are fast. Their youngest daughter, Katie, was our pal and interpreter. Thank you, Katie, for your incredible enthusiasm, great energy and ability to speak a bunch of languages. You are, without a doubt, the undeniable Go Kart champ!
Another shout out goes to Shannon Wu. Can’t even express how grateful we are. Seems like every time the boys and I were confused or couldn’t communicate, or didn’t know how to get somewhere, or how to make a train reservation, or didn’t know what to eat….. we would turn around and there would be Shannon to save the day. What’s so admirable about California-born Shannon, is that she is in China volunteering with these kids. She has the gift of speaking Chinese as well, so she can communicate and love these kids and help the non-speakers as well. She’s here in Hong Kong, where we are currently, caring for a baby from New Hope that is having an operation.
There are so many memories we take with us from New Hope… teaching pre-school with these kids as they shouted out their ABCS, to playing in the ball pit with my pal, Ray-Ray and the others, to playing in the playground outside, to swimming in the pool with them, to watching Dr. Steve put on casts and doing procedures on club feet… to eating chicken hearts in the village, to watching Buck eat a Donkey Burger.. for real… to the sight of Jackson on a bicycle pedaling through this tiny Chinese village smiling to the old people on the side of the road… To staying in a Yurt… You can’t buy these memories…. they are lived…. (and I’m actually crying typing this). I’m so thankful for this experience, you have no idea. I’m not sure how I got so lucky… but so thankful.
At the end of our stay at New Hope, we were able to check out Beijing… The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and 798 Arts District. The adventure was a bit soothing to the soul considering we were dealing with separation anxiety from the orphanage. Walking through history is to put it mildly. You can feel it all around you. Beijing is historic but also alive… and thriving. The art scene is very cool as well. Had the chance to hang at Yuanfen New Media Art Space with owner David Ben Kay. A cool man who has created this awesome art space for all kinds of art. A real visionary. I’m hopefully going to teach a workshop there in Beijing in 2012. Check out his interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMZ5kYnF2-w They are doing great things there.
From Beijing, we headed to Shanghai for a few days and hung with a incredible man who’s making a difference in the world. Robert Oliver. His cookbook, Me’ a Kai won the Best Cookbook in the world in 2010 by Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in Paris. What’s unique about his approach is that it’s not just about food, it’s about teaching different cities and countries about sustainable tourism and teaching people to use the local produce of their region to help boast the economy of that particular area. He is currently in Shanghai as a consultant in this arena.
We only had a few days layover so we saw The Bund, The TV Tower with the glass bottom floor, The French Concession, and People’s Park. The beauty of People’s Park. They play music on loud speakers and people are dancing… couples dancing in the park… and other’s sing opera. It’s a culture that is not self-conscious.. They love getting up and dancing and singing. Really fun to watch.
From Shanghai we have flown to Hong Kong, which is where we are now. We have been visiting the babies who are here from New Hope who are getting their operations. We are hanging with Shannon because she is down here watching one of the babies. The hospital is beautiful, modern and fairly new. These kids are so lucky to be getting surgeries from the doctors of MedArt, a group of incredible doctors who dedicate their time and energy to help these kids in need. They are all musician who raise money doing concerts during the year to afford these orphans free medical attention and very expensive surgeries.
Hong Kong is an interesting city… very international. After Russia and mainland China, it’s a bit of a cultural break… as most people speak English, there are more western style food options, and there are stores that carry America products. The skyline is beautiful. It’s like China meets NYC. Lots of shopping…. thank god we can’t partake, since we can’t haul any more than we already have. We are taking the ferry to Kowloon across the river today to check things out. Still hot… when does Fall happen? 🙂
More to follow…. from Bangkok… Wow! Bangkok…. “One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster..” And Twelve in Twelve continues. Stay tuned.
by JD | Aug 28, 2011 | China
12 Things I’ve Learned About Shanghai!!!
1. “Lil” is nowhere to be found.
2. Rickshaws are now motorized and a total blast to ride in… probably bad parenting but super fun.
3. Another proud city sponsor of Mystery Meat.
4. The Bund is incredible … cross between the NYC skyline and Disneyland. If you knew nothing about it, like us, google it… Super cool.
5. The Cricket Market is a sight to behold. Come get your feisty cricket warrior for a Friday Night fight. Michael Vicks … you are safe over here.
6. Hotter than a witch’s cuckoo here… Yikes! Like 3 Ken dolls in an Easy Bake Oven.
7. Taxi’s are dirt cheap… so awesome… of course, they don’t speak English and you can’t tell them where you are wanting to go… but once you work that out… dirt cheap…
8. It’s true… they stop you on the street and want to take your picture… Especially Buck… He might as well be Justin Bieber. Very funny. They like to hug him and touch his hair.
9. Subway is fast and spotless…. If you can figure out which station you are going to.
10. Not only is McDonalds, Coca Cola, and KFC everywhere… so is Ikea.
11. The rumors are not true… I have yet to see sheep, goats or chickens on any domestic or international flight.
12. The Neon signs and automated billboards are something right out of Blade Runner. Super cool. They just have to work out the flying cars and they’ll have it down…
On to Hong Kong….
by JD | Aug 20, 2011 | China
As we board the plane headed for Shanghai, I reflect on the last few weeks with a sense of wonder. What a truly profound experience. The Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City… all seem to pale in comparison to meeting our new family and friends at The New Hope Foundation.
It’s beginning to dawn on me that the toughest part of our journey will be the “good-byes”. Saying farewell to our new pals was pure anguish. Ray-Ray, Au Jun, Mao Mao, Luke, Shannon, Katie, Dr. Joyce and Robin, Dr. Steve & The Martins, The Moore Family, all the mamas ( nurses) and so many others.
My kids and I have had the great honor of experiencing the lives of some remarkable children. Each one welcomed us, allowed us to be part of their daily routines, shared their warmth, their laughter, their tears… I know it sounds a tad melodramatic, but I’m at a loss for how else to express the immensity of our experience and love for these kids.
These guys aren’t just your average kids. As fate would have it, they have been lucky enough to be taken in by the New Hope Foundation … their lives changed forever. Each of these kids comes with a tragic tale of abandonment, physical challenge, and very little hope for a future.
But because the stars aligned, or god blessed them, or the random-ness of the universe would deem it so, these guys won the lottery thanks to Dr. Joyce and Robin Hill. Saved from either sure death or an uncertain existence of pain and suffering, these kids have received the medical attention to either walk again, smile again, talk again, see again, or just to live again. And it’s all topped with a ton of loving kindness and nurturing from the incredible staff at The New Hope Foundation.
My experience with these kids is hard to describe. Quiet moments with them sitting on my lap, or carrying them in my arms, or just waving and smiling from across the room… from playing in a plastic ball pit, to the jungle gym outside, or swimming with the kids in the pool. Greeted in the morning with Ni Hao… which means hello… with smiles… hugs, extended hands with the hopes of being held… all this has truly had a deep effect on me. Cathartic really…
See, I fancied myself a guy who knew the world. Who had a rough and tumble childhood myself with tons of tragedy of my own. With a loss of both of my parents by the age of 8, I thought I had joined the ranks of hard knocks…
But I’m the luckiest man alive… I have two beautiful healthy boys, my own health, a cool career, friends and family that are there for me…. Life is good. I have a new gauge in which to count my blessings.
And still one has to think of all the kids who don’t have the good fortune of being one of the chosen few at New Hope. Of the kids all over the world who still suffer and sit at death’s door without someone to come along and save them. I wish for a million New Hope Foundations… I guess there will always be kids to save on the planet…. I honor the people that find it in the hearts to be selfless and make a difference.
Here is the link to a short film on The New Hope Foundation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvMME-2dJ40
Oh, yeah, The Great Wall was awesome. I took a moment to remember my tribe who spoke up and were heard at Tiananmen Square… Got a kick out of standing in front of the huge picture of Mao hanging over the entrance to The Forbidden City…. And walking through the Forbidden City made me want to see The Last Emperor again and wish I could have lived at that time and experienced the majesty of all that… of course as royalty….
So we are being spoiled on two fronts. The joys of experiencing the awe of different sights and cultures, and secondly and most importantly, the joys of being of service. I hope that our efforts here abroad make a small dent in these angels hearts… because they have opened ours fully.
We’ll be in Shanghai for a few days and then on to Hong Kong to meet the doctors who actually do the surgeries on these kids. Their’s is an interesting story which I’ll report on from there.
And, of course, I’ll give you an update in Shanghai…. Anxious to check it out and the boys and I will look out for Shanghai Lil. We’ll let you know if we come across her.
P.S. – Big Shout out to LEGO! They came through with their promise and Buck has been giving out huge shipments of Lego to all the kids. The kids in our locations are loving them!
Guess the joys of Lego is just universal!!! Play on….
by JD | Aug 10, 2011 | China
We are so honored to being working here at The New Hope Foundation in Beijing. The purpose of this particular facility is to prepare abandoned babies, and kids from orphanages, for surgery, to help arrange their medical procedures and for their post-op observation and recovery. Most of the children have cleft palates, club feet, bowel or bladder disorder, or other serious ailments.
Through the vision and big hearts of Dr. Joyce and Robin Hill, this amazing place was created. Check out the website: http://www.hopefosterhome.com/ If you are able to donate or sponsor a child, this is the place to do it! I’m experiencing it first hand and this place is the real deal. This husband and wife are saints, truly. They are doing all they can in their power to save these kids lives and give them homes. It’s so inspiring.
I have so many stories to tell of our stay so far, but I want to focus on one. A number of these special needs kids have been linked up with an adoptive family after their procedures are done and they have recooperated. There are about 20 kids that I love with all my heart here. Most have families waiting for them.
Which leads me to Ray Ray. That’s kind of his English name. This kid is amazing and my great buddy. Ray Ray has the coolest spirit. Really happy, soulful, deep, cool… hard to describe in words. Everyone just “gets” him. I certainly do. We just have this major connection. He doesn’t have the use of his legs. He has arthrogryposis, which is a disorder, but that doesn’t stop him. With his arms (which he has limited use of) he scoots himself across the floor to you. His spirit is so powerful. He has the best smile, plus he just knows who he is… has a real sense of himself. I will be posting video of him shortly.
If anyone knows of a family that is interested in adopting a special needs child, please, personally let me know. Ray Ray deserves a family who will give him the love he deserves. Believe me, that family will be blessed a thousand fold. He is the greatest guy and would be a great joy to any family.
We had the good fortune of going up to visit The Great Wall with Dr. Steve, another saint, and his family. Dr. Steve let us sit in on the procedure to fix club feet. Another man who is doing great work in the world! Bravo, Dr. Steve. My boys and I are huge fans of this guy.
I will post more in the next day or so…
by JD | Aug 8, 2011 | China
1. I haven’t a clue what anyone is saying when they speak Chinese. I mean not a clue….
2. Real Chinese food is awesome…. but Mystery Meat is not exclusive to Moscow, Russia. It’s available here too!!! I’m starting to feel like it might be available globally… Yikes.
3. Charlotte, NC is not the most humid place on earth.
4. Ice Cream tastes good in any country.
5. There are people on the planet who care deeply and are dedicating their lives to helping others. So inspiring.
6. My heart has exploded with love in a small village on the outskirts of Beijing. I’m so lucky to experience it with these amazing kids. Nothing is better than being greeted each morning with smiles and open arms.
7. My sons are compassionate, caring boys and I’m really proud of how gentle and kind they are with kids less fortunate. Rock on, Lewis Boys!
8. I cannot lie, I miss climate control. Alot.
9. Clubbed feet can be fixed in infants and toddlers by putting them in casts and helping them to re-form their feet… then cutting the achilles tendon and then wearing braces. These lucky kids who are being helped here. They’re given the gift of being able to walk. Bravo to Dr. Joyce, Robin and Dr. Steve! Three real life heroes!
10. The old people in the village have so much character in their faces and so much soul in their smiles. I only wish I could speak their language and hear their stories. Want to just get off my bike and hug them all. Such amazing people.
11. Los Angeles does not have a patent on smog and/or poor air quality or traffic. Trust me.
12. China is booming! Things are happening here. In fact, so much so, that they are trying to slow down the boom so it doesn’t escalate too fast.
Tomorrow morning we will fly to Bangkok on the next leg of our year-long tour. It’s an emotional farewell. We have had such an amazing experience both in China and here in Hong Kong. It’s been a life-transforming time. So many lessons learned. So many moments spent connecting with remarkable, brave kids who move us to want to do more. We are wishing the kids here from New Hope successful operations and recoveries. And to all the doctors and staff of MedArt, our heartfelt gratitude and admiration. You guys are so inspiring. There are saints here in China who are doing amazing things. It has renewed my faith in mankind!
There is so much we can all do to make a difference. You don’t have to travel around the world to do it either. I’m learning. Believe me, I’m a novice. If you are moved to make a difference, start it now. Go to a soup kitchen, a hospital, a prison, a hospice, a crisis center or crisis hotline. Just do it. What I’m discovering is that it’s in the giving. The rewards are off the charts. You will give yourself the greatest gift ever…
So as the sun sets on Victoria Harbor this Tuesday evening, with mixed emotions, we pack our bags.
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