Beidaihe 北戴河

BeiDaiHe is the name of my city (just across the river). It is a popular tourist destination.

Heavy Load

Every year I really look forward to my summer training classes at Wheaton College. My friends and family in Iowa are truly a blessing. But it’s good to interact and learn with so many peers that have served in China for several years. The challenges of transitioning from Asia are understood. Also, the community of loving people is something special.

I’ve had the privilege o f staying with friends of the family while I’m here in the Western suburbs of Chicago. It seems that there is no end to the compassion and grace that our Father gives to me.

Those four weeks were a physically restorative time. In addition to the papers and exams, I find opportunities to play basketball, frisbee, and soccer with my friends. There are so many chances to “hang with the guys” that are uplifting.

My classes have focused on the history of cross-cultural and international work. My current class is teaching me to Research problems that I may encounter in my teaching environment in China.

For example, I have often wrestled with how to be a resource to my students that struggle with sadness or depression. My current project allows me to dig deper into those issues.

It is a constant burden on my heart to be more wholistic in the way that I build relationships. It’s exciting to learn tools that will enable me to be a better learner, as well as a better teacher. Please ask that my heart would always mirror things of our King.

These past two months I have continued my research on depression. It has been a sobering experience. In the past a student of my teammates committed suicide by jumping out of her dorm window. As a teacher in China I couldn't help but wonder what I could do to help students choose life. One of the first steps for me was understanding the way that the Chinese view depression. What resources are available and which are socially acceptable?

One of the focus groups that I worked with had a classmate attempt suicide last year. Their discussion was grave with some students breaking down in tears. Each of them seemed to carry a heavy load. Some wanting to help their friend cope with depression. But not wanting to make their friends lose face by forcing them to get psychological counseling. One student condemned, "If you don't tell your friend to go get help and they die, you are responsible."

The race to get ahead in university life can come at a great cost.