May 15th
By Ray Schmidt
Ceremonies are a big part of Chinese culture. The ceremony for the CCU project proved this in spades. According to the program, the ceremony activities would begin at 8:48 AM and be completed at 10:28 AM. The number eight is very significant—I think it symbolizes success or good fortune or something.
So the ceremony began right at 8:48 AM in the large community square in the center of Taojiang. It’s difficult to describe the scene. There were banners, arches, flowers, music (including Elvis), VIPs and crowds of people. It really was a grand affair as far as ceremonies go. Everyone was very appreciative of the equipment that was donated and installed, as well as the training that was provided.
Following the ceremony in the center of town, people were transported to the hospital to view the equipment. This is always a fun part of the program. The doctors and nurses at the hospital share the details of the equipment with the VIPs, the press and all the other visitors. You can see a real sense of pride—this is their equipment and it is the finest equipment around.
For all the success of the project, the devastating earthquake is what sticks in my mind. As I’m writing this the death toll is over 25,000 and the hardest hit region is just now being reached by rescue workers. Dr. Zheng was able to get on a flight to Chengdu this evening and will soon be with her husband and parents. I don’t know how she made it through the past several days, but she did and her efforts will long be appreciated by us and the hospital staff.
Following the ceremony in the center of town, people were transported to the hospital to view the equipment. This is always a fun part of the program. The doctors and nurses at the hospital share the details of the equipment with the VIPs, the press and all the other visitors. You can see a real sense of pride—this is their equipment and it is the finest equipment around.
For all the success of the project, the devastating earthquake is what sticks in my mind. As I’m writing this the death toll is over 25,000 and the hardest hit region is just now being reached by rescue workers. Dr. Zheng was able to get on a flight to Chengdu this evening and will soon be with her husband and parents. I don’t know how she made it through the past several days, but she did and her efforts will long be appreciated by us and the hospital staff.
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