The concert in Yanjiao.
The state run orphanage where the concert was originally planned, proved subject to China’s many and complex government regulations; it was not certain if the orphanage would obtain approval to receive a delegation of MCC in time. As a result, the management of MCC decided to change venue and hold the concert at another orphanage in Yanjiao. At least, this measure gave some certainty for the volunteers.
MCC chose to go to a small privately funded orphanage in Yanjiao, Hebei province that is about 30 minutes drive from Beijing city center. The orphanage is housed in two adjacent apartments in a residential area and takes care of children that mostly are both physically and mentally disabled. The orphanage results from an initiative taken in 2002 by Stephen and Tina Schroeder. Currently, they take care of 30 orphans varying in age from several months to ten years old. The majority of the children are blind.
This orphanage is supported by the American organization called “Noble Purpose”. The founder of the orphanage lives in the United States of America, but returns with his whole family every year for three to four months, to help with the upbringing of the children. In addition, several Chinese volunteers help the children, among which two are masseurs, who take pride in giving the orphans a massage to relieve their tensed muscles.
Martin noted:
“it’s great to see these children revived during and after a massage. It truly benefits them and they enjoy it too, judging from their laughter. And Chinese style massage isn’t exactly tender…however, that’s my opinion!”
The concert:
MCC chose to divide our volunteers in two groups because the orphanage is spread out over two apartments.
Group A consisted of Martin, Sherry, Mike, Tebow (singer), Ben (guitar) and Tebow’s parents.
Group B consisted of Daan (Martin’s father), Huub (Dutch volunteer based in China), Janienne (keyboard), Roger (Guitar), Bruce (percussion) and Amy.
The program was a little shorter than previous concerts, in order to adapt to the severe disabilities of these orphans. Upbeat dancing music was replaced with more calming and soothing lullabies.
In group A, none of the children was physically able to interact with the songs. Nonetheless, it was remarkable to witness the sudden end of cries from the children when the music started. The orphanage staff were deeply moved by the effect the music had on the children and applauded loudly at the end. Some of the children of group B were able to sing and dance along with the music. After the concert had ended, all volunteers played with the children and gave them warm underwear(!) as a gift to withstand the cold winters.
It was yet another successful day, and the volunteers of MCC were grateful for being able to bring smiles on the faces of the orphans and their caretakers.
Unfortunately, we cannot place the photographs of the concerts on this site until we are granted permission to do so by the orphanage. As soon as we have the permission, we will share the visible precious memories with you.
To all volunteers: once again thank you for your time and cooperation to make our dreams for China’s orphans come true!
Martin Hartman
