Top to bottom: Factory scene; The finished product; Shen Nong statue at museum garden; Tracey finding balance with ying and yang.
Thursday was an early start for all of us because we were going to the mainland by car. This gave us a different perspective on our surroundings in many ways. Our first stop was to a factory owned by my host family, Wanda and Wilson Lam. Wanda's father began working in the electroplating factory as a young man. What I have previously considered the "American dream" of achieving great success through hard work and determination, her father worked his way up in the business from worker to owner. After Wanda and Wilson were married, both of them joined the family business. It has changed a great deal over the years from manufacturing parts for electronic devices, to costume jewelry, and now primarily making the metal components for compacts, make-up cases, perfume bottles, etc. Looking at the variety of products this company has produced, you may start to think of 5th Avenue in Manhattan- Dior, Chanel, and YSL to name just a few. They are now working on a product for Taylor Swift's upcoming fragrance. What was even more amazing was the process it took to make these deceptively simple objects. Over 700 people work for the factory in various departments. There is a lot of effort, time, and attention to detail that goes into making the final product.
We next visited a Chinese medicine pharmaceutical factory. Thanks to the skillful translation provided by Kenneth Wong, we were able to have a thought-provoking dialogue with the staff there. The manufacturing and capitalization of ancient Chinese traditions is an interesting concept to consider. The factory has also built an outdoor garden museum honoring the heritage of Chinese medicine from it's legendary founders to present day.
Our evening was spent supporting a fellowship of Rotarians in Guangzhou trying to continue their devotion to service in China. While not officially recognized by the Chinese government, this club is allowed to meet and even make fundraising contributions to the community. They are currently unable to form any new clubs. Members are comprised of former residents of Hong Kong who have brought their commitment to Rotary with them to this growing city. One of the highlights of the evening was hearing from a young college student who went the the RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) program in Hong Kong with his English teacher. Enrico spoke of how he felt hesitant to interact with the other members, especially as he was the first representative from Guangzhou. Over the course of the program, he developed confidence, leadership skills, and friendships. His speech was eloquent, a great credit to his enthusiastic teacher, Tina. To learn more about RYLA, please see the link below.
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