Bittersweet but Worthwhile

With a group of outstanding and selfless staff, Christian Action has served the people of Qinghai for over 20 years. One of our long-serving social workers is Xiujun. She first learned about CA when she was a Social Work major at Qinghai University. After graduating in 2008, she moved to Qinghai Tibetan plateau to join Huangnan Children’s Home. She said, “I just assumed there would be language barriers, but also found differences in cultural customs.” 

Xiujun (left) feeding disabled children.

Xiujun’s aim is to improve herself to better serve others. “There are many challenges in life, and I am not well-informed enough to make the right decisions, but I am willing to learn to know what is best.”  Xiujun learned to work with our Qinghai colleagues. In 2015, she became the manager of medical cases. She assumed more responsibilities in 2020, in order to facilitate bridge programmes, rehabilitation centres, and professional training. 

Her biggest challenge was Lala’s spinal surgery.  Xiujun said, “At that time, I was over 7 months pregnant. I was physically and mentally exhausted because I had to run back and forth between the hospital and the office.” Normally, patients only attend one pre-operative assessment, but the complexity of Lala’s surgery involved different medical departments and multiple sessions. “When the meetings concluded, we were all silent as the reality dawned on us. Doubts began to surface as we silently wondered if the surgery would help Lala,  and if we should go ahead at all.” After discussion with Lala’s parents, a unanimous decision was reached to proceed with the operation. Xiujun studied Lala’s condition to help her make sound decisions and understand the risks. It was only when Lala gradually stabilized in recovery that Xiujun began to relax. 

 She now describes her work as “bittersweet”. Despite the hardships she encounters at work, Xiujun is devoted to serve those in need. After she was honoured as Qinghai’s most outstanding social worker, Xiujun continues to set an example for her fellow social workers. She wants them to learn to push through adversity. I am truly grateful for such a brave and responsible colleague like Xiujun. Please join us, and support our $10,000 Reasons donation campaign!