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Mu visits primary school kids.
by Song Shiliang
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American citizen Eunice Moe Brock, 89, today lives happily in a village in ShandongProvince. Seven years ago, she sold all her property in the US and came to settle in the rural area. "I love China and the Chinese people and I'd like to stay here for the rest of my life".
Enduring Affection
In 1917, Eunice Moe Brock was born in Beidaihe of Hebei Province, and until the age of 13 years she lived in Liaocheng of Shangdong Province. Her Chinese name, Mu Lin'ai, was given to her by her father who was once a missionary in China. In 1930, by ship Mu Lin'ai returned to America with her parents. "At that time, I promised myself that I would again return to China."
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Mu often exercises and travels by tricycle. by Song Shiliang
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Mu obtained her undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing from VanderbiltUniversity and the University of Colorado. After graduation, Mu engaged in nursing education and became the director of nursing education at the Children's Hospital in Denver, Colorado. However, her deep attachment to China always drew her attention back to the nation. "My experience in China, especially the kindness of the Chinese people, influenced me throughout my life. I always looked forward to returning," says Mu.
"It was not until 1992, when I was 75, that I had the chance to return to Liaocheng with my husband. Most of my childhood playmates had passed away, including my best friend. But I was warmly welcomed by her children." In 1998, after her husband Edwin passed away, Mu decided it was time to return to China.She sold her forty-acres of land, house, car and other properties and, with the blessing of her children, she returned to China in September of 1999. In November after a home was made ready for her she moved to Liumiao Village of Liaocheng. After more than 50 years, her dream of returning to China finally came true.
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During the Christmas holiday, Mu leads a donkey cart full of gifts for the school kids. by Song Shiliang
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Welcome Back
Mu's arrival created a stir in the quiet village, and still villagers and children often drop in for a visit. Mu welcomes them into her house and speaks in her returning Chinese "My home is yours. Whenever you want, you can come to play," she says. Mu bought some toys and English books for them. She also plays badminton and reads cartoons with the kids, and builds toy blocks with English words to teach them the language.
"I always had a dream of setting up a HopePrimary School to help the poorer children who are unable to go to school," says Mu. When she learned there were no computers in the local primary school, she devoted $30,000 to buy computers. And at Christmas she never forgets to prepare presents for the kids. "I love kids so I often go to school to visit them. After school, they will come to my house to play," Mu continues. "Madam Mu is so kind that all the children regard her as their own nana. If on occasion she misses a visit, the kids miss her very much."
In 2001, Mu bought glasses for more than 130 senior villagers and later sent five aged people suffering from cataracts to have operations. In Chongyang Festival (a festival for senior citizens in China), the village had new suits made for 78 elders above 70 years of age, one of which she proudly wears on special occasions. In LiumiaoVillage, almost everyone has received her blessing in some form. Certainly, she has won the respect and love of the villagers.
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The villagers celebrate Mu's 89th birthday. by Song Shiliang
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Due to her educational background, she holds the position of Honorary President of Liaocheng International Peace Hospital. She not only contributed medical appliances but invited foreign experts to deliver lectures. Every weekend, it takes her more than one hour to go to the urban district of Liaocheng by bus to help people learn English in a discussion group and host the "English Corner" at LiaochengUniversity, which has earned her many fans. No matter the weather conditions, Mu is never absent. "Even if there is only one person present for the discussion group I will be there," she remarks.
At the advanced age of 89, Mu is even busier than the young. With rich knowledge and broad interests, she makes many resolutions every year. "I plan to introduce a treatment apparatus from the US to help the students overcome their stress and nervousness during exams. She also plans to build a library for the farmers of adjacent villages."
In August 2006, conferred with the title "Philanthropy Ambassador of China" by the China Charity Federation at the Great Hall of the People, Mu's philanthropic acts are recognized by all walks of life. In January of 2007 she was named as one of "The Top Ten People Who Moved Shandong in 2006." She says, "I am very glad to receive honors in China ... it all has been really beyond my expectations."
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At her 89th birthday, Mu and a Chinese grandma embrace. by Song Shiliang
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Versatile Nana
Mu seems as full of energy as a young woman. In her courtyard, she painted murals and designed fountains on the rockwork as well as a tiny waterfall. For months, Mu rode a tricycle to carry materials as a part of her effort to convert a deserted field into a luxuriant garden, a popular spot where the villagers often take photos. "I had the wall built, but set up the greenhouse myself. I like doing things by myself. I can use electric drill, saw, plane and a lot of other tools." "Her work is gorgeous," even a local carpenter admits.
Mu loves reading books, especially scientific and philosophic books. Magazines concerning the development of China, like China Pictorial, are also among her favorites. Good at writing lyrics, Mu wrote poems for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in her leisure time. In all, nana Mu is living a satisfied and substantial life. "What I want most now is the'green card' of China. I'd like to stay in Liumiao and China the rest of my life. Here I feel happy."
