Elyn MacInnis

Elyn MacInnis was born in New York, but went to live in China in 1988 with her husband and two children.

What was it like? At that time the family lived in Nanjing, not too far from Shanghai. There was no heat in the homes, schools or offices, even when temperatures were below freezing. There was no hot water except what you boiled. There were no telephones, except at the gate to your work unit or residence area. No cars. Barely any taxis, except at the big hotels. There was a two hour nap period after lunch when even the bank closed. Her two daughters attended local schools, which were excellent.

So it wasn't easy in 1988 - what is it like now? A total transformation. Elyn and her family have watched the modernization and growth of China in this fascinating period. Now China is modernized, and you might think you were in any big city around the world. Think New York or Paris.

What does she do?

She writes books, and enjoys the creative process, making rose beads and felt creatures, as well as studying everything interesting about Chinese culture - crickets, Chinese gardens. Chinese writing and characters, Chinese stories, symbols, life, all things spiritual, cooking, and creative crafts. During her time in China she helped with the Golden Key program, which worked to mainstream blind children into their local schools in poverty areas, and worked to find creative and innovative ways to address special needs students at the Peng Cheng Special Education School in Xuzhou, China, helping the school become a center for neurofeedback (brainwave training) in the area. Although she retired, she is still at work as the Curator of the Life on the Mountain Museum in Kuliang, near Fuzhou City.