In addition, she has journeyed to Rwanda to work with grief and trauma survivors of genocidal atrocities in that country. Halverson had quite a harrowing experience herself, when she was nearly caught in a rebel ambush. That vehicle ended up being a target of gunfire. Even though we had been careful to take every possible precaution, it was very dangerous. As a health professional in a foreign country, Halverson was forced to work under sometimes unusual circumstances.
Women keep their faces covered with a traditional mask and veil even when they are in labor.
After the baby is born, the family moves right into the mother's room at the hospital. To appear less conspicuous, Halverson also wore traditional clothing, but did not wear a mask. She said her blond hair and blue eyes raised some eyebrows when she accompanied her husband to the market. Health care facilities were often less than adequate, Halverson noted. China has many different levels of care, with the best hospitals being in the city.