Now I'm off to bake up some chocolate chip cookies before she returns home. You know it must be a special day! I haven't baked cookies since....uh...1998 or so.
The Big Day
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Now I'm off to bake up some chocolate chip cookies before she returns home. You know it must be a special day! I haven't baked cookies since....uh...1998 or so.
I say "dinner", you say "playtime".
Friday, March 20, 2009
I was at the grocery store this week and needed to pick up some rice for dinner. While I was perusing the endless varieties of flavored rice products, desperately searching out plain ol' brown rice, Marcus' sweet voice finally seeped through my bewilderment and into my awareness. He had been repeatedly asking "Can I play with it?". "Can I play with it?".
It took me a moment to figure "it" out and then it hit me: My boy will never view rice in the same way again.
"Oh, no, Marcus. You can't play with this... it's for dinner."
I'd love to know what thoughts ran through the mind of that unsuspecting shopper who shared the aisle with us.
Yes, living internationally has a profound and lasting effect on children.
It took me a moment to figure "it" out and then it hit me: My boy will never view rice in the same way again.
"Oh, no, Marcus. You can't play with this... it's for dinner."
I'd love to know what thoughts ran through the mind of that unsuspecting shopper who shared the aisle with us.
Yes, living internationally has a profound and lasting effect on children.
Alive. Barely.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
I can't believe it has been nearly 2 weeks since we've been back in the States. It feels like an eternity and already I have to ask myself "did we really go to China for 2 months, or was that just a dream?" It has been a tough 12 days and I, for one, am completely exhausted.
Right off the bat, we extended Lydia's 5th birthday with one more party. Or two. As it stands, 'five years old' will live in infamy as the longest celebration ever.
I'm still wrapping my mind around our China experience and trying to determine my Top 10 takeaways ... in time, I hope to verbalize it well.
For now, I really need to get to bed and get a GOOD night of sleep. It's 9:26, so I am officially 'pathetic'.
Right off the bat, we extended Lydia's 5th birthday with one more party. Or two. As it stands, 'five years old' will live in infamy as the longest celebration ever.
I'm still wrapping my mind around our China experience and trying to determine my Top 10 takeaways ... in time, I hope to verbalize it well.
For now, I really need to get to bed and get a GOOD night of sleep. It's 9:26, so I am officially 'pathetic'.
One Brave Chick
Thursday, February 26, 2009
I received a package this week from my MOPS group back home. They each took the time to write a note of encouragement and then an extra bonus was this SUPER cool shirt from the website www.onebravechick.com. The card inside read:"Welcome to the world of one brave chick..... You are receiving this bravery kit today because someone believes that you are one brave chick!"
Now, after going to the website and reading the stories of many truly brave chicks and their battles with cancer, illness or tragedy either for themselves or family members, I'm not sure I truly deserve the title "One Brave Chick". Although it DID take a complete surrendering of my will and heart and an extreme amount of courage for me to agree to follow my husband's job to China with our two small children.
In honor of my dear MOPS friends: Pam, Carol, Brooke, Tricia, Michele, Liz, Julie, Mandi, Sarah, and Anna.... Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be One Brave Chick's spokesperson in China. Here's to you!
Why the "V" symbol? The Chinese have a practice of compulsively doing this gesture EVERY single time they take a picture. We Americans are unsure of the reasoning behind it and find it quite perplexing, yet humorous. So, when in China..........
Day before the day before we leave
I decided to keep Lydia home from school today so that we could have a morning of special fun before we leave China. We met up with my friend, Chana, so we could hit the tucked away English book seller for some airplane entertainment for the kids.
After purchasing way too many sticker activity books, we headed to the big empty concrete laden communist-esque plaza near Chana's house because two random guys have set up a bouncy castle there. It was intriguing, because during our time there our kids were the only ones jumping. Several other Chinese mothers/grandmothers stopped by but they seemed to be more interested in observing (and taking photos) of our four little white kids jumping inside. They watched for several minutes, tried to force their children to take photos with our children, resorted to just taking photos of our kids and then left without letting their kids experience the joys of bouncing around on huge inflated objects. Odd.
"Doesn't that look like fun, Son? Well you aren't going inside...you just stand there and look while I take a few pictures of those little white kids bouncing around."
After lunch, I took Lydia to a little nail salon, where we both had manicures (Lydia's first), and Lydia also had her toes painted. Marcus patiently watched Cars on the portable DVD player and made goofy faces at girls working in the salon. The price was supposed to be 90RMB, but somehow ended up increasing to 120RMB by the time all was said and done. Still, $17 total isn't too bad for this:
After purchasing way too many sticker activity books, we headed to the big empty concrete laden communist-esque plaza near Chana's house because two random guys have set up a bouncy castle there. It was intriguing, because during our time there our kids were the only ones jumping. Several other Chinese mothers/grandmothers stopped by but they seemed to be more interested in observing (and taking photos) of our four little white kids jumping inside. They watched for several minutes, tried to force their children to take photos with our children, resorted to just taking photos of our kids and then left without letting their kids experience the joys of bouncing around on huge inflated objects. Odd.
"Doesn't that look like fun, Son? Well you aren't going inside...you just stand there and look while I take a few pictures of those little white kids bouncing around."After lunch, I took Lydia to a little nail salon, where we both had manicures (Lydia's first), and Lydia also had her toes painted. Marcus patiently watched Cars on the portable DVD player and made goofy faces at girls working in the salon. The price was supposed to be 90RMB, but somehow ended up increasing to 120RMB by the time all was said and done. Still, $17 total isn't too bad for this:
Countdown
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
We are down to our final days in China. We will fly out at noon on Saturday. I am surprised to admit that I have strangely mixed emotions.
On one hand I can not wait to get back to my "normal" life... Sleeping in my own bed sounds divine. Driving my own car will be incredibly freeing. Enjoying coffee with my dear friends will warm my heart. Both Brandon and I are salivating at the thought of a huge spinach salad with red wine vinegar and olive oil dressing. (As 'visitors' to China, it is safest for us to avoid raw vegetables and salads).
On the other hand, I have had the opportunity to meet some very lovely people. So many times I have been taken aback by the kindness and generosity of people that I have only know for a few weeks. There is something so unique about the international lifestyle... there is an instant connection point upon finding yourself in this overwhelming foreign life. As a result, people are much more willing to invite near strangers into their home for playdates. Friendships and english conversation are never taken for granted. We have been so blessed by:
Frankie, who has invited the kids and I over for several playdates. Her daughter, Pascale, even gave Lydia a birthday gift.
Kate, who lent us the beloved bike and has planned a dinner in my 'honor' tonight. Imagine, a farewell party for me and I've only been here 7 weeks! Her son, Josh, also remembered Lydia's birthday with a gift.
Katie and her husband David, who drove us to church our first Sunday here, invited us out for dinner afterwards and became dear friends very quickly. I only wish we had more time.
Jen, who lent us loads of toys and books, bought me coffee 'just because', met us for playdates when the days were rough, and helped me navigate the streets of Shenzhen on many occasions. Many 'bad days' were turned around with her help.
Chana, who let us borrow her spare coffee pot (AMEN!) as well as more books and puzzles... all this after only knowing her for a few hours.
We were never treated as if we weren't worthy of the time and effort to befriend because we would be here for such a short time. Instead, people cared for us and spent time with us as if we would be here for years. It has reminded me and prodded me to watch for needs in the people that surround me. And to actually ACT on those needs. Quickly. Not just when it's convenient for me.
And of course, there's Kenny. He loves the kids and told me on Monday how much he's going to miss them. Every day he goes home he tells his wife about Marcus and Lydia. I have not encountered another Chinese driver that speaks English as well as him. God truly intersected our paths that day on January 8th, 2009. Kenny came to church with us a couple of weeks ago. It was probably curiosity that brought him, but what an exciting first step! We will be praying for him. I have no doubt that our last ride with him on Friday will be a tearful one.
I am humbled to admit that some good has come from our time here. I came with a pretty poor attitude and grumbling all the way. But God has been with us each moment. Lydia absolutely loves her school. We have managed to stay healthy the entire time (a major source of fear for me before coming). To be sure, there have been a fair amount of difficult days, moments of crying and intense frustration. But we have encountered another culture, both the negatives and the positives, and will return to America changed because of it.
Oh, and 80 degrees and sunny ain't all that bad either. Lydia reminds me on a daily basis that she is not happy about exchanging that for snow boots and winter coats once again. I have to agree 100%.
On one hand I can not wait to get back to my "normal" life... Sleeping in my own bed sounds divine. Driving my own car will be incredibly freeing. Enjoying coffee with my dear friends will warm my heart. Both Brandon and I are salivating at the thought of a huge spinach salad with red wine vinegar and olive oil dressing. (As 'visitors' to China, it is safest for us to avoid raw vegetables and salads).
On the other hand, I have had the opportunity to meet some very lovely people. So many times I have been taken aback by the kindness and generosity of people that I have only know for a few weeks. There is something so unique about the international lifestyle... there is an instant connection point upon finding yourself in this overwhelming foreign life. As a result, people are much more willing to invite near strangers into their home for playdates. Friendships and english conversation are never taken for granted. We have been so blessed by:
Frankie, who has invited the kids and I over for several playdates. Her daughter, Pascale, even gave Lydia a birthday gift.
Kate, who lent us the beloved bike and has planned a dinner in my 'honor' tonight. Imagine, a farewell party for me and I've only been here 7 weeks! Her son, Josh, also remembered Lydia's birthday with a gift.
Katie and her husband David, who drove us to church our first Sunday here, invited us out for dinner afterwards and became dear friends very quickly. I only wish we had more time.
Jen, who lent us loads of toys and books, bought me coffee 'just because', met us for playdates when the days were rough, and helped me navigate the streets of Shenzhen on many occasions. Many 'bad days' were turned around with her help.
Chana, who let us borrow her spare coffee pot (AMEN!) as well as more books and puzzles... all this after only knowing her for a few hours.
We were never treated as if we weren't worthy of the time and effort to befriend because we would be here for such a short time. Instead, people cared for us and spent time with us as if we would be here for years. It has reminded me and prodded me to watch for needs in the people that surround me. And to actually ACT on those needs. Quickly. Not just when it's convenient for me.
And of course, there's Kenny. He loves the kids and told me on Monday how much he's going to miss them. Every day he goes home he tells his wife about Marcus and Lydia. I have not encountered another Chinese driver that speaks English as well as him. God truly intersected our paths that day on January 8th, 2009. Kenny came to church with us a couple of weeks ago. It was probably curiosity that brought him, but what an exciting first step! We will be praying for him. I have no doubt that our last ride with him on Friday will be a tearful one.
I am humbled to admit that some good has come from our time here. I came with a pretty poor attitude and grumbling all the way. But God has been with us each moment. Lydia absolutely loves her school. We have managed to stay healthy the entire time (a major source of fear for me before coming). To be sure, there have been a fair amount of difficult days, moments of crying and intense frustration. But we have encountered another culture, both the negatives and the positives, and will return to America changed because of it.
Oh, and 80 degrees and sunny ain't all that bad either. Lydia reminds me on a daily basis that she is not happy about exchanging that for snow boots and winter coats once again. I have to agree 100%.
