Some days I get caught up in the differences between China and the United States. The US is home and I am use to it. So, even after 6 months here are days where I feel like I am not use to the dirtiness, the smells, the manners (or lack thereof), the food. Those are the hard days. The days when I start to wonder, Why China? Why now? Why did I push so hard to get here?
But, on days like this one – the Eve of Spring Festival, I am so happy to be here. All of the dirtiness and confusion and frustrations melt away. To be in China for Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year as most Americans call it, was an amazing experience. It is as important if not more important than Christmas is to most Americans. For a lot of families, it is the only time they are all together for the entire year. For some mothers and fathers, it is the only time they will see their children for the entire year. The only time. Every other minute of the year is spent working just to get by. My frustrations and hardships pale in comparison. And it makes me remember when I am here.
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This photo and post is courtesy of Jennifer Noveck. She is currently on a Fulbright grant doing research in China about how development is affecting women's work and lives.
If you are looking for Mrs. Chicky you can find her at myblog today.
For more information on the monthly Blog Exchange go here.
10 comments:
Happy Spring...
And I hope to read more of your adventures in China...
I thought "Mrs. Chicky is in China? For six months? How did I miss this?" And then I got to the Blog Exchange info. Heh. I'm slow. *lol*
During the year of the Rooster (my sign) I did the whole ceremony (well, a pretty Americanized version of it)...
There are so many rules to follow that I eventually gave up. When then mean "New Year" they really mean it!
Best of luck in China!
How cool is that.
At first Chicky, I thought YOU were in China and I was all, "When did she move? Did she not tell us?"
But now I understand. The festival sounds so exciting. So happy Jennifer, that you can be there.
I'm excited to follow along with your adventure!
A blog exchange -- what a fantastic idea. Lovely picture and post.
That was wonderful.
Enjoy your time there...What an experience....
I enjoyed the read, though I was totally confused. Had I been gone that long?
Jenn, congratulations on being choosen a "best of" in the blog exchange. An honor well deserved.
Thank you for the comments, if the post was initially confusing to everyone!
And thanks to my punctual and gracious blog exchange hostess.
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