I feel your pain...

Sometimes I forget how much pain and loss is associated with being a TCK, and that pain is often found in the least expected places.  Just this morning, I was thinking about what people have played pivotal roles in my life, and I was reminded of many faces that are very dear to me.  One that popped into my head was our house-helper when I was a little girl in Rwanda.  She truly loved me, and I loved her.  There is a picture (that I have lost and wish I could hold and gaze at just now) of her holding me on her back when I was 3 or 4, wrapped in a blanket and holding her close.  She would take me to her house some days and let me just enjoy being a little white Rwandan girl.  I still can remember sitting on a plastic stool eating candy and just laughing with her.  Such good memories.

I just happened upon one of the middle school girls that I’ve gotten to know here, sitting by herself and looking rather sad at lunch time.  I took a seat and asked her what is up…and it turns out that her helper is moving away.  (When I say helper here, I'm referring to the person that works in a person's house, often in the capacity of a cook or cleaner.) She is heartbroken, and all of a sudden I’m a little girl again, feeling that same immense sense of loss.  It’s a problem I would never be able to identify with if I didn’t have the same experiences in my life.  She’s just a person who works in her house, right?  Wrong.  She is a member of their family.

I’m so thankful for memories and experiences, although looking back on them can be painful and heartbreaking.  ‘Tis better to have loved and lost, right?  Maybe true, but it doesn't always feel that way...

Location: Chengdu, China

Local Time (CST -- GMT+8): 12:24 p.m. (11/1/2012)

Auburn Time (PST -- GMT-7): 9:24 a.m. (10/31/2012)

Seasons

Some day, I would like to live in a place long enough to understand the weather.  As I adjust to my first year in Chengdu, I am experiencing new seasons in a new place with new signs that the next wave of weather is coming.  It has been getting colder lately, so I was beginning to think that it was time to put away the warm-weather attire and break out the scarves and hats.  As soon as I do that, of course, it’s warm again and I’m boiling in my comfy clothes.  The name of the game really is layers, isn’t it?

As I was thinking about understanding the weather of a location, all the while riding my scooter home from school, I realized that I have never known a place well enough or long enough to feel and predict the weather change consistently.  My parents, who have now been living in Ethiopia for over a decade, know the signs.  Sure, there might be years that are a bit quirky and semi-unpredictable, but at the end of the day you know what season you are in.

All I know is that summer is over.  It’s no longer sticky hot (thank the Lord!) and I am comfortable outside in more than shorts and a T-shirt.  But it isn’t fall…not really.  I don’t need boots and a sweater to be okay. . .most days.  But then there are those days where it might be winter.  *sigh*  Oh well, might as well enjoy whatever season this is :)

Oh the joys of being a global nomad.

Location: Chengdu, China

Local Time (CST -- GMT+8): 4:43 p.m. (10/30/2012)

Auburn Time (PST -- GMT-7): 1:43 a.m. (10/30/2012)

I'm not dead, I promise!

When I moved to Chengdu, I really did have good intentions about blogging...I promise.  However, it seems that it falls quickly down the totem pole of importance as the days and month go on.  It's been a good month, filled with vacations, grading, eating lots and lots of rice and noodles, and getting to know my city more and more.  First quarter is now done at school, so it's nice to be at that point of knowing my students that we can be comfortable and truly enjoy the learning process.

Once again, rather than talking about what has gone on since the last time I wrote, I shall give you a picture journey :)

 The building that will be our school next year.

 I am a huge fan of how Starbucks looks in some parts of Chengdu

 The plastic to help the grass grow looks a little like snow :)

It's scooter riding time!

 Lanterns at an abandoned building.

 

Time for some traditional Chengdu hot pot.

  

Pig brain time!

  

Cow stomach? Don't mind if we do!

The typical pose for my roommate and I

Chestnuts roasting in an open wok...

 

 My scooter died on the way home one night, so I rode with it in the back of a moto-cab.

Dancing Pandas

They may or may not freak me out just a bit! :)

Location: Chengdu, China

Local Time (CST -- GMT+8): 8:21 p.m. (10/23/2012)

Auburn Time (PST -- GMT-7): 5:21 a.m. (10/23/2012)

Vacation :)

We've been on a break from school this week for the Mid-Autumn Festival, so life has been full of sleeping in, mooncakes, and exploring Chengdu.  I'll write more and post some pictures a little later.  I did just send out my September newsletter, though, so if you'd like to receive that, just comment on this post with your email address.

Happy October!

Location: Chengdu, China

Local Time (CST -- GMT+8): 2:39 p.m. (10/6/2012)

Auburn Time (PST -- GMT-7): 11:39 p.m. (10/5/2012)