As I write this, firecrackers mixed with some louder BOOMS, have been going non-stop for about 15 minutes. It is just a warm-up for the REAL THING this Thursday! Of course, it could be new building or business opening up. It is common to get a flurry of firecrackers before auspicious openings. In the old Chinese Worldview, which is still alive and well in many parts, the noise of the firecrackers drives the demons away and clears the way for peaceful home and successful business.
Anyway, life is definitely in full swing mode! Colman had his first Boy Scout Campout combined with his first 10 mile hike. To say the least, he was 'Potato" on the couch yesterday afternoon! Elaine had a 3 day retreat with about 100 other woman at a Nearby Spa the previous weekend. More on this later! The weekend before we spent the day at the 'English Club' and then eating out. Good fun! Interspersed with all this was a flurry of meetings with some old friends.
Outside the Singaporean Box: Around 2005, we met Larry from Singapore. It was his first visit to the Homeland and he came seeking how he could move Yunnan. He traveled around and asked many questions. About a year later he returned with a friend of his. We got together and discussed how one could start business along with the advantages and disadvantages of doing this. Well, for about 2 years, I wondered where was Larry? I asked our mutual Singaporean and Malaysian friends and they told, "They were not certain, but they heard he was teaching at an International School in Shanghai." All of us, scratched our heads and thought, "Why Shanghai if he wanted to work in Yunnan? It does not make any sense!" It appeared he was abandoning ship!
Well, I had a good 3 hour chat with him last week and discovered how easily our judgements are wrong. Even himself admitted that the move to Shanghai was strange, but the International School position was the only one he could find and he and his wife had a strong complusion of "Go, do not delay prompting from a power larger than themselves." So, they went despite the zaniness of it all. Now, almost 2 years later, he has got an extremely interesting sevice to the poor in the Yunnan Mountains that is primarily supported and participated by young wealthy overseas Chinese living in Shanghai. They are building a community bathroom and a new school with other projects and scholarships on the horizon. It is a situation way beyond his wildest imagination. The move to Shanghai was 'way outside the box' for him. His family packed and left Singapore with no idea what would happen. They are simply following in the wake of One who is paving the way in front of them.
English Club Update: It is always interesting to participate in the English Club. There is always something new to learn about China, Yunnan and their perceptions of Westeners. For instance, I first heard about the 8 flavors of China, when I asked a Chinese friend what the meaning of a certain local restaraunt sign. He reply with, "This place offers the 8 flavors of China." Translation, a Diner with a large menu with all types of Chinese food with flavors from all over China. The spicey Hunan, Sichuan (Szechuan in the USA), the sweet and salty Southern, the hearty Northeast and on.
The most interesting discussions I had, however, were the 'Lost in Translation' stories that are universal. We often discuss our experiences traveling to foreign countries or even within our own and everything gets confused. One woman, who works for a Dutch Company has been to Holland on several occasions and shares her craving for Chinese Food after 3 days of Cheese and Bread only to get bad version of Chinese. She said, "It was terrible and tasty at the same time!" Another woman went to Australia dressed to the hilt to impress her hosts but ended up walking for 2 hours because she could not find a taxi. She also had a craving for authentic Chinese food, so she and her colleagues, whom she finally met up with, would catch wild rabbits and make a stew! On and on we would go! See, culture shocks are for everyone, especially when it comes to food!
Spa Time: Well. it was at a Spa that I was able to go to a woman's retreat with over 100 women from around the nearby provinces. I knew about 20 and got to know several others along with most of the speakers and helpers from Arkansas. I haven't been to do anything like this in all the time I have been in China. I really had no expectations of what was going to happen. What did happen was very thought provoking and encouraging. The women were from all over the world and varied in ages from teens to 70's. Backgrounds were varied as well, but we all felt unified in the Lord. I found the time relaxing and came back very positive and peaceful. I was able to reknew some old friendships, and deepen others. I am looking forward to going again the next time there is one.
Mid-Autumn (Mooncake) Festival: Aside from the big 60th National Day Celebration, there is also the Mid-autumn festival. It falls on the full moon on October 3rd. It is more appropriately called the 'Mooncake' Festival for it is a time to celebrate one of China's oldest traditions. It is over 3,000 years old. If you want to know more about this the following site is very helpful http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-Autumn_Festival
As for us here, we stay away from eating the Mooncakes, on account they are not very tasty, although we did join with our friends at the Chinese Language School for a meal and play.
1. Go to www.orderpopcorn.com
2. Enter my order key TEWJH7C
3. You should then see Coleman C. I know it is spelled incorrectly, but most people think of Coleman Stoves and not Colman Mustard!!
4. Start Shopping!
Thanks for thinking of us!
Doug, Elaine, Clara and Colman Culver
