Can we work together? Can I fit anymore responsibilities on my plate?
Stay tuned.........
I picked up my mom yesterday because we'll all be attending a Bon Voyage party for my nephew, who has accepted a job transfer. In two week he'll be taking his wife and two children on a trip to their new home in Zhengzhou, China.
CHINA....for two years!
It's really difficult for this baby boomer to wrap her mind around such a thing. I remember my grandmother commenting on the changes she'd seen in her lifetime, but I never imagined to find myself in the same position.
The thought of even traveling to China was unheard of when I was growing up. It was a totally closed and communistic society. Any travel outside the U.S. borders was so expensive only the rich could afford the luxury. The Caribbean was the playground of the rich and famous. Maureen O'Hara had a place in St. Croix with guests such as John Wayne.
We never in a thousand years believed we'd be sitting on a beach in Belize (British Honduras in our childhood geography books) or climbing Mayan temples in the Yucatan. Just the thought of going on one of these adventures was enough to keep me working for years!
My nephew and his family will have some exciting adventures but they will also face some huge difficulties. Culture shock is very real and can be very hard on a person. All your familiar landmarks have been ripped away. You find yourself longing for the silliest things like Velveeta cheese and Peter Pan peanut butter.
It's just not home.
My hope is that their experience will weigh heavily on the positive side. My hope is that we find a windfall that would allow us to visit them. It's highly unlikely, but you know me, I love to dream!
12 comments:
Wow. Living in China for two years sounds like the experience of a lifetime. Although, I do think it will be difficult. Good luck to you and the farmer and your business adventures!
WOW China! its the same feeling I get about USSR... LOL I wish the best the your nephew - there is a place up here that is always looking for good people... Huntsinger farms ring a bell? Silver Springs mustard - they are right in Eau Claire... :) Just a thought that maybe the farmer could 'network' with them somehow.. Wish you were coming to visit tommorow...gonna miss you. :)
Suzanne,
I hope you get to visit too. My 16 year old son has just returned home from China. He was part of an exchange program in his high school that is promoting a "China Partnership" with regards to technology. He was there for 8 weeks and he loved every part of it. He wasn't too fond of their food, but I wanted to let you know that they do have Peanut Pan peanut butter and Velveeta Shells and cheese! He was able to eat as much American food as he eats here. It was definitely a culture shock for him but it was all good. I am sure you brother and his family will be fine. I am not saying that I didn't worry some, but it all turned out well. If you do get the opportunity to visit you should go. Another thing...my son is tall with blond hair and blue eyes something that is not seen often in China. He was treated like a celebrity everywhere he went posing for pictures and signing autographs. He told me he knew exactly how Ben Afflac must feel!
I wish them good luck on this endeavor. I have fixed feelings about China, since I was born in Cuba (another Communist country). I'm fascinated by their temples and old ways, but then I think of Tienanmen Square and I can feel a chill going through my body. Still, I saw Samantha Brown's trip to China on the Travel Channel and I loved it all...the temples, the Pandas, the make up and colorful clothing. Of course, she didn't stay for two years...lol Maybe they'll love it.
Suzanne, the young adults in our lives can handle anything. When the Trout and I had been married only a year, Uncle Sam sent us to Germany for a year. It was during the Vietnam War and we lucked out. I had never imagined such excitement was possible in our lives. Your nephew will miss the ordinary "American" things such as we did. But the experience--it will live with them forever.
My grandson & family moved to Seoul,S Korea 2 years ago and it has been a real learning experience for their children. What did they miss the most at first? Macaroni & Cheese so their aunt sent them boxes for Christmas. It is a lifetime experience for the children, one this old lady can't imagine. They do come home for the summer. They will move to a new country next year. You will miss them as I do. Be happy for this experience for them.
What an amazing experience that will be. And somehow I just think you may be blogging one day about your China visit. Two years will go by in a flash.
Best wishes with the new business. I think you wear all hats well, but if you take your own excellent advice you'll do fine.
all the kids in our family hop around the world like we traveled the state. the farmer is so lucky to have you for a partner...i think you can do anything! maybe something needs to get kicked off that plate? take care of yourself, whatever that means.....
bv
You are right, the world has changed a lot. This sounds like the opportunity of a lifetime. Best wishes to their family.
Best wishes to you and your husband as you wade through new territory.
Becky K.
My husband grew up in China, not as a native, but his parents moved there to teach at the American School in Hong Kong when he was 11 years old. He graduated from high school there and has lots of great memories and had wonderful experiences. The local grocery store had several familiar 'American' foods (like peanut butter & velveeta) that catered to the Western community in the neighborhood. I'm sure that they'll treasure the experience...and send away for any luxuries from home that can't be found overseas. FedEx delivers everywhere!
Change happens, for sure. Start pinching pennies now to travel to China...you can't miss this. C
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