festivities

BIRTHDAY--

birthdays are always awesome, but my birthday in beijing was even better! first off, kelly, will and my chinese work friends surprised me with cheese and bread at work, delicious. kelly got me my first (but definitely no where close to last) chenglish t-shirt. then that night we all went to dinner for mexican, and what i loved was having all of my friend groups together. after dinner some of us went to see harry potter, and i mean, enough said since i've been counting down the days since i saw the 6th movie. then the next day my school had a party for all of the november birthdays - nothing like cake, soda and beef flavored chips to celebrate. and to top it off - the gem of a gift, white fuzzy earmuffs. i also got a really pretty scarf from my friend marissa and an awesome chinese tea cup from my friend ellie, which makes it about time i learn how to use it.

THANKSGIVING--

i was a little nervous to spend an american holiday in beijing and be away from my family for the first time ever. but man, what a great time, and a chance to really develop my family in china. my friend marissa had a potluck, with what must have been at least 60 dishes. i stuffed myself to beyond uncomfortable. i only knew about seven people there, but those people are amazing people that i'm so thankful for, AND i got to meet some new awesome people, as well. then on friday my small group had thanksgiving together, in which yes, i stuffed myself to a disgusting level again. some of the asian pepole that came had a very silly idea of what thanksgiving food was, like this big large fruit, bigger than a cantelope, that i can't pronounce. but it was so amazing to hang out with them. then saturday i went back to the place from thursday and hung out with leftovers. thanksgiving marathon, yes please? and then tonight, i of course ate leftovers that i willingly brought home.

MORAL OF THE STORY--

holidays in beijing are amazing. my theory? well, back home on a holiday you know you are supposed to be thankful for your friends and family, but it's really easy to overlook how much you have when you are comfortable - when you have everyone around you that loves you, and the number is plentiful. i felt so blessed during these holidays because think about it...i'm half way across the world in an amazing city, with amazing friends and an amazing life. Little things such as receiving Facebook messages saying happy birthday or sitting down for turkey leftovers mean a WHOLE LOT more over here, because when you're thrown into a fire of unfamiliarity love, family and tradition become so valuable. i'm so thankful that God is continuing to provide me with people and opportunities that make this place "just like home."