Easter - My Last Waiguoren Holiday in China

On Friday, all of the volunteers headed over to Brian and Lindsey's to celebrate Easter. I was excited about the get together, but for me it was bittersweet from the start, as I kept thinking that this would be the last holiday that I would celebrate with my Panzhihua family. The afternoon was a whirlwind of activities, insuring that good times would be had by all.

We rolled out, cut, then frosted cookies with pastels, creating edible artwork.

Lindsey and Brian cutting out the cookies.






After a yummy dinner we all dyed eggs, doing our best to be creative.


Nick, Brian, and Gregory show off their eggs.




Lindsey and I proudly display our eggs.


Meanwhile, back in Woodstock, Illinois, my parents and grandmother were having a special visitor of there own, adding excitement to their own holiday festivities. Chen Lan, otherwise known as Sara, worked for the Waiban (Foreign Affairs) when I first arrived in Panzhihua. During my first year we became great friends. Last fall she was excepted by Hanban to volunteer in America, and so has been teaching Chinese for almost a year now in a suburb of Denver. When Chen Lan first left, I reminded her to visit Chicago and that my parents would love to have her. A few months ago plans were finally put in order and before everyone new it, Chen Lan was with my family in America. Together my family and Chen Lan had adventures, experiencing Chicago and Easter.

Chen Lan and Dad in front of the "Bean" at Millennium Park in Chicago.


Grandma Meyer looking on while Chen Lan dyed eggs for the first time.


Sunday morning, everyone went to Grace for the Easter service. On Easter, a large cross (seen in the background) is filled with Easter lilies, the fragrance filling the narthex. Flowers seem to be everywhere and butterflies hang down from the ceiling, providing for a beautiful service on one of my most favorite holidays. I am so glad Chen Lan had the opportunity to be there with my family.


Back at home, everyone sat around the dining room table over the Easter feast made by Mom with help from Chen Lan. From left: Dad, cousin Tammy, Chen Lan, Grandma Meyer, and Mom.


When I spoke to Mom about Chen Lan's visit, she went on and on about Chen Lan, how she had felt like she had a daughter in her midst once again (of which I thought was completely wonderful), and how lucky I am to have her as a friend. We were both so amused over the fact that here I was in Panzhihua, volunteering in Chen Lan's home country, while she was in America volunteering. Talk about an amazing crossing of culture, friendship, traditions, and family.