Covid-19 has changed all of us. It's changed our family, our country, and really, our world. No matter where you land on the political spectrum, no matter your philosophy on masks, on healthcare, government, or science---you've been impacted. At least we are all united by that. I think most of us are also united by the fact that we aren't quite living up to our Quarantine Goals. Feels strange to type that phrase----that there could even be goals around a quarantine, but admit it---you had … [Read more...] about Love in the time of Covid
It’s Been a Year….
It's been a year since we moved to the good 'ol USA. There have been hard times and adjustments but I am extremely grateful for all the learning that has occurred. In our family scripture study this morning, we discussed how we grow from our trials, and sometimes we are even....grateful...for the pain we've gone through. With a choice to focus on the positive, I'll share a few things that stand out in the "win" column this year, our first year in the USA. I survived moving the kids and I to … [Read more...] about It’s Been a Year….
The 9th Chinese-Western Couple…..
Okay, we weren't the 9th Chinese-Western couple in the history of the world, but we were the 9th to apply for a marriage certificate in the province of Hubei, China. The obstacles still seem insurmountable when I look back on it, but the fact is, we did manage to get our marriage certificate and actually became husband and wife back in 2002. We celebrated, fittingly, with soup. This wasn't "the" soup---but it was special soup nonetheless. We had almost no money to our name, but we were … [Read more...] about The 9th Chinese-Western Couple…..
Sweet and Bitter Childhood Home
I suppose it's not a spoiler to say that the book leaves off where the rest of our lives begin. Yes, we go to America. At one point, we decide to go back to China. More on that much, much later. But you have to know WHY we went back and this picture is part of it. This is William's childhood home. Yes, when he lived in it, all the walls were there and it wasn't falling apart, but every Chinese New Year visit during those early years when our kids were young, this is what Baba's childhood … [Read more...] about Sweet and Bitter Childhood Home
Planning the Wedding—an excerpt
An excerpt from How Sweet the Bitter Soup by Lori Qian William’s family knew we were broke and that this was the main reason we were putting off the wedding. One day after lunch at Shi Mo’s house, his parents, aunts, and uncles gathered around us and asked if we would consider getting married during Spring Festival if they would help with the cost. We were completely shocked! First of all, there were only two weeks left in Spring Festival. That would mean planning a wedding … [Read more...] about Planning the Wedding—an excerpt
Eight Months in the USA Already
Hard to believe it's been 8 months already. From a city of 15 million, to a city of 15 thousand---we have made this our home. Alpine is a wonderful place and we are enjoying the new life here with all that Utah has to offer. My sweet kids have impressed me so much with their open-mindedness and willingness to try new things, make new friends, and embrace the opportunities here. They are working hard at school, they love our church and neighborhood community, and they've all made friends at … [Read more...] about Eight Months in the USA Already