Thursday, April 2, 2009
Our Chinese Banquet
As a tradition, the MAPS guide organizes and treats the adopting families to a banquet. Last night Aina took us to dinner at a local Chinese restaurant. John, Beth, Lily, Andy, Natalie, and I walked the short distance with Aina in the lead - as usual. Aina is about 70 years old and can speed walk like you've never seen! She's quite a character.
Aina pre-ordered our meals to avoid a long wait with babies. She ordered us Sweet and Sour Chicken, rice noodles, broccoli (Andy's favorite!), pork, beef, and bean curd with shrimp. Everything was delicious...well, maybe not the last item. Andy tried everything! Aina was sure to order menu items that did not have peanuts or that was made with peanut oil. We had a nice meal and good conversation. We all gave our gifts to a very gracious Aina at the end of our dinner. Unfortunately we did not get a photo! The babies were well past their bed times and it was like wresting aligators trying to get them to sit at the table any longer.
Aina stayed behind to take care of the bill and while we made our way back we were discussing how interesting Aina is. She is our best advocate here in China. We never worried that our paperwork was correct if we followed her instructions, and we never worried about anyone taking we Americans for granted while in her company. It is also important to understand that the Chinese culture is very different than ours. We could easily offend an official without intending to do so. She has so many stories to tell, and has lived a lot in her life. She spent time in Africa for the AIDS missions, she spent time in the U.S. as a diplomat, and I could go on and on. She mentioned last night that her husband wants her to retire. She says she's not ready just yet, but maybe soon. Our trip has been a hard one for her. Due to circumstances beyond her control, she will be here an additional week with another family. She will miss Memorial Day, which is hard for her as it is a time to honor her parents. However; she always is willing to go the extra mile for you. Even last night, she offered to take us to the Botanical Gardens because we asked about it - never intending to visit - just curious. You may be taken back by her demeanor, but know that you are getting an honest and direct answer and the best help around. No beating around the bush!
Andy with Aina in Guangzhou
Memories of Aina:
'Feed your babies!' - As we are sitting in the Civil Registration office, having only met our children 10 minutes prior, and do not have anything to feed them except BANANAS!
'What's Up?' - Aina trying to understand a situation.
'Why not?' - A 'yes' response.
'Of Course!' - How could we even consider asking?
'You don't listen' - Her frustration at our lack of cooperation in regard to dressing the babies in multiple layers of clothing.
'You have chocolate for the baby?' - While riding back from the orphanage with a fussy (11 month old) Natalie.
'Too much cheese, you want Italian, you go to Italy' - Andy mentioned the local Italian restaurant for our banquet and he was met with this response.
'You have a lovely daughter and son-in-law' - when speaking on Skype to my mom! She dropped by our room to drop off papers and I was online. She came over and introduced herself. Very cute.
At times it has been difficult to take I admit. But I will fondly remember Aina, gruffness and all, and the role she played in making our family of 5 complete. Alicia
Aina pre-ordered our meals to avoid a long wait with babies. She ordered us Sweet and Sour Chicken, rice noodles, broccoli (Andy's favorite!), pork, beef, and bean curd with shrimp. Everything was delicious...well, maybe not the last item. Andy tried everything! Aina was sure to order menu items that did not have peanuts or that was made with peanut oil. We had a nice meal and good conversation. We all gave our gifts to a very gracious Aina at the end of our dinner. Unfortunately we did not get a photo! The babies were well past their bed times and it was like wresting aligators trying to get them to sit at the table any longer.
Aina stayed behind to take care of the bill and while we made our way back we were discussing how interesting Aina is. She is our best advocate here in China. We never worried that our paperwork was correct if we followed her instructions, and we never worried about anyone taking we Americans for granted while in her company. It is also important to understand that the Chinese culture is very different than ours. We could easily offend an official without intending to do so. She has so many stories to tell, and has lived a lot in her life. She spent time in Africa for the AIDS missions, she spent time in the U.S. as a diplomat, and I could go on and on. She mentioned last night that her husband wants her to retire. She says she's not ready just yet, but maybe soon. Our trip has been a hard one for her. Due to circumstances beyond her control, she will be here an additional week with another family. She will miss Memorial Day, which is hard for her as it is a time to honor her parents. However; she always is willing to go the extra mile for you. Even last night, she offered to take us to the Botanical Gardens because we asked about it - never intending to visit - just curious. You may be taken back by her demeanor, but know that you are getting an honest and direct answer and the best help around. No beating around the bush!
Andy with Aina in Guangzhou
Memories of Aina:
'Feed your babies!' - As we are sitting in the Civil Registration office, having only met our children 10 minutes prior, and do not have anything to feed them except BANANAS!
'What's Up?' - Aina trying to understand a situation.
'Why not?' - A 'yes' response.
'Of Course!' - How could we even consider asking?
'You don't listen' - Her frustration at our lack of cooperation in regard to dressing the babies in multiple layers of clothing.
'You have chocolate for the baby?' - While riding back from the orphanage with a fussy (11 month old) Natalie.
'Too much cheese, you want Italian, you go to Italy' - Andy mentioned the local Italian restaurant for our banquet and he was met with this response.
'You have a lovely daughter and son-in-law' - when speaking on Skype to my mom! She dropped by our room to drop off papers and I was online. She came over and introduced herself. Very cute.
At times it has been difficult to take I admit. But I will fondly remember Aina, gruffness and all, and the role she played in making our family of 5 complete. Alicia
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 comments:
Post a Comment