Bu Leng!

That means “not cold!”  It’s Monica’s turn to share tonight.  Yesterday the weather in Guangzhou was perfect.  It was about 70 degrees and sunny.  Hot, in the sun, in fact.  Anna wore a short-sleeved shirt, leggings, and a cardigan (which she chose not to wear most of the day).   I wore a dress with sleeves that rolled up.  Today, I wore short-sleeves and shorts.  Why do I go into detail?  Because it’s necessary to set the stage for the age-old conflict we Americans have with traditional Chinese.  If it’s January, you should be wearing at least 3 layers top and bottom.  The weather outside?  Doesn’t matter at all.  Child sweating and unable to move from so much clothing?  Doesn’t matter.  Don't buck the system, ever.  Otherwise, you will be criticized by every Chinese female over the age of 40. 

Yesterday we saw a little girl about 6 years old watching Anna running around in her t-shirt.  She begged her mom to take off her coat.  “Mom, I’m hot!!”  Mother, “DON’T TAKE IT OFF OR YOU WILL SURELY DIE!!!!”  Slight emphasis added but her tone expressed that sentiment.

Last night at dinner, our waitress kept saying that Anna must be cold.  Repeatedly.  Having heard enough, I rolled up my sleeves and yelled, “I’m not afraid of the cold!!!!!”  I’m ready to go home where generally, people mind their own business.  And stay out of the advising strangers on fashion business.

Pray with us that the consulate can process Lydia’s visa tomorrow so that we can fly out together on Saturday. 

And don’t tell me what to wear.  Or what my kids should wear.  Or else you might see a side of me you did nor expect.

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