In Review: 2011

2011 has been filled with good memories. Many unexpected, good things. To catch-up, the fall has been filled with some nice adventures.

Mongolia trekking:

Trains, where learned about Mongolian card games, awkwardly made friends, and had some really great sleeps.

Mongolian ladies stylin'

In the Mongolia-Russian border town, this is the market corner where we waited for a bus...

Your standard, "I lived in a Mongolian ger!" picture

Muron, Mongolia

Khoisgvol Lake, gorgeous night sky follows

Led by Baya, our fearless leader

Get off at a random train stop in the Gobi at 2 AM? Join a Mongolian pilgrimage  at 5 AM.

The camels are coming!

A 60 year old camel herder, my hero.

Jackson Hole:

I finally got connected with my American roots and went to Jackson Hole to get my inner cowgirl on. Howdy! Or more like, 你 号dy 马

I joined a friend on a research assignment to Jackson Hole...in Hebei, China. For more insight, check her article out!

Jiangxi, Round II

I went back to Jiangxi province for another trip. But this time, went with friends and headed to Lushan Mountain instead. Given the chilly weather (ice and snow everywhere), the mountain was beautiful and empty--rare combination in China.

Locks for lovers, as on every Chinese mountain

First time seeing ice on trees! First snowfall in Beijing right before we left.

Keep tea leaves warm in the winter

Final 2011 week of final exams, grades, and celebrations--2012, see you very soon!

Overflowing

I started working with Compassion for Migrant Children, a non-profit that serves the Chinese migrant community primarily in Beijing. After working with Stepping Stones when I was last in Shanghai, I am really excited to work with CMC now and get involved with Beijing's migrant community. We kicked off with visiting some of the schools. After 2 subway transfers and 2 bus transfers, we trekked down a small gate and down an alley into the Pingxifu (平西府) school. I happened to catch them during their Christmas celebration and it was really the best way to spend the chilly Friday afternoon. Kids were jumping around with excitement since all of them had received a shoe box Christmas gift from donations.

Now throw your hands up...

The most striking thing was that as I visited each classroom and chatted with the kids, a girl or boy would come up to me every few minutes, politely say, "liaoshi," and hand me a candy. This was maybe one of the few times out of the year that they even had candy but they were simply giving it out to whoever would take it. Their kindness was of the simplest kind but reminded me that when joy is overflown into you, you can't help but bubble it right back out.