2011 China Night at UNL- Celebrating Chinese New Year with Friends
The first time I went to China Night at UNL it was out of my interest in other cultures and going to China Night gave me a glimpse into Chinese Culture. I have been able to observe and participate in cultural celebrations from various cultures and experiencing them has been mostly out of my desire to learn. In the past few years China Night has taken on a different meaning for me because I have some friends from China who are students at UNL. I have been able to see how important New Year is for them and also how they feel to be so far from home and family during their most important holiday. For us Americans it would be like living in a country where Christmas is not a big deal far from home at Christmas time. I was pleased to be able to sit with my Sunday friends at China Night.
Johnny and Tingting
Tingting was the first one in the group that I met in January 2009. She asked me where my suit was and I had some fun pointing out all of the other men who were not wearing a suit. Johnny came here in the fall of 2009. Johnny wore a suit I think mostly due to Tingting 
Nancy and Kevin
I had the privilege of helping Nancy and Kevin study for the TOEFL test last June and was thrilled when they both passed the TOEFL.
Alex
Alex had the red carpet movie star look as he walked in. We have had some fun times and laughed at our mistakes. He is a great cook and now that I think of it, it has been a long time since he cooked for our group.
me with Huiyan
Huiyan was reading something on her cell phone that was in Chinese. I kept peeking at it and acting like I knew what it said.
The entertainment was in Chinese with a little translation at times. I may not have understood what they were saying throughout the night, but I did not need to because I understood the most important part which was that my friends who live so far from home and family and friends had fun and were able to celebrate their holiday with each other. The blessing for me was to see my friends laugh and be happy.
2011-China Night at UNL Welcoming the Year of the Rabbit
Last week was the beginning of Chinese New Year which is a celebration that can last for a week or two not just one day. Each year the CSSA-Chinese Students and Scholars Association- hosts China Night at UNL to celebrate Chinese New Year. I have had the privilege of attending China night several times and each time has been special in its own way. Last year I sat up front and was able to get some great pictures. The entertainment was awesome. This year was special because I was able to sit with my friends from my Sunday class more on that tomorrow.
When I first arrived, I noticed the welcoming line and a young woman giving them last minute instructions in Chinese. As I walked through the line I surprised them by saying Happy New Year in Chinese. They had the women on one side and the men on the other.
One of the greeters, my friend Daniel, showed me my seat. After I sat down a nice young lady name Ming came by to bring some items to the table. She was our server for our table for the evening. I surprised her by wishing her a Happy New Year in Chinese and we talked a little when she stopped by a few times.
The entertainment was fun to watch. It was a mix of traditional Chinese and contemporary music. There was also a Kung Fu performance and a comedy sketch about a man who was unlucky in love. The finale was amusing. They had children dressed like the Von Trapp children from Sound of Music and sing so long farewell. Then the all of the performers joined them on stage. It was a fun night and I look forward to going again next year. The best part for me was sitting with my friends- more on that tomorrow.
Sharing Milestones-My friend Tingting
Milestones are times when we enter a new phase in our lives. I love to share milestones with my friends such graduations, passing the TOEFL test so they can go to college, getting a job etc. Yesterday I shared a milestone with my friend Tingting from China. It was only a short time ago, two years, that I first met Tingting when she first stepped off the plane in Lincoln having arrived here from China to go to the University of Nebraska.
My Friend Tingting
Tingting has been a very motivated student. She was able to transfer credits from her University in China, but that does not explain why she will graduate this year. She has taken an extremely heavy load of classes. One semester she took 21 credit hours and an online course. There were Sunday mornings when she came and I thought she would fall asleep before my class finished because she looked so tired. She was able to pull if off with an excellent GPA.
Tingting with Johnny
The milestone we talked about was Tingting applying for Graduate School for an MBA. I have no doubt about her being successful in graduate school after what I have observed the past few years. I am sure she will tackle graduate school with the same dedication and excellence that she has had while obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree. We celebrated this milestone in her life by having dinner at Mongolian Grille with her boyfriend Johnny.
me with Tingting
During dinner Tingting shared with me her long-term goals of getting a PHD and having her own business. I am confident she will succeed at both. We joked about me editing books for her It was a wonderful way to spend my Friday evening, but I have to admit part of me is a bit sad to think that my friend Tingting may soon move to another State for her MBA program. Watch out world a human dynamo is coming
A Truly International Christmas Eve for me
Christmas Eve was an awesome experience for me this year. I enjoyed sleeping in a bit late and yes went out to do a little shopping. After surviving the shopping, I picked up my friend Daniel from China to take him to Christmas Eve service with me. Phung from Vietnam met us at church and we celebrated Christ’s birth together.
me with Phung and Daniel at church
After the Christmas Eve service I took Daniel back to his dorm and dropped off a small gift for one of my wonderful students Linh. I then went to Phung’s house to wish her family and our mutual friends a Merry Christmas. I came loaded with Christmas Cards and Candy Canes. I gave the adults and young people I knew a card and gave a candy cane to everyone. Phung’s mother and uncle bought a house and they were having a Karaoke party. They asked me to sing, so I sang O Come All Ye Faithful and scored an 89 which they told me is good. I was happy to give Phung’s grandmother a candy cane and a hug. She is a sweet woman who loves to cook for her family.
me with Chi- Phung's mother
After spending time with a house full of my friends from Vietnam, I went to have dinner with Isis an Eduardo from Brazil. I always enjoy my times with Isis and Eduardo. I have learned a lot from them about Brazil and appreciate their perspective on many things. Of course I need to write that I am proud of Isis and that I call her my genius . They have a 4 month old puppy, Susie, that they spoil. I think Susie is the boss of the apartment.
Isis and Eduardo
Isis and Eduardo's daughter Susie
I am proud of both of them actually. They have both accomplished a lot. We had some delicious Brazilian food for dinner and sat around the table and talked until 11pm. Eduardo was impressed by some Christmas cookies I baked, I mean bought lol.
It was a very meaningful Christmas Eve for me personally because I was able to be with friends from Brazil, China and Vietnam. It makes me think of what the Angels said when they announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. The first Angel said “I bring you good news of great joy for all of the people”. Christmas is a time to remember the birth of Jesus who loves all people. In the spirit of such news I would like to say Merry Christmas, Chuc Mung Giang Sinh, Feliz Navidad, Feliz Natal, Craciun Ferecit and Joyeux Noel.
Karaoke Party with Chinese Students for Moon Festival
Saturday evening I joined some of my Chinese friends at UNL to watch their Karaoke night that was held to celebrate Moon Festival. Moon Festival was actually last week, but last night was first opportunity for them to celebrate at UNL. I am glad that my friends could have a party for Moon Festival since it is a big holiday for them in China. Holidays can be a time international students miss family and friends.
My friend Zhou Heng is on the committee for the Chinese Student Association. It was fun to watch her organize things at the Karaoke competition.
Zhou Heng
I saw my friend Yinjing at the judges table. She sang beautifully at China Night, so I expected her to sing at the competition, but she was a judge. That was probably a good thing because if she sang it would not be fair to the others
While I was at the judges table talking with Yinjing, I met one of the Professors that teaches Chinese at the Confucious Institute at UNL. I told her I wanted to learn Chinese but need baby steps Chinese. She told me they had level 0 which I think is what I need
Of course it was a Karaoke party/competition and I watched some good performances. My main interest was to see my friend Daniel. He had a lot of fun and got the crowd into it as well. There was also a young man who played guitar and sang very well.
my friend Daniel
Moon Cake is a big part of Moon Festival in China. They had Moon Cake at the party a long with sodas.
I only stayed for about an hour and a half. I wanted to drop by as a way to wish my friends Happy Moon Festival. I wanted to write about it today as a way to say Happy Moon Festival to my friends from China. I know they live far from their families and homes, so my hope is in a small way this blog today gives them some joy.
Celebration with my Friends from El Salvador
Today was another meaningful Saturday with my international friends. I met with my friends from Vietnam to help them their homework. Linh is 17 and has been driving for a year. She was not sure how to get home and after she told me it was her 5th time to drive alone, I decided to have her follow me to O street
I also met with a friend from Chile at Barnes and Nobles to practice my Spanish. We had a wonderful time and ended up talking for a few hours splitting time between speaking in English and Spanish.
El Salvadoran Flag
I then went to Antelope Park for a celebration with my friends from El Salvador. I saw some of my former students there. It was great to see them. I always enjoy hearing about what they are doing now and how things are going for them in their lives. One of my friends is Ernesto. He was in two of the levels I teach. I have met his family and visited his house a few times. I have also visited his church a few times.
Ernesto in blue/white shirt with his son and his friend Hugo
Hugo and his wife Vilma were there as well. Vilma and Ernesto’s wife Marilyn are friends and were both students in a class I taught at F street Rec Center. They are busy with helping a new church in Omaha and drive up there each Sunday.
Marilyn and Vilma
There was a lot of delicious food. I had some pupusas and crazy corn. They call it crazy corn because it is an ear of corn with butter, parmesan cheese and other stuff on it.
pupusa stand
I actually won something in a raffle. I don’t remember ever winning anything in a raffle. I won a gift card to Panda Express. For one of the drawings a little boy helped out.
It was a fun time. I look forward to more fun times with my friends from El Salvador. I will join them for a special afternoon October 3rd in Omaha.
Fun at Festival de las Americas in Antelope Park Sunday
After I had lunch with my friends from my Sunday class, I went to Antelope Park to walk around the Festival de las Americas to see and experience it. Festival de las Americas is a celebration of Hispanic/Latino cultures in Lincoln. When I first arrived I walked around to see the information tables that were set up to display the various countries Hispanic people living in lincoln are from. I saw a few of my friends/former students at their tables.
Elizabeth was my student several years ago. She was a nurse in México and worked as a Medical Assistant here and also as a Heath Tech at a school. She is now a bilingual liaison with the schools in Lincoln.
me with Luis from Peru
Luis is from Peru. He was also my student a few years ago. He has done so well with his English that he is now working on a Master’s Degree at UNL. I practiced my español with him for a few moments and he corrected my mistakes.
After walking around the exhibit tables, I went outside to listen to music. One of my favorite groups was playing. Kusi Taki was playing when I went outside. I felt lucky that I was able to be there just in time to catch some of their music.
Kusi Taki playing
When Kusi Taki finished, I walked around outside to look at the various booths and to talk with people. I saw two more of my former students, Olga from Honduras and Citlali from México.
Olga and Citlali
Olga and Citlali were volunteering at the main booth. They are both working on their GED. Olga also works at El Centro de las Americas and the Malone Center.
It was great to see some of my former students and to hear about how they doing now. As a teacher one of my favorite things is when I see a former student and hear about their success. It was also great to take some time and experience the richness of Hispanic culture here in Lincoln.
Matt the Wedding Planner- Tracy and Michael’s Wedding Week
This week my friends Tracy and Michael from China will get married. I started off as their wedding planner and asked our friend Kathy to help out which actually she is doing most of the planning assistance Tracy came to America first a year ago to begin her Phd program. I met her through a mutual friend, Yue Zou, who asked me if I could help Tracy with her wedding.
Tracy in the church office
Michael just arrived ten days ago. He is fresh off the plane. He will begin his Phd program in Computer Science in a few weeks. They were apart for one year and now this Saturday they will get married.
Michael in the church office
This afternoon Tracy and Michael came to the church office to meet with Pastor Brian to discuss the wedding on Saturday. The week is finally here. On Friday we will have the rehearsal and on Saturday morning they will have their wedding ceremony. They are having it on Saturday morning so their families can watch it via skype in China.
Tracy and Michael with Pastor Brian
I sat in on the meeting and we had a wonderful conversation. It was obvious to me how much Tracy and Michael care for each other and I was moved by their story. I am glad they can have the wedding in my church and I know Pastor Brian will do a great job. It will be a very special time. It will be a sacred and holy time when two people choose to commit their lives to each other. It is moments like these that make the work I do meaningful when I can celebrate the special moments in life with friends. I will update with more info and pictures from Friday and Saturday this weekend.
A Sunday Party with Iranian Friends to Celebrate NoRuz
Yesterday I spent the afternoon with some friends from Iran to celebrate their holiday NoRuz. Nouz is a celebration of the arrival of Spring and is basically their New Year. It is one of their most important holidays. Some of my friends do not have a car and I knew that visiting family is important, so I picked up one family to bring them to the party.
They were happy to be able to come visit their cousins for NoRuz. We had a lot of good food. It was fish with vegetables and rice. There was a special table they call the Haft Seen which had fruit, nuts and other items for decoration.The green plants on the table represent nature coming back to life after winter.
Our hostess was thrilled to have family and friends in her house for NoRuz. She smiled broadly the whole time and kept telling me “my family is here”. She brought the in the food to show me what she had cooked. She did not expect me to take a picture, but she smiled anyway.
our host Abdol and our Hostess Faruzan
We listened to some lively music and they danced some as well. As people came in they all greeted each other with a kiss on each cheek. It was a joyous time for all of the guests. The children were intrigued by me and we played some as they tried to figure out who I am. Normally on the last day of Noruz the celebration is held outside in a park, but it was not warm enough for that yesterday, so the celbration was in their home. It was a wonderful way to spend my Sunday afternoon. All of my friends came here as refugees and I know their life stories, so it was gratifying to see them experience some joy in their lives.
NoRuz is coming- some of my new friends from Iran
NoRuz is coming in a few days. It is a celebration of the arrival of Spring in Iran, Afghanistan, and many places in Central Asia. The last day of NoRuz the celebrants spend the day outside to symbolize the arrival of new things in their lives. This year I will spend time with some new friends from Iran. I enjoyed a delicious dinner at their apartment a few months ago and look forward to a fun picnic-weather permitting- with them next week. Our meal was at the home of Abdol and Faruzhan.
me with Faruzhan and Abdol
Abdol is fun to be around. We joke and laugh a lot. He will claim to be the chef while Faruzhan gives him the look that a wife gives to tell her husband to tell the truth. They came here with their son and daughter who are in school and their oldest child a daughter who is married and have a baby. Their cousins Bahman and Jamina were also there that evening.
me with Bahma and Jamina
It was interesting to hear their stories about life in Iran as a minority group there. Spending time with them it is easy to not realize they have endured hardship because they are so warm and friendly. They are so fun to be around that when I hear their stories about life before they came here it is hard to imagine what they experienced. That is how I have felt many times when I spend time with refugees. The life of a refugee is a difficult experience to endure. They leave their homes and culture and come to a place that is vastly different than what is normal for them and learn a new language and culture. The fortunate ones come with family and help each other. The unfortunate ones get separated from their families.
I am looking forward to celebrating NoRuz with my new friends from Iran. I hope we have nice weather for it next week, but after the winter we had in Nebraska I am not sure. Nice weather or bad weather either way I will spend time with them.
About
I teach English Second Language and have a ministry for internationals at my home church First Evangelical Free church in Lincoln Nebraska. I have had the pleasure of traveling in Austria, Canada, England, France, Germany, Mexico, Romania and Switzerland. My hobby is to learn words and phrases from other languages. I have learned how to greet people in 30 languages.
My blog is about my experiences with international friends, my travels, and people I meet along the way. My international friends’ stories are fascinating to me. Experiencing other cultures makes life rich for me.
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