Well, we did it. We survived another year of the pre-holiday rush at the market, travel during the largest mass migration in the world, the killing of the pig, the subsequent multi-day deluge of meat at all meals, and the firecrackers that make your living room feel like a war zone. Each year it seems we become more accustomed to this aspect of culture, although admittedly there is something new and potentially shocking to be learned and experienced every year.
This year we traveled to our friend Yvonne's house. Yvonne was one of the first people we met in our town, and the fact that she was outgoing, friendly, a believer and spoke English pretty much sealed the deal on our friendship. Now pretty much everyone will invite the foreigner to come to their house for New Year's, it just kind of what you do. While I believe most people sincerely mean their invitation, very few expect you to take them up it. Thankfully we've long passed all such cultural niceties with Yvonne, and have actually visited her house (about 10 hrs by bus from ours) twice.
Her mom is perhaps one of the sweetest ladies you'll ever meet, and has called us her son and daughter since day one. She was really, and I mean REALLY, excited when she found out we were pregnant, and from that moment on invited us to come for this year's Spring Festival.After comparing the ease and expense of driving versus flying, we ultimately decided to give the 45 minute flight a go, particularly after we found a great deal on some tickets. Even with weeks of planning, packing and preparation (what? It was our first big trip away with Brooks!), we were still kind of nervous. So much so we arrived in Kunming a full day before our flight was to leave just so that we would have time to rest and "be ready". Thankfully we made it through security, the flight, and the following 3 hour bus ride to Yvonne's house with nothing more than an audience at every feeding and a diaper explosion. Which for our part of the world, we consider a wild success.
When we Yvonne met us at the airport and immediately asked about Brooks' schedule so as not to mess it up, I knew the prayers of this mama's heart had been heard. Sure, they inevitably found some of our choices and habits in caring for our son a bit different, (what?! we allow our son to play on his own and on the FLOOR?!) but all in all they were incredibly gracious in caring for us as we cared for him. And Brooks, my sweet, flexible, laid back Brooks. Maybe it's just me, (as in literally I'm learning to relax more!), but he seems to take such drastic changes in his environment better and better. His laid back attitude and smiles for everyone is exactly what I prayed and then some! By the end of our four day trip, however, I could tell he was a little over being passed around during most of his waking hours, and when we returned home we gave him the space and hours I had a feeling he wanted to just kick and play all on his own. 
Before we left we experienced a first for us during the New Year, which was the giving of "red envelopes". We had heard that children were the big receivers of these monetary gifts, but it wasn't until 5 envelopes and almost $125 dollars later did we really know that to be true. Talk about humbling. Here was the family who had cooked non stop during our visit, gave us the best room of their house, laughed with us, entertained us, loved on our son like their own . . . stuffing his pockets full of cash. Crazy, right? We are so thankful that we were able to overcome our new parent anxiety and take this trip. It was such a special time with people who are so dear to us, and we are so thankful for their hospitality in inviting us not only into their home, but their hearts and culture.
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