Chinese Reformation

On Sunday, our FOC family celebrated Reformation like true American Lutherans with German roots living in China.

We made a fortress of our favorite passages and sang Luther's ballads with gusto.

We had a potluck that boasted home made apple sauce, a frappuccino frosting (I made it way too sweet), French wine, a cornicopia of fruit, and the gem - beer boiled brats, courtesy of the Ted. It was a feast, a glorious feast that reminded me of home. Then we went outside and played catch in the yard (the courtyard). This one guy came and joined our circle, and whenever he threw the pigskin he would either throw in like a grenade or like Charleton Heston smashing the stone tablets. But the best part was that he would let out a menacing bellow every time he threw it. Whenever he threw it to me I would scream in terror and laughter.

Afterward we watched that ridiculous YouTube video of Antoine Whats-his-name saying, "Hide your kids, hide your wives, and hide your husbands too, cause they rapin everybody out here." I guess its a sensation in the US. Then we sang a little Taylor Swift, played cards, and just relaxed as a family.

Then Ruby gave me a haircut behind in the Abbey of the Cloister. I look like a blend between Lloyd Christmas and Yo Yo Ma - but at least its out of my eyes. And so ends my Nazarite vow with a Beijing twist: no scissors will touch my head until Reformation, to razor will touch my cheeks unless its the stache region, no acohol will touch my lips but the occasional beer is not frowned upon. It really wasn't much of a vow anyway.

It twas a glorious day.

- m -