Today was a good day. It was hot, it was humid and there was a strange smell in the air. But with all of that, it was still a good day.

I have been in my new house for 2 months now and in China for over 5 months. Every day I eat, sleep and live there. But it hasn’t felt like home. I have been feeling like a guest in my own house. I have a maid that cleans everything within an inch of its life. I have a mother in law that cooks everything within an inch of being something that once resembled food. And I have a wife who tries her best to keep me within an inch of sanity.

But today, I made my house my home. With one simple act. I went to the market near my home and purchased bread, jam and peanut butter (the chunky kind, not the wussy smooth stuff). When I got home the first thing I did was make myself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

The simple act of making that sandwich and eating it while sitting on my balcony made me feel like I was home for the first time since I came to China. I tried explaining it to my wife why this was so important an event and I just got a blank stare in return. I was having trouble relating the significance of a piece of food when I was hit with a bolt of insight.

I told her that the making and eating of that sandwich was Conjee (rice soup) for my soul. Clarity filled her face, she smiled softly, kissed me and said, “Welcome home.” Then she left and allowed me to enjoy the moment in peace.

It really is amazing how the simplest of things can tie us to a place, emotion or person. For me, home is where I can make myself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

What makes home for you?

Labels: china, congee, home, peanut butter and jelly, rice soup

This entry was posted by Joe China, on Sunday, October 22, 2006. You can leave your response.