2017 March update: international women's day

I remember back in March 2002. We were living in Romania and on the way to work there were people selling small bouquets of flowers along side the road on the way to work. When I got to work I was overwhelmed to find my office full of flowers. The tradition in Romania is that in the 1st of March (called Martisor in Romanian) is the celebration of the passing of winter and the birth of Spring and giving the women flowers with small red and white threads to wear for good luck. I loved this day in Romania and I have maintained this wonderful memory in my mind and even to this day 15 years later, I still get Martisor greetings and my heart swells with such good memories. So, I wish you all a belated Martisor and my we all enjoy the birth and renewal of Spring!



Then one week later the 8th of March rolled around and again, my office was filled full of flowers! It was international women's day. This is not a day that I was accustomed to celebrating in the US so it was a little bizarre for me, but hey, it brought a lot of flowers, so it must be good!

Fast forward 15 years and I'm in China where international women's day is celebrated fully! Women get 1/2 day off if they want it and from what I understand there are many sales (of course, here in China, any reason to have a sale and encourage more shopping!!). Anyway, this year, I was asked to speak at the International Club of Shenyang for a luncheon and celebration of both foreign and Chinese women here in Shenyang.





At the same time, I was honored to find out that Michelin asked me to be one of the portraits for the company for International Women's day on Linkedin. I have been very humbled by the whole experience and so many well wishes on Facebook from people all over the world.














And that same week, we had the Kickoff of 2017 events with the European Chamber of Commerce and I'm on the board, so I was honored to be a part of the kickoff!












After that we were honored to attend a grand opening of a new art gallery here in Shenyang.


















Things are really going well here in Shenyang, albeit it a little exhausting!

We are very near to passing our 7 year anniversary here in Shenyang..it's amazing how fast the time has passed.
I ask God to bless all of you and thank you so much for your continued prayers and well wishes.

Until next time!

Sarah and Rod!