This festive season, we get to speak to some of Beijing’s families to hear what the year 2020 has meant to them. Despite the many downs this year has dealt us all, there is always a reason to be grateful. Join us as we count down all the reasons we are grateful for the year 2020. If you wish to be featured in this series, please contact our Deputy Managing Editor at cindyjenkins@beijing-kids.com.
It’s hard to admit that every blessing, no matter how great, comes with the potential for heartache. This was certainly the case for Kristen Wang, a G3 teacher at AISB-Hope International, and her husband Nathan when 2020 would be both a year of supreme joy and profound disappointment. Before COVID-19 became a global health crisis, the Wang family found out they were expecting their first child. With that came the excitement of a new life, and for Wang’s family back in the US, the arrival of the family’s first grandchild! Sadly, the family’s plans to have Wang’s family from the US attend the birth of her daughter later in the year were scuttled as COVID-19 spread rapidly, and as a reaction to that spread, China closed its borders.
Still, Wang and her husband continue to count each blessing as they enjoy their new-born daughter in a city they have called home since 2010. Although 2020 brought more disappointment than they could ever have expected, it has still brought with it profound reasons to be grateful for the Wang family.
” It was definitely a more stressful and lonely pregnancy because of Covid…”
As the year began and before COVID-19 became a pandemic, what were some of the plans you and your family had for the year 2020?
We found out we were expecting our first child just before COVID-19 hit. My parents and sister, who live in the US, planned to come over for the birth in September, but of course, ended up not being able to make the trip. It was definitely a more stressful and lonely pregnancy because of Covid, but also more physically restful since we couldn’t go out as much!
What were you and your family’s initial reactions to the pandemic?
My initial reaction was that the government was overreacting with all of the restrictions put in place. My husband was a little more level-headed than me. I didn’t want to wear a mask, and I didn’t want to stay at home! In hindsight, I think the government did a great job. For a bit of freedom and relief, we went to Thailand for two weeks when Covid was mostly limited to China. We came back just before flights started disappearing and quarantines began.
What were some of your greatest concerns or sources of anxiety this year?
The effects of COVID-19 on pregnant women and babies were mostly unknown at that time, so that left us feeling more anxious than if we were just considering our own health. We were also continually wondering when my family in the US could meet our daughter, Leah, especially my parents as she is their first grandchild. Also, the increasing tension between China and the US worried my husband a bit. He’s Chinese, I’m American, and he works for an American company here in China.
“We were also continually wondering when my family in the US could meet our daughter, Leah”
How did you as a family cope/ manage the anxiety around that uncertain time?
My husband and I are both Christians. We prayed a lot, asking Him to help us trust that He is in control of everything. We also adapted to try to find more things we enjoy in the home — baking new recipes and indoor workouts, as well as walks in the park.
What has surprised you the most as a family about each other, and about the city of Beijing this year?
We learned more about each other’s work styles since working from home. As for Beijing, it was pretty crazy seeing the city go dormant and then slowly go back to the hustle and bustle a few months later.
What are some of the most important lessons and takeaways you have from this year?
We were reminded that actually nothing is in our control; we do not know what tomorrow holds. While not being able to see family for a year, we’re reminded how important they are to us. And never leave home without your mask.
What are some things you believe you and your family will no longer take for granted after this year?
Our family, our health, the privilege to travel, gathering with friends, and bosses that care about our well-being.
Nathan and Kristen Wang
What are you most grateful for this year?
Our daughter! We’re also grateful for friends who stayed alongside us and helped us during her first month. They made meals, sent gifts, came to visit, and helped answer our millions of questions as new parents!
Is there anything you will do differently in the year 2021 as a family?
We try to count our blessings more intentionally, and we wash our hands more! Beyond that, I think we need to wait and see how COVID-19 continues to pan out here in China and around the world.
If you had to do 2020 all over again, what would you do the same, what would you change, and what lessons do you feel you will pay more attention to as a family?
I actually don’t think we would do anything differently! The magnitude of this epidemic is unprecedented. We’re all just trying to do the best we can!
Do you have a holiday message for other families in Beijing?
If you are missing family, just know that you’re not alone! As the Christmas season is usually busy, enjoy the time we’ve been given to slow down. This month, we have been spending time reflecting on why we celebrate Christmas!
Photos: Courtesy of Kristen Wang, Unsplash
