In the shadows of a new condo complex lies secret China.
China that isn't shiny or new. China that isn't studying mathematics, or engineering, or industry. China that doesn't keep up appearances, and can't compete in world economics.
In this China, the plastic bottle is more valuable than the soda inside. Mothers sit and pour Fanta into a stream of orange-purple sugar. Brothers sort through mountains of rubble.
This China houses rebar and metal. Homes made from cement and tin, filled with generations.
In this China, the smell of human waste is masked only by the stronger stench of spray-paint and glue. Hunger is numbed out of necessity.
In this China, children play rough. They play loud, they play fight. They play like life, aggressive, hard, relentless.
In this China, I found my first true smiles…
Smiles not forced by politeness or courtesy. Smiles from simplicity. Gratefulness for human touch.
In this China, my balloon animal skills were approvable …"balloon snakes for everyone!" Brothers fight for their sisters. Games with string and tissue are novelty for hours. In this China, they lead you by tiny hands behind semi-trucks and beneath rusted metal to meet their grandmother. Little boys wear suit vests that were once their father's as they've now assumed the role of man of the house.
In this China there is no fear, when balloons pop there is hardly a flinch… what is a balloon 'pop' compared to the noises of night? There is no filth, what is filth if there has never been clean? There is no fairness, because poverty is never fair.
In this China, there is life. And innocently, there is hope. Life and hope that are contagious to visitors. The children whisper secrets into our ears, secrets of joy.
It is in secret China that love abounds. In temporary homes, where promise of eternity gives reason for life. Where children are children for one day longer, and we rejoice.
Secret China:: Where my heart was won over… once again. Where I begged to be made like a child again. Where there was chaos and yelling and delight in the dirt. Where embraces were promises and goodbyes were heartache. Secret China, you are a hidden jewel.
