Day 6 – Children
While Yun’s mom understands that letting her daughter rest is good for her body, she also feels the pressure to give Yun every possible opportunity for success.
Day 30 – The money I make goes toward paying off debt
Culturally, it is expected that I have to provide a new house and a new car for my wife. I purchased these things to fulfill these expectations. Now, we are in an immense amount of debt. Almost all of the money I make each month goes towards paying off these debts. It has put much strain on our new marriage. Although it seems from the outside that we have nice things, we are struggling to make it financially.
Day 29 – I like the freedom I have given myself…
I divorced my husband several years ago. I do not need a man in my life to take care of me, I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. In Islam, you’re not supposed to get divorced, but some people, like me, still do it. I am looked down upon in the community and am seen as a bad person. I don’t care though. I like the freedom I have given myself by divorcing my husband. I work hard and am proud of the way that I am able to take care of myself.
Day 28 – Islam is important to me
Islam is very important to me. I spend a lot of time at the mosque every day. I pray five times a day at the mosque. I sometimes even spend extra time praying. A few years back I went on the hajj. I returned from that experience more devoted to Allah than ever before. Ramadan is sacred. I get up at 3 am every morning to fix breakfast and eat during Ramadan. Then I go pray at the mosque and return home to sleep a few more hours. It is hard fasting for about 16 hours when Ramadan is in the summer. But I do it, and I challenge my family to faithfully fast.
Day 27 – I was born a Muslim, and therefore I must stay a Muslim
I grew up in the city. As a result, I am very accustomed to Han people and their ways. In fact, many of my friends are Han. Although my husband is Hui, his mother is Han. I do not wear a headcovering and I honestly do not think much about my religion. Of course, I do not eat pork, and I enjoy celebrating our Muslim holidays. I have heard about Jesus and about what Christians belief. If I were to believe this, even though my family is not very devout, they would disown me. I was born a Muslim, and therefore I must stay a Muslim.
Day 26 – Raising my grandson and seeking to do good works
This is my grandson, Lele. My wife and I are raising him because his parents are in the city trying to make money for a better life. It has been about six months since Lele has seen his parents. They are not able to travel home often. Working in the city is difficult, but there are few jobs in our village. I have lived my whole life in this village. I am a farmer. I thought my son would be a farmer, but machines are taking over farming.