one last time from china

zai jian, wode pengyo. i think that means goodbye my friends. i wish i had studied harder before coming out here and i hope to at least retain what i've already learned. i haven't given up on the dream of actually living here for a while. just not right now.

we're packing up, sorting out stuff we're going to leave behind (the store i mentioned earlier, a gift from china, also has a spot for americans to pick up needed things and to drop off un-wanted things), and generally getting ready for a very long day on the road. after the room is packed and we're cleaned up we'll get some lunch, stop by sherrie's place one last time, and meet up with the gang in the lobby. then it's waiting at the airport for 9:00p to roll around. then it's sitting on the plane. then it's LA. then it's a sleepless night, most likely, until we head back to the airport. then it's denver where we hope to catch up with cousin emma during our layover!! and then, finally, just in time for his birthday, our boy gets to meet his sister for the first time and joy gets to meet a slight number of the crazy people we affectionately call family.

feels like i should have something profound to say. but i don't. it actually feels more like the start of something new then it feels like something else is ending. i wonder how long till we miss china? how long till we miss this trip? how long till joy misses china? how long till we come back?

lots to think about.

can't wait to see you all very soon. much love.