Life Events

While in China, one of the things I missed was weddings. I missed several friends and even my sister's! Tonight I went to Rupa's to watch her wedding on video. It was beautiful! Not the same as being there though. For awhile I felt sorry for myself... poor me I missed out on my friends'/family's great events. Then it hit me... they missed out on all the great things that have happened in my life these past two years. I mean, everybody wishes they could have been at my incredible circus party!!!

While it is incredibly tempting to blog about how much I hate this transition stage, tonight I am going to just say...

I am thankful I get to be a part of my friends' and family's future events. In a couple of weeks, Ashley and Tyler will marry. In September, Emily and Sean will have Jakson. This past weekend I went to Arkansas with Lauren, Susan and Nelda to find Lauren's wedding dress. It was a quick girls getaway. It is so nice to be able to share in everyone's happiness.

First Week

My first week has been super busy... wouldn't expect anything less.

Sunday and Monday, I was so jet- lagged I did not do anything but sleep and become addicted to Jon and Kate Plus 8.

Tuesday, I went with Dad on a road trip to Bristol, VA. It was nice to catch up. I got to see my aunt and grandmother too.

Wednesday, caught up with some of my good friends. I got to have lunch with grandparents and family.

Thursday, I enrolled at Lipscomb for grad classes, looked at cars, typed resume, got a job and practically moved in overnight with my friends Janet and Tiffany.

Today I start work.

Busy week... Things are going well. I do have my moments where everything seems so overwhelming I cannot help but cry. I miss China. I miss the Yichang 5. I miss a lot. A lot though to look forward to here too.

Leaving

I am fixing to get in a van heading to the Wuhan airport... Will be in Nashville on Saturday morning.

What a 2 years...

Mastery

Things To Master While In China:

Simplify life
Chinese Language
Squatty potty
Become a good teacher
Banana Pudding
Cooking using math/substitutions
Heat
Spicy Food
Quilting
Holiday Party Planning
Writing letters
Discipline
Travel
Acting (being able to act out meanings of words)
Roach killing
Haircuts
Having no car
Being fearless in eating
Sustaining the lives of pets: turtles, crab, dog
Walking to class in the rain on slippery marble
Climbing "mountains" (aka... stairs)
Winter coldness
Eating with chopsticks
Drinking hot water
Doctor visits
Text msgs
Performing
Crowd management
Surviving stampedes
Learning to stare back
Bargaining
Keep a tree alive
Play drums
Learn finger signs for numbers
Becoming a better person.... (getting there!)

Farewell Bash

Last night we had some of our favorite people over for a little goodbye bash. After finally persuading our Chinese friends to use their fingers to get food (they eat sandwiches with gloves on!), turning on some music, and having a little toast, everybody started relaxing. It was so wonderful to be surrounded by the people who have made my time in China so special.

I have great students,

great friends,

and great Family

.

I did pretty well considering how emotional I am until it was time to say goodbye to these boys. My Monday night boys. My first class in China. We used to cry together because we missed home (the first couple of weeks in China) and last night we cried because we will miss each other.

This seriously has been the best two years of my life. My uber amounts of tears just show how much I love this place and these people. It was a good season.

Chinese Haircut

So I thought I would go get my haircut one last time because I liked the last cut so much...

Big mistake. Big.

Remember in first grade when somebody would cut their own bangs obscenely short? I look like a first grader went to town on my bangs.

This has got to be Murphy's law or something... When you have not seen people in a year or more and something happens to make you look ridiculous. So thankful I have a month until Ashley's wedding.

Sigh.

Goodbye Katydid and Gaudy!

Never again do I plan on being the last to leave.

Today we dropped Katie and Kim off at the airport. I had thought a lot about saying goodbye to my Chinese friends, but I did not really think about how hard it would be to say goodbye to my American friends. I guess I just naturally assumed we would see each other soon because we are from the same country. However, after a busy summer Katie and Kim will be moving to Yunnan province here in China. I am not sure when our paths will cross again, but I am true grateful for these past two years with them. They have made me a better person. Truly. Everybody needs a Katydid and a Gaudy Gaugler in their lives!

Miss you girls already. So proud of your decision. A new season of blessings. Love you.