(Nathan)
I can't believe that our time in China is nearly over. While I can't
wait to get home, I don't ever want to leave here either. I've
fallen in love with this place, even with all its quirks. The
Chinese way of life still holds many things that Americans lost long
ago.
A
sense of community. Everything from eating to decision making is
done with concern, connection, and sharing with others. Except the
driving.
A
honoring of parents and heritage. The Chinese take this very
seriously.
A
connection with nature. Feng shui may seem kooky, but somewhere in
there the Chinese have mastered the art of creating tranquility in
their surroundings.
A
respect for others. The Chinese are, in general, the most polite
people I've ever encountered.
China
has rubbed off on us and it will be hard to leave behind. Some
things, better or worse, will stay here though:
Saying
“nee how” (hello) and “sheay sheay” (thank you) to everyone
we meet
Holding
my breath when I walk past public restrooms
Speaking
short English phrases slowly and loudly while playing Chinese
charades
Searching
the menu for 15 minutes just to find something that seems edible
Converting
prices from yuan into dollars in my head
Looking
at everything around me through the lens of a camera
Carrying
bottled water and toilet paper with us everywhere we go
It's
been an odd, joyful and surreal experience. Right now, I can't
imagine being home. Next week, I'll forget what it was like to be
here. I'm so grateful to have been able to journal so often and take
so many photos. Taking the laptop and buying the digital camera (and
leaving the film camera behind) were some of the best decisions we
made. It's our way of “treasuring all these things and pondering
them in our hearts”.
Who
knows what the future holds, but I know we'll be back if we can.
Until then, we take one of China's daughters with us and leave behind
a piece of our hearts. We'll always feel a deep connection with this
ancient land.