Facing West

This is it. The big day. I find myself a mix of emotions, as I usually am after trips like these.

I finished up my classes on Monday, and as I left, was followed by a chorus of "Merry Christmas!" from my students. I felt a twinge of excitement, knowing that in a very short while I would be immersed in the Christmas of the West and all its bliss: Scarves and hats and rosy cheeks, snowy blustery goodness, apple cider and a warm fire, the smell of Christmas tree, and of course, people whom we love.

It isn't easy to leave this country. Both Justin and I have admitted that, in a different time and different circumstances, we could live here and like it. China has a grip on us.

So... goodbye old man selling strawberries, goodbye students humouring your teacher, goodbye all the people pushing each other on the bus (I won't miss you), goodbye funky smells on the street, goodbye kind old man, looking straight into my eyes, goodbye weird washing machines, that leak all over the floor, goodbye big wall along the street, where we heard a baby cry one night, goodbye Cali, who made me remember why I like cats, goodbye Liz and Juliann, you unpretentious servants, goodbye John and Mary, with your wit and persistence, goodbye Kunming fellowship, who surprised us every week, goodbye China, I have not figured you out yet.

Hello home.