Made in the USA

Just a quick hello before I crawl into my own bed.

I made it back to the United States, safe and reasonably sound. I plan to spend some of Friday catching up with many of you in the blogosphere. I missed my daily reads!

Getting through the Beijing airport was a bit of a hassle because of a complicated, poorly organized departure process. I waited in no fewer than four lines and filled out the same number of forms. Of course, language barriers made the process even more confusing. Still, I muddled through with an hour to spare, just enough time for one more visit to Starbucks. After this trip, I think I'm addicted to cafe mochas.

I met a few Americans during the departure process. One American woman called me "brave" for venturing east alone. Then, I noticed her husband carrying a new baby-- a sweet, little Chinese girl. This couple had become brand new parents on their visit to China. I felt humbled. Truly, these new parents were the brave ones in line, not me.

Actually, I saw three different couples with new babies, all little girls. Seeing these new families caused something inside me to stir. In my past I have confessed to a few friends that I contemplate adoption some day. Maybe if I ever come back to China, my purpose will be far different. Who knows? Stranger things have happened.



I know that more than a few of you kept up with me through the travel journal, so I won't bore you with any more stories. It's sufficive to say that my chopstick skills have been greatly enhanced. In fact, I experienced an awkward moment when the airline attendant handed me a fork. Fortunately for me, and the two men on either end , I did finally remember how to use the instrument. The knife-- well, that was a little trickier.


Anyway, it's good to be home.