So let's start this blog off on a high note -- honestly, I am in denial. We leave for China in 3 days, but I am not operating as if I have accepted that fact. We have made a first pass at packing and I think I have done 95% of the shopping I wanted to. I still need a good calendar and a final run through the grocery store for spices and boxes. We really need another set of sheets for each bed, but there is no room. (Since our last trip 16 months ago, United has reduced the free checked luggage allowance from 2 to 1. This seriously impacts us as we try to restock for the next 15 months). We were incredibly blessed by a Walmart gift card which paid for all the otc meds and misc baby supplies that I needed to take back. (Still haven't found good old fashioned nesting cups and blocks...time is running out) But that is just the physical aspect of the return. I am struggling more with the emotional return. Living where we do is hard, it's a lot of work just to keep a home and family going and it's hard to live in almost complete isolation from others who share a common language, common heritage, common way of thinking and a common faith. It's hard. every. day. The work is challenging, some days overwhelming, but mostly it is a blessing. It's the life that I am struggling with returning to. It's a hard life for the girls as well, but thankfully they are ready to go; they won't admit it, but China is now more home than the US. I am glad for them. And in the end it's not about me, but I wish I could look forward to Tuesday with more joy than dread.
5 Comments
Pam Thorpe Williams
1/5/2013 10:34:46 am
Donna, love the new blog. Funny story. I hate chinese sheets....then clay met a new chinese businessman at toastmasters. The man sent me chinese sheets to USA. They even got here without a problem by Fed Ex. They are wonderful. Love them, unfitted but still stay on the bed. Couldn't believe it!!! If you want Clay to get you some, I think he can. Also this guy gave Swallow's Nest sheets for all our babies.
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Denise Trimbach
1/5/2013 01:52:34 pm
Thank you and your girls for giving so much of your lives to love, nurture, and educate the beautiful Chinese children that God has placed in your lives. Thank you for being the hands and feet for those that have also stolen our hearts. Please let us know what we, on this side of the ocean, can do to help your calling there be more successful.
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laura laurie
1/5/2013 02:47:16 pm
Love your new blog!
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Donna Po
1/7/2013 01:37:23 pm
Have a safe trip back! Sorry we missed you while you were here.
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Sarah Whitehead
1/29/2013 01:59:03 pm
Hi! I love your blog and want to send you acres of support for all you are doing. I am also a single mother, but with just one Jiangsu daughter (and right now am convalescing from pneumonia) and teach kindergarten and find that really challenging most days. But compared to what you are doing, it's a snap. You are doing what many of us would love to do but are not brave enough to try, so you deserve all the support we can give you. I completely understand the need to write about your experiences and connect with people. Am looking forward to following your adventures and cheering for you. : )
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About This BlogPart documentary, part family chronicle and part personal reflection as I try to sort through the ups and downs, the joys, heartaches and surprises of our life and work as we follow the path that God has set for us here in China! Prayer RequestsKristen to continue to adjust to college life and find good friends.
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April 2024
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