… our China adventure has come to an end.
For several reasons – reasons which I’ll categorize as ‘life happens’ – our China adventure has come to an end. We returned to Cincinnati, OH last week, just in time for the kids to start school (see obligatory first day of school photo below!).
While I’m sad that our adventure has come to an end, I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity. My only regret is there was so much more I wanted to share….
— I didn’t get a chance to write about the fantastic Asian-American Heritage event we attended that celebrated Chinese-Americans’ contribution to the Trans Continental Railroad. It was an impressive celebration that reminded me that if I want people to appreciate and know my history, I have to make an effort to learn theirs.
— I didn’t get to mention that after struggles with Mandarin, that I PASSED the HSK 2 exam, a worldwide proficiency exam for Mandarin. I even started studying for the next level, HSK 3, which had me actually reading characters! Of course, I’ve forgotten all of it in the short week since we’ve been back in the US permanently :).
— You didn’t hear about a one-of-a-kind food tour we experienced in Ho Chi Minh City, where we weaved in an out of the city’s fascinating neighborhoods, tasted the best Vietnamese food all on the back of a scooter. If you’ve ever seen the streets in Ho Chi Minh City, you know the scooter ride is risky!
— You didn’t get a chance to read about us getting stuck in the middle of the ongoing protests in Hong Kong, where we could not access subways, cabs nor any other method to make our way back to our hotel. But our personal inconvenience was quickly forgotten as we got to see democracy up close and personal.
— I didn’t get to brag on the bravest and most resilient kids I know – who finished out the school year with stellar report cards, almost sweeping the student awards and strong friendships. The kids have been the true MVPs through all of the transitions.
And there was so much more to tell and do; but, alas, we had to return. So, for this past week, since I’ve been back in the US, I’ve been reflecting on the blessing and tremendous opportunity that was our China adventure and not lamenting that it has come to an end.
If you ever have the chance to do something different, live abroad or just exist outside of your comfort zone. Do it! You’ll be better for the experience, just like we are.
Thanks for reading.
-rms
(Star) Transition 