Home for the Summer!

It's 12:15am of the day I leave China.  I'm ready to  collapse in bed for a few hours of sleep, but I didn't feel like I could leave without writing one more post.

This last week has been incredibly difficult for me - no, not pain from leaving China.  Back pain!  I was packing last Tuesday when I threw out my back in the most painful way I've ever experienced.  The past six days have included multiple trips to the hospital, capsules containing 'artificial tiger bone', and the help of countless friends.  I'm not new to back pain, but I've never experienced it to this extent.  My community here truly outdid themselves on my behalf.  People brought me food, helped me stand and walk, did my laundry, paid my phone bill, scoured the building for American medicine - one friend even helped me pack one of my suitcases!  While I can't say I'd choose it again, it was still really amazing to see how everyone pulled together - for me.  Not a bad way to go.

An interesting side affect was how my immobility affected my stress level.  Because I had to limit what I lifted and how I moved, I obsess over every detail of packing and cleaning like I typically do before a trip.  I had a solid dose of 'It is what it is' attitude.  So my house is immaculately clean.  So what?  It'll get dusty over the course of the summer anyways.  I do have to say though, it's perfectly tidy.  Perfectly.

As I finished my last project (a calendar to put in my carry-on) I cleaned off my desk, and organized my papers.  I opened a box of letters that friends gave me as I left last fall.  I read over them, and was surprised to find how encouraging they were here at the end of the year.  The last few weeks have been focused on reviewing the year, sizing up strengths and weaknesses, and making a game plan for next year.  After all that critique, it was wonderful to re-read those affirmations.  Never underestimate the power of a good letter!

It was also fun to realize that I will see these people in a matter of days!  Warning:  I'm a long hugger.  AND my hugging needs haven't been met for 10 months.  So - here I come!!