Saying Farewell to China

Matt left to return to Shijiazhuang on Monday, May 7, and it left me a good three days to relax and reflect on my time in China. There was a wonderful feeling that came over me during my first week or so there. I felt a true sense of completeness. I knew that at this time in my life, I am meant to work in China, for the Chinese people. The ambiguity of where my career would take me in terms of my career feels settled. I know what I want, and I'm carving a way now to get there.
Needless to say, I was incredibly depressed during the last two weeks of my time there (and nearly cutting off my finger didn't make me feel any better about it). Although in my head I keep thinking that I should have devoted the past year to China, I know that making my trip more broad and spending time in 19 other countries really allowed me to challenge myself and force me to grow in ways that I never could have only living in a country where I speak the language.

It's quite emotional now to reflecting back on my experience. And as of today - June 11, 2006 - I have been "state-side" for a month. Luckily I've been at my parents' retreat in Chico and was lucky enough to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday metropolitan life. Last week I spent 4 days in Southern California visiting friends and now I'm back in Chico preparing for the next leg of this adventure called life.