The Long And Short Of It

Im sitting at the airport getting ready to leave China.  And as I sit, I'm considering some things...

Things Ill Miss

-Pomelo
-Seeing the sun (which I actually SAW more these past two weeks than Ill probably see at home starting Chicagi winter!)
-Pretzel rolls from Jenny's
-Dumplings

-Red bean scones.... My last one at the airport:(

-Cheap name brand shoes, purses and clothes from little shops that try to act like they're not there.

-Feeling like I'm some kind of movie star when I go out and random people point and take my picture because I look different (and to my friends and family - no smart comments about my looking "different"..:) 
-Chinese Starbucks chats with my friend:)!  This should actually be number one!

-Appreciating the ability - no - expectation to have and exhibit emotions when you're driving or being pushed around in a line or on a train

-The danger of just crossing a street

-Feeling this amazing community of growing, thriving, stumbling, breathing, hurting, loving, forgiving, messing up and trying it again believers that I sometimes wonder if Ill ever feel in the states because this atmosphere creates this greenhouse of faith that spills out the windows and doors and affects others in a way you can't help but notice.  I'm especially sad about leaving these people!  Zach and Julie being prime example number one!

THINGS I WON'T MISS!

-Crowded subway trains with people leaning on your back and stepping on your toes and shoving in the minute the doors open 
-Playing "I'm it" when standing at a checkout and fighting for your place in line!
-People who are unaware of the concept of a schedule or time
-Breathing chunky, black air
-Not seeing the sun because of the black, chunky air 
-Squatty potties

-Throwing your used toilet paper in a trash can instead of said toilet 

-Trying to figure out how much money you're getting every time you go to an ATM

-Spotty speedy Internet

-Feeling like you're in a game of Frogger when you're in a car

-Not being the one having fun playing Frogger while you're in a car - you just can't get as angry or frustrated if you're not behind the wheel!:)

-An entire country that doesn't have the ability to even comprehend basic good manners and the act of thinking of someone else that you may not even know.

-Ordering a coffee from Starbucks and just having to keep it to the pictures and the actual list of drinks - no special orders like 3 pumps or 3 shots or hazelnut latte.  Just point and say the words they know

-Exceedingly dirty cars you accidentally brush up against and get the dirt from 1000 factories on you

-Putting things in your mouth that you literally don't know where they've been- all while a group of eager Chinese watch you with great expectation

-Doing laundry and not having a dryer:)

-NO HEAT!

THINGS I'LL REALLY MISS!
-ZACH

-ELI

-JASPER

AND ESPECIALLY

-JULIE!!!!!!!