If you had told me I would only be in Beijing for 8 months, I probably would have done a few things differently. I would have traveled (within China) more. I would have taken extra long on my last Great Wall climb. I would have bought more furniture!
One thing I have done was leave Beijing after meeting some of the most amazing, memorable, life-touching people I have ever come across. I would not give those 8 months back for anything. Living in China has strengthened my family, made me more aware of what really matters in life, and shown me how important true friends are in my life. It's also left me with 12 extra pounds.
But it is true, you see things in China you won't see anywhere else.
(Chinese acrobat performance from October when my mom visited)
I won't miss public toilets.
The best food I've ever tasted was in Beijing. Pumpkin soup.
Despite the daily pollution battle, Beijing has some beautiful places to see.
We had a full time driver hired by Derek's company. But honestly - nobody wants to call the driver to go 1 or 2 miles or just down the road. Sometimes you just want your freedom. So there was the tuk tuk.
Hopefully next place I won't have to do so much work to just buy fruits and vegetables.
The toy market.
Most of my second baby's life was in Beijing.
And I can tell you one of the hardest parts about leaving is wondering what will happen to the people you have let into your personal lives. You can find them another job, give them a bonus, but the truth is... it's out of your hands. We loved our driver and ayi. Mr. Yang never complained, never asked for a single day off, and somehow always found me in a crowd. He made sure my kids had coats on before getting out the car. He loved to sing Chinese songs with Bianca. Chen and Veronica were best buds. She always made sure we had a clean house and a meal waiting when we got home from traveling. Most importantly, she taught me what it means to be a good Christian.
I've grown in so many ways. Spiritually, mentally, and physically (unfortunately!). I can say I'm not upset our time was cut short in Beijing, but I can also say I wouldn't give it back for anything.
Would I move back?
Without a doubt. But right now, I'm enjoying the beach.
Here's a look at our Beijing house after it was all packed up.
