Big, Sad, Happy, Crazy News...We're Leaving China

Okay, folks, here's the scoop.

After spending 4 1/2 years in Shanghai, China, we are repatriating. We'll be moving back to the United States at the beginning of October.

Wow...did I just say that out loud? Cause you know, saying it out loud makes it real.

Let's listen again.

After spending 4 1/2 years in Shanghai, China, we are repatriating. We'll be moving back to the United States at the beginning of October.

Holy cannoli.

I said it out loud. It must be true.

How do I feel?

Damn good question with no easy answers. To help clarify the three main emotions I've been experiencing since making this life-changing, boom-da-da-boom-da-da-boom-da-da-boom decision, I drew a few pictures. Let's see if this helps us sort it out:

I'm happy. Very happy. I can't wait to have family and U.S. pals within hugging distance. Get ready...I'll be hugging BIG!

I'm so so sad. I'm gonna miss many things like Mr. Chen (our driver), the Chicken Man, my writing pals, my writing students, lots of very special friends, Out Loud! (the reading series I run), kick-ass jiaozi (dumplings), an incredibly diverse multi-cultural life, easy access to tropical paradises (i.e., Borneo), having an ayi to clean up every single mess my two-year-old makes, my daughter's bilingual school, the monks at the Longhua Temple, the view of the Pearl Tower from my 23rd floor apt, and...and...and...

Oh me gosh. Y'all know that moving is crazy even if you're only moving a few blocks down the street, but moving to the other side of the world is even crazier. It's a completely insane journey that (as you can see) is already making me just a wee bit loony. And guess what? I'm only going to get loonier. 

Sooooo...anyway...I imagine I'll be doing a lot of writing in the next 6 or so weeks about China and change and all the crazy stuff that happens during this process. Pop in often to witness the happy-sad-loony tales (a.k.a. the yippee-boohoo-OMG tales) of my next around-the-world move.

Comments

[Kath]

Exciting news! Love the drawings - I completely understand the mix of emotions that comes with such a move. I've only ever moved within Europe but that was enough of a wrench.

Good luck with everything move-associated and for the future!

[Michelle]

In any event, exciting! Looking forward to following your journey :)

[Carla]

Great news! I already know you CAN do change well -- just think of all you experienced in the last 5 years!!! You'll be brilliant!!! On a selfish note, I hope you'll visit my book group to discuss THIRSTY -- it's on our reading list for 2010-2011!

[Christina Katz]

Think of all of the book club video conferences you'll be able to do when you are on the same time as all of us Americans! I think you'll like that part. ;)

[Casey Freeland]

I think this is a great thing for you and your family. Feels right from what I've read of you. Congratulations.

Casey

[Brian Stelmack]

China's loss is our gain! Enjoy the remaining time in China and best of luck with the move. Let us know once you are back in the US and we can schedule a visit.

[Kristin Bair O'Keeffe]

Thanks for all the support, everyone. Now, if you can all pop in to our apartment in the next few weeks to help me pack/throw stuff away/etc., that would be awesome! You can also provide a shoulder to cry on. :)

[Rose]

Will be watching your journey back across the world! Good luck with everything - it'll always be a beautiful, far-flung life!

[Cynthia Schuerr]

I know how disheveled you must feel. But, remembering your posts from your last trip to the U.S. and all of the pictures of Tully and her cousins, it's where you all belong, isn't it?
I am so happy for you, Kristin:-) Please have a safe journey home! ((( HUGS )))

[PJ Kaiser]

I *so* know what you are going through. I felt the same way when we left Mexico after six years. You've been there long enough that it's your *home*, not just where you're living. Hugs to you and best wishes for your move.

[Ameya]

Aw, right when I moved here (well, to Dalian)!
And can i say I'm super jealous of your ayi? Being a SAHM with no babysitter and no house help here in a foreign country is the hardest thing i've ever done - and i've only been here a week! If only English teachers made more money!