Some Highlights from America

We returned to the U.S. on June 29 for six weeks’ summer vacation. What was on our America priority list after ten months away? Well, catching up with you, our faithful readers! We enjoyed countless meals and conversations with friends and family. Our time was indeed full of travel, but all in all, it felt like a meaningful recharging before starting off our second year.

Some weeks we took lots of photos. Other weeks we were having so much fun we neglected to dig out the camera. There were many high points in those six weeks, and the ones shown below are just a sampling:

1.       Taking a trip to western Washington, including Bellingham, where Trevor went to university for two years. We went to one of his favorite spots, Rocket Donuts, and marveled at the ‘jumbo donut’ (the shop only makes two or three of these gigantic pastries daily).

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2.      After adjusting to a bus-and-walking lifestyle in China, driving surprised us. We could do and see so much more in a day in the U.S. Driving also gave us funny roadside views, like this farm where they grow jumbo marshmallows (near La Conner, WA).



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3.       We had a great visit with my aunt and uncle who actually came through Wuhan last March on their China trip. It was lots of fun talking about their travel experiences and seeing their photos. They also have an amazing yard which my uncle has transformed from a goopy swamp into a forest and lake wonderland.

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4.     We took another trip with Trevor’s parents and visited his grandma in Spokane, Washington. The city boasts a treasure called Manito Park, which includes a huge rose garden, quiet Japanese garden and an extensive greenhouse. We definitely took time to stop and smell the roses there.

5.  Returning to Pullman, Washington, for about a week was a real treat.  The ripening wheat of the Washington-Idaho Palouse created a landscape patchwork of greens and golden. Each day there we made warm connections with friends and former students. It made me so happy to hear my former violin students play again and to see how much they have grown in a year. We also really enjoyed going to a U-pick flower garden, making fresh cherry cobbler and eating grilled vegetables straight from our friends’ garden.

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6.  Having our ‘China radar’ on was a running joke while in America. But honestly we couldn't help but keep our eyes and ears peeled for anything Chinese.  It made us feel a little more ‘at home’ when we did. I was SO EXCITED when my ears picked up a couple speaking in Chinese in the Bellingham Ross...and I understand a little of it, too! We didn't however try the advertised Thursday Chinese buffet special...

7. We enjoyed many great meals thanks to both sides of our families. After adapting to a more family-style eating habit in China, it was a bit surprising to be served our individual orders on plates the size of platters at a Mexican restaurant. But boy had we missed Mexican food! Here’s a photo of when Trevor’s parents took us out to Southern BBQ. We certainly can’t get pulled pork this good in China!

8. Ten months of navigating crowded bus systems was one of our achievements in Year 1. To compare the bus experience in America, we rode the bus one day. We got seats! Both ways! And no one pushed us on the bus! Now granted we took the bus in a considerably smaller city than Wuhan (as in population 60,000 vs. 10 million). But nevertheless, we thought we’d give you a photo comparison of our China and U.S. bus experiences:

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While the whirlwind of vacation reconnected with many people who are dear to us, we started feeling the pull of our 'home' for this season of our lives. We're grateful for our friendships both in the U.S. and in Wuhan, and slowly we're learning how to best stay connected to both types. Thanks to many of you who mentioned regularly checking our blog. It means a lot to us to hear of your interest in and support for our China adventure. Stay tuned for year two!