很高兴我有机会跟你说一声再见!

Hello to all my friends and family on both sides of the Pacific!  By now, I've been back in the USA for a week and a half.  On the one hand, a lot has happened, but on the other nothing has changed.  Those last several days in Hong Kong did and still do feel absolutely surreal.  Have I really left?  Am I really not returning for an entire year?  Somehow my brain can't stretch far enough to wrap all the way around this--not now, not yet.  Those last few days hanging out around Hong Kong, taking in the sights, smells, and sounds are never far from my thoughts, and stay even closer to my heart.

In so many ways, I really am the luckiest person.  Before flying back home to the other side of the world, I was able to see most of the good friends I've made while living abroad--locals, foreigners, and mainlanders alike.  After her whirlwind adventures across China this summer, Su stopped back by Hong Kong before she, too, left for the USA.  Since I was blessed enough this summer to live in a 2-person room without a roommate, she lived with me for a few days.  Like with all good friends, it felt like we'd seen each other just the day before instead of a month before.  As celebration for Su's arrival and the all-too-soon departures both of us had coming up, we went for one last dinner at Mr. Wong's in Yau Ma Tei.

When it came to last-minute souvenirs and local flavor, there was no place better than Soho.  We passed upscale bistros and Chinese medicine shops, as well as street markets and the famous Lock Cha Tea Shop.

The Western Market, also in Sheung Wan.

Going away didn't really sink in until the going-away party on Sunday.  Saying goodbye to so many friends at once was enough to make me tear up, but thankfully I managed not to cry (too much).  My wonderful church family:

We goofy ladies tried taking a picture where we all cry, but cracking up was more like it:

Take 2 was just as unsuccessful.

There were actually two of us going away, so we both got the queen treatment for at least a while:

Cross my heart, Sherry and Fanyu:

Nothing makes you feel loved like an emotional farewell party, and nothing makes you want to stay like feeling loved.  To all my friends in Hong Kong, you really were like a family to me and in my heart you will always be my brothers and sisters.  I'm so blessed to have known and keep on knowing each and every one of you!

I'm so fortunate in having the opportunity to come back to Hong Kong in a year, but a year seems so short when it's behind you and so long when it's ahead.  There's so much I want to say, and so much I want you all to know.  Just give me the time, and keep me in your hearts as I keep you in mine.  For now, I'm deferring to 张震岳 to help me send my love and best wishes to you all.