lessons learned

I finished classes this week and as I pack my things to go to Beijing and then home, I find that I truly have adapted to life here. In fact, it will be hard for me to leave. Plans of returning soon have already been brewing in my head, but I should take a moment to reflect. I should also take a moment to feel proud of myself. Im not sure of the exact moment I acquired the fearlessness that I see in myself now. Perhaps the mountains gave me strength, but actually I think it is my own shortcomings that gave me power. I look back on all of the daily struggles of not being able to communicate fluently. I will be forever thankful for all of the things that didn't go as I planned. I have found a lifetime of treasures during these short six months. Lesson one: Doufu (tofu). Soybeans are ground into powder and doufu is made. Its a staple food here, full of protein, and good for the body. Yesterday, I spent the afternoon at huige's home and helped make doufu and cabbage jiaozi (dumplings). Huige is my older brother and he always loves to eat doufu. I like to think that huige's heart is even like doufu, soft and strong! Lesson two: "you cant eat noodles everyday!" It's true, Shandong people love noodles and Liangli has reason to fear for my health if I ate noodles everyday. Haha, but there is another good lesson here. Variety really does make our lives colorful! Lesson three: TEA. Its ancient tradition and contemporary life. Tea sort of stabilizes. Hot liquid doesn't go against your natural body temperature. It often reminds me of harmony. Its a part of society and relationship building. Variety is good, but tea is a part of the daily life. Lesson four: be good to your body. i went to the largest spa in the world on saturday with liangli, xutian, yange, and yanjie. it was amazing, it feels like after such a challenging year, my body was able to refresh. bagua massage, hot pools,steam room, fuit, seafood, laughter, all good for me. all made me feel that the simple things like taking care of your body make you feel the best. i love that china sees this is so important.