One time there was a blond woman who walked into a hair salon. She looked at the stylist and said, “ I need my hair cut, but no matter what, you cannot take off my headphones.” The stylist thought that was strange, but agreed. After a short while in the chair, the blond woman fell asleep. The stylist was having great difficulty cutting her hair with the headphones still on her so the stylist thought, “Well, she is asleep and what she doesn’t know won’t hurt.” An hour later the stylist was finished with the cut and put the woman’s headphones back on. The stylist tried to shake the woman awake, but she wouldn’t wake up. She had died. The stylist was very distraught and thought the headphones might have a clue as to what happened, so she picked them up and listened to what they said. She heard this: “Breath in…Breath out… Breath in… Breath out…”

                Lately it has been feeling like the stylist took off my headphones. One thing after another was coming down the line and big and small stresses were threatening to cut off my air supply. God, however, knows me and loves me so much! This past week He put my headphones put back on…so to say. My mom and grandpa flew to China to visit! After everything that happened with the apartment, my job, and trying to balance sleep, a social life, a fitness routine, and chores with work, I was starting to get a bit helter skelter, this visit is just what the dr. ordered.

                    They flew in on Sep 30th. I’ll admit, I did the sappy run-to-them thing you only see at airports. Happy tears and lots of hugs later, it was time to get them home to rest. We had a rather smooth trip through the metro, not too much snuggle time with complete strangers. Once we were all safely at the apartment, it was time for presents! I ma such a child when it comes to presents. I was practically sparkly from the sugar rush. The next three and one half days saw us three plus Monica traipsing through Hong Kong and Macau. We had so many adventures! Including, getting caught outside in a monsoon, eating dinner at Victoria Peak, seeing beautiful museum pieces, and spectacular casinos. We got a little lost, had problems with our transportation, and I think my mom and grandpa walked more in those four days than in the last four months combined. We ate copious amounts of food… Oh my word so much good food. So much western food. The trip back to Guangzhou was quick and painless, and after taking no less than three modes of transportation, we were finally able to sleep at our apartment.

                   These last few days have been so fun. Monica and I get to show them so much of this culture. Much of it comes as quite a shock to them, they can hardly handle it for very long. They are not use to hordes of people flooding a tiny doorway, sharing backside space with someone you don’t know, and having to use toilets that are flush with the floor (see what I did there…). I think the way my grandpa phrased their visit so far was perfect. He said, “It’s been startling, but fun.” More to come after I’ve had to send them home, for now, have a wonderful day!