Chinese Internet Firewall Foils Blog

Roseville, MN (Anita's Blog)

Back in the States, leaving my family in Yunan Province, I am tasked with updating the blog.  China's internet firewall has prevented any a"ccess to the blog, which is why the posts have stopped.  It's taken me a while to figure out how to post, and I will now be attempting to cut and paste photos and entries from Angus and the kids into the blog.  We'll see how it goes.

It's so strange being home alone with my husband and kids a world away for the next 5 weeks. It is peaceful certainly, and there is plenty of time to work down my to do list. The first few times I texted and FaceTimed them it was hard because there were so many tears. "Why did you have to leave us?" was a question that I had a logical answer for (I had to go back to work). But it broke my heart and I so wanted to give them all real, not virtual, hugs and kisses.

Now, our recent FaceTime encounters have been less dramatic. The kids are having fun. They're talking about the things they are seeing and places they are going. They still say they miss me but their expressions are no longer gut wrenching and desperate. And now I find myself feeling sad in a different way. They don't need me as much. I think I am getting a glimpse of what I will be facing over the next 5-10 years as the three of them grow into adults and eventually leave to lead their own lives. I find myself becoming overwhelmed with feelings of pride and gratitude. My little ones' wings are definitely getting stronger. I can't wait to see where they fly. I take that back--I can and want to wait. -Anita