I miss living overseas. There was so much wonder and uncertainty in everything, and each new day felt so alive and unique. Now, when I tell people how I miss Shanghai, I truly mean what I say. I can remember every hardened and lined face, every place where I suffered disappointment, all the times I spent watching ships go by and hearing distant foghorns right beneath the noses of all the silently flashing buildings. Shanghai is a strangely electric, cold, and barren city, where people at every level are embattled by instability, desperation, and insecurities. Everyone follows a different path to arrive there, but in that place their hardships are transformed into experiences that are remarkably alike. Those relationships forged in the darkness become even tighter, even more precious.
During those days, my Shanghai family was a patient ear, and an immeasurable source of support to me--one that taught me exactly what I had to learn, that showed me what it means to counsel those with grief, and spoke precisely what I needed to hear in that time and place. Because of you all, I really came to understand that my identity was comprised of greater things than my career; that all of it was for naught if I didn't place my relationship with God at the highest. I've been fortunate to see a few people since returning to the States, but I really miss the people of Shanghai, and sometimes wonder if God will let me become an expat once more. Perhaps one day. Though it's been nearly two years since I left, I am still not done giving thanks for you guys. Happy Thanksgiving!
No comments:
Post a Comment