Home Is Where the Heart Is

People have said expat life will either make or break you. I've been here long enough to safely say being an expat both makes and breaks me, some days it's both at the same time. If you've never lived abroad, looking at us, you would, at first glance, say "What a life!" Yes, it is. Yes, we have a driver. The thought of trying to drive in this country, however, sends shivery chills down my spine. Just this morning, Mr. Liu and I saw an accident where a really, REALLY bad driver plowed into an old man on a scooter...and kept driving. Yes, we live in a great townhouse in a fabulously beautiful city. This fab townhouse has about as many faults as it does favors. Currently, I'm waiting on repairs for four lights, three sinks, two countertops, and one tub...seriously. I love the grand size, but ever since my knee accident, I've cursed each and every stair in this place. By the way, there are fifty one. Suzhou is gorgeous, full of history, shopping, and friendly people. It's also intimidatingly huge, surrounded by even bigger cities, which are filled with just as much history and people. I mean, my gosh, I'm just now discovering all there is in our neighborhood center. Latest find...a music store and game room. Larry's job has afforded him the opportunity to use his knowledge to train employees, implement procedures and travel all over the place. Of course, the growing pains with the new factory have, at times, been excrutiating. Support is limited, and he's come to hate the popular phrase, "It's the China way". Our girls go to a top notch international school. Their little world, like their parents', has expanded far beyond Seneca, SC's borders. They've seen how the filthy rich live and how the filthy poor struggle to survive. They're also learning things far beyond anything they would have learned at home. And, then there's that word...home. We sold our home in SC and brought all of our possessions with us. I've hung pictures on the walls, added some plants, bought a few homey pieces of furniture and even petted up the place with Rosie and Peanut. Is it home? Hmm...Ask me when I'm in one of my dreary moods, shut off from everyone, freezing, and I'd say "This cavernous tomb?!? No way!" Today, however, when the sun is bright, birds are chirping and Rosie's lounging on my feet, "Yep, this is our home. What a life"