Home at last

A couple of teachers I know embarked on a journey which took them to Nanjing, China. They are both retired teachers who have had a dream to teach overseas, so when they were finally liberated from certain responsibilities here at home, they started investigating the possibilities, and it wasn't long before they were on their way.

That was 30 months ago!

They have been home to Canada for short visits during this time, but the majority of the past two and a half years have been spent teaching in China and touring various parts of that country as well as various others in the Far East.

Tonight was my first opportunity to visit with them since their initial departure for China, so there was lots to talk about. In truth, I think that it will be awhile yet before all the experiences and adventures that are to be told find their way into words. Experiences such as these have a way of marking souls, changing people and opening other horizons.

I marveled as they recounted experiences of staying in youth hostels and travelling throughout China, meeting other Westerners from all parts of the world, and even a few orientals who surprised them with their command of the English or French languages. From the East Indian who spoke with a distinct British accent to the Chinese who spoke in perfect French, each of these was a new adventure, the stuff of stories which will be told for many years to come.

Welcome home ... even just for a little while, as you await your next adventure.