Another kind of home

The last time I was in China, in 2009, rather than wandering
around the countryside on my own (as I had done in the past)
I stayed with my friend Timothy's family and meandered
my way across the country with them over a period of about
5 weeks. During that period, they became my family too.

Younger sister, Chongchong (standing, below), observed
one afternoon while we were discussing my travels, 'You must
have many families in many places.' Being a friendly sort of
person, easily at home in different places, I agreed with her.
But she wasn't finished yet. Musing on what it must be like
to constantly get close to people only to leave them behind,
she added, 'So you have lost many things then, but gained
many also.'

There is a Chinese proverb that says 'Every family has its
own hard book to read.' This coming and going from people
that I love is a recurring theme in the book of my family,
stretched as it is around the globe. But for all the things I've
lost in this semi-perpetual movement, here are just a few
pictures of the many more that I've gained. I can't wait until
tomorrow when I get to see (some of) them again!!

My Chinese family - Mom (Auntie to me), Chongchong (standing),
Zhenzhen (in the middle), and Timothy. Timothy and I met
at a conference in the Philippines in 2008, and have been
fast friends ever since.

Paternal grandmother, in her home in the village. She's not
so sure about the camera, but trust me, she's usually smiling!

Maternal grandfather. If my dad were Chinese and about
30 years older, he would be this guy.

Maternal grandmother. Her and grandfather above run a
little everything shop out of their home in the village. So
much fun to look through!
Rural Shandong, China, February 2009.