Back from Wonderland

I have returned from my half year's adventure. I am in the throes of jet lag and what sociologists call "reentry"-- the process of reacclimating to one's home culture. It's a bit like recovering from an illness. This is an odd analogy, since I had a good time, but somehow it fits. I tire easily, must take things slowly. At times, I am a stranger in my own home, for I don't remember where we keep batteries and lids to the soup pots. Using my cell phone is awkward, as Chinese cell phones are different. East Tennessee is quieter than I remembered it, the mountains taller, the houses further apart.

Today I went shopping and drove for the first time in over six months. After Chinese traffic I had dreaded driving and worried I'd crash. But it's easy to drive in America, where people follow the rules and traffic is orderly. I'd forgotten.

Joe left up the Christmas lights (below). Our sons, daughter and son-in-law will visit next weekend, and we'll keep them up until then. Joe put up a Christmas tree after returning from China. The Copes came over for dinner. Charlotte and I have begun to take walks.

I move pictures from the laptop to a portable hard drive, but I look at them only in passing. Chinese students send emails, and I respond. Slowly I unpack: clothing, gifts, memories, and my life.