Return to America

All of you followers out there know by now that I haven't posted anything in months. I'm sorry but as you probably know all blogs have been blocked by the Chinese government. I could not access my blog nor anyone else's so it was hard to stay in touch with some people. It has been extremely nice to be back, blessed with visits from a great family and time with great friends. There are little things that many of you probably take for granted that I myself did at one point but now (from living without them) realize how lucky I'm. Just to have a blue sky multiple times a week feels like being at the beach. The pollution and smog of Shanghai started to wear on me and could cause me to feel down some days. It has been nice to be able to go wherever I want when I want since i have my car. I was stuck in traffic the other day and had a smile on my face as I listened to music and watched aggressive drivers get heated. I love that I can think of something that I want to eat and either cook it or go pick it up somewhere. You don't know how painful it is to crave a Chipotle burrito and not be able to fulfill you craving. The ease of getting around has made my life so much simpler. Being able to ask someone for something and have them understand you is more pleasant than you can imagine. I do miss the everyday challenge of having to simply get around but it is also nice to be at ease with many barriers. I've currently relocated to Charlotte NC and am living with my sister Kate and her husband Tom. They have graciously invited me into their home and am letting me live here until I land a job. The job search is more of a process than I thought but I have enjoyed networking with people and seeing what positions are out there. Wish me luck in my search and I'll keep you posted on what happens in the next couple of days.

-Will