I am back in America!!
I woke up this morning and finished packing. We left my parent’s place around 9:30 and headed to the airport. My mom went in with my just in case my bags were overweight. They were both at 49 pounds, but I didn’t know the restriction in China, so if they were overweight, I was just going to take some stuff out and give it to her to bring back this summer. At the counter, we asked the cute Chinese lady if there were any exit rows, and she said there was a middle one available. So I took that. Then when my bags were on their way back behind her, I asked, “Were they overweight, or are they ok?” She just smiled at me first, and then quietly said, “They were a little over…But it’s ok.” I was so happy. She was sweet. I’m glad I didn’t have to take anything out. Then I said goodbye to my mom and headed through immigration.
Once on the plane, I put my luggage up in the bin overhead. Everything was securely in there. I had my purse, my small suitcase, and a poster container. After 10 minutes, all the sudden the poster thing fell down and hit the guy next to me on the head. Some guy behind us was trying to fit more things in that bin, and it caused it to fall down. I felt bad, even though it wasn’t my fault. They guy next to me wasn’t upset at me, but he was pretty upset with the guy behind us.
My seat was in the middle of two grown men. Right before we were supposed to take off, a really nice flight attendant came to me and told me that two of the exit seats opposite us were open. So I moved over there and sat in the aisle with no one in the middle. It was the best seat on that flight I’ve ever had. That flight attendant came back over and introduced himself, and then called me by my name the whole flight. It was really nice. Not many flight attendants do that, and it was nice. He came up to me extra times also to see if I needed anything. When I told him I didn’t want anything for breakfast (because I didn’t like the selections…but I didn’t say that) he offered me other things. I got a sweet roll and an apple. It was awesome. I’ve never had that happen to me. So, besides being really long and not being able to get incredibly comfortable, it was a great flight. I slept for about an hour and a half, and just kept busy the rest of the 11 hours. I was really grateful when I realized how close we were to San Francisco.
After landing, I had to get all my checked bags, and take them through customs. Then I had to recheck them. I practically left the airport (I walked all the way to the check-in counters) and had to go through security again. (I think I might have missed a turn, because I didn’t think I was supposed to go to the international terminal anymore, however, I was. I think I would have saved time if I had gone straight there. But oh well, I have time to spare.) I stopped at Burger King on my way to the international terminal and got some breakfast, even though I’d been awake for 15 hours already. Haha, it’s a really weird feeling changing times zones like that. The jet lag is crazy.
Anyway, I stopped in the bathroom and changed my clothes. (I’d brought a whole new change with me cause I knew I would feel better in clean clothes after that long flight.) I also tried to fix my hair a little, and did my make-up. It’s amazing how much better I feel after doing those things. It’s nice. I almost don’t feel like I’ve just come from China.
Now, I’m sitting at the gate that I have to leave from in an hour and a half. I had a 4 and a half hour layover, so it’s almost over! I figured this would be a good time to finish journaling my trip.
I’m excited to get home tonight and see Rob and Nelly. I’m excited to see David, Linda, and Lizzy. I’ve missed everyone so much!
But I think most of all, I’m excited to be back in America. Being in China has made me incredibly grateful for what I have in my life. I’m very grateful Rob and I were able to go to China, maybe for one last time if my parents move back soon. I’m grateful for nice public toilets in America. I’m grateful that Americans all like their own private space. I’m grateful for being able to understand everything spoken in this country. I’m grateful for being able to drive myself around. I’m grateful that I don’t have to walk around begging for money to survive. I’m grateful that I’m healthy, have all my extremities, and have an education. I’m grateful America doesn’t restrict your religion. I’m grateful I have a place to sleep every night. I’m grateful for this country. I’m grateful for my life and everything I have.
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