In Dad's Eyes:
Seven Glorious days in luxurious China.
Barely time enough to learn the language, understand the traffic routes, or know what to eat or not. Thankfully, Aaron and Ely were supported by their 3 kind friends in Suzhou who became our guardian angels. We were allowed to see parts of China that I don¡¯t think were on any conventional tour. The back road off of a back road leads us to a glorious garden that they are obviously very proud of. It is difficult for us to know what comments could be made that may not be considered appropriate for us to make. At one point, I notice that something was said that did not set well. So many differences in cultures, yet so many similarities of what people want and value. 
I n the next 20 years I see a major change in the way this country operates. The people have been satisfied with the status quo for a very long time but it seems to me that the population under 30 years of age have found that there is more to life than just surviving. I see wants becoming more of a way of life in this country. The balance of bringing their country into the 21st century, yet maintaining their culture and controls will be a very complicated task.
There must be huge movement of population from the country to the city, based on the amount of residential construction, mostly apartment buildings. The cities continue to be expanded along with any of the outlying regions. The highways and streets have been developed and appeared to be very modern. I think this was done intentionally and it does make good sense. While observing the construction, it was an odd coincidence to watch a huge crane working overhead while workers were carrying cement in wooden buckets to build a foundation.
It is easy to see that they are beginning to see the value of the tourist dollar and many extra employees appear to be in place to respond to your every wish. No one has a lot to do but there are plenty of people around to do it.
We were so fortunate to get to see so much and I was so thrilled to be able to observe the members of my family interact and respond to each other, silly or otherwise. It is so amazing to see how my children respect and care for each other as adults. ( I knew if I waited long enough this would happen). They are very dedicated to each other and want to stay involved in their futures in any way possible. I felt so lucky to have us all together for this time knowing that an event like this would be some time in the future before it may happen again.
I come back to our country and am even more thankful to be living where I do. There are so many advantages that we have on a daily basis that are almost invisible and to see life in a country such as this makes me realize that we are so fortunate to have the choices we do. It was a grand adventure and I thank Aaron & Ely for their efforts to allow being able to enjoy the trip that we had. (except for the part involving getting kicked out of the taxi on the freeway by the cab driver). As a parent, I am saddened by the length of time we will be separated from them, yet I am so proud of the brave adventurous spirit they possess to be able to take on such a project. They have survived in a climate that I would not have had the courage to take on.
These memories will be stored in one of my favorite compartments-unless I forget where I left it.
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