HI, Dr. Stearns and All,

I am safely home now. I have had such special experience during my trip:

There was a 8-month -old baby, whose mom tried to make suicide, and couldn't survive in New York City illegally with the baby. Now the baby was handed to a stranger three hours before the flight departure. She cried from 12:00pm to the time we boarded the plane at 5:00pm at the waiting room, then  she cried for another 13 hours's on and off  on the plane, which broke my heart. I changed my seat fro A17 to G29 in order to take care of her. So during my 13 hours, I walked her from the front of the plane to the back most of the time, and I weeped a lot for her. She had serious diarrhea , so I had to change her diaper frequently. Another doctor degree Chinese girl is helping. This little star won my heart and many mother's hearts. She  chased away my fear of flight. I have never loved a infant so much other than my own babies. It's hard for me to be apart from her who will meet her grandmother, a new face, at the Beijing airport. I only wish God protect her.

I stayed in Beijing for two days at my former high school classmate' home, and I was shocked to see his home condition which was shabby compared with his position, the youngest doctor in the Chinese Dept. of Beijing University. He has 9 doctor students and 12 graduate students. I suggest him to do some kind of business outside school work. During those two days, I visited the Palace,of course, I took lots of pictures. I can attach some to you later.

I have all kinds of appointments booked by now--friends and relatives. Every single evening  somebody will invite me to eat outside. My family concerns about my health because they say I look much thinner than I was in China. My mother's goal for me is to add 5- 10 lb during my two months' stay. :) It is nice to feel to be loved and cared again after all I have experienced in America. I will visit my engineer brother's million-dollar new home. My another job is sleeping well and shopping crazy like before.:) Ok, hope your summer is as wonderful as mine. I am so happy now. Enjoy your time with your family.

Comments

[Celinda]

Sounds like you had quite an experience. Babies are wonderful unless they are crying for hours and hours. Enjoy your time with your family - allow them to take care of you especially your mom. Moms (most moms anyway) live for taking care of their children no matter how old they are. Look forward to hearing more about your trip.

[Amanda]

Wow, Li Li. As Celinda said, that was quite the experience you had on the plane, but I am not even remotely surprised that you stepped in to nurture and care for that child, since you are such a caring and compassionate person.

I can't imagine how it must feel returning home after all this time, but enjoy the time you spend there and savor each moment with your family. We miss you!