At this moment, I am about ready to pack up the kitchen items into boxes.

            Yes, it’s time for the move back to Luzhou.  I’ve been working on the packing for four days and by tomorrow night, I should have everything ready to go for Thursday morning.  The garbage collection staff have been extremely excited about this move. Every day, they find wonderful treasures which I just don’t intend to drag back to Luzhou with me:  plastic trash cans, dishes and cups, clotheslines, trash bags, cleaning supplies. 

            Every morning, they cruise by my sunporch on their pedicabs and load up from the pile I’ve left outside.  One of these ladies has a daughter my age so I’ve handed over to her all those clothes I never wear.  Many of these are my mother’s which she passed along to me.  They are very pretty, some of them, and hardly worn but the weather in Sichuan just isn’t very compatible for a lot of them.  I’m so happy they’ll get great use.

            This afternoon, I was visited by the landlord and two young women who will be renting my flat.  I hadn’t really planned on an inspection yet as I’m still living here but  that seems to be the Chinese style—invite the new tenants over for a look-see to make sure this is exactly what they want.

            I had asked Mr. Chen to come over today because I wanted to point out all the problem areas of the apartment so he could have them fixed for the new people:  broken water pipe in the bathroom, leaking sink, light fixtures not working, one oven burner that refuses to light, and the rats that run around in he false ceiling.  One already came crashing down on me last year.  I had to tape the metal ceiling panel back in place. I certainly wouldn’t want that to happen to anyone else.

            I honestly thought these problems would be fixed before the new tenants came but it looks like not.  The new family is moving in on Thursday afternoon after I leave Thursday morning.  I can’t really see how a busted waterpipe, leaking sink, light fixture wiring and rats can be taken care of in a matter of hours.  I noticed that while they were here, looking around all the rooms, Mr. Chen didn’t say a word about what problems I had discussed with him not more than 30 minutes before.  I didn’t think that was very fair to those soon to rent this place not to warn them of the quirks but it wasn’t my place to say. 

            Thursday at 9:30 a.m., the movers are coming and the school in Luzhou has sent a car to pick me up.  I’d have taken the long-distance bus (3 ½ hours) but I’m a bit loaded down with 2 pets, a laser printer and a suitcase.  That would be stretching my lifting abilities a bit to negotiate all of that on a bus.

            In between the moving, Little Ghost has been spayed and is now recuperating, Day 2.   Spaying procedures in China are not exactly that great but I had no choice.  Dealing with an ovulating kitty is not exactly a great selling point when looking for a good home for her.  Luzhou has no veterinarians that I would trust with any operations.  My Chengdu vet, Dr. Qiu, is qualified and his operation theater is sanitary, although the poor thing was not completely asleep when it was done.  I left the building, unable to handle what I heard coming from Little Flower 7 years ago when she underwent the same operation.  Awful!

            Despite the trauma, Little Ghost  is getting along better today.  Even Little Flower seems to understand she’s hurting.  She hasn’t been chasing and barking at LG like she usually does.  In fact, LG even came to bed with us last night.  It was a very peaceful, happy family of three.  Not sure how long it will last but better one night than none.

            News from my American home is not as uplifting.  My father was taken to the emergency room yesterday and is now in ICU for congestive heart failure.  He was not doing very well during the summer but we did have some nice days together, which I’m so grateful for. 

          Thus in the midst of my packing, I keep my mom and dad in my prayers.  My older brother has his law practice in my hometown so he is near enough to be with her.   My mom is in good hands with my brother at home.  At times like these, my family always trusts the Lord will give us strength for whatever may come our way. 

            I am not sure when I will be able to post a blog again.  My Luzhou apartment won’t have Internet access for several days after I arrive. Don’t give up me, however!  I still have some wonderful stories about my visit to Jason’s village last Saturday, and also my trip through Dujiangyan (severely hit by the earthquake).  You will be so pleased to see photos of Jason’s sister, a good 10 pounds heavier after her heart procedure. She is a vibrant, happy young woman who was full of energy the entire day.   It was such a wonderful visit with the entire family.   I know you’ll enjoy hearing about it as much as I’ll enjoy telling it.  

            I just want to say thank you, everyone, for reading my site.  It is a great comfort to know so many of you care and think enough to check in on me every day.  You are in my thoughts, even though I may not know you personally.  Blessings always!

            From Chengdu, “Ping An!” (Peace)