It’s amazing how many things can happen in a year. This one’s not even close to being over yet, and I can’t begin to count the things I’ve experienced. Just indulge me, I’m in a sentimental mood.

I’ve been tobogganing with my dog chasing me down a hill in the suburbs; I’ve been at exams, tests, and interviews; I’ve been discouraged and depressed; I’ve planted trees, breathed fresh air, laid patio stones; I’ve cycled around southern Ontario, St John’s Newfoundland, and Zhengzhou, China too. I’ve been on a dozen airplanes at least, and countless buses, trains, cars, and vans. I’ve sung Chinese songs for Chinese crowds, spoken with radio hosts, and have generally gone along with the sometimes heady instant fame a Westerner gets in Zhengzhou. I’ve met some pretty wealthy individuals, and also some of the poorest people in the world. I’ve seen a Canadian spring, a Chinese summer, and Canadian and Chinese autumns, respectively. I’ve been sick and healthy, rich and poor, sad and overjoyed.

This list only scratches the surface of one year….tonight I wonder at what the next 365 days will bring. There’s a lot to look forward to in a year, and a lot to learn, too.

Richard and I are going to Kaifeng tomorrow. Going to eat as much as possible at the nightmarket after an afternoon touring the sights there. I wrote about Kaifeng previously, but I’ll let you know how things go. I’m sure something worth mentioning will happen; never had a trip that disappointed me in that regard.

Chris