The Long Awaited

Today is our last day of school.....though technically school has not been in session for the past week, we have been cleaning up, invigilating exams, and getting ready for next semester. Students have been stressed and relieved all in the same massive bubble, and teachers have felt their strains and stresses. But finally, our long awaited extended vacation period is right here, on our doorstep, politely knocking and we are much obliged to let it enter. For a lovely 4.5 weeks, we will bask in the Thai sun, soak in the sweet tastes and flavors of colored curries and luscious fruits. We will also get to finally see some family, face to face! We are really quite excited for the adventure and it begins tomorrow at noon. Our semester is finished but it feels more like a whole year. The next semester is daunting so we try not to think about it, but I believe it might go faster and easier than first. Last night was amusing as we reminisced with some friends, over homemade pizza (yes, I am finally a pizza maker, attempting to keep up with my ever-so-talented mom), about the semester, funny moments with the students, mishaps, growth and change. Its interesting, though there are changes in culture and place, teenagers are still teenagers and act somewhat illogically sometimes and it at least gives us some light amusement to push us through each day.
Anyways, here is our "see you soon" to China and a big "Hello!" to Thailand. We'll keep you posted as we go:)

(PS-the picture shows some of Ben's heartiest beard work that he has accomplished since I have known him. It also highlights a bit of my Chinese haircut.....I guess I won't get to grow it out as I hoped, something was lost in translation there:)