I wrote this on September 9th with the intent of publishing on the 10th, once I was done with traveling. I didn’t get the chance, but here it is now.

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I’m sitting in Seoul, South Korea, catching my breath after a long flight and waiting for the next leg of my journey back to Dalian, China.

I just wrapped up 13 days in the U.S. after nearly two months away. I was looking forward to family time, catching up with my daughter, and yes—sneaking in some non-Chinese food while I had the chance, haha.

I had big plans for this trip. Finishing projects I left behind in early July: getting the house ready for renters, repairing the front yard (the HOA has been on me about it), and tackling all the little things that pile up when you’re gone.

But plans don’t always survive reality. The trip started with food poisoning (note to self: always check the expiration date on orange juice!) and ended with a cold that knocked me flat for the rest of my stay.

Still, there were poignant moments. I was able to attend a celebration of life for my cousin, who bravely fought but lost her battle with cancer. Being there with my extended family, seeing my aunt, and feeling that mix of grief and gratitude reminded me just how important family is.

This was also the first time many in my extended family had seen me since sharing the news about my marriage and the baby on the way. Overall, they were supportive—some curious questions, of course, but also encouragement and love.

Time with my daughter was good, even though between her weekend trips, her own bout with strep throat, and me being sick, we didn’t get as much time together as I hoped. At least I had Sadie and Lily to keep me company. They’re still my daughter’s girls first, but I’m a close second, haha.

One near-disaster: Sadie, in her usual clever way, managed to open the back door while my daughter was away and let the cats out. I corralled five of them, figured the sixth was hiding, but nope—she had slipped outside. My daughter was heartbroken when she couldn’t find her. Two nights later at 3 a.m., though, shouts of joy woke me up. The prodigal kitty had come home.

Now I’m on the plane back to Dalian, reflecting on how quickly two weeks pass. Next up: a visa run in December, when I’ll meet my daughter in Japan. She’ll finally get to see not just me, but my wife and her new little sister—arriving in November. Exciting months ahead.