On an earlier post I wrote that you know you've been in China too long when you have been to more going away parties then birthday parties. This is so true. For the past few days, I have been going to goodbye dinners and events for Syrena, who returned to America today. This parting is especially sad as Syrena has been an integral part of TIP for the past two years, coming the same time as I did, in June 2008. The loss of Syrena leaves me as the sole surviving member of Summer 2008.
When I first got here two years ago, I noticed a grizzled old China veteran in his late twenties with a serious countenance and a beard the color of a forest fire. His name was Patrick and I was later to learn he had been in China for four (now six) years and every member of his team was long gone. I always have admired him, how he stays a constant despite the passing of one team after another. He's the keeper of memories that nobody else here shares, inside jokes that nobody else could get and a wealth of experience.
Today, I become the new Patrick.
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