Day 10 - Pressure Cooker

A couple of months ago, Pam purchased a book for me titled "In the Know in China: The indispensable guide to Working and Living in China". The author describes four stages that a person goes through when entering a new culture. Up until yesterday, I was in the "enchantment" stage. I was running on adrenaline and soaking in the sights, sounds, and smells. Without warning, I switched to the "disenchantment" stage. This is where reality sets in and small annoyances become sharp irritations. This typically happens after a few weeks, but because I am alone, I think the process progressed more quickly. It was triggered by some quality problems at my supplier. When I discovered them, I realized the communication and cultural barriers I am facing. Since this is my third trip to China, these problems are not new to me. The difference this time is that I had no one to talk to (or yell at). I had no way to decompress. Luckily, help is only a phone call away, but my friend wouldn't wake up for another seven hours. After some time alone and some sage advice from a good friend, I was able to go back to the supplier's factory today and have a productive meeting.

Times of stress require community. Yesterday I found how much I am without. Five more days and a small part of my community will join me here. After that, my next step is to come home.