As of August 31, I am retired from service to Guizhou Normal University. Looking to the future, I’ve recently been back in the United States. I find the following article to be cogent:

http://www.echinacities.com/expat-corner/5-Reasons-I-am-back-in-China-Reverse-Culture-Shock-is-Real%5D2015

One item in the article above is the feeling of safety in China that we don’t experience in the USA. I am neither pro or anti gun, but rather think that personal choice is the most important factor in this decision. Gun culture, a big deal in the USA, is simply missing in China.

It remains to be seen whether I continue on in China or seek employment elsewhere. One thing is for sure. I view the world differently, more so than can be attributed to a normal aging process. I’m almost 65 and have been coming to China since age 50. More on this later . . .