Friday morning at 3:30 AM I started my journey home, that's Thursday 3:30 PM back home.  The flight from Beijing was quicker headed west to east, shaved 90 minutes off.  I am guessing jet stream was with us.  Landed in Chicago at 4:59 AM.

Customs was easy, but long lines.  I guess I expected more. 

Chicago was a short stay.  Long enough to grab a Mc Donalds coffee and breakfast burrito before the flight to Wichita.  90 minutes later I was home and back to work.  A quick update from my associate on the ride in from the airport and I was ready to get back to the grind.

First stop was lunch with my daughter.  We were both happy to see each other.  It was nice to be home and to be loved on.

The rest of the day was spent reconnecting with staff.  Spent most of the afternoon at Maize Central Elementary.  Tragic loss of a staff member there.  Lots of tears.  It was good for me and good for them.  It was painful to learn of a death via email halfway around the world.  There were a couple of sleepless tear filled nights in Tianjin China.  I was able to grieve and close that box up in my mind.  Now I can get back to serving those that still grieving.  Funny how our minds work. 

Around the 24 hour mark of no sleep I started getting a little punchy.  Decided to call it a day.  Left the office for an early dinner with my girls.  PIZZA, New York Style!

Home to share gifts and stories.  Finally an early night to bed.  We all piled in, dog included...reminded me of the story The Napping House...