When we relocated to China in 2008 it was 50% for business and 50% for our children, I would like to say moving back to the states now in 2014 is 100% for our children. Back in 2007, we had talked regularly about making the move to China. It actually turned out to be a quick decision that December when we learned one of our key staff members was leaving our Seattle office to move back to China herself.  Louie and I made up our mind. 

It was Jan 06, 2008 when our family arrived in Guangzhou BaiYun International Airport with 10 pieces of checking luggage and 20 + carry-ons, plus three young children.  Jasmine was carried on daddy’s shoulder.  Our girls were pretty young at five, three and one year old.  They were at a perfect stage to learn a second language (Mandarin is really the first language for Jasmine).

It turned out to be such an incredible year for our family and for China.   On May 12, 2008, the Sichuan Earthquake took thousands of Chinese lives. And just four days shy of three months after the earthquake, Beijing hosted its very first Olympics Game.  We cried for the lost lives and made large donation to support people who lost their family members. We cheered for the greatest number of gold medals for China at the Olympics.  It was quite a year for China and for each of us.