The Beginning...

Well the adventure has begun…

I’m officially moving to CHINA!!!! It still feels so surreal, this can’t really be happening… It seems like I just started high school yesterday and Kindergarten the week before;) Life goes so fast when you’re looking back on it. I want each day to the fullest with no regrets!!!
I sent my sisters off through security in Detroit before leaving myself… As I walked away I was still in disbelief that this truly was happening to me… I’m really moving to China to teach in COLLEGE!!! Me, who was so shy I wouldn’t do ANYTHING alone just 3 years ago;) Well… guess I’ve conquered that huh? ;) My first flight was from Detroit-8:00PM to Los Angeles-10:15PM, then Los Angeles, CA, USA-11:30PM (Mon. July 4) to Guangzhou, China-6:00AM (Wed. July 6), and FINALLY after a 12 hour layover…Guangzhou -7:35PM to Haikou, Hainan, China-8:45PM…

After arriving in LA, California I found half of the team that was coming over to teach in the annual summer English workshops at local colleges in Hainan. The other half had been delayed in Atlanta… so 8 of us (Todd, Kalen, Conner, Megan H., Miranda, Amy, Alison, and me) boarded our flight to Guangzhou. The other half (Seth, Kim, Madison, Nick, Sara, Chris, and Josh) were suffering in a free hotel and 3 meal tickets due to a delay. Having previously taken 4 flights across the Pacific this was the BEST one!!! Before I always flew in the daytime which made it hard to sleep, but this flight was booked for night and I took full advantage of that! I slept probably 10 of the 15 hours in the air. We got through customs with no problems, and then found the teams gate… I say the team because although they booked their flights after me, I had a 13 hour layover… and they were able to go on to Hainan after only waiting 5 hours… those 8 hours of solitude were practically deadly!! Several times I wanted to randomly breakout in song or scream as loud as possible “Does ANYONE speak ENGLISH!!!!!” But I didn’t… I guess I sacrificed sanity for dignity;) Throughout that time I entertained myself by watching the Chinese TV… until the program began running for the third time, people watching, reading a book… thank you Uncle Rick it was a sanity saver;) I walked the entire 200 departing gates, painted my nails with crazy designs, read some more, wrote a few notes… and I still had 2 hours until boarding!!!! It was a struggle but, I survived!

It was a long time in the air and my swollen ankles prove it! hahaha:) The excitement was building with each flight closer! Doubts and fears faded… I’m so ready for this year in China!!!!! But don’t worry America… I’ll be ready to come home too... eventually;)

Good-byes are never easy, but it makes it more difficult when it’s your family and friends for an extended period of time. As I said good-bye, words could not express the cherished memories that flooded my mind. All I was capable of was saying “I love you! Good-bye!” and walking away. I know my family and friends will miss me and I them, but my encouragement comes from their whole-hearted support of my following then dream I’ve had since I was 12… Living in China!

Dad and Mom, I love you so much!!!

Katie and Kari, love you!! And do well in college;)

To all of my friends in America, I love and miss you all!!!! Keep me updated on life over here;)

See you later America…
Ni-hao (hello), China!!!

***Summer in the USA***

Though my time left in America is short... I will be squeezing memories out of EVERY second! The first three weeks after graduation were filled with monotonous unpacking, cleaning, and repacking. The first of June, I departed from New Orleans to spend 2 weeks in South Carolina with my best friend, Elisa, for her wedding! It was a beautiful and momentous ceremony and worth all of the hard work and planning... but after all of that I'm considering eloping when it's my turn;) While I was in SC, my parents moved from Louisiana to Florida (for the third time!) So now I'm working on packing for China and unpacking the house. Before I leave America I have one more fling planned;) Next week I leave home again... for the last time... My sisters and I will be flying to Michigan to visit family. And then I have one more friend to send off to marital bliss;) I will be leaving on July 4 at 8pm... mark it on your calendars! As the fireworks go off celebrating America's birthday, I will be departing to the other side of the world! Yes, I'm proud to be an American (going to China)!!!

Preparation...

So I have Luggage, laptop, and a plane ticket... all I need now is a visa, physical (complete with EKG, X-ray, and lab work), and international insurance... Not so bad;)

But the packing is getting a little crazy! While I was at college I left 3 bags of things with people who will be coming over this summer to teach at the workshop, then today I mailed 3 boxes full of things to other team members! Who knew I would have this much stuff!!! And no one had better say anything about my clothes collection! I have given away SO much already!!! ;) oh well if that's the only hardship I have to endure, I'll take it! ;)

It's here!

So many of my family and friends have been asking how they can keep up with me after I leave for China... well I have the answer... My blog! Now you can stay up-to-date on all of my amazing... and boring;) adventures!