Saturday, February 2, 2008

Embarking on my Exciting Journey

I leave for China in 10 days!! 10 DAYS!!! There are so many emotions running through me right now. Nervousness, excitement, anxiety, stress, fear, hope; each one just as strong as the next. I decided to create this blog to share my journey with you- my family and friends.

Those of you who know me well were most likely surprised to discover my plans to move to halfway across the world. I am a true homebody, very close to my wonderful parents and (sometimes) wonderful brothers. I love my friends, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc. They mean the world to me. So the question is, WHY? Why did I just decide to pick up and move to China? Well the honest answer is, I didn't really think about it all all. Up to the time it came to give my employer an answer, I gave this prospect no though whatsoever. When I got the phone call to discuss teaching positions at the school, I was really surprised, since I had no recollection of applying to teach in China! I went along and had a conversation discussing the need of an English teacher to move to China in February, and the whole time was thinking, "Yeah right. I will NEVER mover to China!" However, I did agree to an interview for later that week. I went to the interview unprepared, thinking, "I am probably going to get this job, but I don't even want it." I even considered not going. After discussing the position, I started to think that maybe I would consider it. I got the offer, agonized over it for a while, then declined. Finally, I accepted the position, only after negotiating a shorter contract (one semester as opposed to a year). So that really long explanation still does not answer the question WHY? Well..... I really don't know!

I can tell you what I am hoping to gain from this journey though. I am hoping to experience a new culture, and become more open minded. I think experiencing a new lifestyle will open my eyes to the world around me. I am not going to "find myself," but I am sure I will learn more about myself than ever before. I am also very excited to do some traveling, and take in some beautiful sights. I guess I just needed a change, a chance to grow and a chance to heal. For those of you who have the patience to read my posts, I look forward to sharing my journey with you. However, if you are looking to hear stories about adventure, excitement and fun, I can't promise you anything. But I can share my personal thoughts with you and hopefully inspire, entertain, or simply give you something to do when you're bored!