This is the first blog entry I wrote, before moving to China. I had another blog, but due to censorship in China, I couldn't access it, and had to create a new site! So this takes me back a few months...

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!

"It is only in adventure that some people succeed in knowing themselves - in finding themselves."
-André Gide: