121 days.
That's how long I called China "home."
I'm sure many of you know this already, but if you don't, I had the wonderful opportunity to teach english in China for 4 months.
To this day it is STILL the best decision I ever made for myself.
[This is a horrible picture, it was taken from the plane. It's the FIRST time I saw China.]
If any of you have ever traveled out of the country you know that the culture can take some time getting used to. China was no exception. China feels like a different WORLD. It's crazy to me that a country can be so technologically advanced, but yet so far behind at the same time. There were MANY things in the beginning of my life there that took time to get used to, but after awhile I realized they were some of the things that I loved most about China.
For example:
China would not be China if you didn't fear for your life everytime you got into a taxi. It's as if the drivers had no regard for human life.
China would not be China if your food didn't sometimes have eyes staring back at you.
China would not be China if you couldn't eat a delicious sweet potato that was served off an upside down trash can.
China would not be China if you didn't have people stare at you in the most
non-discrete way possible.
China would not be China if the people didn't take pictures of you as if you were a celebrity.
China would not be China if you didn't go to the bathroom in a trench infront of everyone.
(I NEVER got used to this one).
These things took time to appreciate.
Something that took no time at all to appreciate?
The people.
I fell in love with them instantly.
The people of China are the kindest, most hardworking people I have ever met. So eager to help. So friendly. When you smile at them, they light up. Can you imagine how different our country would be if we were more like the people of China? After coming back to America that was the hardest part for me. Getting used to Americans again. For awhile, I felt anger towards Americans. They had no idea how lucky they were, they still don't.
I miss the people of China.
I miss them all.the.time.
ESPECIALLY my students. Isn't it amazing how much a child can change your life? Any mother or father I am sure can attest to that. I am so blessed to have met these children.
They will never know the impact they made on my life.
They made it better.
Thank you, China.
Wo Ai Ni. [ I love you]
Ps. this is the first of MANY posts about China.
9 comments:
I'm glad you had that experience that make you the girl we all love. You had the chance to mature more in life and see things from another perspective.
Wonderful opportunity you had!
Everytime I read your blog it makes me wanna cry...but happy tears...I think in part it might be the sappy music in the background!
Love it best!
I'm a reader for sure! :)
sappy?? haha..thanks..? I cried a little when I wrote it. Then again, I usually do when I talk about China. Thanks for the comment, best. I'm happy to know SOMEONE is reading my silly thoughts.
Why do I need Kleenex when I come to your blog...lol
I lOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!
Thanks for sharing!
sarah- I do what I can. :) Thanks for reading!
I love the pictures of you with the kids.
You want to go back don't you?
I was nervous for a second that at the end of the post you were going to say something about going back.
I saved all of your emails to me from China. I can forward them all to you and you could post some of your funny stories.
yes, I want to go back. I would love to, but probably won't until later in life. However, I am seriously considering about going somewhere else... :)
corn! i love your blog, i didnt know you had one, till kalob read it. i teared up reading it. not just the china part, all of it, because i miss you! hopefully ill see you sooner than later.
beautiful beautiful post.... and well choreographed music too! xo!
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