Ni Hao!

You know the expression, "It Was A Dream Come True?" Well imagine something, that one thing that you have always hoped for, always dreamed of. Then picture that moment when it came true! Well my friends. My dream has just come true. After far too many hours on a plane and a 9 hour layover in Korea, I am finally in Changzhou, China! We flew into Changzhou and three Chinese teachers picked us up from the airport. Only one spoke any English and his name is "King." He is my new best friend! After loading all our things we took a bus through the outskirts of Shanghai. This is such a beautiful country with so many happy smiling people! When we finally got to the school, we all piled out of the bus. Chinese construction workers started gathering around us staring and smiling at us. Almost like they had never seen a 5 foot 9 blonde girl before! It felt like we stood there for an hour. They all just had to come gather around and see what all the fuss was about. I just kept saying "Ni Hao, Ni Hao" and "Shi Shi" every time they helped me with my bags and then they would lauuuuuuuuuuughhh so hard. Oh it was a crack up. I must not be pronouncing it right...? Haha. Well, I got settled in. I made friends with a few of the old lady construction workers here on campus. The other day they saw my camera and they asked to take a picture with me. (Pointing to the camera and making a clicking noise) As soon as I said yes, the ladies took off their rice hats and started straightening up their hair. They were so cute! They were primping for the picture and oh. I just LOVE THESE PEOPLE! They have such a sense of respect and honor and they are so dedicated to their work and to eachother. I am so grateful for this experience and the things I have been learning. It has only been a few days in the city but I can already feel this place seaping into my heart! I just love Changzhou!

I will post pictures as soon as possible. I have little to no access to the internet. I have to go to a small shady computer lab down the street and the internet cuts out frequently. But know that I am safe and loving the people, the food, the humidity and the mosquitos!

Anticipation!

I have almost everything packed and ready to go. I still can't wrap my head around the idea that in two weeks time I will be walking around on the OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD! Amazing! Everyone keeps asking me if I'm nervous or scared. And the honest truth is... no. Im excited! I can't wait to meet the people and experience the culture. Im sure there will be trials, and who knows, I might get lost, but that will be half the fun!