I'm HERE!

I've made it to Wuxi!  I arrived late this past Saturday evening and was very tired/jetlagged.  I have had limited internet access so this is why it has taken me so long to post another entry.  My roomate Bethany and I can safely say that we both feel like we have transitioned to the new time zone which is definitely a blessing!  I cannot say enough wonderful things about the staff here at the school.  When we arrived at our apartment there were sheets on our beds and food in our fridge.  They met us at the airport and have taken us around Wuxi to show us everything from how to use a bus pass to where to go to get linens. 

It's definitely an adjustment trying to get around and not knowing what anyone around you is saying.  I've also used the phrase "ting bu dong" ("I don't understand") quite often!  I can definitely say I am in the minority now (lots of stares)!  I am enjoying it here though.  Everyone is very nice and our apartment is amazing.  The school has a great atmosphere and I've even met three of my high school students already (who are all three very friendly people).  I can definitely see myself fitting in here at the school and in Wuxi in general.  I'm excited to start learning more of the language so that I can do things like take a taxi and order food by myself. 

This Saturday Bethany and I leave for Suzhou for a training course that will last a week (TEFL).  Prayers and thoughts would be much appreciated as we are very unsure of what to expect.  I'm also trying to settle in as a first year teacher and trying to plan the beginning of my year.  I think it will be stressful which is typical for the first year of teacing but I think it will be a much smoother year at this school than anywhere else that I can think of.  I know that He is with me no matter where I am and will help me become the teacher he has designed me to be. 

Anyways that's about all for now...I'm planning to post another entry while in Suzhou because I will have much more internet access!

(below is one of my personal favorite "Chenglish" signs I've seen)

Stressed is Desserts Spelled Backwards

I have been spending the past week and a half in Houghton, NY for my pre-field orientation before going to China.  While I wish I could be spending my last couple of weeks in America with family and friends, I am thankful for this experience because I really feel like it is equipping me for things that I will undoubtedly face when I move to China.  We have covered a variety of topics including moving to a new culture, "third-culture kids" and how to teach them, personality types/profiles (I learned that I am an ESFJ on the Myers-Briggs evaluation if you are familiar with that), professional issues, language acquisition skills and many, many more topics that I can't even think of because my brain is so full of information from all of the sessions I've attended here.

Besides attending different sessions I've also met some of the amazing people that I will be working with in China.  I don't think I could've asked for better people to work with and I'm very excited to have such a strong support system.  We also went to Niagra Falls which I had never seen before.  It was absolutely beautiful and far exceeded my expectations (I can also say I've officially been to Canada now, yay!).  I've also met other music teachers here and bounced ideas off of them which has been very helpful!

I have been experiencing a wide-range of emotions since being here.  I learn things and think about what is to come and I am beyond excited.  I'm excited for the adventure, meeting my students, being a part of something bigger than myself, learning about a new culture and experiencing all that this journey is going to bring.  On the other hand I am also feeling fear, stress and sadness as I realize my time with family and friends is coming to a close and a new, unfamiliar reality is about to take over my life.  There seems like so much to do between now and next Friday when I leave.  It's difficult but I'm trying to let the excitement overshadow my other emotions.  I also know with all of my heart that this is where I'm meant to go at this point in my life and that gives me peace.  It's this peace that I have to cling to when times get tough as they undoubtedly will.

(Below is a picture of my future China roommate and I!)