Day 125: Until next time

In April 2012, I made a decision that will forever change my life. I chose to volunteer as an English teacher through International Language Programs, to teach in Zhongshan, China for the first four months of 2013. At first, I figured this would be an amazing opportunity to do what I love, travel, spend time with cute little kids, and find some fun Chinese trinkets to take home with me. Seeing as how my time in China has now come to a close, I have realized that this experience here has been much more than what I had initially assumed it to be. I have learned so much about myself, the Chinese culture, how to navigate my way around a completely foreign country, how to cook different Chinese traditional dishes, how to speak yi dian dian Chinese, how to be a more loving and patient human being, and mostly, how to adapt to a completely new lifestyle and environment. There were many individuals whom I can thank for all I've learned, including my wonderful Chinese coordinators, Marine, Gloria, Rainy, and Vicky, the members in my group, sweet Carmelo and his family, our kindergarten teacher and good friend Victoria, the staff at Bond, and especially my kiddos I spent each and every day with. 

The lessons I've learned couldn't have been taught in a class or through a textbook, but only through the experiences, both the good and the bad, that I have had here. I've learned that even though there may be a language barrier and communication is difficult, you can still feel so much love through interactions with others. I have never been exposed to so many wonderful individuals as I have been in China, and to all of whom I am so grateful for and love very much. Our coordinators have gone above and beyond their duties and shown us how to actually live in China, by teaching us how to make traditional meals together, showing us how to buy train tickets, taking us to KTV, celebrating our birthdays with us, teaching us how to barter, etc. They grew to be some of our greatest friends throughout our visit here. I've also felt this same love through the kids I taught. Although they are so young, they have shown me how to love, even when things don't necessarily go my way, or if something is difficult. They have taught me the true meaning of patience and how to make the best of things. My friends, Carmelo, Victoria, Joan, etc., have taught me so much about how to treat people with the upmost respect, and how to have a good time no matter what you do. Carmelo has especially impacted my life and the way I view things, he will forever be a dear friend to me.  

These experiences I've had with the people I have met here will be the most precious souvenirs that I have to take back home with me. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had to come to China, I will forever remember and treasure these moments. Although my trip has concluded, that doesn't mean the relationships, lessons, and memories I have made have to end as well. I know that these farewells I've had have been really hard on me, but I have to remind myself that they are not goodbyes, but more like, "I'll see you in the future", as Marine would say. I have a big spot in my heart for China and its people, and I can't wait for the day when I can return for a visit. 

Until next time, xoxo 親親抱抱

Qīn qīn bào bào

Kasey

Day 124: Hong Kong

I am really exhausted, and simply not in the mood to write. Although the day in Hong Kong was wonderful, it just means I am one day closer to the end. Here are some little highlights: 

Took the 8:00 ferry this morning, and felt like I was going to hurl the entire time. It was a case of motion sickness at its finest, making it not the most pleasant experience I've ever had.

Arrived at our hostel. I have never seen so many people from India and Singapore in my life, I almost forgot I was in China. My sweet friend Courtney Jane would have been in heaven!

The hostel was a chaotic mess. There are five blocks in the building, two elevators, with each only going up evens, or up odds, but not down to the opposing numbers, room changes times like five, the sweet scent of onions, body odor, and cigarettes, and a room the size of a small closet. Fancy livin' here we are. 

Joan and Carmelo found us and saved the day, we were so happy to see them. We went out to lunch, and then enjoyed a lovely afternoon visit to the Hong Kong temple. It's a lot different than I thought, and doesn't really have a grounds to walk around on, but it's still a beautiful site to see. 

We went to this very fancy mall, where I couldn't afford nearly anything. We mostly window shopped, and I found my long desired hole puncher. That alone made my day.

We came back to our closet, took a nap, and then went out to the harbor light show. It might have been slightly talked up, but it was still an exciting event.

We got fruit smoothies with mango jelly, Carmelo and I walked around this beautiful park/restaurant thing, and the we chatted as we headed back. 

I now can't sleep, and am dreading the morning. Hooray for a new day. 

Day 123: Farewell

This has been the worst day ever, seriously. From the moment I woke up, looked outside at the pouring rain and gloomy skies, I just knew it was going to be wretched. I had to say way too many goodbyes than I will ever be comfortable with, and I've cried more times today than I think I have in my entire life. I can't believe I leave for Hong Kong in the morning. My heart hurts, as well as my poor eyes from all these darn tears.

I guess one funny part of the day was when Courtney was turning in her key to Rainey and said, "here's my damn key" and sweet Rainey just sweetly replied, and then said to Lexi, ever so gently, "Lexi, can I have your damn key?" She lightened the mood and got us all laughing, she's such a gem. 

Day 122: Out on the town

My time today was well spent with dear Carmelo. We started out by going to lunch at this Japanese sushi restaurant, where you can sit at this circular bar that has a conveyer belt around it. There is a variety of different types of sushi that goes around on it, and you can choose whatever dish you want.  Different plates were different colors, meaning they were different prices. I was really taken by this idea, I thought it was really clever. 

After lunch, we walked around this shopping mall, and were on a mission, well two missions: 1) find matching t-shirts. They're huge in China, so we decided we needed to join the trend. 2) find an outfit for me to wear to my friend Kayla's wedding when I get home. I don't have anything suitable for a wedding here, so I decided to try and look for something new to buy. Carmelo was acting as my personal assistant and trying to find me the perfect dress, but it turned out to be somewhat of a bust. My shoulders were too big for some dresses or I was too tall, meaning the dresses were more like shirts on me. Anyways, we gave up on that mission and just concentrated on accomplishing mission #1. 

We searched and searched for the right t-shirts, and eventually found the perfect ones. They are red, black, and white, with giant panda heads on the front of them. We plan on wearing them my last day here, so be prepared for some good pictures.

It's always a guaranteed good time when I'm with Carmelo. It doesn't really matter what we do, I just love being around him. He is so kind, gentle, and so loving. I'm really going to miss him. 

Day 121: Bye Head Teacha

I woke up to the sound of Jenna yelling (or singing, maybe) in the hallway this morning, which isn't that abnormal for us two. However, I was more startled than normal because one, it was abnormally loud and came from an unknown location and two, because I thought I had slept in too late and missed seeing Amanda and Preston off. However, I quickly came to my senses, ran into the hall, realized what was going on, and then finally calmed down.

I spent the majority of the morning sitting on Amanda and Preston's bed with Jenna, basically taking up space in their room as they were trying to organize themselves and get out the door. I'm sure they wanted us to get out, but I was having a hard time letting them go so easily, so distracting them was the best thing we could think of. When the time finally came around for them to leave, our whole group got their ukuleles and walked them outside, singing,"I'm yours". So corny, I know, it was a sour of the moment decision. I led the pack, which turned out to be a good thing because as soon as I turned around and saw everyone behind me, I started bawling my eyes out. I realize that we will see these two in a few short weeks, it's just the fact that our group has finally started to disintegrate and things are actually coming to a close. It's a weird feeling, and one that I don't like having, but it's here whether I like it or not. 

They left, we gathered ourselves together, and headed off to the Luna market. Carmelo came along with us and I was super happy to see him. I do feel bad though because yet again, he was forced to come shopping with us. He is such a trooper to have out up with us for this long. 

We had a lovely afternoon, followed by a delicious dinner with my favorite family in China, the Leung's. I finally got to meet Carmelo's sister Eve and she is so great. Carmelo and her are such a funny sibling couple, they are always teasing each other, well, mostly just Carmelo calling her fat, but yet again, that's not offensive here. So, it's all fair game. 

The big news of the night was that I had sushi for the first time while being here! I was beyond excited when the server brought out a big plate of multicolored sushi and placed it in front of us. Konner and I tried this piece together that had the orange fish eggs on the outside, because that's typically the roll I order back home; it was unreal. The sushi here is like fifty times better than it is back home. Everything, especially the fish, tasted so fresh and the sauces were incredible. I was in heaven. 

After we were through, we said our goodbyes, well hopefully see you laters, and made our way back to the apartments. We finished off the night by spending the night with our coordinators, yet again. We just can't get enough of these four, they are too great and so funny, especially when they all get together. 

Day 120: Contract's up

Well, today was supposed to be our last day of teaching, but all of the kindy teachers begged and pleaded with Marine to let us come back one last time on Monday to say our final goodbyes. She eventually gave in, so a few tears were spared, well, postponed at least, thank goodness. I absolutely despise goodbyes, especially when I have to say goodbye to so many. This week is going to be a hard one.

Today in class, we were given our normal teaching time to just play with the kiddos and take pictures; I couldn't have asked for anything better. I wish we had been allotted more time throughout the semester to have more play time, but either way it's been an incredible experience with them. Also, I brought a white v-neck to class and several different colored sharpies and had each of the kids sign it or draw me a picture. It turned out better than I ever could've asked for, it will easily be my most treasured souvenir.

This evening, we had a wonderful dinner with our coordinators, but it was at the dreadful restaurant where I got my money stolen a few weeks ago. Thus, I was very careful with the whereabouts of my belongings this time. It was so nice to be as a whole group one last time, because it was Amanda and Preston's last night in China. It was so fun to just spend time and exchange notes with each other. It was so sad, yet, so enjoyable.

We spent the rest of the evening swimming in the full moon's light at our favorite pool. We were so excited when Rainey showed up to swim too, she doesn't know how, so we began to teach her. We also played truth or dare for a little while, with some dares being like getting out of the pool, pulling the lifeguard's shoe off, tickling the bottom of his foot, and giggling while looking into his eyes. Chloe had to do it and it was so incredibly awkward, but that made it all the better. 

The dinner, pool party, and later parade of naked girls in my room was all so fun (and maybe a little weird), but I think that my favorite part of the day was just that we were all together again, and all so unified. I love the people in my group. We are all very different, but I think that's what brings us together. I never would've thought I'd be as close to as many individuals as I am. It may be crazy, but I love all of them so much. 

 

Day 119: Undie run

Today, I was pleased to find out tat the definition of an undie run was completely redefined. When it was time for outside time, all of our kids stripped down to their underwear and made their way outside. It has been so filthy hot here recently, and the kids just sweat through their clothes if they're outside for too long. That being said, why not play around naked? 

The kids were all over the place, playing in the sandbox, exercising with the Chinese teacher, etc. It was so fun for us to be a part of their play time, we usually aren't allowed to have outside time because  of our program policies. 

We threw a little surprise party for our sweet head teacher, Amanda, this afternoon to openly thank her and let her know how much we appreciate all she's done for us here. She's been absolutely wonderful, I couldn't have asked for a better head teacher and friend while being here. 

As a little gift, all of us teachers wanted to give her something that would remind her of us, in a sweet, yet funny way. After much thought and consideration, we all decided to print our different body parts on a big white t-shirt, in the rider they would naturally occur. For example, Jenna painted her lips and stamped them on the shirt, konner did his eyes right above the lips, the twins did their hands placed near the hips in the shirt, Lexi naturally did her boobs, and after she did that, I just had to do my butt. I had to coat it with really cold paint, by myself, in the bathroom and then stamp it on the back of the shirt. In fact, I was so cold that you can see my goosebumps on my butt print on the shirt, whoops. 

We made Amanda guess which body part belonged to each individual, and then we signed the t-shirt. She loved the surprises, and the party was a success. When I got home, I began  making cards and goodie bags for my kids tomorrow, and I'm still not done yet. That being said, I need to finish out strong and start a stuffin'. Good night.