Closer....

I still don't have a definitive leave date, but I am another step closer. My visa application is at the Chinese embassy right now. I should have it in my hands early next week and then it's time to take to the skies. The thought of the trip itself and how many hours it will take makes me nervous. It's going to be a long flight.

This past Sunday, I had a going away party. I got see see family that I might not have had a chance to see other wise. It really hit me then how much I'm going to be leaving here. I'm still eager to go and be challenged and experience everything I can. I just wish I could shrink some people down and take them with me in my pocket.

There is still so much to do. My list keeps getting longer the more I think about it. I still have a little bit of shopping left to do and a lot of packing and sorting. I'm glad this Friday is my last day at work here so that I can have time to get everything done. I know I'll probably still be scrambling just before I leave for all those last minute things that I won't be able to live without. I'll probably forget something. I always do.

Anyway, Check back again soon! I might have my visa next time.

Getting close

I am going to be leaving for China soon to teach English. I'll be teaching in Harbin, China at Kid Castle. I leave soon - two weeks or so from now. The HR director of my school sent my work permit and letter of invitation out yesterday and I should get in a few more days. Then I have to sent the permit and invitation to the Chinese Embassy to get my work visa. That will take about a week, according to the teacher Kid Castle hired just a few days before me. After that, there is nothing keeping me from leaving.

It's been crazy trying to get ready. I'm overwhelmed. I don't what to take right away and what I should have shipped - if anything at all. I've begun packing - a little at least. I've packed all the new things I've been buying over the past couple of weeks. It's not everything - not by a long shot. But it's a start.

I'm also really excited. I've never been so far from home. I am looking forward to being on my own with the added challenge of a new culture and a foreign language. I'm looking forward to passing my knowledge of English and my love of learning to other people.

And, still, I'm a little bit terrified. I've never taught before and I'm going to be going a very long way away. Even though the thought of learning  a new language it exciting, the fact that I know very little Chinese is also scary. I don't know how I'm going to function outside of my school until I pick up the language. I may be buying a lot of mystery food until I can figure out the Chinese characters enough to go grocery shopping.

Harbin has a very cold climate in the winter. It averages about 1 degree Fahrenheit in January. I've been stocking up on long underwear and heavy socks. I'm not looking forward to freezing, but I still can't wait to go. I'll be able to handle the cold for one year. It'll be part of my grand adventure.

Well, that's it for now. Keep checking back. I'll try to update once a week or so. Bye!