There are so many things in my life that I have to be thankful for right now! Every day is a wonderful adventure, and I am so lucky to have the opportunity to live abroad. In the spirit of Thanksgiving I came up with a list of the top-ten things I am thankful for! (In no particular order)
1. The Endless Support of my Wonderful Family! This hands-down makes the number one spot on my list. Skyping with my mom multiple times a week, texts updating me on the latest goings-on from my brother, and sweet emails when I need them most from my dad are what keep me sane! I would be nowhere without the support, encouragement, and love from my family. Thank you for always being there for me and keeping me going!
2. Fantastic Co-Fellows! AKA my second family. I am lucky enough to be placed with 3 wonderful fellows, with another 4 fellows just on the other side of town. They’ve been there through the good days and the bad, they’re by my side on every trip, and we’ve spent more evenings laughing the night away over dinner and bubble tea than I can count. These 7 fellows are a big reason why life in Dayao is so wonderful
1. The Endless Support of my Wonderful Family! This hands-down makes the number one spot on my list. Skyping with my mom multiple times a week, texts updating me on the latest goings-on from my brother, and sweet emails when I need them most from my dad are what keep me sane! I would be nowhere without the support, encouragement, and love from my family. Thank you for always being there for me and keeping me going!
2. Fantastic Co-Fellows! AKA my second family. I am lucky enough to be placed with 3 wonderful fellows, with another 4 fellows just on the other side of town. They’ve been there through the good days and the bad, they’re by my side on every trip, and we’ve spent more evenings laughing the night away over dinner and bubble tea than I can count. These 7 fellows are a big reason why life in Dayao is so wonderful
3. Beautiful Dayao Sunrises! Every morning, I get to see the mountains glow and the sky turn beautiful shades of pink and gold as the sun rises in the distance. I’m convinced its one of the most stunning views in all of Yunnan!
4. My Health! Save a cold here and there (and some stitches during S.I.), I’ve been relatively healthy, despite the stress, cold, altitude, and crazy food I’ve tried.
5. Delicious Food! Speaking of food, I am so fortunate to live in region that boasts so many yummy dishes. I don’t think I’ve had a bad meal yet! And as my dad says, “Good food, good trip.” (Does this count if my ‘trip’ is two years long?)
6.The Ability to Travel! One of the greatest parts about living in Yunnan is that there’s so much to explore! I love weekends and breaks spent on buses, setting off without an agenda to see what we can see. This is such a beautiful, historical, interesting province!
5. Delicious Food! Speaking of food, I am so fortunate to live in region that boasts so many yummy dishes. I don’t think I’ve had a bad meal yet! And as my dad says, “Good food, good trip.” (Does this count if my ‘trip’ is two years long?)
6.The Ability to Travel! One of the greatest parts about living in Yunnan is that there’s so much to explore! I love weekends and breaks spent on buses, setting off without an agenda to see what we can see. This is such a beautiful, historical, interesting province!
7. Having the Opportunity to Learn Every Day! From Chinese to cooking to teaching skills, there’s always something to learn. I may not be a student anymore, but I think I may be learning more now than I ever have before!
8. Internet! Access to the internet is something that I used to take for granted, but now I realize how special internet access really is! The internet allows me to keep in touch with family and friends, watch live football games, and pretend that I am able to keep up with American pop culture. It truly is a wonderful, wonderful tool.
9. My Caring Students! I have about 300 of the world’s sweetest students under my wing, and I would not trade a single one of them. They are so helpful, endlessly curious, and kinder than I can put into words. I’ve lost track of how many bracelets, key chains, origami hearts, and adorable notes I’ve received from my students, but their little treasures and kind words have made me feel so welcome, and so at home.
8. Internet! Access to the internet is something that I used to take for granted, but now I realize how special internet access really is! The internet allows me to keep in touch with family and friends, watch live football games, and pretend that I am able to keep up with American pop culture. It truly is a wonderful, wonderful tool.
9. My Caring Students! I have about 300 of the world’s sweetest students under my wing, and I would not trade a single one of them. They are so helpful, endlessly curious, and kinder than I can put into words. I’ve lost track of how many bracelets, key chains, origami hearts, and adorable notes I’ve received from my students, but their little treasures and kind words have made me feel so welcome, and so at home.
10. The Fact That I was Able to Move to China I cannot put into words how thankful I am that I am able to have this experience. Living in China has given me the opportunity to meet wonderful people, see another part of the world, improve my language skills, fall in love with teaching elementary school, and so much more. Through the good days and the bad, moving to China is proving to be the adventure of a lifetime!