Zai Jian

Zai Jian（再见） = Goodbye
(Expect all blog titles to be in Mandarin.  I'm learning the language and if you're reading this, you will learn too!)

I think I'm down to 5 days.  I'm not positive because I don't really like to keep track.  Whenever I have a countdown I focus more on the diminishing number rather than making the most of the numbers I DO have left.  [tangent over]  What I do know is that I have been having a fabulous summer filled with a wedding, wedding planning (for friends), hanging with friends, way too much food, dance, dance, more dance, and family time.  That is exactly how I want things to be.  Nothing big.  I like simple.

The closer it gets to me leaving, the more I realize how short of a time it will be.  A year.  One year.  I want to hit the 100 mark so 1 year is a maximum of 1% of my life.  No big deal.  I'm supposed to be in China.  I'm 22 years old.  I have no clue what I'm going to do with the rest of my life.
China will be an adventure.
... a learning experience.
... a time of growth.
... a testing of relationships.
... something new.
... incredible.

I am going into this expecting nothing less than greatness.  Why set my expectations low?

So here is the breakdown of what I know now, since everyone always wants to know:
-July 3: fly to China
-Tour for a few days
-English camp for 10 days
-English camp somewhere else for a number of days
-Move into my apartment(?)
-Start teaching in August

That's all I know for now.  I know I will not have internet access til mid July so don't expect much until then.  But once I do have internet, expect the stories and pictures to come in bulk.  I can't wait to share all of my adventures with everyone.  Even if my mom ends up being the only one who reads this, it'll be well worth it.

If I don't get another post on here before I leave I want to make sure I say one last thank you (while I'm still in the states) to everyone who has been supporting me as I prepare for this.  I have the greatest support system and everyone is remembered everyday for that.  AND.... come visit me!!! Or email, skype, leave a comment on here, Facebook, snail mail, whatever!

再见 美国。 你好 中国。
Zai jian mei guo.  Ni hao zhong guo.
Good bye America.  Hello China.