2014... a year of change.

I know it’s been awhile. I don’t have any good excuses as to why this has taken me so long, so I’ll just say I’m sorry. I found as the year went on, that regardless of how many people told me they loved reading about my adventures and how they couldn't wait to read more, the only way I could sit down and write anything worth reading was if I gave myself time to reflect on my life at that point. Maybe this is an excuse but I found my life very busy the last few months of school; good busy, but busy nonetheless. I found that it’s very hard for me to write something worthwhile in those “conditions”.

So here I am, back in the states after my first year teaching abroad. To call it a year of adventure would be an understatement. For me, I would call it a year of change….life changing perhaps. A year that, no matter how hard I might try, I will never be able to replicate.

I left for China, a girl/woman searching for myself. Trying to decide who I would be, all by myself. And while I may not have all of my questions answered just yet, I’m a hell of a lot closer than I've ever been. I can honestly say that this year has made me a better person. I like myself better. I’d say that would make it a success in itself.

During the many travels I was so fortunate to take this year, I was basically slapped in the face with how unbelievably blessed I am! I met many people throughout SE Asia that have so little and have suffered so great. Yet they are beautiful people, inside and out. In those small moments I was able to spend with them, they changed me. One word, one smile, one wave….it didn't matter. Their kindness was so humbling. I’d always thought it would be so great to go somewhere and volunteer; work with kids, build houses, whatever it may be. It’s something I had always said I’d wanted to do in my life, but I don’t think I really knew what that meant. Now….now I can put faces to what that means for me. And while I can’t say exactly when it will happen, I know it will happen. I will be a person who remembers to appreciate what I have and to help others.

During this year I have learned that family can look many different ways. I am so blessed to have parents, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews at home in the states (and Germany too!) that are supportive and there for me….no matter what. I honestly can’t imagine being where I am today without them. But I've also discovered that new family can come into your life without you even realizing it. Family that can challenge you, encourage you, inspire you and family that can feel like home. I’m ridiculously thankful for the family I've met this year that have changed me and helped me become a better version of myself. I will be a person who tries to remember that family....old or new, near or far, is what really matters in life.

Lots (but not all) of my Taihu family. 

Wuxi, China 

I've also learned that the saying is true, “home is where you make it”. By the way, I just looked up that lovely quote and it turns out it’s from a classic American film called “Joe Dirt”. J  But whatever….Mr. Dirt had a point. Home is where you make it. I will be a person who works hard to make wherever I am, my home.

On the Great Wall 

I've learned that challenges will come my way, whether I create them intentionally (like the Great Wall ½ Marathon) or they show up on their own (like teaching in a completely new way to 24 kids who speak little to no English!). And that no matter how impossible they might seem, I absolutely will get through them and I'll be better off for it. It might not always look pretty, and sometimes it might hurt, but I will get through them. I will be a person who strives to not give up.

International Day 2014 

Field Trip! 

Field Trip- Class Photo 

Summer Show- Teaching my kiddos how to be "rockers" 

Field Trip- Class Photo 

But most of all this year, I think I've come to learn that I am not perfect! Turns out I never was and chances are good that I never will be. But remember before when I mentioned that I like myself better now? Well I think a large part of that is I’m well aware of my imperfections. And while I’ll always try to improve myself, I think my willingness to admit my faults has made me better. It’s helped me to be more honest with myself and with others, it’s helped me to be more understanding of the struggles other people face and it’s helped me become vulnerable. I never realized how important vulnerability is. I’m so thankful for it. I will be a person who always tries to be honest and allows myself to be vulnerable with others.

In some ways I wish I could go back and do this all over again. I’m excited about the experiences I’ll have next year, but I know they’ll never compare to this. Thank you to everyone who followed my life this year and cheered me on, whether it was from Skype conversations, Facebook messages, care packages, etc. I hope you know how much I appreciate you…you are my family. 

Xie Xie Ni :) 

Molly