Goodbye China: My Last Day

Hey everyone! Well, I can't believe it but the day is here. It's my last day in China. These past 4 months went by surprisingly fast. Yes some days dragged by, but overall, it feels like just yesterday I was walking into the kindergarten for the first time. Now, it's all over. So I guess this post is just to talk about some things I've gained while in China.

Amanda, Marie, and Summer! They're so cute! 

I have to admit, I loved teaching the kids. Well, most of the time, ha ha. It was frustrating sometimes when the kids just wouldn't listen or I couldn't control my class. There were days when I wanted to pull my hair out and give up. But it was worth it when I saw those kids smiling or speaking more english to me and to others. I loved to hear them laugh and joke about silly things. One thing this experience has taught me was how to be with kids. You'd think I'd be used to being around kids, since I've had nieces and nephews since I was nine, but I was still a little awkward around kids. Now, I'm much more comfortable with children, and I have fun with them. I've also learned here that kids everywhere are the same, whether they live in China or Utah.

Living in China has helped me gain more confidence in myself. I learned to trust my own judgement and to not be afraid to take the first step. I learned how to handle a group of hyperactive six-year-olds and not go crazy. I learned how to interact with others despite cultural differences. And I learned that people here aren't so different from me, and I'm really going to miss the people that I've met.

Me and Bella, our coordinator. 

I think what struck me the most about living in China was how normal everything quickly became. Eating rice with practically every meal, flipping a switch to turn on hot water, teaching children and hearing Chinese everywhere became everyday things for me. It taught me how even in China, I can be myself and live my life. It's true that things are different in China, but maybe not as different as we're inclined to believe.

There are a lot of things I did and didn't expect in China. I expected to see large dirty cities and strange sights. I expected to see old vehicles and massive amounts of people. But I didn't expect a lot of things. I didn't expect BMWs, Porsches, and Ferraris. I didn't expect people dancing Zumba. I didn't expect farms and orchards within the city, and beautiful flowers right next to condemned buildings. I didn't expect to like rice and noodles so much. I also didn't expect to become such good friends with the girls in my group. I love you Emily, Marlo, Sheena, Christina, and Tiffany! China surprised me in some ways and not so in other ways.

The girls from Guzhen! 

Before I came to China, my vague idea of the place consisted of Buddhism, Kung Fu, and strange foods. But now China has come to mean so much more for me. When I think about China now, I see countless people, all living their own lives. I hear the constant honking and strangely expressive voices. I smell the pungent scent of incense, tea and earthy spices. I feel the hard beds and the thick humidity. I taste the strange flavors of various meats and plants. China became a part of me, and I've gained so much in just a short amount of time. These past four months will stay with me for a long time. Good bye China. I'll miss you!