you're going where!?



A little over 2 years ago, I came across a teaching opportunity at an International School in China, and I've been interested in it ever since.  My first thought was..."I wish I could do something like that."  And my next thought was... "Why can't I?"  I looked into the opportunity shortly after coming across it, and was encouraged to wait until I had 2 years teaching experience and until Emily was in Kindergarten.  So...  I had 2 years to think about it.

Realizing that I was still interested in the opportunity a year later, I thought it would be wise to travel to China and get a feel for what it would be like before moving there.  There was a summer camp associated with the International School and they needed a teacher to teach English to first graders for 2 weeks.  Perfect!  I could do that.  I initially thought I would go by myself and leave Emily with family or friends for 2 weeks, while I took this great opportunity and scoped out what our lives might look like in China. 

I rethought the idea...  and couldn't stand the thought of being away from Emily that long.  Also, if we were really going to move to China, I wanted to see what it would be like for Emily, too.  So, I let them know I was interested in teaching at the camp, but that I wanted to bring my daughter with me.  Though she was only 4, I felt confident in her behavior and that she would be okay hanging out with us at the camp.

Much to my surprise, they said ok!  So, last summer, Emily and I hopped on Emily's first airplane ever (forget the baby steps!), and we headed East.  As you can imagine, we had a variety of responses.  Some support and encouragement...  and lots of... "you're going where!?", and  "why are you doing that!?"  I got many "you're crazy looks" and my favorite comment:  "I hope your decison-making skills are as they should be."

The unexpected and overwhelming negative response was very discouraging and made me question what I was doing and why.  I began to doubt my decision and was very uneasy 2 weeks before our departure.  But when I sat down on that airplane, with my 4 year old daughter, I knew what I was doing and why I was doing it.  The sense of Peace I had is undescribable, and I had no doubt that I was supposed to be on that airplane.

Our time in China was wonderful, hard, great, uncomfortable, peaceful, uneasy, confusing, and life-changing all at the same time.  I actually left China, not sure if I'd be going back.  My thoughts and emotions have been up and down this year.  But here I am....  waiting to return to China...  with 2 years teaching experience and Emily ready for Kindergarten.  :)

We leave in just a few days...  and I know Where I'm going and Why I'm going there.  And I can't wait!

Me and Emily at the International Banquet
during our training/orientation in New York