So my handy dandy countdown app has so kindly shown me that I have 51 days until I am scheduled to be in Shanghai, China!
thankful.excited.thrilled.nervous.restless(@times).glad.attentive.pensive.happy at peace.joyful.thoughtful.ready
Yeah you read that right. Shanghai. China. Some 7,352.68 miles away from my love-
Oak Cliff Texas – I mean The Gurley’s, my friends and family, Fuel City Tacos, my sisters couisn KMG … you get it- home!!!!!
So much has happened since the last time I was able to join you all here. My last blog was about 34 days ago. I really wanna blog twice a month but life has been BRAZY (thats busy and crazy- Thanks Onetta) & I don’t feel like it’s slowing down at all. My second year as a full-time teacher ended. What a year it was. I got scores back from state testings and I was not happy. We worked really hard, the scores don’t show it, but I know that I gave my students 100% of me! I wish them all the best in 5th grade. These state scores are such a big deal. I’m so sad for my kiddos. I’m a little sad for me. Ugh!
My dad is worshipping in the heavenlies. What a JOY – an unexplainable JOY that must be. I won’t forget the moment. Saturday. May 27, 2017. I was in Dallas, Texas. @a wedding @ White Rock Lake. Standing outside at Winfrey Point. My uncle called me with the news. I quietly walked through the reception room, found my brother, and collapsed into his arms. My life has not been the same since.
As my sister said – “My father was not just the teacher, but the entire lesson” – that he was and forever will be. There will be a post soon dedicated to him. Just know that My life is different everyday. It has not been difficult (as many people have messaged me saying it must be), but it has been different. For me, as a believer, there is a special peace in knowing your loved one is resting well with the Savior. Doesn’t mean you don’t get emotional, cry, or miss them, but it means…. eh…. everyday is a JOURNEY!
I am still completing TEFL-C courses. Yall I thought I did unit 10 already. boooooo—I did it tonight. 10 down and 10 to go. WooHoo.
I am still working on this VISA. Degree legalization is serious business. Pray with me that everything is done in time for my August 10 start date. Or we may just have to move it back some. Sigh. I’m ready to go to Shanghai.
So. I am working part-time this summer at Interfaith Family Services. My happy place. I have some fun travels coming up to see family and friends before I leave. I am thankful for the experiences. I am thankful that I have moments to make memories with friends and family. Life is short and meant to be enjoyed.
The closer August becomes the more anxious I become. The food. The people. The language. The culture. The clothes. Learning to get around. Subway life. Not driving (as much as I have a love-hate relationship with driving). Race. Standing out. Travel. A new life for 14 months. All of it. It is becoming very real. REAL
And I am going to #bebrave and embrace it all. LIKE NEVER BEFORE.
She Believed She Coud >>>So She Did …. this is me. I believe I can so I am
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#FearlessinShanghai #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJOy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden
“life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all” – Hellen Keller
FEARLESS in SHANGHAI 