Whoa Baby! 2018 is coming to a close and I am bringing it a close with the

BIG

decision to stay in Shanghai for two more years.

So much has happened since my last post! I have been so busy and it is all just starting to slow down … it will probably speed up again – then slow down again! Ha!!!

I accepted a position with Shanghai HD Bilingual School (www.hdschools.org) and I am greatly enjoying my new school so far. I am a Kindergarten English Homeroom Teacher and I have 25 wonderful learners in my class. I don’t just say “wonderful” because I’m a teacher and it’s the teacher thing to say – but my students really are wonderful! Sure, I have only been there for a few weeks – but I don’t have any complaints so far.

My new school is right outside of the city – so I moved! I live in Songjiang which is right outside of Shanghai – I’m still in Shanghai – but sort of like the Oak Cliff to right past Allen, Texas maybe or East Palo Alto to Stockton – something like that so you can get an idea distance wise. I would still tell people I live in Shanghai if they asked and if they wanted more specific information my district is Songjiang.

As I look back on the year I remember not being happy at all. I remember having an extremely difficult time adjusting to Shanghai/China – despite all of my pictures I have shared and my travels – adjusting to life in a new country still has its challenges. Somewhere around October I felt like, “o! this isn’t so bad….maybe I can stay here a little while longer” – so I went to a job fair – my first job fair ever – with my resumes in hand – and I began the process of looking for a new job! Everyone says that schools are always hiring and that its not difficult to find work here – what can be difficult is finding the work that you want. I didn’t want to move – I lived city center and I absolutely loved it! I am getting to know a new part of town – and meeting new people and it has been nice so far! So I am taking a chance on life as an expat and living abroad and giving Shanghai/China two more years. Things have changed… I have a new job- a new apartment- and I am living in a new District…. I am even learning Chinese (its hard yall).

I can’t really answer right now what’s next for me after my two years with my current school because I really don’t know. I thought that I would be coming home in 2019 and now that is not the case. I will be coming home for a visit and I am super excited about that. Nothing like seeing family-friends- and going to TWISTED ROOT (my Dallas folks know about that).

I am really thankful for my year with Disney English. I learned a lot and it was a great experience – I just knew soon into the job that it wasn’t the job for me. I pushed through a lot of tough days teaching at a language training center and not a school. I was made for school. I really love school, teaching, books, and my kiddos (aka my students). I am also thankful for this experience as an international teacher in China. I know that I am making a difference teaching abroad. Inclusion Matters! Especially in education. America has individuals from so many countries, nationalities, and backgrounds living and working and teaching in our schools…. Their schools need to see us! A positive side of us. A side of us that they don’t usually see. I know that my time here is so much bigger than me being able to live abroad and travel to so many countries – though I love that part- so I’m here for it! Teaching. Sharing. Caring. Educating. Empowering. Being Included.

 

Today is December 26, 2018. 5 more days to close out this year. I hope that the year was great for you! My year was full of ups and downs and highs lows … challenges – definitely- but I am thankful for it all!

….i have this week off so I am so excited to catch you all up on what’s been happening with me … a few more posts to come …. My friends came to visit me in November and we had an amazing time so I will share pictures and details from that trip soon …. Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve/Christmas 2018 was nothing like Thanksgiving Christmas at home (CLEARLY) but it was enjoyable for sure!

… and my last free trip to Disney was amazing!

Karla and Kyla take Disney one last time…

I have a new work address and mailing address. If you want that you can always direct message me….

Contact:

email: karlamgurley@yahoo.com

ig: @misskarlamgurley

twitter: @GMKMARIE

Paz!

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I am excited about life! I am filled with Hope. I am overwhelmed with JOY! I am going to do my best to live by the ‘Glad Texts’ 

#FearlessinShanghai #Thankful #joychangeslives #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJoy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #BlackInShanghai #BlackInChina #BlackAmericanInChina #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla  #KarlaGirlJoy #BlackGirlInShanghai #eatsleeppartyrepeat #givingisgood #givingisfun #WakandaForever #ShuriAndNakiaAndOkoye #MelaninMagic #Blessed #FaithfulIsMyGod

“life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all”  – Hellen Keller

*I choose ADVENTURE

…as always thanks for following my adventures abroad ….