A few reasons why you haven’t heard from me. January was super busy as we only had a few weeks of school before Chinese New Year (CNY). Once CNY hit – we had vacation for 3 weeks – and I headed right to Texas the day after school closed for the holiday. I was home for 3 weeks and loved every second of it. I had Chick Fil A- Twisted Root- McAllisters – was able to drive a car- watch TV easily- stop in Walgreens to pick items up that I would need for life in China- and had the chance to catch up with family and friends in Texas and California which was great.
I didn’t take my computer with me during the holiday to really enjoy my time at home. I originally planned on blogging while I was at home – then just decided to relax and enjoy being home for the first time since leaving America.
I returned to Shanghai mid-February- tired and exhausted after a long flight from Dallas to Canada – then Canada to Shanghai with delays and icky weather. I arrived in Shanghai safely but my luggage did not. That was frustrating, but I was so thankful to get all of my luggage within the week. Once back in Shanghai I was so happy to celebrate my birthday with all of my Shanghai Friends – post coming soon!
To Texas Girls Living In Shanghai – Shaquala & Karla
Also, the Chinese government controls a lot of the internet waves and our connections were blocked to access a lot of blocked sites so I was unable to long onto my blog and social media sites for a little over a week. That was frustrating!
March is upon us now and we are about 3 weeks into March. It is the first day of Spring here in Shanghai, Wednesday, March 20 – and the weather is finally looking up. We have had a lot of icky, rainy, wet, ugly days. I was able to go to Tokyo (I was super bummed to miss the cherry blossoms in Japan- they should be in full bloom next week) this month and see a friend from childhood – and go to Disneyland!!!
Karla and Goofy at Tokyo Disneyland
I am looking forward to having some time this weekend and upcoming week to catch you all up on my life here in Shanghai. Life is good. I am extremely happy at my job. My students are improving with their English daily – which is super exciting and I have some fun travels coming up soon! …. be prepared fun posts coming soon… I hope you all are well.
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’
I’m An International Teachers at a Bilingual School in Asia!!! Whoa!!!
Some days I am just in awe. Seriously. Today I decided to walk home from work. Its about a 3.1KM walk (which is about 1.92 miles) so not too bad. Our day finished early and I had a few choices, wait for the staff bus which wouldn’t leave for about 45 minutes from the time our day ended, wait for a city bus, take a DiDi (China’s version of uber) or walk. So why not walk. The temperature was nice and I don’t live too far… so walk I did.
As I walked home I really thought about “Your Gifts Will Make Room For You” … that thought kept rolling through my head. Never in a million years did I ever think I would enjoy teaching kindergarten. If I am honest, and I promise you I am being honest, I absolutely love it! I am having the best time in my classroom!
All I have ever wanted to do was change the world through education. All my life I have wanted to be a teacher and it is the only job that I have ever had … and now I am teaching in Asia. This is my second job in Asia and I had the opportunity to work with over a hundred students in the short time that I have been here. I hope that my presence has been helpful for each student that I have met.
Enter a caption
busy learning in Ms. Karla’s Kindergarten ClassroomEnter a captionbusy learning in Ms. Karla’s Kindergarten Classroom
I am currently teaching in Songjiang (Shanghai) for Shanghai HD Bilingual School – (https://www.hdschools.org/en/shanghai/) as a Kindergarten English Homeroom Teacher. Someone asked me a little while ago- what does that even mean???? Our school is a bilingual school so our students have multiple teachers, foreign and Chinese and they have lessons in English and in Chinese. I only teach my lessons in English and we have English blocks at different times of the day every day. We focus heavily on phonics to build their reading skills and also work on writing, speaking, and listening skills. We keep learning fun and interactive in our room of 25 young learners with 4 teachers. Life is busy in Ms. Karla’s kindergarten class – but its amazing and intense too! I am so proud of my students learning so much at such a young age. I spoke with a parent today who is a little worried about her child’s reading level and I assured her that if we work together, at school and at home, her child will increase in reading level. That’s a promise for sure!
@our work GALA … celebrating a new year … CNY is a few days away!
With all the jobs I have had- all the schools- all the programs – all the all the – none of them have been perfect. But Man o Man … so far this is pretty close to perfect as it gets! IDK if it is the honeymoon/beginning phase of it all – or if its just that good, but I currently have no complaints at my job. I’ll keep y’all posted in future posts on how work is going. I hope it continues this way!
All my years in education, teaching, working with kids, my BSW and my Master’s in Education have prepared me for where I am now. I am honored to have the position that I have now because I know my students are getting an experience like no other. To have bilingual education is already awesome, but to have it for a Black foreigner, IMO is huge. My students will grow up being and it will be normal to be around people who do not look like them. It wont scare them (hopefully) and they will treat these people whom they encounter with decency and respect. They wont jump – and point- and pull out their camera when they see a Black person – they maybe- will just wave and say hello- and continue with what they are doing. They have now encountered an educator who loves and is passionate about education, school, students, and reading, and can give a different perspective about “Black”. There are so many preconceived notions about what a black person is like – (we don’t even have to get into all of that right now) – but I am so glad that I can show that we are educated, fun, caring, and loving towards students. That we are not all like what may be assumed and that “BlackisBeautiful” – because ya know… it really is!
our KG team … International and Local Staff1.22.19 – Chinese Cultural Day – The Lion Dance was amazing
Push Through! Wherever you are … whatever you are doing … the decision your battling – that you are on the fence about.
GO for it! BE Brave. Be Bold. Be Fearless. Go After It All.
My gifts have definitely made room for me at HD! My students have stolen my heart. I am learning so much and I am thankful every single day for this experience.
yall … this my buddy right here … he’s pretty great!
Hope Yall Are Well …. Paz!
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’
That would have been a super long post for a 10 day trip with my crew so here is Part 2!
Lots of pictures and the second half of our trip ….
#hamerphotography#hamerphotography
Day 5 – Beijing- Wuxi
Day 5 was a long day. We had brunch in Beijing at LAD (Lily’s American Diner) and headed to the airport shortly after. We all had different flights to Shanghai, but would meet up in Wuxi. The Hamers and Tony would take a bus with the tour group to Wuxi and I took the speed train. It was a long and exhausting day and I arrived at our hotel around 11PM.
Leroy took this picture … i just really like it – Thanks FriendThe Hamers #hamerphotography
Day 6 – Wuxi-Suzhou
Once in Wuxi all we wanted to see was The Grand Buddha (TGB)
This was amazing to see and quite a site! I definitely reccommend seeing this if yo are ever in China/Shanghai. Seeing TGB was great – but was also an adventure- since we left our tour group and decided to do a little adventure of our own. We were on a bit of a time crunch because we needed to meet back with the tour group as the bus was heading to the next city- Suzhou. We could get to Suzhou on our own, but who wants to do that when you’ve already paid for a bus ride … well … the bus ride wasn’t that amazing, but we didn’t want to miss our bus to Suzhou. We were minutes late – but our tour group waited for us and we were headed to Suzhou.
The Grand Buddha is really grand – #hamerphotography
Day 7 – Suzhou – Hangzhou
Our time in Suzhou was short, but enjoyable. We went to the Suzhou Silk Factory and Lingering Garden. The Silk Factory wasn’t amazing – it was more like “Do you wanna buy some silk” – but hey we can say we’ve been to a silk factory – and the Garden was beautiful. It was a little cold that day and full of tourists. So everything that you have heard about tourists wanting to take your picture, touch you, and be close to you is true. I can do without all of that.
#hamerphotography#hamerphotography
Day 8 Hangzhou/Shanghai
We left Suzhou for Hangzhou … this was about a 3 hour bus ride. This was my first time in Hangzhou so I was very excited to see this city – even though I really wanted to get my friends to Shanghai.
In Hangzhou we experienced a green tea tasting- it was wonderful and we went to West Lake. Beautiful historic area. The time was quick here too! We had tea… walked the lake … took some pictures and headed to Shanghai when the tour group went to dinner.
My crew and I took a DiDi (China’s version of Uber) to the nearest railway station – bought train tickets to Shanghai and took the train to Shanghai. We wanted a few extra hours in Shanghai so I could show them as much as possible in the city where I live!
We arrived in Shanghai, checked into our hotel and on our first night in Shanghai we ate at one of my favorite restaurants – Fellas! Fellas in on The Bund and the food is delicious. I have actually shared about this restaurant before.
Day 9/10 – Shanghai
our time in Shanghai was quick and packed -Breakfast – Al’s Diner/Fake Market/Camera Market/Shanghai World Financial Center-Friends Cafe/Check into hotel /Starbucks Reserve Roastery/Walk around West Nanjing Road Area/Taco Bell (Because you have to go to Western restaurants when in China)-Disneyland /Cheesecake Factory (in DisneyTown)
This OJ is so good from the machine that gives you fresh squeezed orange juice – Vitamin C is life!
It’s over Yall!
Sadness- My crew left for home! I had an absolute blast and ended the trip a little emotional that they really came 1/2 way across the world for me. What Kind of love and homies do I have? The best love … the most amazing homies!
… there are days that I can’t believe my life! My friends traveled across the world for me. None of us take our lives for granted. We value friendship, we love travel, we enjoy food, and making memories together.
Check out this video from #HamerPhotography – Leroy documented our entire trip via video and film – I love this memory. Thanks Leroy
https://www.hamerphotos.com/ – Hamer Photography is based in California but you never know he may be in your city/state … check him our for your digital needs!
What am I looking forward to??? Chinese New Year is on the way so I celebrate the new year twice! I am coming home to America for a visit in less than 10 days and I am ecstatic!!!
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’
Yooooooooooo! Yo! Let me tell yall about my crew. I am so unbelievably blessed and thankful for my boy – Dr. Antoine Crosby – and one of my favorite couples ever – The Hamers (Erin and Leroy Hamer). We all met in the AUC (Atlanta University Center) and even with my transfer out of CAU to GSU we all remained friends. These three have been my solid crew since college. We have one more couple in the bunch – The Coopers – but they didn’t make this trip! Love you Cal and Christina!
When I first decided to even apply to work abroad back in 2016 my crew were the first ones I talked to about it. They all supported me. (Get you a squad like mine) Crazy I am in my second year now (2019- and the process started in 2016) because the initial process started such a long time ago. If you are interested at all in working abroad or moving abroad I say start the research now. Think about a few countries you may want to go to and look at their passport/visa requirements first … then begin to look at job opportunities abroad…. Okay more of that another time…. You can always message me
When I accepted the job my crew said “Guess we have to plan a trip to Asia!” – not only did they say it – they did it. Early in 2017 they found a great deal online and jumped on it. Before I even had my work visa (you’ve heard that story) and officially signed my contract. I thought to myself… These three have always been for me … but man – I am deeply and richly loved! They are coming to China to see me. How blessed am I? Very Blessed!
They found the deal – and I got the land version of the deal since I am already here in China. It was a 10 day-5 city trip and it was jam packed … its more like an 8 day trip with travel but we still saw and did a lot in that time.
The trip started in Beijing. Beijing was cold so I immediately wasn’t a fan … but my homeys came to China so I was ready to have a good time.
Days 1/2= Travel from America and Arrival to China
Day 3= We started early to do as much as possible. It was also Erin’s birthday! Again – yay! Thanks Erin for celebrating your birthday with me in China.
sista-girlfriends-best of friends! Happy Birthday Erin – 11.08.18
On Day 3 we went to Tiananmen Square – Forbidden City- Summer Palace – did a short (when they say short they mean short) cruise on Kunming Lake (which was inside Summer Palace) and a visit to Lama Temple. Lots of walking. Lots of temples. Lots to see. So much history.
Cooking Class: We did a cooking class – www.beijingkitchen.com – and we greatly enjoyed it. Here are some pictures from the cooking class!
we learned how to make dumplings 3 different ways!
Day 4=The Great Wall (TGW)… after a year in China this was my first visit to The Great Wall and I was so happy to do it with my friends. Before the TGW we went to a Jade Exhibit (was okay to see) and after TGW we went to the Olympic Center.
@the Olympic CenterDr. A. Crosby!
Day 5 = Travel Day. We had brunch in the morning then a PM flight to Shanghai. Arrived in Shanghai and took a bus (I took the speed train) to Suzhou!
yall see all this #joy even in the cold
#WakandaForever
Part 1 … well this was the first 1/2 of our trip… it was cold – but full of histroy- sights-eats and crossing a world wonder off our list! I am so glad I experienced TGW with my crew.
Part 2 coming … Wuxi/Suzhou/Hangzhou/Shanghai – Can you believe 4 cities all in the second half of the trip??? Details to come.
We have lots of thoughts on the travel company that was used to book the trip. We had a great time and it was awesome seeing my friends – but – whew! I still need to write a lengthy review!!
____________________________________________________________________________________________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’
If you are reading this message it is the last day of 2018 in America and the new year has officially started in China! How exciting!!!
I know that I did not always feel this way, but I am super excited to for what is to come for me in China. My contract is for two years with my job so I am in China until at least 2020. I wasn’t always excited about being here and for a good span of time I used the word “hate” as it pertained to my living in China and made it extremely clear that I wanted to go home never to return here! I am super open to this experience of being a Black American Expat living in China!
It has been a … great … challenging … fun … exciting … adventure filled... emotional … pretty wonderful year.
Stop! I would love for to share /respond to this post with 3 things you are thankful for from 2018! I hope it was a great year for you. If 2018 wasn’t what you hoped for I hope that you can work towards having 2019 being bigger and better than you ever dreamed.
I HOPE THAT 2019 blows your mind!!! Here is a link with some of my favorite photos from 2018!!! – enjoy my walk down memory lane!
In November I was still working for Disney English and since Thanksgiving is not a Chinese holiday – clearly – I did not have this day off. A lot of friends /expat groups plan weekend events or events on their week day -off days! A friend of mine and her roommate planned a Thanksgiving dinner full of expats and locals and it was quite the international – Western meal! Here are a few pictures from our holiday! I didn’t take any food pictures … and it will take me awhile to find them (the pictures that friends took), but we had lots of good food!
Most of it I liked – some not so much. But day by day I am becoming more and more brave trying more foods … its tough but I am doing it.
Christmas Eve/Christmas 2018
Y’all! It’s been rainy and cold this December. Ugh! It snowed for like two days earlier this month. It was pretty and just a frosting of snow … snow doesn’t last too long here in Shanghai. People always ask me about Christmas in Shanghai and if it is celebrated here. It is celebrated in the sense that – it is a reason for people to shop and spend money and if there is one thing that you do in China it is shop and spend money!
China is all about that kuai (or dolla!!!)
this is me and my girl Kyla — we totally took the same picture on the same day and sent it to each other … gotta love it!
Christmas Eve: I am actually off for one week for winter break which is really nice. Christmas Eve I spent ½ the day relaxing at home and the evening at a work holiday party with a friend. The restaurant where dinner was – was beautiful and the food was delicious. I meant to take more pictures of the food and the restaurant and I didn’t as I was just enjoying the event! I event won the #LuckyDraw (prize) at the party. That was super cool! … and everyone left with a gift! Her job knows how to have a good time.
#LuckyDraw – this is a thing in China! It’s like a raffle – but there is almost always a #LuckyDraw at any event and this is taken very seriously! They believe in gifts and fun.
…..hope your holiday was wonderful!
Christmas Day:My 12.25.18 was FULL! The first part of the morning I visited a friend in the hospital. She is doing very well. Praise God! I had lunch with a friend … and later met up with my girl Brooke for a Christmas Tree photo hunt. We went on a hunt in the Jing’an/West Nanjing Road area looking for as many unique and different Christmas trees we could find. After our photo fun started I decided I wanted to see how many times I could find “Merry Christmas” written out in a country that wants to ban Christmas and the celebration of it. … here are some of the trees I took pictures of! Ended the day with Christen having dinner at a Malaysian restaurant. It was a cold and rainy day, but it was also full of love, laughs, smiles, and good food! I am thankful!!!
Just two California/Texas girls who both went to college in Georgia living in China
Now I look to the new year which is less than a week away! I pray 2019 is all that I want and more. That God blows my mind in unimaginable ways – and that my kiddos amaze me with their use of English through speaking, reading, and writing!
Are you happy with your 2018? Your 2017? What are you looking forward to in 2019?
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’
Read 2 books for pleasure: I have read 6 books and I am in the middle of two right now… and someone just shared another one with me! Ay Dios Mio what is a girl to do??? Read them all? Yep! √
Visit 4 new countries – 3 down and 1 more to go. √ – I will see my 4th country in December … but I did go to Seoul again! – I DID NOT VISIT 4 NEW COUNTRIES. I was hoping to go Macau this weekend, but I am renewing my work visa so I can’t leave the country.
Pay down some US Debt : Yea – I have paid down some … totally need to pay down more – but it gets a check mark too, lol √
Play in a waterfall – √ finally this one gets a check – yesss! Waterfall in Ningbo … wonderful √
BE!!! Just BE. Enjoy each day as it comes. Live. Love. Laugh. Smile. Live a life rooted and established in JOY! #EverdayJOY Yup! Everyday Joy is a thing! Its real Yall! √ – Everyday Yall …. these #BlackExpatDays don’t come without theier moments and challenges but I am managing my way through them with more grace daily! √√√
SO I set 6 very realistic goals I and only have one more that I did not hit! Not a bad year.
I only didn’t hit all my goals because of my passport/visa being the government longer than planned. I am okay with this! There is always next year…. which is almost here…
5/6 is not bad yall…. That’s an 83% Passing Score … better than a 70% which my dad always said was average … so I’m still over average! Aaaaaayyyeee!!!!
Not
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Too
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Shabby
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If I say so my self …. Time to reflect and think on my 2019 Goals/Plans!
I also made a goal to myself to have 100 followers by the end of the year. Well … I have 64 which is still pretty cool! I will keep the goal for 100 for 2019 and as the year goes we will see what happens. Thank you to all of you for following my journey as an Black American Expat living in Shanghai!
*shameless plug* you can always share my blog with friends and on your social platforms! paz…..
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’
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.
….one of my absolute faves in China….
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).
My GSU president!!! Crazy small world!!
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.
Daniel and KMG – one of my closest friends from DE … also my center managerEmma! She is DISNEY! She was such a big support while I was at DE and such a good friend!
Cynthia! We didn’t work together in the classroom at DE but we were colleagues … she always had a smile and was always super helpful!Sweet Joan was my first LP (or Learning Partner – we were a great team together)
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!
Sisters!!! Yea Yeah i have 1/2 a dozen already – whatevs!!!
….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…
Kyla and Karla wet and cold and loving Disney!Tiaras and all for two Queens!
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!
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’
It’s Halloween in China – so I will start by saying- Happy Halloween – Happy Fall – Happy Wednesday!
It has been a week since I was in Seoul! You will probably continue to read about this for a little while longer – because – well – im a fan – and it was a great experience.
I remember having issues purchasing tickets when they went on sale. I didn’t know if it was me, my computer, my wifi, my vp-n, china and all its internet blocks, i didnt know what it was but I couldn’t get my purchase to go through. I called Althea – it was late at night – and she went step by step with me to purchase the tickets as we were both online going one page at a time.
I was ecstatic once they were purchased. Everything else would come later. Airplane tickets- hotel – blah blah blah – I would let all of that work itself out. All I knew was I was going to Seoul to see my favorite artist.
The show was amazing and of course what topped it all was me meeting PJ- The Amours- and his musicians – after the show!
What an experience.
What a great life I am living.
I am so thankful.
Here are some pictures from the show. I will upload and share video soon. It was amazing!!!
clearly i was excited before and after the showthese two are so talented and skilled
Live Show Killer
The Amours – #blackgirlmagic #gumbogirls
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’
hey yall!!! I have been in Shanghai for a year…. 2018 is almost over too but lets look back at my year …. and the goals I set in January …
January Goals – Update on the goals I set in January:
Here are the goals I posted/shared in January-
Complete a 5K: Run in Blue in June!!! √
Read 2 books for pleasure: I have read 6 books and I am in the middle of two right now… and someone just shared another one with me! Ay Dios Mio what is a girl to do??? Read them all? Yep! √
Visit 4 new countries – 3 down and 1 more to go. √ – I will see my 4th country in December … but I did go to Seoul again!
Pay down some US Debt : Yea – I have paid down some … totally need to pay down more – but it gets a check mark too, lol √
Play in a waterfall – √ finally this one gets a check – yesss! Waterfall in Ningbo … wonderful
BE!!! Just BE. Enjoy each day as it comes. Live. Love. Laugh. Smile. Live a life rooted and established in JOY! #EverdayJOY Yup! Everyday Joy is a thing! Its real Yall! √ – Everyday Yall …. these #BlackExpatDays don’t come without theier moments and challenges but I am managing my way through them with more grace daily! √√√
SO I set 6 very realistic goals I and only have one more to hit! Not a bad year.
Lets Look Back …
Q1: October 2017 – January 2018 -were gonna mash together – I just arrived. I was cold. Tired. Jet Lagged. Having on-boarding and training at work. Adjusting to a life in a new country. SO many things.
Q2: February 2018-April 2018
During CNY (Chinese New Year) I took my first international trip since leaving America. Yes, I know I have traveled internationally, but it was my first trip since moving to Shanghai. Two friends joined me on a trip to Bangkok and we had a blast. When we returned from Bangkok, the city was like a ghost town – quiet- and cold. Having time off from work was nice.
Spring came around – the sun started shining and I was ready to hit the friendly skies. I took a trip to Seoul in April and I had #SeoulMuchFun. This trip was nice because it was just random and fun. I did a TON of research before leaving for South Korea and when I arrived I threw all of my research out of the window an decided to just have fun. I asked locals what I should do and where I should eat and I did that my entire trip. I had a blast.
Work had its moments. I was really just getting a good rhythm going at my job and getting use to my students and having so many classes. IT was definitely an adjustment coming from teaching in America where classrooms are teacher centered and not learner centered.
Q3: May 2018-July 2018
My life never seems to slow down. May -July was busy, but great at the same time. I continued to travel, see China, make friends, and enjoy Shanghai.
I went to Disneyland a lot!
I enjoyed my time with #DoubleDutchSquad – a group of us who got together every other week to jump rope.
I ran a lot. A lot. – I set a goal at the beginning of the year to run 650KM!!!
Went to Sanya (there’s a post about it) with my girl Jessi and even to the Filipino ballet.
I realized for sure that I wasn’t happy at work … even though I wasn’t happy at work I did my best to work hard at work. If I am honest, I didn’t always work as hard as I should have- but that’s a lot of us, right?
Q4: August 2018-October 2018
WHOA!!! Hey Yall – Q4 means it has been a full year in Shanghai. A full 365 days living in another country. I am so hype that I did it. Somewhere around May I wanted to throw it all in and just go back to Texas – but – if you know me – you know that I am not a quitter. I have worked hard to be happy here, to get adjusted, to make friends, and have a nice life in another country. If I am honest with you… That – Is – Not- Easy – but I have managed to do it. Doing this has been one of the best things ever. I have showed myself and so many others what I am made of. I have pushed through some really tough days and wiped a whole lot of tears living here in China and in the words of Antwone Fisher – “I’m still standing – I’m still strong” – I have made a great community of friends here and I have even managed to find time to have Bible Study via Skype with my girl Kim from home. That has been a blessing.
I planned a great event during September for #MBFF (Monthly Black Folks Function). We had a great meet up at Zapata’s in Shanghai! I was thrilled that so many melanated folks came out for a good time of hanging out and making connections. Living overseas is all about being brave and making new connections.
One of the best parts of Q4 was going back to Seoul, South Korea to see PJ Morton in concert. I like to think I am his biggest fan!!! I bought my ticket to his Seoul show in May and I have been looking forward to that show ever since then. The show was amazing. I had a blast and I was ecstatic to meet him, The Amours, and the band after the show. What a great experience.
What Can I Say? Life is like a roller coaster and it keeps going and going. Sometimes the ride stops and you get a break, but with life, it starts back up again, you just need to buckle up and get ready for the adventure … There are about 2 more months left in this year. I plan to live each day left in this year on purpose. I hope you do too!
What an awesome look back over my first full year in Shanghai – and this calendar year is almost finished too! Just 58 days until Christmas and 63 until the end of the year. Any of you have any fun holiday plans? I would love to know about them.
I hope I have done a good job of keeping you up to date with my life while abroad. I’m doing it yall! I’m really here…and its not so bad. There are many things that I don’t like about China, but I am working of keeping a positive perspective on my life while here.
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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
FEARLESS in SHANGHAI 