I love this month for many reasons – one being – My Birthday is this month!
I just wanted to stop by and say I plan on doing 35 fun things this month for this BIG 35th year!!! I will share pics and details about my #35thingsfor35 at the end of the month.
Starting with my first of 35 things– my donation to:
#tbpp turned 6 this year and had a big party at The Bomb Factory (in Dallas – hate I was not there) to celebrate. Just wanted to show you that I kept my word and made my $35.00 donation – if you feel so led feel free to make a donation of any amount – stop by their website – get their email updates – or even volunteer if they are in a city near you!
Have a wonderful day!!!
Paige and I – she reminds me to always choose JOY#numberoneofthirtyfivefunthings donation to #tbpp!!!! Paige and I at #tbpp big birthday party a few years ago!!! #givingisgood #joychangeslives #eatsleeppartyrepeat #birthdayenthusiasts #tbpp #JOY
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’ (one of my favorites is–Psalms 98:4) — Did you know that there are over 800 Glad Texts in the Bible?!?! More than one for each day of the year for me to live by.
“life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all” – Hellen Keller
*I choose ADVENTURE*
IF you did not know I am a huge PJ Morton fan!!! OMG HUGE — I am loving this latest video. ENJOY!!!! You may not be as huge a fan as me or a fan at all but I do hope you enjoy this song/video!
life in shanghai is busy but good…. its cold right now … we had snow last week and i am looking forward to spring when it is warm again! yall know i’m a California-Texas Chick …. i do not enjoy being cold at all. nope!
WOW!!!! Today is February 1, 2018 — How about them New Year Goals – Resolutions – Plans – Hope they are going well.
I am actually on track with the goals I have set – so, well, yay!
As for me…. I brought in the new year in Shanghai with people from all around the world. I was cleared to work in December and started teaching my own students about two weeks ago. We had a big Disney English CNY event last night to bring in Chinese New Year… and in just a few days I will celebrate my 35th birthday here in China. How amazing is that????
Also, some students from home are studying China right now so I was able to do a SKYPE video call with them and they prepared questions for me. They really loved talking to Ms. Gurley in China. SO fantastic- learning coming alive!
Whats new with you???
Wanted to share some pictures from last nights event and month number 3 in China ….
https://photos.app.goo.gl/33Cps8aOsYhKcmlI3 — Month #3 – This album has a little of everything since I have had issues uploading pics. Christmas, New Years, Jingle Bell Run, fun with friends, Italian Cooking Class, and China adventures. Enjoy!
Shanghai Disney English Black Girl Magic
I said I would leave my mark here in Shanghai with DisneyCNY 2018 Disney English
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’
(one of my favorites is–Psalms 98:4) — Did you know that there are over 800 Glad Texts in the Bible?!?! More than one for each day of the year for me to live by.
-the process of adapting or becoming used to a new situation.
whoa! 1300 Hits!!!!That’s exciting. Thanks for rocking with me the past 91 days …. I have almost hit my #100thDayInChina
Yall know I am still adjusting, right? TO EVERYTHING. The food. The culture. The People. The City. Taking The Metro everywhere. The horrible air quality. Everything.
On Sickness/Air Quality: A fellow American coworker and I commented on how we have been sick / with cold more here than ever at home. She arrived in Shanghai in August so a few months before I did in October. We have been sick and its like nothing helps. I brought lots of medicine with me here from home as did she but it keeps coming back. So, I am working on being as healthy as possible. The air quality is awful here. Most days it’s really bad. I have an app (of course there is an app for that) so that I can check the air quality each day. I never even considered needing to check it at home before. So now I check it at home too and its always, well, “Excellent”. The AQ is even worse in Beijing so I am glad that I am not there.
On The Food: Of course what we eat in America and call Chinese food is not Chinese food here in China. Do I miss some of the things I would eat at home, of course I do! SO adjusting to the food here is, well, still and adjustment. I am able to find some items from home but there are very expensive because they are imported in to the country. I definitely splurge every once in awhile so that I can eat things I enjoy. I am slowly finding some Chinese items I enjoy and I hope to show you pictures soon!
On The Culture/The People: Shanghai is a big city with a lot of people. When I think about home we often (of course not everyone and not all the time) say, “Excuse Me” “My Bad” “OOPS” “Im Sorry” “I didn’t mean that” or something of that nature if we bump into someone or do something by mistake. That’s not happening here. People go about their day and business without so much as a word to someone else. That’s been hard to adjust to because I’m like, “Did you see me” ??? “I’m right here” “Oh I guess I’m invisible”!!! But that’s just how they roll! Also I don’t see people cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough. It’s just out there in the atmosphere – so in my classroom we learn how to do that properly and to use always use tissue and clean our hands after sneezing and coughing. Personal space is non-existent – that’s just that. I have definitely met some great people- and I am always in shock when someone does move out the way, holds a door, or even offers me a seat on the train.
On Using The Metro: I literally take the train everywhere I go here. It’s a way of life. You can take a DiDi (which is China’s version of Uber) if needed or get a cab. But the train will get to almost any place you need. Some days I am just exhausted from walking through huge train stations, standing on the train, and walking to my destination. I am enjoying not dealing with a car and all that comes with it (gas, insurance, registration, oil changes, upkeep – all that jazz) but I have moments where I miss being able to get into my car, drive to where I want to go and just come home. I think long and hard about what I need and how I can accomplish getting everything while I am out.
The City: I absolutely love Shanghai! I do. It’s a big city with so much to offer. I have only seen a small piece of the city so as it gets warmer I plan on getting out more to explore the city more. There is always something to do here which is great. You can find just about anything. There is a small club/lounge really close to me that I go to on Monday nights to hear live music. That has been fun to do. — Whatever you enjoy. It is here.
On Working For Disney English: Its okay. It is totally not what I expected, but at the same time I did not have many expectations because I have never taught a language to kids in an other country. I have taught reading and writing to kids who speak the same language as me who were raised in the same country as me and speak the same language as me and speak the same language as me and speak …. Well you get it. So the teaching part is okay. It is nothing like teaching at home. NOTHING LIKE IT. I don’t really feel like I am teaching so much as I am giving some information each day that I hope they can remember and repeat the next time they see me. Sounds like teaching, right? Eh! It’s something. It’s hard to explain and put in words, but I miss teaching my kids back in the States. Yep! I do. At the same time the experience is extremely NEW. I just got my own classes last week and we are all adjusting to each other. The kids are adjusting to a new teacher – and a new brown teacher so that’s a lot for them. I am adjusting to having 8 classes with Chinese students and teaching them a language that I hope they will really use!
With all of this being said – I really do like living in Shanghai! It is my first time living in another country. I have made friends from all over the world. Literally all over the world. I am paying down my US Debt which was/is a BIG goal of mine while I am here. I am traveling more than ever. Well I haven’t yet – but I will! And that is exciting. I tried CrossFit Body in Motion which was great. CrossFit really overwhelmed me back at home but this Body in Motion class was great. I plan on going back soon. It has been cold, but I have been running. I try to watch the AQ when I run so that I don’t get super sick.
Today it is snowing. Flurries but still snow. BRRRRRRRRR!!!!! I don’t lie being cold.
Yall! I’m in China. Like for seriously. I live in Shanghai and it’s pretty amazing that I did this. Some of my friends and family from home said that I did something that they could never do. Move and give up everything I know to live in another country. I am still very basic with my Chinese so I am trying my hardest to practice the language when I can. Taking a class doesn’t fit into my schedule right now so I am practicing with friends.
If any of you want to come to China – and I see deals all the time on Groupon/Travel Zoo/ and lots of other travel sites just let me know!!! IF you get email updates from airlines you may see deals that way too. I would love to have you here! I work on the weekends and in the evenings and my weekend is during the week. I have Tuesdays and Wednesdays off. Doesn’t mean I can’t hang with you and we can’t see the city together. There is always something to do at night and once we move through winter it will be warmer with lots more to do.
Last year was tough. It was. So many wonderful things happened last year and so many not so wonderful things happened too. I pray that whatever goals you have set for 2018 you have set realistic steps to meeting those goals. If you didn’t meet some goals in 2017 you still have time to work on them this year. Be easy on yourself and work towards success.
Mistakes are just proof that you are trying.
Keep trying. Keep pushing. Keep Going.
You are so worth it.
….. im just here adjusting….
I owe you all pictures. Can you believe I really haven’t taken any lately. Here are a few though (below)!
A Big Thank You to the mail that has come from America and the care packages. So Awesome. If you would like my mailing address I can email it to you!
Christmas 2017 in Shanghai, China
A Thai Christmas lunch with my COWORKERS in SH, China
January 2018 – Italian Cooking Class
January 2018 – Italian Cooking Class
January 2018 – Italian Cooking ClassJanuary 2018 – Italian Cooking Class
Brought in the new year with a surprise friend from home! We are all smiles Me and my brother. Because this guy called me today and has a way with helping me be alright!
#eatsleeppartyrepeat
My birthday is coming up. You know if I was home I would have multiple parties and get togethers planned. Well this year let’s donate to one of my favorite charities. The Birthday Party Project. I can’t find the link from yesterday, but I did share it on my FB page. Here is a previous article about them and a link to their site. I just love Paige and the work that she is doing. If you are led Please donate. I am turning 35 so I am donating $35.00 to bring JOY to kids who deserve it. I would love it if you joined me in this! Donate whatever amount you choose – check out the site- or volunteer if they are in your city. The best parties ever!
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’
(one of my favorites is–Psalms 98:4) — Did you know that there are over 800 Glad Texts in the Bible?!?! More than one for each day of the year for me to live by.
WOW! I brought in the new year before many of you reading this at a NYE Party in Shanghai, China. I know I’m here but I have to keep reminding myself, “KG – you live in China!” Actually it really is not that hard to remind myself because I can’t read most signs and advertisements when I am out and about, but I am surviving.
I am in month 3 yall! WOW!!!! I have started teaching (I believe I touched on this in my last post). It’s going. It’s not the most amazing thing ever but it is also not worst thing ever. Like on a scale of 1 to Coconut (Coconut being something I HATE)…. Its like a 3.Pear – Three Point Pear. Yeah makes no sense right??? It’s hard to explain. Currently I am covering a teacher’s class who is on contract break. You get 4 weeks off of work when you sign for another year’s contract. After covering this class I will cover another class then transition into having my own class. It is a nice transition for me into having my own class because I get to learn the ins/outs, understand the curriculum, technology, and resources, without the responsibility of “my class”. Though I take teaching very seriously, lesson plan, and give it my all, I know in a few weeks I will get a new set of students and have a new hundred or names to learn. So here’s to being positive and learning more names that are super hard to pronounce!!!
Christmas was – well Christmas…. I had to work. This is the first year that I have ever worked on Christmas Eve and Christmas. We had a gift exchange at work which was fun. On Christmas day I did breakfast with a friend, lunch with my co-workers, and dinner with my neighbors.
Just wanted to check in and tell you all Happy New Year – 2018 Blessings to all of you.
Shanghai is A HUGE city and it trips me out that I am here living in it. Never in my wildest dreams did I think KMG, just a girl from EPA, would bel living in Asia! But, here I am living and doing it. Just sprinkling my #blackgirlmagic and #blackexcellence throughout this city. When people say the world is small they mean it. I have met people from Dallas, Atlanta/AUC, California – coast to coast back in the states. Crazy – even met people (people yall- more than one person) who know where Hooks, Texas is! You know that made me smile.
I will bring in a host of holidays in Asia! So far, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Christmas, NYE/NY Day …. And soon to come my birthday! I will also get to celebrate national Chinese holidays which will be nice. I am learning about the culture here so I am very interested in experiencing some of their holidays and traditions.
Do you all set resolutions for the new year? I set a few goals for each year. I was quite ambitious with my list last year so here is my 2018 plan:
Because of my work schedule it is hard to sign up athletic events like 5K/10K/Stair Climb type events I would do at home. I want to do 1 event this year. If I can work that in my schedule that would be great.
(oh – Christmas week I did Jingle Bell Run 5K with coworkers- it was cold – I don’t like being cold)
Read 2 books for pleasure
Visit 4 new countries – I have my list ready so I can’t wait to share with you all as it happens about my adventures abroad.
Pay down some US Debt – lets see how that goes!
Play in a waterfall – I didn’t get to do this last year and I’m still mad about it!!! – so clearly some things carry over from 2017 and that’s okay
BE!!! Just BE. Enjoy each day as it comes. Live. Love. Laugh. Smile. Live a life rooted and established in JOY! #EverdayJOY
If you would like my mailing address email me at: karlamgurley@yahoo.com and I will send it to you.
I know have an international phone number so if you had my -214- number it is no longer in service.
My social media life is random but I check when I can- FB/IG
Thanks for reading and following my adventures overseas. It makes me smile to know yall are reading and you all care. Anything ya wanna know????
She Believed She Could >>>So She Did …. this is me. I believe I can so I am
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’
(one of my favorites is–Psalms 98:4) — Did you know that there are over 800 Glad Texts in the Bible?!?! More than one for each day of the year for me to live by.
“life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all” – Hellen Keller
*I choose ADVENTURE*
…..until next time yall….
PAZ!
……wifi – pictures – and youtube are not being nice to me today – and if i don’t hit publish on this post who knows how long before I can post again – pictures to come soon. hopefully!
Google created this collage for me and I love it. It was my last Sunday at OCBF before leaving for Shanghai. Church will look so different when I come back to Dallas. I listen to Pastor Evans sermons via Tony Evans App or YouTube daily!
Faith and I talked about GOG getaway – she prayed with me before I left. She has such a sweet spirit and I am thankful we were able to connect before I left.
Chimeka means so much to me. Meeting her has changed my life! She is so gracious, so loving, and so caring. She is transparent and loves really hard. We sat and talked before I left on her “row” in the sanctuary and the emotions that were felt. Sometimes you don’t know the impact you have made on someone until something big happens like a move, or a graduation, or some career advancement. Chimeka has been a part of my journey. With Grad school, me applying for work overseas and her not wanting me to go, but believing in my need and desire to go, my relationship with Kingston, and just building a solid relationship. I am so thankful for your presence in my life! I love you forever and a day cousin. I miss our #SundayCousinSelfie pictures….
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’
(one of my favorites is–Psalms 98:4) — Did you know that there are over 800 Glad Texts in the Bible?!?! More than one for each day of the year for me to live by.
Okay – so maybe not just like that – its clearly been a FULL YEAR …. But it’s almost 2018! WOW!!!
Did you set goals for 2017? Did you meet them? They year isn’t over yet so you still have time. 11 days – but that’s still time.
I have a CORE group of girls of whom we pretty much talk about everything! We laugh together, talk, text, message, email, eat, lunch, brunch, hold each other accountable, talk about the tough things– and most importantly PRAY TOGETHER! Each year by January 31 we send out in a group message our plans or goals for the year. Everyone has their label for it – ‘goals’ – ‘resolutions’ – ‘task list’ Whatever you want to call it …. We send out our plans for the year and by the end of the year we can ask one other how we did and through out the year we can discuss our work towards our goals.
Well I asked one of my girls (thanks Kim) to screenshot and send me my list cause …. Welp …. I’m in China- I don’t have the app anymore- and blah blah blah …. YO! She sent me that list and I was trippin! My list was so over the top and long IDK what I was thinking in January when I wrote it. I had 14 serious things on this list and OMG … would you believe me if I said …. I only have 4 things left on the list — because I am in Shanghai I can’t complete all 4 – but I took a cooking class – that was on the list (pictures included in this blog) and I said I would read 5 books for pleasure … I am almost done with 3 – so 2 more books in 11 days? Eh, we shall see! One of them just won’t happen until I move back to the states … so…….
All that to say I was very excited that I completed all the things that I did complete. My biggest goal for 2018 is to work on my Chinese so I can hold a basic conversation and visit two new countries!!! I am sure I will come up with a few more things to add to the list but that is at the top! One day I read ‘The only person I want to be better than is the person I was yesterday’— I really try to live by that! If I can be better than KMG yesterday- – I am doing pretty good in life.
_________________
It’s been about a month since my last post! So much to catch you up on… Life has been busy – ish! Work keeps me busy. Learning my community. Pretty much got the metro down or just take a cab somewhere or get a DiDi (China’s version of UBER), navigating shopping while out and about, running like I did back at home, and I have a 5K next week!!!!
Shanghai Living:
I am really enjoying living in Shanghai. It is a HUGE city with so much to do. The area that I live in is a nice balance of expats and local Chinese. There is a good balance of English and — oh my gosh I can’t read that – but GOOGLE TRANSLATE APP is very helpful when gesturing and pictures saved on your phone don’t work!
Yep! There is Garrett’s in Shanghai!!!Out Enjoying the Christmas Lights and decorations.
Disney English:
I was frustrated for a while because I was having a lot of Visa delays. I have been here 8 weeks today and I just started working on Friday. 5 days ago Friday. I was really unmotivated for about two weeks while at work because all I could do was observe classes. Whereas I know that observing classes for so long gives me a lot of time to learn, grow, and prepare, it was hard sitting back and not being able to do ANYTHING at work. What I do know is that teaching English at a training center- I work at a training center and not a traditional school, is nothing like teaching at home. You’re teaching – but not really teaching- if that makes sense. It’s a whole new ball game. Having a foundation in the classroom is good, but you are entering something totally new and have to be flexible as you are challenged and stretched.
Disney English Hongkou – My hoodie says “BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL” – In Chinese!
When we took this picture my visa had not yet cleared. Which means I couldn’t even wear my Disney work shirt and name tag… SO I decided to just rock my “Black is Beautiful” hoodie. The visa process for China is ….. hmmmm …. let me find the words….. something!
I’ll give more insight with teaching English for Disney after my first term – a term is 12 weeks. Right now – its new and different.
KMG and Joy – Yall know I Love that name!!!
KMG and Ruby
VoluntEARing: I had the opportunity to volunteer at a local school with my job. We had a ton of fun and I even dressed up as Santa. We taught some simple English words/sentences and gave gifts to the kids. I was curious to see what a local school looked like so it was great for me. The school was Huge. The classes were Huge. Though I didn’t observe class as I walked the halls the students seemed very disciplined and focused on class. I am definitely looking forward to volunteering again.
Karla-Nicole-Crytal-Lecia-Kelsie – a few of the folks I ‘onboarded’ with in October volunteering at a local school
The kids were hype for Black Santa!!!!
Holidays:
Sooooooooo…… I am working on Christmas Eve and Christmas… IN all my years of living I have never worked on either of those days. Christmas is not a Chinese holiday so I do not have it off. Some people at some traditional schools have it off – and some businesses give the day off to foreigners but I will be working. Disney English does work very hard to help their staff members feel as much at home as possible. We had a Thanksgiving celebration at work and we will have Christmas gift exchange and lunch at work. I do appreciate the little things that our center does to help us feel a little piece of home.
I don’t have anything concrete or set in stone, but will probably do dinner with friends and make lots of video calls to everyone at home!!!
You will see Christmas trees, lights, and decorations all throughout the city. Its fun. But the holiday itself isn’t really celebrated.
I hear that New Years is a big deal so I am excited to see what that will be like here….bringing in 2018 in Shanghai before all of my family and friends back in America.
I have had some wonderful visitors since I have been here in Shanghai.
Donald- Donald and I met while I was at Georgia State. He has been a great friend since my time there and we have kept in touch since my graduation and my many moves from Atlanta-California-Dallas-Shanghai. It was so great to see him, learn about what he is currently doing- Semester At Sea-, and catch up about future endeavors! I am looking forward to seeing him again in 2018 – just speaking that into the atmosphere.
Donald-Jess-KMG-Kyla B
Ashley- My sweet friend Ashley was on her way to Manila and had a long layover in Shanghai. She was traveling with a group of friends and we all had a little time to meet up, eat dinner, check out THE BUND, and I could get them to the metro so they could safely make it back to the airport. It was so nice seeing friends from home.
….and if any of you reading this feel the urge to want to travel to Shanghai just let me know – I will be happy to have you here….
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Tiana: whew! MY heart hurts yall. I My dear friend Tiana passed from Cancer recently … yeah … #CancerSucks …so I am oh so honored to wear her name every day at work! She was such a joy in my life and we grew so much closer after my dad passed and when I was preparing for my Shanghai departure. She encouraged me and prayed with me and supported with me when she heard of the loss of my dad even while she was dealing with her own pain. I didn’t even want to talk to her about it because I knew she had so much going on in her life, but she reached out to me and showed me so much love!!!! She loved deeply and worshiped tough. Her smile and sweet spirit could light up a room and I am a better person for knowing her. I love my sweet Tiana and I am so glad I chose “Tiana” to be a part of my work identity.
Tiana with my everyday!!!!
When I look back over my 2017 I smile! I finished a year of teaching 4th grade. Survived my second round of STAAR Testing. I graduated from UTA with my Masters in Education. I completed my TEFL-C. I completed my Texas Teachers course work for certification in Texas. I completed the process to work/teach overseas and I am now in China teaching English. Traveled to two new states as I try and cross off all 50 off my list. Substitute taught high school in Temple, Texas and 3rd/4th grade in Copperas Cove. That was fun!
Experienced loss like no other when my father died. Still amazed that I was home in Hooks that day. God giving me a last few moments with my him. My mother is so amazing and so strong. How hard that must be to lose the love of your life!
It was a full year. Full of tears, laughs, joy, smiles, new experiences, traveling (my summer was great) and lots of love. I am so deeply loved! I feel like I feel it more and more since I have left. I received so many beautiful text messages, phone calls, voicemail messages, emails, responses on my blog, comments on FB/IG/Twitter since I left. I appreciate all of the love, support, and encouragement since I made the decision to go overseas to live and work. This is such a great opportunity and I am so grateful for it.
I miss friends and family at home for sure. I miss FREEBIRDS, Twisted Root, and Feul City Tacos. I miss California sunshine and being able to read all the signs and speak the language when I am out and about. I miss DR. PEPPER being readily available. At the same time, wow! I am in China. I am learning so much. I am growing and being stretched. I am meeting people from all around the world, and making memories like no other!
You ever meet someone that just makes you smile 🙂 Well Brittny makes me smile …. we met at Afro Open Mic and she also works for Disney English (just a different center than me)
Brittny and KMG – enjoying Afro Open Mic- talking life- Shanghai- Blackness and workng for Disney
Merry Christmas from Shanghai! Happy Holidays. Happy New Year! I pray a prosperous 2018 for you. May you experience blessings like no other. Enjoy your family, friends, make memories, tell those close to you that you love them, smile, encourage someone today, be strong for someone else when they can’t be strong for themselves.
….lets see if I can find something fun to do in Shanghai tonight…
I love your comments and responses…I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Instagram: @misskarlamgurley – I am not on there as much but every once in a blue moon I may post a pic or two
Skype: Karla Gurley – we can video chat– its free if you have SKYPE!!!!
WeCHat: kgarlandmarie0527 – WeChat name – this is a Chinese App that is life here! How we text, call, message, video chat, pay for things, order stuff, everything! LIFE!!!!
IF you would like to mail me something just send me a message via email and I will send you my mailing address!
Big Thanks to those of you who have downloaded the app (WECHAT) to make keeping in touch easier … BIG THANKS to all of you for following the blog …. HUGE THANKS…. For supporting me and this adventure!
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’
(one of my favorites is–Psalms 98:4) — Did you know that there are over 800 Glad Texts in the Bible?!?! More than one for each day of the year for me to live by.
“life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all” – Hellen Keller
*I choose ADVENTURE*
Posting this because its me and ACH – and the sun is shining- it was warm this day- and I’m sure I ordered DR. PEPPER because it was TREAT YO SELF Day…. memories!
Who woulda thought Shanghai, China would be full of so many Black Folks — not just from America — but all over the world?
I joined a few Black Social Media groups before I arrived in China. This was very instrumental for me having a smooth transition to life in Asia. I was able to connect with a lot of people before arriving, ask questions, find out more about the area where I would be living (more than what Google would tell me), and just, well, you know …. feel as much as home as possible. I meeeean— where would I find my hair products – and the best places to eat??? How would I learn these Shanghai streets??? Needed to connect with my people who have been here for some time.
Community is everything.If you know me you know that I am all about relationships. They mean so much to me. So connecting with this group has been pretty great.
THANKSGIVING 2017: SHANGHAI CHINA
I am in the back next to a young man in a black hat and a young man in a blue hat!
Can you believe I am not front and center????
I was actually talking so much (now that you can believe) I almost missed the group photo, but we can’t have that can we?
Shanghai Betta Come Through With The Black People!!! — and this is just a piece of us all!!!!
lots of great food….felt as close to home as possible…and lots of trash talking at the spades and dominoes table…. old school 90’s and early 2000’s music with just a tough of some recent stuff… laughs-smiles-good times –
When I started the day I had absolutely no plans then I received an invite to this dinner. Perfect First Thanksgiving Abroad.
Hope yall are well! Anything you wanna know??? Just respond and I will definitely get back to you soon.
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’
(one of my favorites is–Psalms 98:4) — Did you know that there are over 800 Glad Texts in the Bible?!?! More than one for each day of the year for me to live by.
I have been here for 4 weeks. What better way to celebrate my One Month ShanghaiVersary then with a trip to the China Art Museum and KOOZA (https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/kooza) a Cirque Du Soleil show?!?! The perfect way!
It has been a busy 4 weeks. Landed in Shanghai and hit the ground running. We had an immediate to do list for work, we have been ‘Onboarding (as they call it)/Training’ and observing classes since our arrival. I have moved out of Holiday Inn Express (where I stayed where I first arrived) and into my own apartment. I have made some great friends because of the beauty of social networking, attended ‘Game Night’ a couple times with friends, went to Disneyland, tried a ton of local food, caught a show today, celebrated Shanghai Black Fashion Week, and I am finally adjusted to the time change. I probably was about a week ago, but I feel fully adjusted now.
I live in China yall! I know yall know that, but every day this past week I have said those words out loud! Some things will always take some getting use to – but for the most part – this life in Shanghai, is not too shabby!
Just stopping by to say hello to you all. Let you know that I am still smiling and doing well! Disney has been good to me so far. I had my Visa interview today. Still finishing up this Visa process. My Visa will be switched to a residence permit within the next two weeks. That clears me to travel as I please outside of China while I am employed here and to legally teach. A tourist visa and/or the Z-Visa I arrived here with would not allow me to leave and return to the country multiple times so we have to switch our visas to residence permits.
KOOZA FUN!!!!!
China Art Museum- Shanghai, ChinaHanging with Ms. Christen Marie @Kooza!!!!
….its been a struggle finding hot coco…. oh the little things you miss from home! i think they know me at Starbucks now!!!!
Celebrating Shanghai Black Fashion Week- November 2017 #melaninpoppin #blackgrilmagic #SBFW
So I aint complaining yall!!! I could complain, but what good would that do??? A Twisted Root burger would be nice — but I’m making it.
There are definitely daily adjustments – but I am happy and so thankful for this opportunity/experience! I am smiling. I am still rooted deeply in JOY!!! (–IF I COULD JUST GET SOME KRYSTAL’S HOT SAUCE–)
And….its Thanksgiving! At least it is in Shanghai. It is Thursday AM here. My Pandora notification just said ‘Dinner Jazz’ – Hosting-Toasting-Roasting- I don’t have concrete plans yet … so strange not being home with the family, but new experiences ahead!
Updated albums with new pictures coming in the next few days
Until next time yall!!!!
Stay Thankful!!!!
….oh i wanted to tell yall…. i went for a run…. but i ran so far and not around the block or in a line that i was lost… it was kind of pitiful because the street names were familiar to me but i didn’t know the end of the street I was on … so what did i do? I took the metro home…i was only one stop from home but that’s a long run when you don’t know where you are and you are racing the clock for work! haha! i’ll just go to the track behind my apartment next time…. holla!
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’
(one of my favorites is–Psalms 98:4) — Did you know that there are over 800 Glad Texts in the Bible?!?! More than one for each day of the year for me to live by.
….three weeks in and only 60 more to go… but whose counting????!!!!?!?!?!?
Definitely Not Me!
-SHANGHAI IS SOMETHING YALL-
Every Single Day I have to remind myself that I consciously made the choice to have the ADVENTURE of a lifetime and move to Shanghai. Growing up in America can be great (and awful) at the same time. It can be great because I was exposed to so many different groups of people at such a young age that it was just normal to me. It never phased me meeting a Mexican American, Italian, Greek, Indian, Russian, Asian, or African person (yeah this list can go on). I was also raised to be kind as much as possible and to treat others the way that I want to be treated. I have come across, in my three weeks of being here, more rude people than I would like to have ever encountered. Of course, this isn’t the entire country of China or the entire city of Shanghai, but folks can be rude here.
I do not expect every one to know English. I get that I am in a new place, but the tone in which you speak to someone at your place of employment says a lot about you. People pretty much just don’t acknowledge me (totally not everywhere) and that really sucks! I walked out of one store today because I will not spend my money in a place where I am treated unkindly.
I have shopped since I have been here and worked with the language barrier. With my trusty Google Translate App, pictures, my tiny-ITTY-bitty Chinese and the employees little English I have been successful more than once. It can happen…. and yes! I plan on taking some communication classes soon.
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I do have recent pictures for you! I updated the last album and I made an album for
……
oh my gosh
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do you know where I went???
I WENT TO………………
DISNEYLAND
@the enchanted castle @shanghai disneyland — eeek! no one is in my picture! amazing!!!!
Yo! There really is something magical about Disneyland! I had the best day ever …. and not just because it was FREE TO GET IN! But- that was definitely a plus. We got there early. No one was at the castle so my buddy Christen and I took tons of people-less pictures. We walked around the castle. The parade was amazing. 😦 sadness the parade video wont post but I’m working on it. I met a princess and we caught up on old times and I even saw Captain America!! To top it all off I had dinner at THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY and yall know I been struggling with food so it was so nice to eat somewhere that was filling and satisfying! It was just a beautiful day all around!!!
And TRON…. the ride — so freakin’ awesome! I can’t wait to go back to get on that ride again! WHOA. So Magical.
Also I was on a search for Tiana the whole time. There was the most stunning (BELOW) mural of Tiana and her prince in the castle. Yall. I was so happy to see her. Now as far as merchandise…. Blah! I was on a search in every single store. I only found a small section with her items at a store outside of the park. And the workers didn’t even know who she was – I bought a doll! I wasn’t letting my girl go out like that.
….But this gorgeous art piece made me smile….
MISC:
-yall know im a runner- i ran around my neighborhood to help me get to know the area. I will probably start running more once I have a consistent work schedule and i’m gonna check out a local gym soon
-so excited to have made some friends during the first few weeks. my buddy Christen lives in my apartment building and on the same floor! we both work for Disney and we have been enjoying getting to know shanghai together.
-my neighbors are awesome! they are in college studying abroad. so cool!!!
-remember if there is every anything you wanna know just respond and let me know!!!! looking forward to seeing my first friend next week!!!! Donald is coming to see me. We went to GA State together and his job currently has him doing some work overseas and he has a few days in Shanghai next week. So Cool to see a friendly face from home!!!!
-next week is thanksgiving. what is im gonna do??? time to find a dinner, party, or something to go to!!!
….. okay …. okay ….. i tried but wordpress isn’t allowing me to add anymore pictures directly in the blog ): or maybe its the wifi …. or shanghai …. or this apartment …. idk …. but here are links to more pics
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’
(one of my favorites is–Psalms 98:4) — Did you know that there are over 800 Glad Texts in the Bible?!?! More than one for each day of the year for me to live by.
I am not sure what I wrote in the last blog to make you all feel that I am unsafe. I do feel very safe every day. I have never – not one day- since I have been here not felt safe.
So I do want you to know that.
I am aware of my surroundings and use discernment when I am out.
I am just getting use to a new way of life here in China where they do things differently than back in EPA or DF-Dub-Ya!!!!
I am still learning the language, the metro system, and my neighborhood — but I do feel safe- people can just be a little -well a lot rude, I don’t like the staring- but whateva-sometimes I stare back- and they don’t use manners too much. That’s All.
I do appreciate all of your concerns and prayers and I receive that!!!!
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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’
(one of my favorites is–Psalms 98:4) — Did you know that there are over 800 Glad Texts in the Bible?!?! More than one for each day of the year for me to live by.
FEARLESS in SHANGHAI 