This post has taken forever … but here it is … 

My Crew Came To China!!! Part 1:

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.

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!

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.

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!

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’ 

 

#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 ….

Happy New Year-2019 from: KMG in Shanghai, China 

 

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. 

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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!

2018: A Look Back – https://photos.app.goo.gl/upFwgj47WKKjBL58A

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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 ….

 

lots of pictures …. happy holidays yall!!

Thanksgiving 2018

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!!!)

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!!!

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?

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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 ….

 

2018 GOALS:

Here are the goals I posted/shared in January-

1. Complete a 5K: Run in Blue in June!!! √
2. 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! √
3. 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.
4. 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 √
5. Play in a waterfall – √ finally this one gets a check – yesss! Waterfall in Ningbo … wonderful √
6. 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…..

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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 ….

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 ….

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!!!

 

 

 

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 ….

(yup long*ish post alert)

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-

1. Complete a 5K: Run in Blue in June!!! √
2. 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! √
3. 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!
4. 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 √
5. Play in a waterfall – √ finally this one gets a check – yesss! Waterfall in Ningbo … wonderful
6. 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.

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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!

 

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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.

As always thanks for following the blog. When I started the blog a year ago I told you that there were 3 ways you can support me:

1. Subscribe and follow my blog – Clearly if you are reading this you are already subscribed, but feel free to share my blog on your social media outlets and with friends!
2. Pray for me – The prayers of the righteous avialeth much! Thanks for your prayers and support.
3. Financial via PayPal – godschile7@yahoo.com – someone asked if they can still do this, I am going to say- of course you can! You can always support financially if you so choose!
   

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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 ….

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Halloween was fun and meaningful – Tommie Smith and an African Queen! Couldn’t be any better

 

ever wonder if your hard work is paying off??? i know i wonder about that all the time … this post today is to encourage whoever may need it who is falling off-having trouble being consistent- doesn’t feel like they are seeing the results that they are hoping for – KEEP PUSHING – KEEP GOING! Turn your #beastmode ON AND DON’T STOP UNTIL YOU REACH YOUR GOAL. Know that it is your Journey and you have to hit your milestones your way.

Now on to the good stuff… i just want to share about the hard work of me and my friend Tiff!

Tiff has been working very hard with #HCBF Hard Core Bounce Fitness and I have been working hard with running- and stairs- and biking … Tiff is it yall! Her smile makes you smile and her commitment makes you want to keep going.

During our October National Holiday we went to the beach with some friends and we are just very excited to share our progress pictures. We have both come a long way – and still have a lot more to do – as we enjoy our journey we have decided to celebrate every single step of the way!!!

#HCBF #hardcore #beastmode #bounce #fitness #runner #running #biker #stairs #consistent #dedication #committed #hardworkpaysoff #beachfun #blackgirlwhoruns #bgrchick #solemoments #hitthepavement #magicalmelanatedmoments #chocolategirlswhorock #sistagirlfriends #ourChinalife #shanghailiving #blackinchina #smile #joy #livingourbestlives #loveyourself #beconsistent

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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 ….

Before I started blogging I thought to myself … how do these people have the time to sit and blog? Who is reading all these blogs?? Why are they blogging?  …. and now look at me… finding the time to blog… reading blogs… and I love it!

You find the time for what interests you.

I want to share this article that Delois Smith recently shared….

Today someone posted on their FB Wall – “What is the most interesting thing that has ever happened to you?” and in true Karla fashion I responded (since im extra and dramatic) “Nothing interesting ever happens to me” – to which my friend responded “You’re living in China” …. she’s right! Living in China is every single day interesting.

….as I really thought about it many interesting things have happened in my life… it is hard to choose one to share on her post. I think one of the most interesting things that ever happened to me was meeting Tommie Smith!

I have no pictures, but I will never forget that day. 

I was overwhelmed on the inside and super chill on the outside. It was great.

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2018/10/tommie-smith-1968-50-years-later/568294

Check out the above article when you get the chance and if you don’t know much about Tommie Smith here is a link to his site:

http://tommiesmith.com/

#socialjustice #humanrights #1968matters #victory #makeanimpact #olympics #politicsisineverything #fiftyyearslater #sports #tommiesmith #johncarlos #headsbowed #glovedhandsraised #sports #blacklife #culture #theworld #AuthurAsheCourageAwardWinner #ESPY #worldimpacter #influencer #BlackLivesMatter #Kap #WeStandandKneelWithCK #thestruggleisntover

I would love to hear about the most interesting thing that has ever happened to you!

Respond in the comments!!! 

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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 ….

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Months 9 and 10

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Can yall believe I am actually starting to like Shanghai??? You probably think from my pictures and posts that I love it …. but it definitely has its moments being a Black Expat in China.

For about the first 9.5 months I wasn’t all the way happy here. This is the start of month 11 and its much better now. The adjustment phase was tough. I have met a lot of great people and build a beautiful expat community of folks who look like me. I have made some friends who don’t look like me too, but there is nothing like having people who are from where you from – look like you- and already understand you.

Here are a few pictures from months 9 and 10 – in no specific order from the past two months … this is month 11 wow!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Update on the goals I set in January:

Here are the goals I posted/shared in January-

1. Complete a 5K: Run in Blue in June!!! √
2. 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! √
3. Visit 4 new countries – 3 down and 1 more to go. √
4. 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 √
5. Play in a waterfall – Le Sigh … I gotta do more research for my waterfall ): not yet yall… not yet ….
6. 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 guess I am doing well with the 6 realistic goals I set for myself in January. I am usually so exxxxxtra with my goals and I have this long list and its kinda – well – ridiculous – but I work my butt off all year to complete it – I don’t complete it and it goes on the next years list … not this time …. if I can check off number 4 I will complete my 2018 list. I will be satisfied with that.

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Update on my running goals:

I set a goal to run 650KM (403.9 miles) this year …currently – 87% reached of my goal …not so shabby if I do say so myself with 

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….alright yall that was a long post … lots of pics… i hope you’re well!!! i am looking forward to sharing about month 11…. its been a good month so far! 

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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 ….

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