….and just like that we are wrapping up 2017….

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!

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.

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.

 

 

 

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.

 

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.

Chinese New Year – YAY! I get this off  — February 12-21 I will be off from work! (https://www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/holidays/spring-festival.htm)

Quiming Festival– April 5-8 (https://www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/holidays/qingming.htm )

May Day- May 1

Dragon Boat Festival– June 16-18 (https://www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/holidays/dragon-boat.htm)

Mid Autumn Festival- September 22-24 (https://www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/holidays/mid-autumn.htm)

National Holiday– October 1-7 (https://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/festival/national.htm)

Visitors:

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.

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….

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

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.

When I look back over my 2017 I smile! I finished a year of teaching 4^th 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 3^rd/4^th 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)

 

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!

 

Contact:

Email: karlamgurley@yahoo.com

Blog: https://kmarietakesshanghai.wordpress.com/

Facebook: Karla Marie – should be able to find me through my name or www.facebook.com/karlageezy

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!

 

Pictures:

 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/GxpLOi9A6R0k02SJ2 – Shanghai Month Number Two

https://photos.app.goo.gl/K86MNU4hVrAYLsGu2 – Disney VoluntEARing

https://photos.app.goo.gl/wRzS26m8JGvd4z272 – Italian Cooking Class (In Shanghai of all places)

 

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOPATK2xVpTNy3CmwxCxU7lGeY4mTaCyFZfar8Am-gtiCOZJ5kcgn_AxnP_DBqGpQ?key=ZDd4eW91VWNaVk40VHBpRWNOVURiZFZ0NmhoUDJB   China Art Museum

https://photos.app.goo.gl/EKO4hsMgKGYUJb8q1- KOOZA

I apologize if any of the pictures are duplicates… and I am still working on an album of videos that I have taken … its coming!

__________________________________________________________

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.

#FearlessinShanghai #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJoy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #BlackInShanghai #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla  #KarlaGirlJoy #BlackGirlInShanghai

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

*I choose ADVENTURE*

 

 

Date: November 23, 2017

Holiday: Thanksgiving 2017

Aw Snap! 

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?

 

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.

#FearlessinShanghai #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJoy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #BlackInShanghai #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla  #KarlaGirlJoy #BlackGirlInShanghai

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

*I choose ADVENTURE*

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!!

O – to the M- to the G!!!!

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. 

 

….its been a struggle finding hot coco…. oh the little things you miss from home! i think they know me at Starbucks now!!!!

 

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!

__________________________________________________________

NOTE: PayPal is still open. You can always support financially:

godschile7@yahoo.com-Karla Gurley

__________________________________________________________

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.

#FearlessinShanghai #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJoy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla  #KarlaGirlJoy #BlackGirlInShanghai

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

*I choose ADVENTURE*

______________________________________

 

….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.

—–

I do have recent pictures for you! I updated the last album and I made an album for

 

……

 

 

oh my gosh

 

 

…….

 

 

do you know where I went???

 

I WENT TO………………

 

DISNEYLAND

 

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

https://photos.app.goo.gl/F0x5TM6q2W7WsCPF3 — Shanghai Month Number One

https://photos.app.goo.gl/hirPvacmQQVclCSt2 — Shanghai Disneyland Trip The First

Remember you will have to copy and paste the links to see the pictures! Enjoy 🙂 

 

__________________________________________________________

NOTE: PayPal is still open. You can always support financially:

godschile7@yahoo.com-Karla Gurley

__________________________________________________________

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.

#FearlessinShanghai #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJOy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla  #KarlaGirlJoy

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

*I choose ADVENTURE*

______________________________________

 

The $47 Taco V. The $1 Taco

 

 

 

 

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!!!!

__________________________________________

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.

#FearlessinShanghai #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJOy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla  #KarlaGirlJoy

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

*I choose ADVENTURE*

HEY YALL!!!!! Over 1000 hits to the blog.

Niiiiiiiiice!!!!! Yall Make me Smile 🙂 Seriously

Quick Recap – I am sure if you’re following you already know, but there are a few newbies. I am in Shanghai, China for 14 months working for Disney English teaching English to young learners. I am not on vacation, although a 14 month vacations sounds amaaaaaaaazing!

I am 2 weeks in to my time in Shanghai. I have moved into my apartment and I am getting settled nicely. I am slowly trying spicy foods as they really like spice here. Yall know I can barely handle spice, but little by little am having foods with spice in it. Its rough yall.

DISNEY!!!! I am going to Disneyland Shanghai – this is work so I am not complaining. Pretty cool, huh? As far as the teaching part???? I can’t legally teach until my resident permit has arrived. Once in China us foreigners who are in the country on a Z-Visa staying for more than 30 days have to turn in their Visa’s/Passports and you get them back with a  resident permit. This allows you to legally work and to leave the country as you please within your contracted employment time. Most tourist visas do not allow this. I am currently doing classroom observations, and trainings with the team who arrived at the same time as me.

Anything Yall Wanna know? Respond and let me know. I do plan on seeing THE GREAT WALL which some people have asked me about. I have to plan that trip as it is in Beijing and not Shanghai. There is lots to see in Shanghai and I have not even begun to see it all. I have been working on getting my apartment, settling in, learning the Metro system, and finding foods that I can eat.

For the past two weeks when I wake up, I’m like – “WHOA BABY I AM IN CHINA. I AM LIIVING IN SHANGHAI”!!!! What an experience of a lifetime. Thanks Yall for following my journey.

 

 

MISC:

-Personal space is not a thing here. They roll up on you like they know you- or don’t. Shove into you and don’t even care. Taking the Metro is an experience in and of itself. Shanghai is a huge city with so many people and their manners, for the most part= nonexistent.

-Asians – stare and gawk at us. I know were magic, but were also real! Ha. I am getting use to the staring, but does one ever get use to it? I don’t like it. It’s annoying – and I gotz to be honest that sometimes I stare back. They also sneak and take pics and videos of you (like we don’t see them). Yo! I see you. I just really wonder what are they doing with these pictures, what do these captions say, where did you post them, ugh! It’s the worst. My Non-African American friends on my team have noticed it when they are with me, and they’re like “I saw someone take a picture of you, they don’t take pictures of me. Why are they taking pictures of you?” I don’t have much of a response for that, besides “Black Folks Are Amazing”…. But really after two weeks I’m over it and it aint stopping!

-People can also be very nice. GOOGLE TRANSLATE has been my best friend while out and about. It is an app where you can translate what you are saying. You can do speech to text or text to text. Sometimes I am out and I use this app to find locations of places I am going to and even an employee in my local supermarket shopped with me the whole time as we communicated with my app. That was extremely helpful and I was able to find everything I needed. Well – just about everything, cuz this aint America and there is no Kroger or Tom Thumb near by!

-We had a Halloween Party at work. I dressed up as Polly – the once Disney character no one knew

-When you eat out here are no substitutions with your meals. Yall know I’m the Queen of ‘I want this- not with this- but please add this’ I. Am. Struggling. They over here like ‘We make it the way it is on the menu’ …. OhMyGosh!!!!

-I have started a “#PantherPrideGSU “group here in Shanghai! Would you believe there’s a bunch of GA State Alum here?!?! We are planning a get together really soon!

 

…. Its Friday morning here and Thursday evening in USA …. Pictures and videos to come next week to the album….

NOTE: PayPal is still open. You can always support financially:

godschile7@yahoo.com-Karla Gurley

__________________________________________

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.

#FearlessinShanghai #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJOy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla  #KarlaGirlJoy

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

*I choose ADVENTURE*

 

 

Hey Yall….

Copy and paste this link- ENJOY FOR PICS — https://photos.app.goo.gl/F0x5TM6q2W7WsCPF3) …. videos to come….cant do them at same time… i will upload videos for you tomorrow

 

I will upload twice a month to the same album.

Jing’an Temple- in Shanghai … wow a pic worked! I hope yall can see this

Happy Viewing!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/F0x5TM6q2W7WsCPF3 — this link should work.

__________________________________________

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.

 

#FearlessinShanghai #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJOy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla  #KarlaGirlJoy

 

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

*I choose ADVENTURE*

THE FIRST WEEK IN A NUTSHELL:

 

Arrival Day – Day 1

Tired and full of energy at the same time. Wait. Nope. Not full of energy, but mustered some up to make it through customs and baggage claim.  It was a super long flight- left USA on a Tuesday and arrived in China on Wednesday afternoon. Another Stamp in my passport!!! Got my bags- all those bags- and maneuvered through the exit. Brooke, and a Disney English worker met me and another DE worker (who was on my flight) outside and a driver took us to hotel.

Dinner with Brooke @ a Singaporean Restaurant

I stay in hotel for 3 weeks while apartment hunting!

Day 2- Thursday (First Full Day)

This was a busy day. Lots of work stuff to do. Medical Check. Bank Card/Bank Account. Phone store for Sim card. Afternoon off.

So sleepy. The time adjustment is serious. I was tired by 4PM.

Day 3- Friday

Orientation for work. 9:00AM-2:00 PM. Afternoon off.

Sleep. I just wanna sleep!

Napped until late. Ate at “RAMEN”  — SO good here in Asia. I like ramen!!!! Legit Ramen Yall 😊

Day 4- Saturday

Day off!!!! Yeah! Lots of fun. Went for a morning run. Walked to the mall. Walked to grocery store. Game night with new friends in Shanghai.

The UNO game was seriously intense!

I am adjusting a little better to the time now. Forcing myself to stay awake so I can sleep through the night. First two days I was waking up between 3-4 AM – then Im up all day and tired early afternoon. Its getting better.

Day 5- Sunday

Another day for exploring. Jing’an Temple (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jing%27an_Temple)

Relax at hotel. Work tomorrow.

Day 6- Monday

Disney English! Off to one of the centers today! Looking forward to this.

Training. Lots of DISNEY information. The history to present day. I learned so much about Disney that I did not know!

Day 7- Tuesday

YAY! TODAY is the day that I have been waiting for. I find out what center I will be working at. Disney English has 11 learning centers in Shanghai and today everyone who arrived in my group of new foreign language trainers will find out which specific center that will be working at.

I will visit the center that I will be working at today and get to observe two classes at the center. Funners 😊

If you go online I am working at: Hongkou – HK Disney Center- you are welcome to Google or Bing search it online. I still have training and observations before I begin teaching. I will spend time at HK and at another center preparing for teaching.

 

Can yall believe that it has been 7 days since (well 8 really) I left Dallas, Texas? I can believe it. Everyday I wake up in this hotel room (Disney has paid for 3 weeks in hotel to give us time to find an apartment in the city) I know I moved, when I go out for food, or to the store- it is real – that I am in SHANGHAI, China!

-We walk everywhere and use the subway

-I need to learn Mandarin – like for seriously

-Getting use to the food here

-I have been trying lots of new foods. Some I like and some I don’t like. This food adjustment is tough. I’m going to find pizza tomorrow. Joes Pizza is a local place here. The owner is from NY. He moved here and opened a pizzas shop. I have heard very good things about it.

-Such a big city with so many people

-Pictures and videos to come soon. I promise. It’s gonna happen. I am putting a full album together for you all and trying to figure out how to best add it to the blog with my internet controls here in China. I have shared a few on Facebook. I don’t have IG or Twitter access. I hope to have pictures and videos added by the weekend 😊

-Wow I live in another country!!!!  #whowouldathought this girl from EPA would be living in China???

 

NOTE: If you want to still support financially- you can.

PayPal- godschile7@yahoo.com- Karla Gurley

Some of you messaged me and said you still wanted to support. My Paypal still works. I appreciate your desire to support me financially.

I AM SO GLAD THAT YOU ARE WITH ME ON THIS JOURNEY. This is just the beginning. Anything you wanna see? Know? Curious about? Reply to this post!

—-Paz and Blessings—-

 

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.

 

#FearlessinShanghai #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJOy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #EPARockingIt

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

*I choose ADVENTURE* 

…..until next time yall….

… so cool right? I am here in Shanghai! The flight was super long. Anyone who is my ‘friend’ on FB/IG knows I was going Nutso on that flight. I slept a little and watched a ton of movies. Thanks for commenting, staying with my journey, and even telling me some jokes. I had no issues in customs and getting my baggage. Brooke met me and another Disney English (DE) employee at the airport. Get this yall … She is from Texarkana and went to high school in Hooks! Crazyness!!!!

…. WIFI connections have been spotty for me. I have not been able to log on to FB/IG/Twitter yet. If you left me messages/comments/posts there I will see them soon.

NOTE: If you text messaged me the day I left or since I left I haven’t seen it. A few message that did go through I responded through email or through a friend. I would love to stay in touch. If download the APP WeChat… We can text/call each other for FREE! That app has been working great for me. You should be able to find me very easily- Karla Gurley, there.

…. Arrival Day and my First full day were busy. Well they probably weren’t really too busy I am just getting use to the time change. Shanghai is 13 hours ahead of Dallas so the adjustment is real!!! Im sleepy during the day and wide awake at night. I need this to turn around quick!

….Food! The food has been tasty. China likes spice. The food has also been very large portions which I did not expect.

….Shanghai is a busy city. They drive wild here. We walk everywhere. The other DE Workers that I have met have been great so far. I need to practice my Mandarin. I have dealt with language barriers before, but this is totally different.

….14 months yall. 14 months….

….again thanks for the support….for following the blog…for financial support…for praying…for encouraging me… I am here…. #adventureofalifetime

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

^This empty space is where all of the cool pictures and videos would be — but — they don’t wanna load — I can’t even post a song for yall to jam too — its coming though yall— its coming^

__________________________________________

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.

 

#FearlessinShanghai #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJOy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla  #KarlaGirlJoy

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

*I choose ADVENTURE*

 

 

ISSA TRAVEL DAY

me right now: overjoyed-thrilled-blessed-jubilant-tickled pink-ecstatic-delighted

 

If you don’t know already– here it is….TODAY IS THE DAY…. The truck is packed and I am off to DFW Airport in T-minus 9 hours and counting. The world is so big and has so much to offer and I am so thankful to have this opportunity to live, work, and experience life overseas.

 Truck. Packed. YES. All Those Bags.

 Everything is packed in storage! WooHoo

A lot of you have had a lot of questions and I have done my best to answer them. Some things I just don’t know until I arrive. It is part of the adventure that awaits me. I will definitely keep you updating here on the blog with my experiences, pictures, and videos with my time abroad.

 

 

I can’t help but express my thanks to all of you! For praying for me, encouraging me, listening to me talk about Shanghai every day, following my blog, and supporting me financially. THANK YOU! I am so glad that we are on this journey together.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK. YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. 

NO. SERIOUSLY. THANK YOU! It means the world to me that you support me! 

I am really looking forward to October 25, 2017. This day I will land in Shanghai and everything will be new. And, if nothing else, I know that there is nothing wrong with NEW. I love being able to attach history to real life. There is so much history and culture to experience in Asia and the surrounding countries. I get to go a step beyond Google and have a real life exposure to the world.

 

Many of you have asked if you can still support me. My Paypal will still be active in China. Feel free to support whenever your life allows.

godschile7@yahoo.com- Karla Gurley

 

I can’t sleep. The excitement is too much! You may get a “At The Airport” blog later! Look for me on IG – @misskarlamgurley or on FB- Karla Marie …. until later — paz! 

remember you can always respond to the blog with any questions or comments – i promise it will be more interesting once i leave!

__________________________________________

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.

 

#FearlessinShanghai #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJOy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla  #KarlaGirlJoy

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

*I choose ADVENTURE*