7 months later

7 months in China...HOLY CRAP!  The time has flown by...This has been such an amazing experience thus far.  I have experienced so much in such a short period of time.  I have truly had to learn to stand on my own feet.  I have an amazing support group of friends over here that I am blessed with but it has still been a challenge at times.

When I left 7 months ago, I was lost and looking for something more.  China has def.  been something more.  I am amazed by it all the time.  I miss home more and more but  I know I am in the right place.  I could not have asked for a better experience.

I think back to my Gainesville days and I am just so happy that I got to experience something more.  I never felt like I ever really got to challenge myself in Gainesville.  I was looking to be independent and wanted a life of my own.
Boy did I get what I asked for.  In the past 7 months I have mimed to people in stores and restaurants more times than my ego would care to count.  I have subway surfed my way through Shanghai.  Learned a little Chinese.  Made new friends and  lived completely on my own for the first time.    I have plunged and scooped buckets of water from a toilet.  Flooded my bathroom more times than I can count.  
I learned to cook a little.  Burned the crap out of food and learned to eat it just because.

I have tasted grasshopper, intestines and lord knows what else.  I have played with chicken feet and had whole birds and fish laid in front of me.

I have been sooo lost in my town many times.  I learned to use the metro and hail taxis.  I have discovered the greatness of the high speed railway system.

The one thing I was thinking about tonight walking home is that in the states walking a mile or two home is just not really something people do but here I am to the point where asking a taxi driver to drive me two miles home just seems crazy.  I just walk home and never think twice about it.  

I have traveled a little and learned a lot.  I have had many massages and def not enough sunlight.  I have bought a winter coat and actually live in a place where it is necessary to use one.  I have boots and tights and leggings to layer.  I now have hats and scarves.  I have seen fall leaves and witness real seasons.

I have started a budget and failed at sending money home.  I am now used to not having a dishwasher or a dryer.  I can say small phrases and communicate with my kids better now.

Crazy things like children peeing everywhere and people spitting so close to you you almost have to dodge the spit.  seem normal to me now.  I have done KTV and seen the sunrise in china more times than ever in the states.

I am now learning the fun that comes with winter and a bad water heater and bad heaters in the house.  

Experiences are what you make of them.  I choose to look at everything I experience here as a blessing and an answer to many prayers that I have sent up.  Though I miss home often I am blessed by every adventure China has to offer me.

I can't wait to see what China has to offer me in the next 7 months!!