China Bound!

At the time of my writing this, I am headed to China for three and a half months!! I know, crazy, right! :) I've started up my blog again so that family and friends can keep up with my life, too! I am beyond excited, though I must admit that sometimes I think I've bitten off more than I can chew! 
I've included an inspiration from one of my favorite authors, J.R.R. Tolkien, found in his book, The Hobbit--click here for e-book version. (*quote from Etsy.com)

Since I was a teenager, I've wanted to visit China (zhong1 guo2) 中国, and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity! I've been an elementary teacher for six years, and I am ready to experience something different! Really, I have no other reason to be venturing this far from home, except to study a new culture and a completely different language! Have I mentioned how this is both exciting and nerve-wracking?

While in China, I will be studying for half a day and volunteering a couple hours each day. On weekends, I'll get to explore the city and visit other parts of China! This is my first time to travel here, so I hope to experience some awesome things! 
GOAL #1 for this week: get adjusted to China's timezone (13 hours difference!)
GOAL #2: make a couple new friends
GOAL #3: become familiar with some of the shops and buildings around here...maybe get some language practice in while I'm at it!
 Zai4 jian4! 再见！(bye!)