Ugh, this week has been a bit rough. For the first time since we arrived I have been feeling pretty homesick. It’s the beginning of summer and all my friends are getting ready for fun in the sun. I can’t even remember the last time I saw the sun. Many of my friends are graduating and I wish I was in Knoxville to see them walk. I also can’t believe it’s been a year since I graduated and I miss college. Significant things are going on with my family as well that I wish I was around for. And my brother is coming home this month, and it has been over a year since I have seen him. I’m only writing this post because this is also a part of the expat experience and it’s just as real as all the exciting times. Just know that I miss you all at home!
I have been continuing to work doubles everyday as my boss has seemingly disappeared. He was supposed to be gone for 2 weeks and I agreed to teach his class of 20-something 6 year olds. This has been a huge challenge as there is a big difference between teaching 2 year olds and 5-6 year olds. There have been days where I have felt completely defeated because I struggled so much to keep control of the class. Tomorrow will start the 4th week that my boss has been gone! I have tried to email him to get clarity on some major upcoming events (Children’s Day and the English competition) but have got nothing back. This is the first time since I’ve been here that I haven’t had any support or guidance and it definitely adds a bit of stress. Mostly, I just hope that everything is okay with him and his family. Recently I’ve been doing a lot better with his class, so I’m dreading this week a bit less than the others. It all seems very worth it when payday rolls around. I just picture all the things Kevin and I will get to do once we finish up our contracts!
One of our best friends has moved back to Chengdu, so spending time with him has been very nice. I absolutely love our Chinese friends, but I still feel like I need a girlfriend to talk to and hang out with. I really spend a lot of time by myself and when I feel down it makes it all the more difficult to pick myself back up. Fortunately, our Chinese friend really wants to teach us some Chinese (to speed up our progress with the Mandarin class we take once a week) and I’m really looking forward to speeding up the learning and diving back into being excited about learning Chinese! I think a hobby will be good for me.
Anywho, sorry, no pictures or anything too exciting this week, but didn’t want to neglect my blog entirely. Not all weeks are that exciting! Kevin did go to Hong Kong, though, and took some cool pictures. I’m trying to get him to write about his trip so look out for that this week! Love to you all! And happy Mothers Day to all my favorite moms, especially my own! 
Feeling lonely and wanting to go home is one of the experience that one has to go through if working aboard. So Pick yourself up, keep yourself busy, try to look on the bright side and find somethings to enjoy. At least, you’ve got Kevin, better than yourself alone,right?
“Americans always look at the bright side, whether or not there is one, and if possible accentuate the positive of every disaster.” Hope you are not the exception.
I am not! You’re totally right, and that’s kind of why I wrote about it. It’s all part of the experience! And Kevin does absolutely make things better. Thanks so much for the wise words.
I don’t want to take the wind out of your sails by replying to part of Lee’s comments, BUT…I happen to know you are definitely not the exception. You’ll pull out of this down spell and come back full force with your cheeriness. I’ve seen it happen multiple times in the past. So, I’m just here to lend my support with some hugs from afar. Even if you were home, you’d have down times. Maybe more than you have now because you’d be wishing you were doing something new and exciting instead of showing up for some boring job every day. As we like to say, ‘Could be worse!’ You could be teaching MIDDLE SCHOOL! Yikes, what a nightmare!
We’ll talk soon.
OOOOOOOOOO (here’s those hugs) and a X to go with them.
Haaa yeah, middle school would REALLY be a nightmare. I’m already feeling a lot better. Thanks! And it was great to talk to you. Xo!
Mimis always know how to make things better!! And I agree with her. You would’nt be as stimulated at home just working a regular job at this point in your life. But I do miss you so much. I’m really glad we got to talk the other night. I’m so proud of you Kels. I’m so lucky to have such a strong, motivated, and intelligent best friend! You and I have had our ups and downs, and have helped each other through them for over 10 years now. I honestly don’t know what I would do without you. If I have learned anything from our not so pleasent experiences in life, it’s that we always ALWAYS pull ourselves out from our ruts with a little help from our friends and family. There is no exception to this just because you are living abroad. I’m here for you! We all are. And we’re rooting for you! And I have so much faith in your happiness and success. It’s just another one of those silly ruts
I love you! <3
You’re right, you’re right. As much as I’d like to be home sometimes, I wouldn’t really want to go home (if I did, I would!). It’s so great to get to talk to you so often. You are one of the people who always makes me feel so much better. Thanks for your support and love you so very much! I need one of you in China
Also, friends for a decade.. when did that happen? We are getting so OLD!
Kelsey, This does not sound like you. You have been my inspiration all these months. Grandpa and I often wish we had done what you are doing. We could have. After graduation, Grandpa had a job offer in Rome. We turned it down because I was expecting your dad. If we had it to do over, WOW!!! What would we do? I don’t know. Doesn’t matter, does it? We made our decision and made the best of it….no regrets. You made yours and we applaud you. Grandpa and I admire and envy you. You are young and have your whole life ahead of you. As my father, the great philosopher, often said, “wallow in your misery, if you must, but then seize each and every moment therafter.” In our “golden years” grandpa and I are actually thinking of taking on a new adventure of our own; but, I guarantee it won’t happen ’til grandpa retires and you are back home. Want to know more????? Write back. All our love always, Grandma and Grandpa
Yes, I do want to know more!!! Thanks for your support and love always, but especially through the blog! I love reading them. I do believe I am in the right place and doing the right thing but every direction has it’s ups and downs. Things are already looking up, though, no worries. Love you guys! Hope to talk to you soon!
Just think about how annoying we all are! that will cure your homesickness.
Just kiding (well, a bit), you know that we miss you and can’t wait to see you. I’ll finally get to see Devon on Sunday, haven’t seen him in over a year (since I’m not a Skyper). I’m sure he’s excited to see his beloved Aunt Sonja!! yeah..
Keep your chin up sweetie, and you’ll be home soon enough, thinking fondly of your big Chinese adventure.
Love you!
Miss you guys too! Great to hear from you. As annoying as everyone is (hehe) I still wish I was home sometimes! Love you!