Ni Hao!

A few people have been asking if I’ve started a blog yet. I’m settled. A VPN was purchased a long time ago. I’m fresh out of excuses, so here goes…

My newest chapter began in June, 2013. This chapter of my life was met with more anticipation and resistance than any other. I began my Peace Corps application in 2011. I received my placement around New Years of 2013. I avoided learning any Chinese before leaving. I only talked about China if someone else brought it up. Chinese food was unappetizing. I still can’t explain my aversion. Maybe I was trying to fully experience my last days in the U.S. Maybe I was afraid. Whatever the reason, it did not stop me. I left Seattle on June 27^th with the final destination of Chengdu, China.

Ni hao, Mao.

I was placed with the most incredible host family in China, I’m 98.8% sure. They taught me about Chinese culture, they were patient when I was trying to learn Chinese, they took me many places around Chengdu, and they taught me how to play Mahjong.

My host cousin bought me this crown of flowers.
My host dad braved the humidity and rain so that I could get to hike.
Sister embraces the shenanigans.
Family love.

I'm going to teach everyone I know this magical game.

I also had the best training group in the world. We learned Chinese together, taught English together, and commiserated frequently. I miss them.

Yep. Miss 'em a lot.

After pre-service training (PST), I was sworn-in as an official volunteer. The same day, I left for my new home. I will be living in Beibei, Chongqing for the next two years. I have a very terrible recording of me riding the shuttle through campus if you'd like to see what my school might look like if someone happened to film the campus, while drunk, during an earthquake, with their cell phone camera: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbKpJoArSow

Swearing-in with Mr. Ambassador Locke

New city, new Mao

My school is a top-tier school. I am having a very different experience than most Peace Corps volunteers. My students are very advanced. I have a computer with internet and a projector in each room. Students are enthusiastic and come to class ready to participate, well at least most of them. I already have some stories, but if I tell them all now, I'm afraid that I'll have nothing to write about in the future. So, stay tuned.