This year has been fantastic and has had its ups and downs--but when do things not?
Here are a few of my highlights and not so favorite memories of my year abroad.
1. Christine arriving at my old job and giving me a hug, I was SO homesick. Definitely made my year better.
2. Going home to visit one of my Chinese friends parents and traveling with Christine and Jessica and the group last October.
3. Figuring out this city with Jessica and Christine and not being afraid to get lost.
4. Trips back home, Hong Kong, Beijing, The Philippines and random cities in China.
5. Community at BCIS
6. The kids. The joy they bring and the laughs they give me.
7. The many nights of wine
8. Hosting a summer camp and getting to see many CUI grads
9. Getting sick often, was not in my plan...but it happens--all the time.
10. being a witness.
There are many days where I don't understand why I am here and try to constantly figure them out, but that is ok. I really do enjoy it here and the children I work with and the people I work with are a huge blessing.
Here is this years school photo!
This year has started off nicely, I live with wonderful girls and have some great students...even with all their talking!
I recently got to fly up to Beijing for a total of 36 hours and got a nice 7 hours of sleep for the whole weekend. I got to see one of my best friends, Dana! and I got to see Adam, Karen, Ben and Josh and the ATW II semester students. It was SO refreshing and a huge blessing to get to witness what they are doing. They wowed me and reminded me of what I am doing in this world. Here is a picture of me and some of my favorite people in this world!
as for life in China, this is China and I enjoy it. I have a lot of exciting adventures ahead of me and I am looking forward to them!
until we meet again!
with love,
Ashley
