So let me update you on my life. About sometime in October last year I decided that I wanted to find a program to study abroad somewhere in China. And after looking at a gajillion programs, I finally decided on BYU's Nanjing study abroad this Fall semester. I felt good about it, and everything else just worked itself out! I've been taking Mandarin classes all last year and through this summer, and somehow I made it through to Advanced 301 level: high enough to go on the study abroad. So yes, to answer your question, right now I am in CHINA.
I think i'm pretty lucky. This is my second study abroad since i've been an undergrad. The first time I went on the London program to study art before my mission, and ever since I've had kind of a permanant travel itch. But living on the road and out of a suitcase can be tiring after awhile, so this will probably be my last excersion, at least for awhile.
Last week I headed out from Salt lake City on a 24 hour trek to Hong Kong with 3 other girls. Let me back up a little bit. Our study abroad program is in Nanjing China, and there are 24 of us going to study advanced mandarin at the Nanjing Univeristy for 4 months. But a bunch of people wanted to see Hong Kong before we went, so of course I was oblidged to be a little bit of a guide for them in the City that I love so much.
When we flew into the harbor, this is what I saw from my window. One of the most beautiful sights i've ever seen: the HK skyline. And I realized how much I love and missed Hong Kong. My heartstrings felt kind of tender when we got off the plane and into the airport, and I just heard Cantonese everywhere. Now, Hk is a great industrial city. Its a city of beautiful beaches and tons of tourist sights. But thats not why I love it. At the end of the day it's just a city. But what I love about it are the people. I love how rough they are, and how raw and honest they can be, because I feel the same way. And once you get to know them and love them, they just melt into the most loving and helpful and interesting people i've ever known. Just while I was in HK, so many members came with me and my friends to show us around, and took us out to eat, and were so concerned about my life and education and how the "dating" was going lol. It broke my heart a little bit, or alot, to leave. And this brings me back to my point that leaving people is HARD. It is probably one of the hardest things for me. Missing people is my least favorite emotion of all time. And just leaving for these few months for this study abroad has been pretty rough on my heart just in the last few weeks. I miss my friends dearly and I miss my family. And i know that people are busy: its hard for them to always remember me when they have so many things that they are doing. But I never forget the people that I love: NEVER. Not in Hong Kong, or at home. Well, this is my update....more with pictures tonight! :)
