Hello all. I have finally joined the site and can now post things about our experience here from my perspective… not that it’s much different from Britt’s. 🙂

So everything she has posted to this point has been spot on. Our first week was a whirlwind of activity: training, moving, metros, curious onlookers and much much more. We got lost… just a couple times, but that would be a resounding thanks to the random and unmarked Clifford bus stops…..  Since she covered all of that so eloquently… I will begin by telling you all about my job, since at this point it’s the only thing different from Britt. 

I work at Gymboree Play & Music. Gymboree as a baby clothing store is obviously very famous back in the States, but I did  not know that it was also an early childhood development center. The programs are fantastic! I am currently only a play and art instructor but the music program is out of this world! I’ve been able to observe a few classes and loved them! If only I could sing….. 

My coworkers are awesome! They welcomed me with open arms and jellyfish! (Word to the wise…. don’t eat jellyfish.) Aside from that, they’ve all been very helpful and just overall WONDERFUL people. I consider them to be very good friends now and I’m so happy that I have been blessed with a job and coworkers that I love. It has made the experience and transition so much easier. The only hard part will be saying goodbye. 

It was hard enough leaving California… saying goodbye to my friends and family and heading straight into the unknown. Literally I had no idea what would happen here or who I would meet. I only knew one person from the recruitment agency… other than that I was heading into this kinda blindly, ya know? So I was sad and excited and scared… Leaving China will be difficult in it’s own way…. this time I’ll be leaving people I’ve come to love and going home to people that I love. It will be a different mix of emotions. Overwhelmed to see everyone I’ve been missing, but very sad to leave the ones I’ve met here. They have made my time here so fun and exciting!

They have taken me to coffee shops, hole-in-the-wall restaurants I never would have known about, the zoo, a Disney exhibit, the hospital and more. They’ve helped me buy a phone and medicine when I’m sick, and are currently helping us find a place to live. They’re so kindhearted and giving, and so willing to help whenever they can! I will definitely be staying in contact with them when this trip is over. 

We’ve seen a lot and learned a lot more… some of it we’ve learned the hard way, but we’re alive and God has certainly come through for us in the little things as well as the big!! We definitely owe it all to Him! I can’t wait to see what happens over the next seven months!  

P.S. I do have a site of my own simply called monicawilliams215 (boring, I know. get over it), but I have not posted to it yet. Will let you know when I do. 🙂

PEACE.