Sometimes I feel as though life is moving too fast, changing too much, and I just want to hold on to the here and now. At the same time I'm excited about the future and where God is leading me. I've found that the constant struggle between looking forward and looking back can be stressful. Of course, there's a simple solution for this. The namesake of this blog is Isaiah 43:18-19: "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" I've found great comfort in this verse during my currently hectic life. So I created this blog to write about my busy life, what's new, what's to come, and how God is speaking to me.

Jun 23, 2012

My Great Adventure - China 2012

Nǐhǎo! 
Since about last September or so I've been independently studying the Chinese language, and I was recently selected to receive a National Security Language Initiative for Youth Scholarship. This means I will be studying abroad in China for 6 weeks this summer! :D There are a total of 80 high school students traveling with the same program as me (American Councils), but I'll be part of a group of only 20 within my host city.


After a two day orientation in Washington DC starting on Monday, I will fly to Chángchūn, China and arrive on June 28. Chángchūn is the capital and largest city of Jílín province. The name Chángchūn means "Long Spring" in Chinese. It's located in northeast China, and the summer will be relatively cool. While I'm there, the temperature will only range from an average of 73 degrees to no higher than 86 degrees.


During my 6 weeks in Chángchūn, I will study at High School Affiliated with Jílín University (yes, that is its actual name). It was founded in 1989, and it is the number one ranked school in Jílín Province. Monday through Friday I will attend 4 hours of language instruction, and I've been told to expect 2-3 hours of homework every night. This trip is definitely not going to be a walk in the park, but I'm up for a challenge! Afternoons in China will consist of culture activities or classes. Examples might include traditional dance or martial arts, local cuisine, calligraphy, tours of the city, visits to museums and places of worship, and volunteer work!


Obviously, I will be way out of my element during my stay in China and things are sure to get interesting. Activities will keep me pretty busy, but I'll try to blog and keep people in the know as things unfold. Until then, keep me in your prayers, and I will see you in 6 weeks!
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