Negative Nancys

I lied. Last post, I said the next one would be about my itinerary. Well, guess what? I still don't have it, but I do have another post.

I've been rather thrown off by the negativity that people have expressed when they find out I'm going to China to teach English. The most frequent being "Oh, you're going to go teach the Chinese kids English so that they can take over the world faster?" And then there's the "Why would you want to do that?" spoken with such distaste you would think I told them I'm going to eat poop for a month.

I've discovered that many, many people have a negative attitude towards the Chinese and China in general. Most of it stems from the "Made in China" stickers on nearly everything we buy here in the United States. I understand that this is a sore spot because of our economy. People feel like the Chinese are stealing jobs right from under our very noses. I'm here to tell you that if you would like to be bitter and full of hatred, aim it towards the American business owners who ship their companies overseas, not the innocent people who are trying to make a living just like you and me.

Speaking of misplaced blame, I've never understood a certain scenario. Say your boyfriend/husband cheats on you. I'd say about 90% of girls would want to murder the other woman. Why is that? You SHOULD feel like murdering your boyfriend/husband. The other woman had no commitment to you. No promises, no faith. He did. It's the same with hating China.

The average monthly income in China is $300 per month. We do not see the kind of poverty in this country that they suffer there. There is  no getting ahead in China. Communism keeps nearly everyone on the level playing field of poverty. Education is not free. Children's parents must work 2 or 3 full time jobs in order to send their kids to school, which is why the children live at the school.

China's government is crazy, and I know it. But why do the people get judged because of their government? Think about that... What if everyone judged us based on our government here in the United States? They would think we're all a bunch of lying, scandalous, corrupt, bankrupt, assholes jerks. And maybe people do think that about us, but as we know, it's not true.

Aside from anything else, they're children! Kids are kids, I don't care where they are from. I will never turn a blind eye to someone that I am able to help, especially a child.

My goal is to help make these kids' lives better, and their futures brighter. That is exactly what I'm going to do. I'm doing a great thing. It makes me sad that not everyone sees it that way. This is my attempt at making a positive difference in the world. What's yours?

The Cause of My Fever

Travelling fever, that is. Since my first post, my program fee has been paid in full (Thank you, Lord!), my International Health Insurance is set to be active, and all of my documents are complete, including my visa. I've officially been given permission to live in a foreign country. Cool, huh? Basically, I could not be any happier that my to do list from my first post is completely finished. Woo progress! Now, I'm just waiting to get my itinerary. If I don't die of anxiety before they give it to me.

There are so many things that have me boiling with excitement that I just may explode at any time. They keep me awake at night. It's pretty great! So, let me share with you :)

In 26 days, I will be flying out to Utah with my bestest girlfriend, Megan, and our travel agent, her grandma. We have to attend training sessions before we go abroad to teach. I guess it might be a good idea for us to have some semblance of what we're supposed to be doing. After we get back from China, Megan is moving out to Idaho to attend BYU-I. So we figured while we're out west this summer, we'll go scout out campus.

I am beyond excited to see this! The furthest west I've ever been is Oklahoma. Let me just say, the plains are not for me. But that's a different story for a different time.

So after we complete training, we'll be leaving in roughly two weeks. That's only 45 days from now! I'm big on counting down, in case you haven't noticed. Now, for all the things I am excited to experience in China!

The food. My last post kind of made it seem like I will come back twenty pounds lighter. While I wish this was the case, I doubt it will happen. You see, I love ethnic food. Actually I love food in general but to stay on topic, I really do enjoy different types. 

I think it's against the law to go to China and not see the Great Wall.  So we definitely have to go!

The  Yellow Mountains  boast some of the most beautiful views in China. To get to the top, you only have to climb 329,385,093,457 stairs. Apparently, the Chinese are big on stairs.

Stairway to Heaven. I admit it, I found this whilst Pintresting.  It's located in the Tianmen Mountains, which I'm not entirely sure where they are or how far they are, but it's still on my list.

This gem is the Li River, located in Guilin. Those mountains in the background are  nicknamed the "Dr. Seuss Mountains" for obvious reasons.  There are mud caves located on the river that are a frequent stop for those who like to get down and dirty. I cannot wait!

Lastly but most importantly, I'm looking forward to these faces right here. ***Warning*** There is a high chance I'll come home with a suitcase full of Chinese children. 

My next post will be updating everyone on my official departure and itinerary in general! Yay! It's getting closer!