Tuesday, January 11, 2011

2010 Recap...


Okay I'm a little behind, I blame that on traveling and then getting sick right when I landed back in China. I think my body was in shock from the change of temperatures (90 degrees to 6 degrees). Oh how I hate the cold, but I digress.

January
Spent NYE with my BFF in Georgia before heading back to China.

Back in China, attended Trina's birthday bash and had a blast with all my co-workers.


Went to Harbin with about 20 other teachers from my school. We survived the freezing temperatures and enjoyed seeing the ice city, ice sculpture world competition, and polar bear swim.

I experienced my first Chinese New Year in China-welcome to the Year of the Tiger. Fireworks were going off for a whole month...not kidding.

Started dating this guy...
Our school did a fundraiser and with the money the students shopped for new backpacks, coats, scarves, and gloves for local Chinese students. We went to their school and played games, ate lunch, and make a community connection. Another reason I love working in an international school.

February
Must have not been an eventful month...no pics from it. I'm sure I was busy at work (excuse).

March
Spring Break in Malaysia. It was almost as good as Thailand. Still had a blast and celebrated Veronica's birthday with new friends from all over the world.




April
Again must have not been very eventful because I have no pictures. I hate it when that happens.

May
Made my first trip to the Great Wall of China...and because I'm crazy we ran it. We completed the Great Wall 1/2 Marathon and it was amazing. It made the run go by so quick because we were admiring the architecture, people, and beauty. It also helped as a reward we went to Outback afterwards for Bloomin' Onions, Cheese Fries, and Chocolate Thunder Down Under.




June
I survived my first year of international teaching and fifth grade. I absolutely LOVED my class. They were amazing kids and I became so close with each one and their families. I was sad at the end of the year as many of them moved away. (The pic below is of both 5th grade classes...Paulita and I basically shared the kids!)

Had an engagement dinner for Maria and Preston at the boys' apartment and said goodbye for the summer...

Took a trip to Beijing to the Forbidden Palace, Tiananmen Square, and of course shopping...
July
Took classes in London, realized I am a complete teacher nerd as I loved my class on assessment.


Then to Venice...
Florence...

Rome....


Then home to see my favorite people who have supported me in my crazy adventure.


Bought my first MacBook Pro on my own!!! (Still paying it off...thank goodness for no interest for 18 months!)


August
Headed back to China for a new year in a new position, the accreditation/professional development coordinator. Also started the year by throwing a New Kids on the Block 80's Part.


September
Celebrated Jess' 30th birthday


Got cupped for the first time.


October
Went to India for a conference for my new job.




Went to North Korea (as close as we could)




Celebrated Xu Dan's wedding in Dandong, China.



Celebrated Halloween.




November
Got spoiled by Jess and my friends on my 28th birthday. (Somehow didn't manage to get a good picture)


Gave thanks for countless blessings.




December
Went to a charity gala with the administration team


Celebrated with co-workers at a Christmas Party



Spent Christmas week in Vietnam






Volunteered at Baan Santisuk, where my heart was captivated.





It was an amazing year! I couldn't be happier (unless I transported my friends and family from home here!). God has blessed me more than I deserve. I just hope in 2011 I can be share God's love with the people He puts in my life! Happy New Year!

January 6-Drinks, Games, and Harry Potter

January 6
We went to a steakhouse in Phuket...
Good girly drinks (Brandon's favorite) +
ANTM games +
good company +
Harry Potter = Great Times!

January 5-Beauty



January 5
Those who look for beauty, find it. ~Unknown


Even though I'm not there anymore...my heart it still with these her and the other children that captivated me.



Tuesday, January 4, 2011

January 4-Tourist Central

January 4

We made it to Patong in Phucket. The hotel is gorgeous, but boy is the area touristy. Makes for good people watching, but not the best relaxation. It is what it is, we are going to enjoy it.

Sawadee Ka with Ronald McDonald

That's reassuring...


January 3-Not Goodbye, Just See You Later

January 3

Today we had a normal morning with the kiddos. Crafts, playing, and lunch followed by goodbyes. It was so hard to say goodbye, I had to keep reminding myself it's a see you later. I said it before and I'll say it again this place has stolen my heart. Doreen, Mark, and the rest of the staff are incredible people with hearts for the Lord. I have been blessed by my week at Baan Santisuk. If you ever get a chance to go, you need to.

Hanna the Helper
Pauli painting...I'll miss these kids.

We are headed to the beaches of Phuket for four days before it's back to the real world.


Sunday, January 2, 2011

January 2-Monkey thieves and kiddos

January 2
Sunday morning at a Thai church
A monkey thief
Lots of happy kiddos
and a beautiful sunset