Opportunity

It's funny. America is known as the  "land of opportunities". For some and maybe even for many, this may be true. However, Ed and I did not find this to be the case. 

Here in China Ed and I have an interesting life. We are able to meet new people (almost daily) from many different cultures. 

Recently, we were able to reconnect with some old friends. They are currently living in South Africa, but were visiting Shaoxing for a few weeks. It was great to see them again. We were able to talk about how much life changes and how quickly it does! We even talked about the possibility of visiting them in the future, before they move from South Africa to another country. We were also able to attend their anniversary celebration. If you have never been to a party in China.... you need to go. The food is SPECTACULAR! I believe there were around 20 dishes brought out. Yummm..... 

Speaking of food, have you ever tried ShaoKao? It is Chinese barbecue and its pretty darn great. They have everything from potatoes to squid. Ed and I are obsessed with the veggies and tofu and we especially love the EGGPLANT. NOM NOM. American barbecue is pretty good. Not going to lie, I love brats and burgers on the grill. But HOLY COW... you've all got to try this stuff. 

But enough about food, back to the opportunities we have. This week I was able to visit a school in the countryside of Shaoxing. I was the first foreign teacher to visit this school. It was so amazing to see the contrasts in such small area. This school was in the middle of fields and near a river. Yet, the classrooms had recording equipment, smartboards, and a one way window. The English teachers from the school sat on the other side of the window to watch my class. They wanted to learn more about western teaching strategies. This is an opportunity I would not have had in the States. 

Actually, our job in general is a pretty great opportunity. We were asked to teach at the number one highschool in our province. That's pretty cool. The students from this school attend the top universities in China, as well as schools all over the world! We hope we can be an inspiration to them.

One of the coolest parts of living here is that we actually have time for all these opportunities. Unlike before, I'm not dreading going to events because it takes up the 2 free hours I am supposed to have with my husband. In fact, a lot of the opportunities we have here we can experience together. What can be better than that? 

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I don't know what the future holds. I'm hoping an OPPORTUNITY comes along that we just can't pass up. You never know what life has in store for you.