Well it's been a couple of years since my last post and a lot has happened.
From September 2009-May 2010 I worked with the Coffee House, Mr. Mai's, where I frequently volunteered the previous 2 years. I also studied Chinese at a local University. I would call myself conversational. I can speak to people around town, buy a train ticket, ask questions and of course joke around! I am also able to read and write about 1,000 Chinese Characters! Crazy, I know. I never thought I would be capable of something that seems impossible to most people. But I enjoy learning the language and putting it to use.
In January 2010 I came home to the states for a visit, and during that time made an alarming discovery that I had skin cancer. I had small surgery and have since been cancer free. I returned to China to finish my contract and school but then decided to come back home to rest and think about my next step in life.
It was rough at first. I was unemployed for 6 months. During this time I was really missing China. I had a lot of time to think about what my future holds. I came to the conclusion that I wanted to continue learning Mandarin so that I can use that to find a job. I am not too sure what I want to do, but I want Chinese to be apart of it. So the only logical decision was to return to China.
I will go back to the school I was at during the first two years in China. They treat me very good. They are always concerned with my health and safety. Back to the same school in the same city with many of the same friends. They pay is really good for China, and pretty good compared with the U.S. Economy right now to tell the truth!
I leave on August 8th from LAX. Stew Bowerman, an old college roommate who went with me the first year, will meet me there and we will travel around China for a few weeks before school starts around the first of September.
I am very excited for what lies ahead. I am also sad to go. Since December 2010 I started working at my home church, The Bridge Calvary Chapel, leading worship and helping in the youth any way I can. I have become very close to many students and people at the Bridge. It will be sad to leave them, but I am confident where the Lord is leading me.
Thanks for reading! I will keep on top of the blog this year! Check out some of my pictures from my last year in China. Comment, tell your friends.
If you are interested in Teaching English in China or know someone who is, check out the company I went with. zrchina.org
5 comments:
Yay! I am so glad that you are coming back to China and I am totally looking forward to seeing you again at Mai's or somewhere else. Come quick and let us talk about life!
Best regards,
Leslie
TAY TAY! What an exciting adventure. I really need to visit you in China. I finally got a real job so I'll have some money. I just need time off now!
Welcome back! Hope to see Stew and you in August!
Hooray :) I'm excited you're on our team this year! Looking forward to it!
I think you make a right decision. Cause I have been staying in Perth, Australia for 1 years, It seems like only a few people can both speak english and mandarin well (even for people from Hongkong and Singapore).So, if you can speak fluent mandarin plus english is your mother language， you can get a big advantage compared to others. Taylor, Keep going! I still remember the time you played gitar in Mr Mai Cafe.
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