Holy crap! I'm going to China!

As I plan for my 3-month adventure (well, more specifically internship) in Tianjin, China, I find myself caught up in my thoughts. What's going on in there? I'm sure that question has been asked more than once throughout my lifetime. So, finally, an answer to the age old question "what women think?" Well, what this girl thinks...

How to pack for 3-months? How will I handle the language barrier? Holy crap, I'm going to China! If I'm going for 3-months, how do friends (in say, the Peace Corp) pack for 2-years? What will the food be like? I can't wait to try sea cucumbers, turtle eggs, bugs/critters, octopus, and other delicious Chinese cuisine! [Okay, I may be fibbing on this one. But, in case you're wondering, I plan to keep you completely abreast of all food consumed.] How to keep in touch with friends & family? How does one (with no teaching experience) teach foreigners to speak English? What will the North Gate Hospital, Tai Chi, and the Great Wall be like? Just how many articles of clothing should I get tailor-made? How many bags to pack? And, holy crap, I'm going to China! [Put that on repeat, and that's a little window into my brain!]

So, how will we keep in touch? We were told the Chinese government blocks social media, like Facebook, Twitter, Skype, Google, Youtube... but, I think a few might be rumors (hopefully!). [For those of you aware of my Youtube addiction, this could be a major struggle!] So, my blog is an attempt to keep you updated on life in Asia. The adventures, challenges, and fantastic experiences of what's to come.

I'm thankful to be going on this adventure with a good friend and classmate, Jennine. I'm feeling sentimental. Jennine, affectionately known as J, happens to be my first acquaintance and friend at Northwestern. Honestly, we spent every waking hour together the first year; studying, playing, enjoying Minneapolis life- she was practically a Zeigler. So, truly, we began our schooling together and will end it together. Perhaps, the ending might just be a little more intense with the culture shock, isolation, and change we'll experience in China. But, I think I speak for both of us, we're excited!

There is still much to be done before our August 14 departure date. But, with everything, it'll get done. So, with one week to go, I leave with one final thought: Holy crap! I'm going to China!