The blog that never was

Greetings friends,
As you may have guessed from the title this is when I write about how lazy and crusty I am for failing at keeping a blog.
Actually, nobody wants to hear about that. This is a time where I want to publicly share what has been on my heart and mind as my time in Beijing winds down. It would be untrue if I didn't say that moving to another country to teach English for one year hasn't been one of if not the most difficult things I have ever done during the span of my life here on planet Earth. But I would continue to be untrue if I didn't say it has been one of the most rewarding, satisfying and eye-opening experiences as well.
I came to Beijing last September. I didn't know a single person in a city of more than 27 million, a bit daunting for a kid from East Tennessee. At first I thought I wouldn't be able to handle it. The schedule was bad, the kids were crazy and I was missing the clean air and mountains of home. But, I had so much love and support from friends, my wonderful family and God that it all came together.
While I may have failed miserably at keeping a blog and posting about my day-to-day life I don't think I failed in bringing light and love into my classes and the lives of students, friends, and co-workers. I don't think I failed. It was a risk coming to Beijing, and it was so worth it. More importantly, there really isn't a pass or fail for this life journey. Sometimes we do a fantastic job, sometimes we have a bad day, but we are always given grace that never ends and for that I am forever grateful.
My last day of teaching is August 22nd, and I have a ticket for Washington on August 30th. I am looking forward to the next leg of the journey while remaining mindful and present here, now.
China has taught me so much. There are so many things I am unsure how to put into words, when I try it just comes out as a laugh, a grunt and sometimes a groan. But, it has been so, so good.
My fellow teacher and good friend Josh would often share this, quote from Saint Augustine of Hippo.
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
Happy journeying my loves. See you on the other side.