The Diaries

Main | Welcome to China »

February 26, 2009

Packing!

Posted by Kelly

I still can't believe I am leaving for China in a few days! I am very excited and also getting a little nervous.

I think I’m pretty much prepared. It’s a little hard packing considering I need enough clothes to get me through three seasons (the end of winter, spring, and summer). My parents can attest to my over-packing habits and too many clothes. (I don’t think it’s possible for a girl can have too many clothes, purses, and shoes!) I just hope my luggage isn’t too heavy! Since my luggage probably will weigh as much as a small horse, my luck I will probably be on the 15th floor of the apartment building with no elevator. (Reminds me of moving in during Freshman year of college.) Good thing I’ve been working out!

I feel truly blessed to have been offered this extraordinary opportunity. I wanted to thank everyone for helping me get things in order for the trip. Chris Schrage has been so wonderful in answering my many questions and getting things organized. My family has been so encouraging and helping me prepare for the next six months, my boyfriend, Nathan, for supporting me and my ambitions, UNI Grad student, Kelsey, for bearing with me as I try to learn some Mandarin basics, Tom Peterson & Tom Cummings for their kind words of recommendations, DeWayne Purdy for setting up the China Diaries, and everyone else who has had a hand in helping me get ready!

I know leaving my family and boyfriend at the airport will be very hard for me. I am making sure I have enough Kleenex to get me through! I have a feeling the first few weeks will be difficult and take me some time to get used things. After I make it through those first weeks, I know I’ll have such a great time and learn so much! I look forward to meeting new people and partaking in a world of new experiences!