Woohoo!

Thank you notes are done! I just put them in the mail box.
And can I just say...WOW.
The generosity and support was overwhelming!
Thank you thank you thank you X10000000000000000000!

Also, I am excited to say:

I AM A COLLEGE GRADUATE!
BA in Sociology
(May 17, 2008)

In other news...I am back in Danville, living at home, for the summer. I am getting more and more excited as my departure gets closer. I still don't have an exact date, but it will likely be within the first few days of August. Right now I am busy getting my health forms done to send in for my visa...I had to get a TB test AND my blood drawn. China better be worth it. Haha. (For those who don't know, I do not like needles! In fact, you could say I hate needles...especially getting blood drawn.)

Once again, I just want to thank everyone for their support! You guys are amazing!

China Earthquake

On May 12, 2008 the Sichuan Province in China was hit with a massive 7.9 earthquake - the largest one in thirty years! The quake was felt 900 miles away in Beijing, and even as far away as Thailand and Vietnam. So far the death toll has risen to over 40,000 people, but there are still many missing and even more (5 million!!) left homeless.

I ask that you all pray for China and those who have lost their family, friends, homes, etc. to the earthquake. If you would like to donate to the relief effort, there are many organizations through which to donate (I donated through the American Red Cross). For more information and most recent news on the earthquake, check out The New York Times, or do a Google search.


So what does this all mean for me? Fortunately, the province in which I will be teaching did not suffer any major damage, and according to the WorldTeach website, "no volunteers were directly affected by the recent earthquake in western China." My plans have not changed and I am still looking forward to moving to China in just a few short months!



*All photos are taken from here (in the "Few Survivors Found in China Quake" and "China Copes With Quake's Terrible Aftermath" slideshows)

Graduation Announcements.

I graduate in just FIFTEEN days. I still can’t believe how fast the past four years have gone. Looking back, it is amazing how far I have come and how many memories I have made. From being a lowly freshman, fresh out of high school and learning how to adjust to living away from home and with a roommate (who I did not get along with). To my first tattoo during winter break of freshman year. Spring semester of my sophomore year spent in Chiang Mai, Thailand hanging out with Buddhist monks. Turning 21 at the end of Junior year and having my “first” drink. And finally, senior year. I am involved in many aspects of the Multi-cultural and International Programs Office on campus, including being an International Peer Mentor, Ambassador for Peace, and President of United Students of the World. Currently, I also work with kids at an after-school club at an elementary school near my school. I have also been busy with school work. Right now I am working on two papers, a group presentation, and studying for two tests. And of course, I am trying to spend as much time as possible with my friends before graduation. In short, I have been busy. Especially this past month. Which brings me to the topic of this post: graduation announcements.

I am finally sending them out tomorrow. By the time you read this, you will probably have already received yours. Let me begin by saying that I realize that these should have gone out, oh, at least two weeks ago. Oops. If it wasn’t for the fact that graduation is coming up so quickly, they probably would still be sitting on my desk. But anyway, here is a quick explanation about the graduation mailings:

1. The actual graduation announcement. They are supposed to look like THIS. But somehow, when they were printed out the color was brighter and my face turned a nice sun-burnt red. Awesome.

2. The letter. I tried. Believe me, I tried. But there is truly no tactful way of asking for money. Also, I didn’t mention this in the letter, but I am planning on working full-time, or close to it, over the summer so that I can make money to put towards my year in China. I am doing my part. I promise.

3. The return card. I am extremely proud of this part. I made it to resemble a magazine subscription card insert that you find in magazines. Pretty creative, if I do say so myself.

4. The envelope. I wanted to include a stamp, but I can’t afford that. (That’s why I’m asking you for money. Haha.) Also, I realize that the envelope is smaller than the return card. Feel free to fold the return card, cut the top off, whatever. I promise I won’t be offended. Haha.

5. You. I also wanted to include personal notes to each person, but if I honestly try to do that, it may be another few weeks before these announcements get sent out. I do, however, want to hear from everyone. And I am thinking of you all. Seriously.

6. Thank you notes. I will not be back home (in Danville, where donations are being sent) until after graduation, so if you don’t receive a thank you note from me right away, don’t worry. It is coming. :-)

Before I end this post – which is a bit longer that I anticipated – I want to take a second to thank everyone who has been there for me, everyone who has encouraged me, prayed for me, supported me financially and otherwise, etc. I really can’t put into words how much I appreciate it. It would literally be impossible for me to have done the things I have without the support of all you. Thank you!