I have been in East Asia for a long time when...

I have been in East Asia for a long time when...

~eating food is easiest with quai zi (chopsticks)
~simple questions are best asked in the local tongue
~local food is the most delicious and cheapest
~most transportation is by foot or by peddle
~if not by foot or by bike, then by bus, taxi, or train
~being shocked when seeing another foreigner
~you don't understand current trends and fads in the States
~entertainment is found in international views on the the 2008 Presidential Race
~you expect all drinks to be scalding hot
~walking in the middle of the road is faster than on the sidewalk
~I don't expect logic / common sense to be victorious
~pollution levels not weather is the gauge to an outdoor activities success
~local English translations provide ample amounts of laughter and concern
~an English magazine or book is a highly sought-after item
~you know the songs played in shopping areas and other public facilities i.e. buses, tv, radio
~

One Year Review

Granted my one-year-on-the-field anniversary was about two weeks ago, but I figured now would be a good time to reflect on some of the highlights of my first year out here. Granted, they are all special memories that I will take with me and cherish for life. During this time, I have been blessed with some of the most amazing friendships that include both Americans and Nationals. Further, I gained about 10 brothers in my home.

Here are my photos providing a visual image of my first year on the field. More to be added soon!

Below, I am going to give a bulleted list of events, thoughts or anything that has been meaningful during my first 366 days (can't forget leap year):

*Remember my calling while here! Thanks Monte
*Renewing prior and establishing new friendships with Nationals and Americans
*Working with the volunteer teams during the Summer
*Connor and Owen's volunteer trip to work with me
*New Brothers
*Company Picnic and Vacation
*2 weeks of outdoor-based squatty potties (in winter temps of -20F)
*Night bus back to HH (left my city at 6:20 - driver knew me)
*Weekly visits to KFC (the staff knew me well there)
*ATTEMPTING to sing a Mongolian song in Mongol at my school's opening year ceremony
*Learning to wrestle Mongolian style
*Being the only-foreign resident in my city
*Riding on non-heated buses for hours in -20F weather
*Enduring a bus ride through grain fields for 11 hours to save 100USD (we skipped the toll booths)
*Return trip - we demanded to pay the toll fares and our trip was 5 hours
*Hanging out at the local wang ba
*Spending time with my students doing anything
*Adventures of changing locations of service
*My school: students, fellow teachers, staff, and administrators
*Life in Hong Kong for about two months (transitional time)
*Care Packages, e-mails, visits
*Skype / AIM / QQ Buddies especially KS and MP