In two months I have....
Received third place for a Chinese speaking contest.
Finished first in the 100 meter dash.
Joined soccer club. (HAHAHAHA)
Learned how to ride my bike to school with no hands.
Moved to a new family.
Cut my hair off. :)
Made many many new friends.
Learned how to take a bus, train, and taxi all by myself.
Learned a lot of Chinese...A lot.
Learned how to make my favorite tea in Taiwan... unfortunately, I will have NONE of the things I need in America :'(
Celebrated Thanksgiving Taiwanese style. Which is no different than eating dinner every other day, so it really wasn't too special.
Conquered finals and exams...all in Chinese. Okay, so I didn't exactly ace them...but I didn't completely fail, either. :)
Sang Last Kiss by Taylor Swift in front of 1,000+ people. I am pretty sure I can do anything now. That was the most nerve racking thing I have put myself through thus far.
Climbed to the top of the highest point in Taiwan. It was absolutely beautiful.
Painted paper umbrellas.
Fallen into a routine:
-Wake up everyday at 6:30
-Help my host mom prepare breakfast
-Ride my bike to school
-Have a great day with my friends <3
-Ride home
-Help cook dinner
-Go out with my host parents and talk
-Take a shower
-Sleep
Repeat.
(That may sound very ordinary, but believe me, it's not. Everyday is different, of course. That is just an outline of what occurs. I try to meet as many new people as possible. Like, today, I made a new friend. We hung out all day and played basketball. :) My parents teach me new Chinese words every day and I learn how to make more delicious foods.)
I am loving life. Taiwan is amazing and has taught me many things in four short months. Respect, love, happiness. I think those are three very important things a person needs in life, and I am learning all about them right now. The first time I cried on my youth exchange was when my first host father dropped me off at my second host family's house and said "Take care of my daughter" I was so touched because he didn't say it just to say it, he meant it. That is something that no body can take away from me and that I will always carry in my heart.
I love Taiwan. I miss America. Such a bittersweet ending when I must return. :(
