Wilson's Wanderings: Anniversary

So I know that I don't post very often and then I make like 8 posts in one day. That is because I am trying to catch up. Once I am caught up today, I will try and be more consistent in my posts. Well, Friday, February 27, 2015 was our anniversary. Which anniversary you ask? It is our 6 month anniversary of arriving in Qingdao. We arrived on Thursday, August 27, 2015. What a great 6 months. It has had its ups and downs. I have been high in spirits at times and low in spirits at times. I have enjoyed my time here and there have been times I wish I was home in Utah. Mostly I am very happy and glad that I came.

Qingdao, China has become my home. Here are some things I have learned about myself and about China. I am a strong person. I have the ability to do many things. I am getting less and less frightened to try new things. I have learned to like some things that I didn't used to like: many types of greens, green peppers, other vegetables (for those who really know me this is a big change), seafood besides fish and shrimp. I still don't like octopus, abalone, and squid. I have tried these but don't like them. Can eat clams and oysters, but not all the time. I have not tried crab and lobster here because no one has served it yet. I don't like other types of shellfish though. I have tried seaweed, but don't like it very much. I still love meat! I am a carnivore. Jiaozi or dumplings are still my favorite, but I love noodles, roujiamuo (Pork or meat sandwiches), meat skewers and Chinese pancakes.

roujiamuo

skewers

I still don't like to cook, but I do it. I still make easy meals like fried rice, chicken soup, potatoes and sausage, and Chinese pancakes.

I have really learned that I have to stay close to the Lord and it is easy to get so busy in life that you don't pay attention to the direction you are going. My life always goes better when I rely on Him and allow Him to lead me in the direction He wants me to go.

I have realized I still really love Gary. Yes, sometimes we drive each other crazy, but enjoy spending time together talking and laughing and just being together. We are a team. We help take care of each other and life each other up.

I know the gospel is true! I love being able to attend our branch and feel of the Spirit. I love that I have access to my scriptures and prayer no matter where I am. I know the importance of temples. I will take every opportunity, no matter the cost, to go to the temple as often as I can. This may be only once or twice a year, but I am committed to going as often as possible.

I am happy! I am loved! I am a good person despite my flaws. I have many friends! I miss my family (all of whom are friends) and friends at home. I am making many new friends here that I hope will last a lifetime. I have to make sure I put in the effort to keep in touch with them though.

I have learned that the Chinese people are so very loving and caring. They would do anything for you. They are so willing to help and to make you feel welcome. They are just like us. They have the same struggles in life, the same goals and dreams and the same heartaches and pains. Different language, same stories. I have learned that China is a wonderful place to live and work. I know I will eventually come back to the states to live, but for now my life is here.

Well enough about what I have learned. I did do something for our anniversary. We tutored in the morning, of course. Then Gary had to tutor again and the other business from 1:30-4:30 and then again from 6:30 -8:30. I took a walk up to find a store called Metro (it is a German store kind of like Costco). It was quite a ways from our home. I was trying to figure out how to take the bus, in case Gary and I want to shop there.

I took a bus from our university, which is on the right of the map, over to where I thought I could take another bus up the street to get to Metro. It turns out the road was only a one way street, so I walked about 3 miles up to the store. Was not really impressed with the store (probably won't go again) but immersed myself in real Qingdao, not the tourist areas. Did not feel scared at all. Knew I could just get on the bus the other way and get home. After walking around for a couple of hours, I took bus 12 back down to Xianggang or Hong Kong road. There I walked to the May 4th square because it was not time to meet Gary for dinner. I was going to surprise him. I found a wonderful bakery near there. Yummy donuts. Donuts that actually taste like donuts.

I walked along the beach for a while and then headed back towards Gary's work. I stumbled onto this lovely sculpture garden, we had not seen before. Look what I found. There are some with names and some without names.