I'm moving across the world....in 12 hours

I'm moving across the world, in twelve hours. I cannot believe I am embarking on this journey. I know the experience will forever change my life.

         Firstly, let me tell you how I reached this catharsis. Where I live in Erie, PA the job market is shit. Options for a college grad are limited to selling Cutco knives in peoples' homes aka marketing, selling sketchy life insurance in peoples' homes, or fast/food restaurant industry. HOW ENTHRALLING! I paid my dues in selling phones to angry Verizon customers as well as making food for rude people at Panera Bread. I had really had enough. I knew this town was a dead end and if I wanted a marketing job or a job that could support me and anyone else who comes along, I had to move. But why jump into grownup life, I'm not married, dating anyone, and I don't have children. What was really stopping me from doing some traveling before life picked up the pace and got in the way.

        I looked into volunteering abroad; and to be honest it was not my cup of tea. Call me a brat but I need modern amenities. My phone, tablet, books,camera, electricity, and running water. I also enjoy showering regularly. Volunteering was not for me.

        I turned to au pair. Sounded glamorous. Play with little kids all day and in my free time explore foreign countries, learn a new language, and experience family life abroad. I was almost set until my friend told me of some au pair horror stories. It was a 50/50 chance that I was not willing to take.

        I finally settled on teaching English. English teachers are in high demand in Asia right now. They paid well enough and I would get to be in a part of the world I never imagined I would see, for an entire year. I went through all the interviewing, TEFL, and contract processes and set my arrival date.

        I regret to say that my decision did not go over well with the family. Their attitude was almost dissuasive. Why can't you find a job here? Well, they are non-existent. Why do you want to go there? Because I was offered four different professional jobs in one week, finally somebody sees I'm special. Isn't it dangerous? Actually it's much safer, harsher punishment for crimes. What if you get sold into human traffiking? I have equal chances of that happening to me in Erie, seeing as how it is a worldwide problem. Why don't you like Erie? Not even going to answer that one.

        To be quite frank I was so stressed out the past few days because I like to do things last minute. My work visa arrived yesterday and I started packing today. To alleviate some of my excess energy I went to a yoga class and then today I ran four miles at the Peninsula.

        So here I am twelve hours before departure. I am somewhat nervous but more excited than anything about starting the greatest adventure of my life. I have so many plans for when I get over there to travel, try new foods, learn some mandarin (got an app for that), go to yoga classes, and be truly on my own.
I'll try my best to write a few times a week and post lots of pictures of what I am up to. Well readers, the journey is about to begin!

PS- I'll be living in Shenzhen, China. Right near Hong Kong.