And so the final hours remain . . .

Oh dear . . . such bittersweet endings upon us all. As I make my last few calls, eat my last few meals, and share some last minutes of advice from loved ones and awesome friends, I am reminded of how sad this truly is.

My suitcases (that would be three) are packed and my carry-on is stuffed. I wanted to take this time to try and absorb what all is going on in my head.

Good news is that I sold the car. YEAH!!! I think I did it right too but I guess we will find out sooner or later. Hopefully for the good.

So back to the thoughts . . . I am so blessed to have so many friends who care so much about me and a wonderful mother-in-law who has supported me fully and let me stay with her these past few months. She is so much more than a mother in law but a second mother, best friend and wonderful advice giver. She has shown me the word happiness and being joyful at the smallest miracles such as a flower that is one of God's many gifts. I am so blessed to have worked with so many awesome colleagues even though their first impression was definitely not the last one they have of me. As quoted by one of my students this year "I love her because she is CRAZY" and that I am and I am proud to be. Life is too short to sit around and wait for it to bite you on the butt you got to go after it. Never let someone tell you, you can't. If you want it bad enough you'll get it if it means that much to you. If not well then its not worth your time nor energy. I believe that about this trip to China.

Along with my colleagues I have made many friends along the way...Debby Coughlin my very first parapro during my student teaching who saved my butt more than I can count on, Nancy Ragan who showed me the true importance of being organized and a true friend who could laugh with you when a child brings in Viagra your first year of teaching, Lori for all the laughs we had together and who showed me that God comes when we need him the most, Nancy Harris (Hammond or Samples) who gave me a chance to prove the kind of teacher I knew I could be and wanted to be and for believing in me, Joyce Fico for being an wonderful and dear friend to me and accepting my nutso side with open arms and giving me encouragement to reach my dreams, Lindsey Lancaster for making me laugh, smile, and realize I have a crappy memory (love ya girl), Olivia Harbin and husband for many laughs along the way and for encouraging my green side to come out a smidge bit more, Christi for listening to my issues with life and for being a wonderful caring person who also helps me with my chocolate issues, My awesome grade levels in both kindergarten and second grade for helping me learn the ropes and to show me with open arms how to be a success when working with Suwanee's finest, Helen Cain for being my mentor who always lends a helping hand and shows how it is done and has a great positive disposition about herself despite what she will say, The office staff for saving my hiney many times or giving me a heads up every now and then when I needed it. If I have not said your name do not get ticked or girly on me. You know what you did and if you want to email me and I will make an add on.

My family is becoming a family again too. As I look back on how I got to the place where I am now I look back at my foundation. My mom and dad are the greatest despite our ups and downs. There is no doubt in my mind they will love me till the day I die. By showing me their love and right from wrong I am giving them credit to the person I am today...An American CRAZY teacher who is following her dream to China.

Along with adding credits to who I am, I am giving most of my credit to my wonderful and dear husband who has supported me in all I take on and believes that God is in control of this miracle as much as I do and wants to do miraculous things with us in China or wherever he may move us. We owe so much to our church family especially The Chen's, The Dukes, Pastor Duke and his wife Ellen, The Roman's, and the various others who have supported us since the day we stepped in and said "Hi".

So see this is not an easy step to take. But it is important to do and to grow and learn as an individual in this game called LIFE. Taking risks never hurts but the wonderment of "What if" will always haunt you. The world is a big place and being complacent in life is not what God had intended. So we are out to seek the world and find out what all there is to offer here. This is not our permanent home here on Earth but I would feel naive if I had not experienced as much as I could in the time I was given here.

I challenge you all to "move" in your life. Not so much the physical move but do something that is outside of the box for you at least once a week or month. Discovering new things is discovering you.

Always,
Amanda Blankenship
(I see Dylan in less than 3 days and I am ecstatic) wish me well and keep us in your thoughts and prayers.