The Hip Happenings of Kim Harris (Kim Harris’ Newsletter)
Hi Friends and Family – Here’s a brief description of what’s been going on with me so far in 2013, and what’s to come!
Summary of January – July ( 7 months in 7 sentences) (Please note: Below are just the most exciting highlights, I still had my normal highs and lows like everyone else. : ] )
In January I delightfully enjoyed my 27th birthday with my wonderful friends who threw me a surprise party. In February I enjoyed my last Spring Festival in Beijing with about 20 friends at my place, where we made/ate about 300 dumplings. In March I was officially accepted into the World Race (January Route 3) In April I went home to surprise my sister and celebrate the completion of her Master’s degree! In May I enjoyed my 2 – week holiday in the U.S. with my friends and family. In June, I bid on and won a demo recording session at a silent auction (and will record some spoken word pieces and songs on Sept 12th!) In July I enjoyed hanging out with friends on the weekends! Since the beginning of August I’ve been teaching my students about Hawaii through Grape Garden’s Hawaiian – themed summer camp! ( Aloha!) As of August 25, I have 5 days left of work, and then it’s time to say “See you later, Beijing!”
“See you later, Beijing!”
With being in China for about 5 years, I’ve realized there are many, many people I’d like to say “See you later” to. I’m currently in the midst of scheduling “See you later” dinners, arranging a “See you later,” party, and wrapping up my last 5 days at work After that, I’ve got just a few weeks left in Beijing. Although I will surely miss the community I’ve become a part of, the deeee-lic-ious food, talking with Chinese people on a regular basis, and the children I’m teaching, I do feel ready to leave China for a bit, and see what happens when I land in the good old U S of A on October 4th which I’ve creatively labeled as Limbo Time…..
Limbo Time (in the U.S.A.)
So from October 4th – December 31st I’ll be traveling in four states. (What a work out!) The itinerary is the following:
October 4th – October 11th – Boston (seeing family & friends)
October 12th – October 19th Atlanta (attending World Race Training Camp)
October 20th – October 31st Seattle (seeing my aunt!)
November 1st – November 19th Virginia (getting some R & R)
November 19th – December 31st Boston (seeing family & friends)
Which then leads to January 1st (aka World Race Launch!)
Well, it’s coming: Beginning in January 2014, I’ll be going on an unforgettable adventure around the world (literally around the world) on a trip called the World Race. On this trip, I will be helping orphans, human sex trafficking victims, the homeless, and helping non profit organizations with any help they need. I will be on a team of 6 or 7 people, and with 6-7 teams (aka a squad) we will go to the following 11 countries in the first 11 months of 2014 (one month in each country respectively): Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Swaziland, Mozambique, South Africa, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma) Thailand, and the Philippines. What can I say? I’m in an interesting place, seeing this this former dream (traveling around the world) is quickly on its way becoming a reality. The launch of the trip is a little over 4 short months away. As I’m mentally preparing for this trip, I feel like I’ve scooped excitement, nervousness, joy, anticipation, peace, confidence, bravery, boldness into a blender and hit the “Blend – Until- Smooth” button. Overall, I’m excited, but I’m quickly realizing that this trip is going to be way bigger than I can even fathom.
Support Update
The great news is that I’ve already raised $2,430 out of the $16,285 I need in support to cover the cost of the whole trip. I am also hoping that I can get support to cover 11 months of my school loans, which is about $3,240.) Through asking people for support, I’ve learned a TON about fundraising, my attitude towards it, how extremely challenging but rewarding process it is. Although I don’t need to be fully funded until July 2014, I’m excited to continue to believe that I will be fully funded by January 15 2014, (aka my 28th birthday!)
If you’d like to support me, you can make a donation through a link on this blog by clicking on the link titled “Support Me” on the left hand column. ( See the left for details.)
I do hope you continue to enjoy the trail end of summer, and until next time….
