RP China Staff, Summer 2016
It still surprises me how quickly humans adapt and embrace each other. It took less than 24 hours and these rock stars from some of the most unlikely places are now my friends, and they love me. I know this - without a doubt. And I love them - I know this without a doubt. Life is so funny that way and maybe it's because by virtue of being interested in a company such as Rustic, we are naturally inclined to have some of the same values and life philosophies. This China team is so solid I can't see what lies on the other side, beyond our day 2 day accomplishments. I guess that means we can make what we want of it.
Each time I embark on a new Rustic trip, I feel like a kid all over again. I'm excited, giddy and so freakishly nervous all at once. Oh, and the sweating.... don't even get me started on that. So. much. clammy......... Not. pretty. Meep. But maybe that's not a bad thing. It means I care and want to be my best version of myself. We go into these trips thinking of ourselves as these great educators: We are the teachers, leaders, visionaries, future movers and shakers of the world. Yes, yes this is all positively true, but ironically enough the truer case is actually how much learning I end up doing from the students, my co-workers and others in the communities we encounter. For all the knowledge and facts I try to impart on them, what they give back to me is so much more rewarding. I don't want to be cliche or kool-aid here, but this is the truth. I feel so fortunate so often. I get paid to travel and LEARN. How many people can claim the same? Sometimes my heart overflows with so much frickin happiness and I am left looking/feeling so stupidly in love with it all and THAT is SO AWESOME.
Here are some images from my first week in China with the coolest of cool cats
