How did we get here!? It all started with a yearning for learning.

Robert Frost (1874–1963).  Mountain Interval.  1920.

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same,          And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.          I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. This poem is one of my favorites and it is the inner drive to what I do, what I believe and what I am passionate about.  I want and need to challenge myself.  I am curious by nature.  I need to explore my curiosity by looking at things differently and ask questions where others won't or can't. I am at a crossroad in my life. I want to feel alive but I like the comfort of home.  I want to make a difference in my life but I like the security of guarantees and absolutes. I realize it is nearly impossible to acquire both.  I need to make a decision.  I need to make change and this is what I have decided.  With my husband by my side, I am able to, with a LONG sigh, "take the one less traveled by."  I know it will make a difference in my life and hence, it will make a difference to those I teach, I love, and respect with all my heart.  With the support of our friends, family, students and colleagues, my husband and I will start our journey teaching in China for two years. How did we get to this decision?! In the coming posts, I will write just that...our decision making process and the action that followed. So stay tuned to this newbie international teacher starting her travels on "the road not taken."