Oh shit! It’s the last day of March, and what do I have to show for it? Well… actually, a lot. Documenting it just hasn’t been my top priority.

I’m now living in Datong, Shanxi, China! It’s a city full of history, and after almost a month here, I’m starting to feel settled—kind of. It’s been a rollercoaster. I started a new job teaching English, moved into my own apartment, explored bits of the city, picked up a little Chinese (though nowhere near as much as I’d like), and have been trying to keep my head on semi-straight.

To be honest, some days are great—I love working with kids, my coworkers are nice, my apartment is perfect, and I’m here, actually living in China, doing what I set out to do. And then there are days where it all feels awful—crying at school, wondering if this is really what I want, feeling lonely, and questioning if it’ll ever get better.

Living in a city with so few foreigners is something I can appreciate—I know I’m getting a more local, unique experience. But it also makes it tough to find community. I stand out every time I walk down the street, getting stares, pointed at, sometimes even photographed. People are mostly curious and kind, but it’s more exhausting than I expected.

Right now, I don’t know exactly how I feel about it all—I just have to give it time. I’ve loved exploring my neighborhood, taking in the history, and, of course, eating my weight in the province’s famous knife-cut noodles, drenched in Shanxi vinegar like the locals do. There have been beautiful moments, and I know there will be many more. They just happen to be mixed in with moments of sadness, self-consciousness, and emotions I haven’t quite figured out yet.

But I remind myself—I knew this would be a challenge. That’s part of why I came. So, let’s go, Datong, for now, you’re my home, and I’m here for whatever lessons and experiences you’ve got for me.