Finding Another Adoptee in My Small A$$ Town?!

I apologize for the late post, the past while has been insane. Here's what you've missed:

Recap of the last few months: In April 2016 I realized I wanted to strongly pursue my dream of studying abroad in Germany. I started looking into my school's program, scholarships, application deadlines, cost of living in Germany, school semesters, etc etc. Literally, just becoming obsessed with the thought of being in Germany, learning a new language, immersing myself in a completely different culture, new people, new food, new things to see, and all that personal growth!!

What I decided: I am freaking going to study in Berlin!!!! The application isn't actually due until February 2017, but I already met up with my school's International Coordinator and nothing and nobody can stand in my way of this. I truly am happy. Last year was really difficult for me with the transition from high school to post-secondary, especially because I desperately missed high school and what my life had been. I felt really lost my entire first year and didn't know what my next goal was - there was nothing to really motivate me. This year I got a job at the college, am getting involved on campus, focusing on my grades so I can meet my study abroad academic eligibility requirements and ROCKING THAT. Now that I have this huge goal laid out in front of me, I can truly focus and am doing anything and everything to get there. Nothing can stop me.

What that has to do with last week: In preparation for studying abroad, I have been getting my hands on any information regarding Berlin and the German language. I have been getting books from the library on Berlin, speaking German with my German friends and using German textbooks to teach myself, listening to German songs (Auf Uns by Andreas Bourani is my jam holy- find it with English subtitles, they speak to you), spending more time online than I should be looking up packing tips, Berlin's neighbourhoods, traditional events, and connecting with past and present Canadian exchange students who are or were in Germany and learning about their experience. One of my friends at the college gave me the contact information of a girl named Melea, who recently studied abroad last year in Berlin for a semester. I reached out to her and we set a date to meet and chat about Berlin.

Last week: I met with Melea last week at a cute little authentic coffee shop that has old smelling books and picturesque coffee drinks. But, not before we realized that we were both adopted from China! Like what?? Meeting another Chinese adoptee in my small, White-dominated town? I know of three Chinese adoptees in the area, but we don't really live that close and two of them I haven't actually met in person. But seriously, I checked out her Facebook profile before meeting her; I'm not gonna lie and I don't care if I sound like a creep, but I had this split moment where I thought, "Hmmm.. I feel like she could be adopted." I don't know what it was or if my adoptee detector was going off, but I had a sense that she was adopted too. AND YES I WAS RIGHT. Anyways, we discussed Berlin for two hours and she would smile and sigh as she reminisced about her favourite Berlin doughnut shop, Sunday flea markets and museums. Thank you for all your help Melea!!

Overall, was a very informative date and made me realize that maybe the world isn't as big as I thought. Another adoptee in my small town and who studied in the same city I want to study in that happens to be located half way across the world? What are the chances? Insane. I am glad that our small community is expanding and is more diverse than I thought. I am hoping to participate in the Chinese New Year celebration in a few months, so who knows if I'll meet some more adoptees then. In the end, I had a great time learning about my new home and all the adventures that await me.

Thank you so much guys for being patient with my posts - Midterms and projects have been insanely hectic lately. I can't wait to keep sharing about my future Germany adventures and keep you updated on what it's like living there and if there are any adoptees. German-Chinese adoptees? That shall be interesting...