For those of you who know Derek and I, you know that we are both the type of people who always need something going on, or something to look forward to. It’s what makes us both happy, and we always have something planned in the near future. A few months ago, I posted a poll on twitter:
The results didn’t surprise me at all. Derek and I are reaching our two year marriage mark, we both have steady jobs, and we have our cute little home that we absolutely love. But a baby isn’t in our life plans for a few more years. And although we can’t wait to raise some little Durstelers that have our genetic make up, we have a few things that we would like to accomplish before that.
So Surprise! We are moving to China to teach english this fall!
Yes, you read that right. I know it’s not the social normal thing to do in Utah when you’re married and you’re 23. But if you know me at all, you know that it’s not at all crazy to me, and I am so excited. Moving to a different country and seeing the world has always been something I’ve wanted to do. Somewhere along the way, I convinced Derek that traveling is amazing and that we should prioritize it in our life plans. We love to travel together and we are so excited to experience a different culture.
A little back story: I have been trying to leave this town since I was 18. Applying to nanny jobs in The Hamptons, summer camp jobs in Hawaii, and spending hours researching out of state schools. Unfortunately at the time, none of those plans worked out the way I wanted them to. I know now that it’s because I was afraid to leave my friends, family, and the boy that I loved, and because I never made it a big priority and just figured it would work out one day.
I went with the flow of life and did what felt right at the time. I focused on school, my career, “settling down” getting married, and buying a house. I knew I’d eventually experience the world. And since I have done most of those things, and the wanderlust in me hasn’t gone away, I know that it is the perfect time to follow my dreams and just go for it. Maybe this will be a once in a lifetime experience for us, or maybe it will be only the beginning. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and I now have a husband, who is just as excited as I am, to join me.
Life tip: Follow your heart, things always work out when they’re supposed to.
We don’t know the exact city that we will be living at in China yet, and we don’t know the exact date that we are leaving. All we know is that we’re leaving in August, and coming home right before Christmas. I also know that I am going to miss my Harvey more than I’ve ever missed anything or anyone else. He has so many people who have offered to watch him while we’re away, and I have no doubt that he will be loved and spoiled while we’re gone.
With all of this happening so soon, we have decided that the best option will be to rent out our Dursteler Abode. If any of you are interested in a 4-6 month lease, or know someone who might be, message me for details!
We are so excited for this new adventure, and feel so blessed with all of the support that we’ve had.
Onto the next adventure, Wren
