Wow, when I think about the past month or so that I've been in Taiwan, "intense" comes to mind. To be perfectly honest, though, that doesn't even cover it! I have been incredibly blessed in my time here and am certain that I'm where I'm supposed to be. That doesn't take away from the challenges, culture stress and homesickness though!
The first week of school was pretty good. I have 17 kids in my classroom. Three of them are staff kids, 4 are ELL (English Language Learners). They are an incredible bunch! In these three weeks I have fallen in love with them like I never thought I would and am excited to get to hang out with them (and teach them something, of course).
Because of the responsibilities of teaching I have to confess that I haven't done a whole lot more than be in my classroom and work on lesson plans. I'm learning Morrison's curriculum and trying to wrap my head around the way that things are done here. I try not to compare things to Nido too much, but have found that a lot of my difficulties have stemmed from wanting to do things the way Becca and I did before and finding that it won't work that way here! So I'm finally getting to the point where I can see a clear routine map itself out, but it has taken time!
This week we're starting up our Survival Chinese lessons again, and hopefully I will learn some new vocabulary. I am now a master at ordering the tea I want at the teashops in the village, and can recognize a few words when others are talking, but I'm still very dependant on locals to help me order food. After the Survival Chinese lessons are over I fully intend to take private lessons so that I can become a little more independent. Finding some people to practice with will be key as well.
As for travelling, I've only been out of Taichung once, and it was a visit to Taipei to shop at Ikea. It was almost unsuccessful, because my credit card was rejected after shopping for 7 hours, but they held our stuff and when I came back the following day everything was fine. So the good news is my room is pretty setup and almost ready to go!!! Just need to get a rug and maybe a small couch and I'm set. Yay!
I do have plans for "getting out of here!" for our break in October. Nothing concrete yet, but I'm looking into hanging out at the beach in Kenting for a couple of days, putting my feet up, getting a tan, relaxing and not thinking too much about work. Hopefully that will work out!!!
When I have more to report I will, for now it's pretty much work work work, so here are a few pictures to enjoy!!!
Super excited to go on my first scooter ride with Natalie to get some food. And...we got McDonalds!!! Super Chinese, eh?
My new crib, nightstands and bookcase...I love sleeping in my gorgeous new bed!!! Thank you Ikea!
I can put stuff together too. See???
Natalie and I waiting for the cab on our way to Taipei
The Sparrows! An awesome family that lives here. Matt (Dad), Missy (Mom), Andrea and Ethan, who call me "Peggy Bird" because one of the first nights I hung out with them I chased them making a chicken sound. Matt said I was the Bird Monster, and then Andrea called me Peggy Bird...and well, it stuck!
