Brain Spaghetti

There's too much in here tonight . . . I can't focus enough to write one blog entry . . . instead, all I can offer is random thoughts from the bright recesses of my brain. . .

ConGRADulations to Katelyn & Duncan . . .
I can't wait to buy some new clothes . . .
ConGRADulations to Miss Miller's first class of 4th graders . . .
I wonder where I'll be able to find a scooter to purchase . . .
ConGRADulations to Shanny . . .
I miss Taco Bell . . .
Missionaries are so cool . . .
Franklin Graham is coming to Taiwan next fall . . .
I wonder what the weather will be like in MN this summer . . .
Did I send my Grandma's birthday card? . . .
I need to wash up my dishes . . .
What's that I hear about Chinese termites? . . .
Will I take a taxi or bus to school? . . .
I wish I new how to play an instrument . . .
I forgot to buy drain plugs . . .
Oh, yeah, I need to remember stuff for ice cream sundaes tomorrow . . .
Single . . . still! . . . .
Uh, oh! I need to get my Bible Study finished . . .
Did I take out the butter to soften? . . .
I missed garbage tonight---RATS! . . .
Hopefully not literally!
I love my school . . .
It smells funny in my fridge . . .
Why can't I figure out how to get my wireless to work? . . .

Wow, now that is one crazy mess of thoughts . . .and I couldn't even keep my fingers moving fast enough to capture a significant portion of them. I get a little overloaded sometimes . . . but I'm reminded of His words: "Be STILL and know that I am God."

Be still.
Still.
Quiet.
Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
He is God.
He really, really is . . .
God!

Seriously?!

"If adventure has a name, it must be INDIANA JONES!"

Aliens? Seriously! Okay, I'm loyal . . . I'll be an Indiana Jones fan FOREVER . . . and I really did enjoy the movie . . . and I still think it would be pretty awesome to be a part-time teacher/full-time adventurer-archaelologist . . .but . . . seriously . . . flying saucers . . . seriously?! Oh, and what about that very fake looking "Tarzan swinging through the trees" stuff . . . come on already! I thought they were going to stick with the B-movie feel and minimize the CGI business.

Oh, yes! Don't get me wrong--I will openly admit that it was good to see "my guy" again, and it was great to pick out references to former Indy flicks. The action sequences were great, and I really feel like going to Peru after the gorgeous jungle scenes (which were filmed in Hawaii--I think--so maybe I want to go to Hawaii?!). I felt like it was missing something, but for a 65 year old Indiana Jones after a 19 year break (wow, I'm feeling old!). . . not bad! It was funny and had a happy ending (no kleenex required, which is always good, in my opinion anyway:)--perhaps another movie is in the works. . . they certainly left it open for one!

On a cultural note, watching movies in Taiwan is great . . . for a few moments, I forget where I am:) Since folks here want to learn English, movies filmed in English are not dubbed. They have subtitles instead. The tricky movies are the foreign films that are subtitled in Chinese---not too helpful for the illiterate:) Oh, and they're pretty lax on the "Don't bring outside food into the theatre" rule. I don't even have to hide my pop in my purse . . . . how's that for guilt-free snacking!

Okay, enough Friday night fun for me . . . off to bed I go:) Good night!

A (((((((HUG))))))))) for My Dad

Dear Dad,
I'll be home soon.
I miss you, too!
I love you SOOOOOOOOOOOOO much,
Mouse

Earthquake

This graphic shows the April 2008 Earthquakes in Taiwan.


If you're a "from the beginning" reader of my blog, you'll know that I've frequently slept through earthquakes. Actually, I have yet to "feel" the shake, rattle, and roll. For a long time, I've been feeling a little left out---I'm not a member of the IFTE (I've Felt a Taiwan Earthquake) Club.

Like most things I'm curious about, I've done my homework on staying safe in an earthquake. I've got a couple of flashlights in strategic positions. I know to open a door if at all possible so I'll have an exit. I even know about the sometimes disputed "Triangle of Life." However, I have to honestly say that after last week's disastrous earthquake in China, I would rather keep my non-member status of the IFTE Club.

Oh, it's so sad. Living in Taiwan, it's not too difficult to know of someone who has been affected by this tragedy. A few of my colleagues have worked in China, and they still have friends living near the quake area. So far, the news from their friends has been positive--a relief, to say the least. The last I saw, the death count was over 40,000 people. I suppose it's because I'm a teacher, but the saddest stories I've heard have been about schools collapsing and claiming the lives of 1,000+ students and teachers.

This morning in devotions, I was reminded that the death of these children is tragic on many levels. In a country of one-child families, the loss of the child means a loss of hope for the future. That child would have been responsible for taking care of his/her parents during their retirement years, and that same child would have been responsible for providing for his/her parents in the afterlife by leaving offerings, burning ghost/hell/spirit money, and worshiping the ancestors. Death not only means sorrow for the present loss of life but hopelessness for the life yet to come.

I guess you might say that it's time for a visit to Calvary. These precious people have not been forgotten. They are tucked in God's hand, and He is waiting for them to open their hearts to the unending love He offers. Please pray for those who are reaching out to the people of China. Pray for those members of families left behind. Pray for the healing of bodies, hearts, and minds.

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will not fear when earthquakes come
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the oceans roar and foam.
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!

A river brings joy to the city of our God,
the sacred home of the Most High.
God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.
From the very break of day, God will protect it.

The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble!
God's voice thunders, and the earth melts!
The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.

Come, see the glorious works of the LORD;
see how he brings destruction upon the world.
He causes wars to end throughout the earth,
He breaks the bow and snaps the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.

"Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world."

The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.

Wearing Hats

Okay, so perhaps one of the reasons I'm a bit sentimental about saying "Goodbye" to my kiddos is because they could very well be my last class . . . at least for awhile. Most of you know, but just in case you don't, I thought I'd fill you in on my job change for next year. (Yes, Shanny, I'll still be in Taiwan.)

I've been asked by my Principal and Superintendent to wear a few hats next year outside of the regular classroom. I'll be serving as the site Curriculum Coordinator for Bethany, K-9 Learning Specialist (a new position for next year), and K-5 Team Leader. I'm also slated to do some subbing when needed. I'm incredibly excited about the change! I've told my class that I'll get to be a teacher for teachers, and they thought that was pretty cool:) I love so many aspects of my new positions (at least what I've read on the job descriptions), but I think I'm just relishing this opportunity to try out my administrative wings. It's been a long time in coming, but praise God for knowing the desires of my heart and once again finding a way that I didn't imagine existing! Perhaps it sounds a bit prideful, but that's not where my heart is . . . it's just so amazing because all I had to do was say "yes" to this new opportunity. I was asked to take this job! After so much frustration in the past, I was blessed and humbled by this amazingly simple turn of events. Thank you, Lord!

So, all this brings me to say that I'm trying to learn a ton in a short amount of time. My main tasks will be providing professional development, mentoring, and support for teachers, leading a Response to Intervention team to assist with meeing student needs, etc. I'm gathering all my resources, purchased more with school funds (Yippee for a budget and for Amazon!), and I'm scouring my Rolodex for brains to pick! Already, I've been in lots of meetings to get ready for the next year, so I've been a bit busier than I usually might be at this time of the year . . . although at this stage in a school calendar, busy is rather an understatement!

On kind of the same note, I'm very excited to announce that 4 of my workshop proposals have been accepted for ICEC (International Children Educator Conference--Asia) in Hong Kong next November! This is a conference held once every three years by ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International), and it's attended by Christian school teachers and administrators from all over Asia. I'm thrilled! I submitted several proposals because I do love trainings, but I wasn't sure they would be accepted.

Anyway, here are my presentations:

Break a Leg and Soften Hearts: Educational Theatre for Elementary & Middle School Students
All students are created as specially-gifted individuals who may find shining success in the classroom or on the field. However, some kids (even the most unlikely ones) crave a stage—a place where stories can be told in the spotlight and behind the curtain. Theatre in a Christian school can be so much more than a performance—it can eternally change the lives of everyone involved and glorify God! This workshop will present ideas for script selection, auditions, rehearsals, and production, as well as provide the information needed to develop/maintain a program of integrity within your school-- especially for the K-8 student.

Teaching with Love and Logic
Don’t you sometimes wish that your students came with an owner’s manual?! Love and Logic (a great fit for your “Best Practice” toolbox) is a philosophy of teaching children which allows adults to be happier, empowered, and more skilled in their interactions with children. Love allows children to grow through their mistakes. Logic allows children to live with the consequences of their choices. Love and Logic strategies teach children to be responsible and prepared for the real world, with its many choices and consequences. This workshop will introduce the basics of the Love and Logic philosophy through resource materials and personal testimonials, as well as provide simple and practical strategies for implementation. (www.loveandlogic.com)


You Had Me at “Hello”: Successful Parent/Teacher Partnerships and Communication Strategies
Professors in undergraduate programs don’t usually warn new teachers about . . . PARENTS! Although one of the most important links in the educational success of students, many new teachers often view parents as adversaries. This workshop will focus on gaining a new perspective of parents . . . as educational partners. Topics: effective communication (oral, written, formal, and informal), classroom participation/volunteering, homework/projects, and conferencing. Special focus will be given to cultural sensitivity and understanding of parental roles within international schools.

I will be presenting with my colleague and friend, Amanda, on this next one:

Creativity in the Classroom: Ideas for the Busy Teacher
Hey, teachers! Wouldn’t it be great to start every year, unit, or even lesson in an amazingly creative way that “Wows!” your students into wanting more?! If you’d like to regain a little of that “first year” spark, this is the workshop for you. We’ll look at creative and practical teaching techniques that you can implement in your classroom—tomorrow! Expect tried-and-tested ideas and resources to get you started as you bounce your way out of the everyday doldrums. Our Creator can do more than we could ever ask or IMAGINE, so let’s tap into His great imagination in order to energize our classrooms and improve student learning!

So, there you go! If you have any great ideas for these topics, please let me know! I'd love to include them in my presentations.

That's all for now! Thanks for reading about all my career-path changes.
Talk to you soon . . .
Love,
Marcy

A Class Conclusion

"Good morning, Third Graders!"
"Good morning, Miss Miller."

Only 15 more greetings left in this year . . . oh, no . . . I miss them already!

One Hundred Postings Old

I decided that I'd honor the occasion with a
gorgeous photo of my Formosa. Enjoy!

Taroko Gorge
taken by Uncle Douglas

Blogginess

Blogs.
Blogger.
Blogginess.
My Bookmark folder entitled "BLOGS" is getting rather full. I must admit that I love reading blogs! Now, there is probably a blog floating out there in cyberspace that covers just about any imaginable topic . . . and there is not enough time imaginable to read all of those thoughts! So, you have to pick and choose. Most of my frequently read blogs belong to friends here in Taiwan; however, I read the blog of a friend/roommate from Pre-Field Orientation last summer who lives in Georgia but will be going to teach in Africa (Hi, Beth!). I also read a blog my BFF keeps up for her 8th grade Catholic school graduate friends (Rock on, SJSers!) . . . Recently, I've found a couple of blogs from friends back home in MN. Since new babies are involved, I absolutely love checking in and seeing what's new!

Just for fun, I did a search for "Taiwan Blogs" when I first moved to Taipei. Goodness! There are many to choose from, and although I did read through several entries on various blogs, I was a bit overwhelmed. However, I stumbled upon a blog on that day that interested me, and I continue to read the postings. Amanda is a tent-making missionary in the southern part of Taiwan. She's been in Taiwan for many years, and I just like how she writes:) Presently, she's doing a series called "Simply Taiwan." It's really neat, and instead of reinventing the wheel, I thought I'd just give you her blog address so you can keep an eye on her entries (that is, IF you're interested in little Taiwan cultural tidbits:).

Check it out! Following an Unknown Path

The Mom Song

Happy Mother's Day, to the most amazing Mom in the UNIVERSE!

I love you sooooooo much:)

29 Days . . .

Yep, that's right, folks! In 29 days, I'll be jetting my way back in time to reclaim that day I lost 10 months ago. I'm going home!!! I'm very, very excited . . . and a little freaked out by all the work left to do at school . . . yikes! I've been thinking about what to bring home to MN, as well as what I'll need to bring back to Taiwan. I've been taken care of this year by all my visitors, but I'm not sure that I'll have as many next year, sooooooooo . . . I'm trying to get organized.

I remember talking with my friend, Paul Dwight, about what life was like as a missionary kid in Taiwan. I had always heard stories about "Missionary Barrels" sent from churches in the US, and he said that this was true. Life for a missionary was definitely different in days gone by. Now we've got technology like computers and the internet, digital cameras, and cell phones. Air travel is affordable (so they say:) and the mail is convenient and fast. If you're willing to pay, you can find just about any product or food item that you need (or crave!)--at least in Taiwan.

So, here's what's on my US shopping list OR dig through the boxes list so far (minus a few things too embarassing to post:):

• Comfortable sandals (when you have big feet, these are tough to find!)
• Casual clothing (I'm very tired of seeing myself in the same 3 t-shirts, 1 sweatshirt, and gauchos . . . uggg)
• Pampered Chef chopper (I've missed you!)
  
• Canned pumpkin (this import item costs a fortune!)
  
• MN wild rice (of course, not available)
  
• Red Hot candies (I couldn't find these little buggers anywhere! Cinnamon isn't a favorite spice in Taiwan.)
  
• Twizzlers (yummy and not to be found anywhere!)
  
• Resees (sorrowfully, these aren't found in Taiwan for less than $1US a candy bar)
  
• Caramels (difficult to locate and expensive)
  
• Marshmallow Creme (I never did find this.)
  
• Muffin mix (VERY expensive)
  
• Powdered sugar (I have to think about this one . . . I don't want to get stopped on drug charges:)
• Random spices
• B-fast cereal (expensive, and they taste different!)
  
• Deodorant (I only trust my favorite . . .)
  
• Contact solution (Walmart generic all the way)
  
• Make-up (unless you're Asian, the colors here just don't work)
  
• Oil-free sunscreen (impossible to find)
  
• Over the counter meds (I'm sure similar products exist--but I want to be able to read the labels!)
  
• Magazines (I miss you!)
  
• DVDs (I have to raid my box . . .)
  
• Books (a visit to Northwestern, Barnes & Noble, and School Stuff is definitely on the list!)
  

I'm sure I'll add more, but that's what's on my Post-it note right now. It's a good thing this will be on my blog--how terrible it would be if I lost my note:)

30 Hard-Boiled Eggs

Have you ever made egg salad sandwiches with 23 children before? Neither have I . . . I'll let you know how they turn out! Tomorrow is our "Gloria Dump Backyard Picnic." We have finished our unit on a lovely story by Kate DiCamillo--Because of Winn-Dixie. Our menu will be Dump Punch (aka fruit juice and fizzy pop), egg salad sandwiches cut into triangles, and dill pickles. We may even have a few Litmus Lozenges to round out our meal! Now, if I can only figure out how to be sure that our sandwiches aren't "contaminated" by kid germs . . . . ah, yes, the trials of a teacher!

Marcy & Uncle Doug's Excellent Adventure!

I LOVE THIS PLACE!! What an amazing weekend . . . my Uncle Douglas was in town for business, and he had a free weekend. So, being the adventurous sort of folk, we went scootering and hiking in Taroko Gorge. Video, photos, and more to the story will be added soon, but . . . WOW! We drove for at least 3 hours yesterday and 6 hours today with hiking, eating, swimming, and aboriginal dance viewing in between . . . we were above the clouds--further in/up than I had ever been before . . . hairpin turns, one lane roads, and black tunnels . . . what an adventure!!

. . . To Taroko Gorge I Go . . .

Sunshine
Spills serenely on the scooter
Soaking the solace seeker with satisfaction
Saturday and Sunday--
Splendid!