Taiwan Thoughts

Every now and then, I'm hit with a "I wanna go home!" feeling. Maybe I'm just getting antsy . . . One of the most difficult parts of living in Taiwan is being vehicle-less. I love to drive, and I miss it (sniff). I'm usually pretty good with directions and finding my way around places, but I realized that if I was given a vehicle tomorrow, I would have trouble going anywhere outside of the home to school route--and even that would be sketchy. I just haven't paid that much attention to all the one ways unless you're a bus OR no left turns, etc., and it bugs me! Yesterday, we took the 3-5th graders down to Taichung to see the High School musical, Seussical. I've been down to Taichung a few times, but don't ask me what route we took or what major road would take me out of Taipei . . . ARGHH! Anyway, the musical was fun and the kids had a ball--mostly playing on real grass:) More later . . .

Big WORDS . . .

Okay, so my kids crack me up! Today, they took a writing assessment. We've been preparing for this all year, and I was SURE they would do awesome. I guess that is yet to be determined, but I just HAVE to share about a funny kid moment that happened this morning during the pre-write portion of the assessment.

One of my little boys (who shall remain nameless!) was busy making a word web, lists, etc. for his pre-write. I made a suggestion to the class that if they finished early, they might want to make a list of interesting introductions, words, phrases, etc. that could be used in their stories. As I was making my rounds at the conclusion of the pre-write activity, I glanced at this child's paper and just about wet my pants:) This is sort-of what it looked like:
After a break, the kids settled in for the drafting and revising portion of the assessment. As you can imagine, I was curious about my little writer and Dictionary-user in the back row. . . what words would make it into the story . . . AND would they be used properly?! The suspense was killing me . . . was he a literary prodigy? . . .

Stay tuned next week when we bring you the conclusion of tonight's blog . . .(Okay, so I've been watching too much TV:)

Well, I'm proud to say that self-sufficient, hypocrite, and drainage made it into the story about an interesting mail day. Unfortunately, drainage was the only word used properly and even that was a stretch! Oh, and how about this for a smashing ending to both story and blog entry: "Sadly for the Martian leader, his head was cut in two by the SuperJuice laser gun." . . . . Bummer . . .

I *HEART* Parent/Teacher Conferences!

Now granted, after a day of talking non-stop from 7:45-5:30 with exactly 33 minutes of break time, I was not entirely "hearting" the experience. It was a long and very intense day. . . but so worthwhile!

However, I love the change of pace. I get to talk to adults all day long, and I love meeting with the parents of my students. My students are very interesting "little people," and they have some very interesting "big people" for parents. I learned a lot today:)

At the beginning of my teaching career, I used to be petrified of conferences. Parents can really be scary! Now, I know better . . . parents can often be unpredictable, but they are always strong advocates for their children. I was shocked to realize that parents can actually be intimidated by teachers. The child that sits in front of me in the classroom is not off the clearance rack--this child is the very best that a parent can offer--priceless. Unfortunately, teachers (myself included) can be very quick to judge parenting techniques (both good and poor) based on the child sitting in the desk.

I really have no idea as to the ins and outs of parenting. I do know that it's a very tough job with monumental significance. I work with children everyday, and I am feeling fairly confident that I've got some things figured out about teaching. However, after meeting with over 20 sets of parents today, I am reminded that education truly begins at home. As a teacher, I can only do so much. Parents in partnership with teachers make all the difference!

Now, with all that being said, I just couldn't resist having a little fun with this topic. Enjoy the cartoons and the poetry:)



Parent-Teacher Conference
by Darren Sardelli

At the parent-teacher conference,
my father made a scene.
He scared my fifth-grade teacher
with his mask from Halloween.

She showed him all my science grades
and said she was concerned,
but he just stuck his tongue out
when my teacher’s back was turned.

He drew a monster on the board
and claimed it was her twin.
He even shook her soda,
which exploded on her chin.

My angry teacher crossed her arms
and said, “This meeting’s done!
I now see where he gets it from—
you act just like your son!”



Text © Darren Sardelli, reprinted from My Teacher's In Detention published by Meadowbrook Press. Illustration © Stephen Carpenter.

"Computers . . . and the Faithful"

Whew! I actually was able to get almost all of my technology organized this weekend. That's not a small job anymore. Once you get behind, it's really difficult to get caught up!

*I sorted through about 3000 email messages from 3 accounts.
*I unsubscribed/resubscribed to several educational news sites and airline websites using my current email address.
*I returned several old and new email greetings (I've still got some more to go!).
*I worked on my Facebook page and requested to be "friends" with lots of people.
*I sorted through my Hard Drive and organized/deleted files.
*I downloaded pics from 2 digital cameras and a flash drive.

Yet to do . . .
*Organize pictures into albums
*Organize music into playlists

I love my computer! I know it's an inanimate object, but it has significantly helped me in my transition to Taiwan. I love that I can see people I love by using invisible cyber-space (whatever that is!).

This is a bit random, but the more I think about computers tonight, the more I realize that they point us to God! He is the Almighty, Immortal, Invisible God . . . it's all about faith . . . I trust that when I type an email or dial a number, I will soon be communicating with someone 1/2 way around the world . . . amazing . . . I don't see it happening, and I really don't know how it happens . . . but it does!

So, what is faith? We've started a Sunday School class on Hebrews at church. It's led by a guy straight out of seminary, and I love it! It has been awhile since I've been in a study that dug so deeply into scripture. I've always loved the book of Hebrews, but I'm really being pushed to think a bit deeper. Although nobody knows who wrote Hebrews (some people think the author is Paul), theologians are fairly certain that Hebrews is a sermon on the superiority of Christ. The main point of the message is the heavenly high ministry of The Christ (Annointed One or Messiah). In other words, through a window to the Old Testament, Hebrews shows us that Christ is exalted above ALL things in heaven and on earth. Jesus is our High Priest, Prophet, and King . . . Anyway, if you haven't taken a look at Hebrews in awhile, I'd encourage you to read through it, and take the time to look at the Old Testament passages that are referenced.

Hmmm . . . this is a random post today . . . but I guess some have to be in order to keep things interesting:) Have a great week!

Introvert & the Weekend

Wouldn't this be an interesting book title? Unfortunately for the reader, the pages would be pretty blank if it just so happened that a weekend of recharge was needed! I've been thinking about what it means to be introverted this weekend, especially after I turned down a marvelous opportunity for hiking, dinner, and games on a cloudy Saturday. Instead, I've spent the day reading, napping, snacking, surfing, and (except for a Skype call to my mom) alone. It has been a GREAT day!!

When I tell some of my friends that I'm introverted, they tend to say, "Yeah, right!" I guess I don't always appear to be an introvert, because most people think that introverts are shy. This isn't always the case. Actually, introverts can have strong social skills, but they are exhausted by these interactions. This is unlike extroverts who are energized by these same social interactions.

So, as I was thinking inwardly (which is a basic definition of what it means to be introverted) today, I decided to do a little research. My research study consisted of reading 2 articles . . . it was a very exhaustive study:) Anyway, I found out that only about 25% of people test out as introverts. Hmmmmm . . . then it's no wonder that we're a bit misunderstood! I found an article from The Atlantic to be amusing. It's called "Caring for Your Introvert." If you're an extrovert--check it out! If you're an introvert--I think you'll find it refreshing!

In a nutshell, here's what I know about myself:
1. After a week of school, surrounded by people of all sizes, I need some alone time.
2. Alone time can range from 1 hour to an entire day, really! (I've been known to putter around the house for an entire weekend without talking to anyone . . . this "weirds out" my extroverted friends)
3. I love being around people--especially extroverts, and I love being asked to do things, but I'm not afraid to turn down an offer if I need a recharge.
4. I'm not shy, but it does take me some time to warm up to people and situations.
5. I have no problem with being "on stage" or with speaking to large groups of people. I actually really LOVE to be on stage, but afterwards, I'm exhausted.
6. If needed, I can act very extroverted, but again, I'm exhausted after the effort.
7. In large groups, I tend to look for other introverts (usually sitting alone or in a small group). We tend to have calmer conversations, and I'm more relaxed!
8. I'm not entirely introverted . . . I've got some extrovert traits, too!
9. Oh, and I don't really like to talk on the phone to people I don't know . . . but I don't know if that's being introverted or not . . . I just thought I'd throw it in the list:)

So, here I sit . . . alone and refreshed. I'm looking forward to attending church tomorrow and spending time with friends, but I'll bet that by the end of the day, I'll be ready to curl up on my couch and read a good book in the quiet of my apartment.

What about you?! If you're not sure, take this non-scientific, but really easy,QUIZ.
Are there any extroverts out there who would like to write a guest blog entry? Send it my way, and I'll post it!

Duty of a Citizen . . .

Please pray for the upcoming Presidential Election . . .
. . . in Miss Miller's Third Grade class!

It's the "TuneTown" Party running against the "BFT" (Best for Third) Party.

So far, the BFT has a larger support base (mainly because they have the only female candidate in the race) . . . so, despite my efforts to encourage party allegiances based on platform [the BFT platform focuses on education, spreading the Gospel, and the environment], all the girls in my class are backing the BFT because they want a girl in the Executive Branch. Interesting, eh!?

The TuneTowners are a busy lot, and you might call them a "modified Green party." They're VERY concerned about the air quality, green spaces, and health of TuneTown citizens. . . if you smoke, watch out! They're very adamant about ridding the world of cigarettes. Being kind to the poor is also a great priority on their platform. (10 little boys making "world changing decisions" . . . it was a sight to behold!)

Speeches and the Elections are next Friday . . . it should be interesting!

P.S. Over Easter break, I attended a "How to Vote While Living Abroad" seminar led by State Dept. officials at the AIT (American Institute in Taiwan) cultural center. Perhaps I'll write a blog entry on that one day soon!

My Prayer . . .

Send Me Lord
(c)Streams of Praise 2007

Tell me oh Lord, how You want me to give Your life
To the world where there's no hope
Tell me oh Lord, how You want me to give Your love
To the world where love went cold

Do you see all the people sinking down
Don't you see people aching in the darkness alone

Send me Lord, send me Lord, I am willing to give all
Send me out to those who need Your hand
Fill me Lord, fill me Lord, fill me with Your love for all
Reach Your hand to hold them once again