First Day of Teaching

Here I am on the Balcony across from the Department Head Office, where we meet before class. Today we got to school super early, so we went to the 7-11. I <3 7-11. COLD WATER! Was my battle cry and I pillaged the store at 60 NTD, which is about 2 USD, a huge water mountain peaks cold and a coke zero. The Cold water was a hit among my fellow teachers! There were some very friendly faces that gave zealous waves, or "I want to meet you!" which is beginning English for "Pleased to meet you!" There were also a multitude of stares and people who would say "hello. bye-bye!" Fun people. So nice.

First day of teaching went well. We had a ceremony with the principal Mr. Pan. He has given us his wishes after the first day that each student have a portfolio and as many worksheets as possible(news to everyone of us!). The ceremony was in Chinese/English with a translator. Fun stuff! The only time I was nervous the whole day was during that ceremony. I loved teaching. There was one point where I couldn't help but smiling because I was having too much fun!

My first class had Michael Jackson and Albbie. They were very helpful and kind. I can't wait to have them again. The other class I had was mainly first year students so it was nice to have control, but not as much learning and participating was happening. The second group leader, Debbie, was very nice and even showed me back to the Department Head Office before she left campus. I must admit being escorted everywhere does make me feel a bit important.

I collapsed into tears at lunch after my lesson play was torn apart! I really think that poor communication of expectations all around was largely to blame, rather than poor preparation on my part. I took responsibility and went home and fixed the schedule as we discussed for anyone to take as they wished. I did this so I would feel that I did not dropt the ball, altough the work I did was really appreciated by the other teachers.

After lunch we went to the President Department Store via cab from the school. It cost roughly $4.25 for 4 people so it was like a buck and change each. We wandered about, freeing Abe from solitude, me from stiffling heat, Morgan from temporary solitude (till 4 pm when she rides the bus home), and Ray from isolation. Ray is such a trooper! Everyday he briefs us on how he is doing and we all are very sorry to hear how he feels about his host family. The department store was great. I rode back to school via Taxi with everyone and we "interneted" and hung out for a while.

Becky and I met today and she and I discussed how Miff recommended me, and I told her I was very happy to be here and to have Miff in my life! Because I am ever so greatful to Miff's support in planning and preparation for this trip. She is amazing.

After the mall the storm clouds that had been threatening to move in all afternoon, and finally did, so I did some laundry on the patio - so cool, but more about that later. The air is noticeably cooler and the Mitsubishi billboard that was a constant 28/29 degrees Celsius finally read 26 and Oh what a marvelous 26 it was.

But ever since I hung up my laundry I have been updating my Blog and facebook. Most importantly Tina and Linda spent time with me while Folayan slept. She must have found the secret because I am very jealous of her continuous sleep. Now I must bid you adieu and call it a night. I love you all and I cant wait to see you. :D