The Dingus Family: The Inner Struggle

It's that time of the year again.

I want it to go by fast.

No, I don't.

I want time to s-l-o-w down.

No, I don't.

I don't have time to argue with anyone. I'm too busy having this tug-of-war with in my own being.

These last weeks of school are such emotional roller coaster rides for me- both on the professional level, as well as personal.

Have I taught my students everything they need to be successful in third grade? Did I teach all my benchmarks? Have I showed them how important and unique they all are? Have I loved them enough? And mostly, have I truly reflected God's love, grace, mercy, peace, patience, and joy?

Each year, as I look forward to the last tolling of the bell, I also realize how much I am going to miss these students. Sure, I will see them again, but they will never be my students again. They will move upstairs. They will have a new teacher. At least one classmate is moving to the US, while several new students will be joining the class next August. They will grow up, mature, and grow in stature and wisdom. All that will be left of our year together will be the memories, hopefully all good!

So here are some of the memory makers of the last three or so weeks.

With the opening of the new pool, returned the much loved swimming PE classes! Before the old pool was demolished, the elementary kids had three weeks of swimming classes both at the beginning of the year, as well as the end. Without a pool, it couldn't happen, but now, its back. Good thing, because there is no better way to cool down than a romp in the water. And while I do not get to join them, a wet hug here and there also has a tremendous cooling down effect!

The much awaited first field trip of the year! A trip into the mountains surrounding Taichung resulted in a day "up on the farm".

This little guy decided to hatch while we were there! For us city dwellers, it was a chance of a lifetime to see this new beginning.

Second graders love creepy, crawly things!

And things with feathers, too.

And who could resist a cute, cuddly puppy?

The farmer gathered a stalk of bamboo for each student, who then peeled it. As we were eating our lunches, the staff made bamboo soup for us to enjoy. It was rather delicious!

Another delicious memory is our walking trip to the corner 7-11. For our Taiwanese money assessment, each student had to choose a snack and pay for it with exact change. I'd like to say it was by far the tastiest assessment this year!

After paying for our snacks, we enjoyed the new 7-11's dining room. I don't know how the two ladies at the back of this picture survived our taking over of the room. This room was not acoustically designed for 23 seven and eight year olds!

We recently bid farewell to our high school reading buddies. We made cards for them and they taught us to play dodge ball!

The end of the school year takes on a different look when it is one of your own graduating. Come to think of it, out of the four years we have been at Morrison, only one year didn't end with the graduation of a Dingus. When will this madness end?

Recently, the soon-to-be graduates led a K5 chapel.

I was extremely proud of Abbi as she shared God's word and then led a panel discussion. It was quite hilarious as my own students kept turning around to see if I was crying yet!

Besides two birthdays, we have celebrated sports awards (Abbi- Captain Award for track, Jacob- Most Improved), and academic awards (Jacob- honors and Abbi- Robert Morrison Award for seven consecutive semesters 3.80+ GPA).

We have attended staff dinners and farewells.

Our beloved team leader, Karen, will be returning home for a year of home service. We surprised her with one of her favorites- mango bing!

If you ever come to Taiwan to visit us, make sure you come during mango season. This is one Taiwanese specialities you don't want to miss.

I can't forget to add one of the most emotional moments of this past month- Abbi's final moments of high school. Seriously, who thinks of these tear jerking traditions?