Community

Community

Before moving to Taiwan, that word did not hold much meaning for me.

Sure, I knew its meaning. I had the head knowledge, but not the heart knowledge.

But, for the last five years, I have come to see community in action. The real meaning. Not just a vague reference to a housing development or neighborhood, But, rather, the every day, thinking, breathing reality of community.

I guess when you work, live, play, and worship with all the same people, things happen.

That could be good or bad. But, in the case of Morrison, it is mostly good.

Yesterday, we celebrated community.

Unlike many American schools, we do not have a Parent Teacher Association/Organization (PTA or PTO). What we do have is an Parent Advisory Committee or PAC for short. This is comprised of parents with children in elementary all the way up to middle school.

Just as our student body is compromised of business, missionary, and staff families, so is PAC. Working together, they hosted a Family BBQ for all the elementary and middle school families!

Together, along with this awesome group of chefs, PAC fed over three hundred fifty hungry people!

Chicken wings, hot dogs, grilled ribs, Caesar salad, french fries.

Did I mention ice cream? 

Should I confess I had two servings?

While this selection of food may not seem extraordinary to some of you,  I might reiterate that we are in an Asian country! Western food, while available, is not an everyday occurrence, at least not in this quantity!

Even better than the food was the fellowship. 

Teachers, parents, students, administrators just having a good time.

Just being together.

Listening to some oldies, but goodies.

Conversing.

Like I said- community.

Tables, arranged on the covered play area, was the stage for many conversations. Not necessarily important conversations, but rather connecting conversations. The occupants at our table changed frequently, giving as an opportunity to catch up with six different families. Throughout the day, I was the receiver of multiple hugs and even a beautiful handmade pair of earrings from the jewelry making table.

The climbing wall also received a lot of activity! Believe it or not,  I have conquered the red wall. It's the easiest, so don't be too impressed. I didn't climb yesterday. Too many witnesses!

And while I was definitely intrigued with this updated version of four square, the line to get in was long and populated mostly by the youngsters. I also felt it discriminated against those of us on the shorter side of life!

Even the pool was opened for those desperate enough to brave the cool air. Heated with solar panels, the water was warm enough, but it was quite windy yesterday afternoon. Getting in would be easy, but the getting out....  brrrr!

As their children played, parents connected through conversations. Dads, who are frequently more isolated and less involved, made important connections with one another. Relationships were created and strengthened.

So once again, I come back to the idea of community. 

It is strong here at Morrison.

Strong among our families and strong among the staff.

It is a community I am proud to be part of. 

Brain Overload

Yes, my brain feels like it might actually explode.

That's what happens when you try to cram new information into one's brain in a weekend conference.

Not just any conference, but a Google Summit.

Never fear. I have not become a techie, at least not yet. That was well proven over and over again the last 48 hours.

It never ceases to amaze me how much some people know and how little I know or understand.

Granted, I am a late bloomer.

When I "retired" from teaching in order to stay home with my kids, the internet was just in its infancy. Emailing was just starting to come into existence. We had just moved from mimeograph machines to copy machines. It was very archaic.

As the world wide web grew,  my time online was severely limited. We didn't have internet access at our house in Ohio. No company would service the few houses on our road. We didn't have unlimited access until moving to Taiwan.

The last five years have been a huge learning experience for this Rip Van Winkle.

But, I won't bore you with all the details.

What I will share is pictures from our Track and Field Day.

This annual event, loved by some, hated by others, is held every March. March, the month of hot days, cold days, dry days, and wet days. But, if it's the day of Track and Field, it will not be hot. It will not be dry.

While drenching downpours delayed our start time, it did not dampen spirits. We squished our way through five events.

Laughing, smiling, and simply enjoying each other.

Throwing challenge!

Waiting for their team's turn.

Time to refuel!

Standing long jump.

50 meter dash!

Ready, set, go!

 Tire roll.

Tomorrow is the first day of our final quarter. Its hard to believe how fast this school year has flown by.  It will be hard to say goodbye to these kiddos. As usual, they have found a way into my heart!

TAS Invitational

I made several discoveries this weekend during a high school track and field event.

The basis of these discoveries come from my years and years of attending such events.

Both Nick and Abbi joined their respective track teams the same year. Nick was a sophomore; Abbi a seventh grader. After moving to Taiwan, not only did Ben and Jacob join, but Carl became a coach. We were a track and field family.

Needless to say, I have spent hours and hours of watching my children run, jump, and throw.

But, I didn't mind. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed it; I was outside, which makes me happy, and I was watching my loved ones compete, which also makes me happy. 

This Friday and Saturday was the annual Taipei American School Invitational. Eight international schools from all over Asia participated. We were the only other school from Taiwan, as well as the only missionary school. 

March is an interesting month  whether you live in Ohio or Taiwan. In Ohio, you could have sunny springy weather or a blizzard. In Taiwan, it could be sunny and eighty-five or rainy and chilly. 

What does this have to do with track? 

My point is weather is a determining factor to a spectator's enjoyment of a track and field meet. I have attended when freezing rain and snow pelted both the participants and spectators, as well as when the sun baked all those who dared venture out into its powerful rays. From these and everything in between, I draw my conclusions.

Here it is....

I would rather have rain on a somewhat warm day, than freezing rain on a cold, blustery day. I thought about this as I stood at the finish line watching the wet racers dashing for the finish line, umbrella in hand.

The meet started at 5pm, and although it had been raining steadily all day, it had stopped. The clouds were there, but the moisture was gone. 

 Or so I thought.

But, even then, it wasn't as bad as standing under an umbrella being pelted by hard, frozen ice pellets. Or wearing so many layers of clothes, that I felt  like the Michelin tire man!

It did get a little dicey when the wind began to blow. But, even then, I would still choose an early March Taipei rainstorm over an Ohio last burst of wintery weather. 

Thankfully, the next day dawned, not only dry, but also warmer!

I made another startling discovery as I waited for one of Jacob's events to begin. I only had one child's events to attend. For the past several years, there were two or three to kids to keep track of. 

Pole vault, long jump, shot put, hurdles, relays.....

This meet, I had two.

Just two!

So my second discovery....

It's more fun when you have multiple children to root and cheer for! Don't get me wrong, I cheered for the other members of the track team, but honestly, it's just not the same.

My final discovery, has been in the process of forming over the last few months. Maybe being the only child at home, or maybe because he's the youngest, things about Jacob have began to stick out.

For example, every day he reminds me more and more of his older brother, Ben. Not just looks, but the way he carries himself and facial expressions.

Is this Jacob or is it Ben?

Is it possible to have identical twins separated by 4 1/2 years?

I only have two years left to not only attend his track meets, but enjoy having him at home. After losing three children in three years, its nice to know I still have that time!

Saturday at Its Best

There's nothing like an early Saturday morning hike to get your weekend off to a great start!

Evidently, that's not a unique thought, here on the island of Formosa. The parking lot was full, so our hike required a prehike!

Carl was asked to drive and chaperone the recently formed hiking club. This was their third outing into the foothills not far from school.  Fortunately, there was room for me to tag along.

The trail chosen was lined with stalls of fruit, vegetables, and other delectables just waiting to be consumed. There would be no starvation happening today!

At the top of this trail, lies a hiking "rest area". A pavilion, filled with table and chairs, wait for hikers, mostly elderly and those with small children, to come and enjoy the snacks they have packed up the trail. For those who bring their own tea, kettles filled with hot water and tea cups, are available. Around this eating are are various playground equipment. Some designed for the young. Some for the old.

While these reused tires provide a place to rest, some hikers lay backwards, thus stretching out their backs.

After practicing her "How are you?" limited English with us, the elderly lady in blue carried her stool over to the rings. Gloved, she mounted her stool, kicked it away, and proceeded to spin and swing. Evidently, she has done this before. 

The teeter totters were most likely intended for the young.

But, there's nothing wrong with the young at heart enjoying them, too!

Our hike continued, until a suitable place was located for a slack line.

 Always willing to experience new things, I gave it a try. Trust me. IT"S NOT EASY. I have a new appreciation for tight rope walkers! Muscles tend to do strange things when faced with unfamiliar circumstances. Needless to say, we provided entertainment for the hikers resting and enjoying the beauty of this spot.

After descending hundreds of steep stairs, we reached the entrance. Treating ourselves, Carl and I each bought a warm, delicious sweet potato. 

Sunshine, fresh air,  exercise, fellowship, and delicious food.

All the ingredients to a marvelous day!