Reflecting on 2010

NOTE: Thought this picture was fitting even though I had posted it before. If you can't tell, I took the picture in a mirror on the side of a huge building. Get it... Reflections. haha!

2010 has been a good year for me. This time last year I had no idea what the future held for me. I couldn't see two feet in front of me... After a rough first semester of student teaching I wasn't sure I wanted to go back. I didn't really know what I would do with my life if I didn't. It was a confusing time for me... trying to figure it all out. After several days of sitting on top of Mt. Baldy I realized that there wasn't anything else that I wanted to do but to be a teacher. I love teaching and regardless what others had said I was confident that I was a good teacher (with room to grow, of course). I returned to the teacher's program with a new determination to do my best and never quit. It was one of the toughest things I have ever done. It tested everything... my will power, my patience, my health, my relationships, my faith, etc. But I did it! I am now a CA Credentialed Teacher. (I still can't believe it.)
Also this time last year I didn't know where I would be after I finished the Credential Program. Going back to Taiwan was always in the back of my mind but with only 5 years to do an Induction program (program to clear my credential)I wasn't I could. But the closer it came to graduation and the constant talk about no teaching jobs in CA, I felt more and more called to go back to Taiwan. I emailed Alex (my Taiwan contact) about everyday telling him to consider me for a position in Taitung.
I had a great experience in my 3rd grade student teaching position. It was an ACTIV classroom with all the modern technology which was fun to use and play with. The kids were super cute and fun to teacher. My Master teacher was super nice and really helpful. I couldn't of asked for a better class. I regained confidence in myself as a person and a teacher.
Around May I got word that there was a position open in Taitung if I wanted it. I didn't hesitate! I was going back to Taiwan. I was given a position in a small school about 45 minutes from Taitung. I ride the train everyday and then walk about 5 minutes from the train station to the school. I teach 20 classes a week (K-6) which is every class at Guanshan Elementary. It has been a challenge but I enjoy every minute of it. I often get asked, "Which do you like better, HESS (my old private school that I taught at) or Guanshan (public school)." I always reply that same, "Guanshan hands down". Even though most days I have 12 hour days (because of the distance and train schedules) I love my job. My classes are just for FUN! No grades. No tests. No homework. Which equals no homework or test to grade or report cards to fill out... I get to do what I love best...TEACH. Also I have celebrity status out here in Guanshan. The kids get so excited when they see me... anywhere! I get about a 1000 HELLO teacher!'s a day. Walking to and from the train station the people will come out to greet me. It's kinda funny, actually. But I am used to it and think of it as an opportunity to spread God's love.
Again, as I sit here and write this, I have no idea what the future holds. I was asked recently if I will renew my contract and I said, DEFINITELY YES!" So that puts me in Taitung for at least another year and half. Beyond that I am not sure. (DARN INDUCTION). But it doesn't matter... not knowing... because I am confident that God has a plan for my life that is greater than anything that I could imagine. Happy New Year, everyone!