Teacher, where do you come from?
The idea of being a foreigner is definitely something that I will need to get more comfortable with. Walking down the streets of Taichung City, I am a foreigner. Sure, I’ve had people give me weird looks before but never on such a consistent and predictable basis.
For example, I taught the most adorable group of children the day before yesterday. During the break, I was getting ready for the next part of my lesson while facing the whiteboard. I turn around and there is a group of ten students surrounding me. They stare at me for a while before figuring out some questions to ask me.
“Where are you from?”, said a tiny little girl named Candy.
“I am from America”, I replied.
“OH, OH! USA?”
“Yes, yes. USA”
“REALLY? Wow.”
Another girl named Jenny comes up and starts touching my hair. The following exchange occurs.
“Do you like my hair?”
“Yes… It is… Rock!”
“Rock and Roll?”
“Yes, yes. Rock and roll.”
“Is it crazy?”
“No, it is beautiful!”
“Aw, thank you. You are so sweet”
It’s funny because I feel like I am existing as an F-list celebrity. The Taiwanese think I’m cool but they are not quite sure why. The beauty of working with young children is that they are not afraid to admit their curiosity and to ask the questions that everyone else is thinking. I’m getting really into teaching because the children possess a work ethic and discipline that is lacking in the United States. Plus, I can see that even after one day, I am having an effect on their lives. It makes me want to strive to be the best possible teacher that I can be for these intelligent and curious children. I know I will succeed.
The city of Taichung is beautiful and the people are often friendly. Some locals have attempted to talk to me on the street. Honestly, their English is terrible but it is much better than my Chinese. In a sort of Chinenglish, we can sometimes get our point across.
I will leave you with a view of my apartment in Taichung (pronounced Tai-JUNG). I hope you enjoy the view as much as I do.
Woah! That is an amazing view! haha I think I know what would sound better than Chinenglish… Englishnese! ha ha jk Chineglish is cool! miss you!!!!!!!
Hi Heidi!!! I’m using your Grandmas computer to write you. The picture from outside your apt is amazing. But I truly LOVED the pix of the temple. I flew to Boston last week for a speech on childhood obesity and I read on the plane an article on Taiwan — the pictures were beautiful and it seemed like a country that was still a bit old-fashioned. Anyways, that’s the sense that I got from the article. They also stated that there are wonderful mountains and trails, so naturally, that intrigued me alot…
Nothing much to report on my end. I’m glad youre shooting video, I hope you feel more comfortable withe the video cam. It is very hot here in LA — the summer is here, let’s hope we dont have any fires.
I just heard in CNN that a typhoon is on its way from the Philiiippines to Taiwan, so hold on to your Rock and Roll hair that the kids like so much!!
Boys start school in 3 weeks, so I’m trying to do small things with them, like the State Fair in Sacto and 2 days at a beach house in Del Mar.
Work is crazy — I’m going to Mexico City in early September on business, so I’m very busy with all this travel to develop business opportunities!! If nothing comes of it, I will make sure to at least eat the best Mexican food and catch the latest art exhibit on Frida Kahlo.
Well, my dearest Heidi Koleidi — you can’t believe how proud I am of you — of your sense of adventure and courage in pursuing this opportunity !! Be well, have fun, eat lots, concentrate on your lesson plans, learn Chinese, take pictures, and ALWAYS be grateful that you are HEALTHY and you are LOVED!!!!
Aunt Martha
dearest heidi; just me danny piruli briones the little guy saying hi. how is it in Taiwan? i hope it is good. It sounds like you like your students, they are funny. I can’t believe they call you rock and roll hair. It must really seem cool to them. To me it just looks normal. Have a good time and keep on writing. it is really hot in california but we still have to go to football practice. i miss you and love you, danny Hold on to your rock and roll hair!!!!!
Sweetie… Ni hao mah… It sounds like Taiwan is agreeing with you. The view from your apartment is brilliant. I love how the mountains and sky frame the city as if to provide a hope of serenity among the chaos of the Taichung. Teaching can indeed be a sort of enlightening into the heart innocence. It seems like your students are very kind and curious. As you continue to find your center, you will see that they are more disciples than students. A good teacher affects their students lives forever. Do not underestimate the power of the moment you have found. When asked by the Pharisees Where the Kingdom of God was?, Jesus answered, “The Kingdom of God is not in any place. Why do you look for it in observation, behold for the kingdom of God is within you.” I am joyful that you are finding your place.
I love you
Uncle Leo
I JUST SPOKE TO LOU AND SYLVIA AND THEY FEEL LIKE ME ABOUT YOU. WE ARE VERY PROUD OF WHAT YOU ARE DOING. DO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPPORTUNITY THAT GOD HAS PROVIDED YOU TO AFFECT THE LIVES OF SOME VERY ADORABLE CHILDREN. DO THINGS WITH THEM THAT THEY WILL NEVER FORGET. M OST OF ALL LOVE THEM AS GOD LOVES YOU WITHOUT ANY CONDITIONS. LOVE, GRANDMA
Hey Heidi! First of all I want to say that the view from your apartment is spectacular! Wow! I’m glad to hear that you are having so much fun with the kids you are teaching, they sound awesome. Well, I hope everything is going well for you! I can’t wait to read more and see more pictures. Have fun and be safe!! Love you!
Michelle
Perhaps you have found your calling as a teacher. You did talk about becoming a college professor, in the past. Figuring out what to do with our life can be challenging. I certainly was not sure for years beyond where you are at, a very young 24! Is the view facing the east or west? In any case, it looks great at night! Love you! DAD
Heidi Edit: The view is facing East actually. I’m enjoying teaching so far but still not sure about my life calling.
My dearest Heidi, I finally have time to again check out your website and I am so pleased to know that you are enjoying your teaching experience. I know that you will have a life-changing impact on these children, as they will remember their sweet teacher with fondness and curiosity. Knowing someone from across the world will change their lives, just as it will change yours. I don’t imagine you’ll ever be the same again. As a fellow teacher, I know what you are feeling and the satisfaction you will get from making a difference in their lives. I am enjoying your pictures and am so impressed with your view! Wow! Enjoy and keep posting. I miss you and love you very much. Aunt Zita
Hey Heidi!!! It’s Cindy from NoRCaL duH! hahaha
anyway..this posting touches my heart very much. Before you left for Taiwan, I had told you that you’re going to be a GREAT teacher. And I can def see that happening from the description that you have given us all about the children loving you. AwWwWWW that is SOOOO CUUTEE!!! =D RoCk n RoLL Heidi!!
I’m so glad ur enjoying yourself over there. I looveeeee your view..*jealous* haha. I didnt expect to see Taichung to look like that for some reason.. but its beautiful, im sure you’ll post up more pics…, and I cant wait!!!
*huGz to u*