Posts
Where in the World is D Today?
Reading the News and Being Reminded Why He Loves President Obama.
You may or may not know that I worked for the Obama Presidential campaign in Missouri last year. I walked many miles, knocked on lots of doors, and would talk to anybody in person who wanted to have a conversation about him. (I didn’t work the phones very much. I would rather walk around in the heat, cold and rain; Anything but phone banks.) Anyway…..
Every morning I check the World and U.S. news online. This morning I saw a rather silly story about the President’s smoking habit. Are you kidding me, you’re busting his chops over the occasional cigarette?! The man’s got a lot on his plate, let’s cut him some slack on the little stuff. I think Mrs. Obama will keep him inline about smoking. Then I stumbled on these two links that affirmed in me many of the reasons I love this man. Here are the links. (Sorry you have to copy and paste. I'm not tech smart enough to get the links to work.)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31451371/ns/fathers_day_guide/?pg=8#tdy_Parenting_ObamaGreatDad
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/10/obama-parenting-pda-slide_n_142625.html
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
My Thoughts Walking To School Today
Where in the World is D Today?
Somewhere on Yanping Road.
I haven't slept well the last two nights. Too many things on my mind. On my daily walk the list began to scroll through my head of all the things I missed. It began as I adjusted the mask on face to protect my lungs from the exhaust fumes of traffic. Some of the things were specific to Columbia, some were just things I noticed I hadn't done or had in a while. Here's the list of things I missed in the 10 minute walk from my apartment to Chung Li Elementary.
I Miss...
Clean Air
The quite of my neighborhood in Columbia
Planting flowers in front of my house
Mowing my lawn
Chocolate shakes from Sonic's Drive-in
The Twilight Festival or walking around downtown Columbia in general
Washing and Waxing my car
Taking a drive on a sunny day with the top down on a curvy road. (My car is a convertible. I have not seen many in Taiwan.)
Independence - I am fiercely independent while simultaneously knowing we NEED
other people in our lives. I am tremendously Thankful for the helpers in my life like Yi-Wen, Claire, and Ray. I am blessed by all my helpers, but I often feel like a child. I must have someone speak for me at the doctors office and renting an apartment. Some things are very personal and as a grown man would rather not have a third person involved. These conversation often makes me feel invisible, because while I am the point of the conversation, no one ever actually talks to ME. But it is a necessary evil and is an important lesson in humility for me. I have no choice. It will be a very long time before my Chinese is good enough to go the the doctor alone. Given the choice of going and increasing the possibility of getting something wrong or having a helper, no matter the embarrassment, I choose the helper.
HUGS - I really miss hugs. I have not had the full embrace of another human being in almost 6 months. Times when I need a hug and KNOW that I CAN't get one is when I really feel the difference in culture.
PBS - This is Public Broadcasting Station with news and arts and documentaries.
Tennis
Dancing - I miss dancing almost as much as hugs. It is such a wonderful expression and a chance to connect with another person.
I need, I crave, human touch. Not in any bad or unhealthy way. It is my basic belief that there is something in all of us that needs it. We do it instintively with children and babies to comfort them and then it fades as we get older. But where I come from, Black people hug! The full embrace I get at a family gather or at church...there's nothing else like it. I really miss that.
Peace
Somewhere on Yanping Road.
I haven't slept well the last two nights. Too many things on my mind. On my daily walk the list began to scroll through my head of all the things I missed. It began as I adjusted the mask on face to protect my lungs from the exhaust fumes of traffic. Some of the things were specific to Columbia, some were just things I noticed I hadn't done or had in a while. Here's the list of things I missed in the 10 minute walk from my apartment to Chung Li Elementary.
I Miss...
Clean Air
The quite of my neighborhood in Columbia
Planting flowers in front of my house
Mowing my lawn
Chocolate shakes from Sonic's Drive-in
The Twilight Festival or walking around downtown Columbia in general
Washing and Waxing my car
Taking a drive on a sunny day with the top down on a curvy road. (My car is a convertible. I have not seen many in Taiwan.)
Independence - I am fiercely independent while simultaneously knowing we NEED
other people in our lives. I am tremendously Thankful for the helpers in my life like Yi-Wen, Claire, and Ray. I am blessed by all my helpers, but I often feel like a child. I must have someone speak for me at the doctors office and renting an apartment. Some things are very personal and as a grown man would rather not have a third person involved. These conversation often makes me feel invisible, because while I am the point of the conversation, no one ever actually talks to ME. But it is a necessary evil and is an important lesson in humility for me. I have no choice. It will be a very long time before my Chinese is good enough to go the the doctor alone. Given the choice of going and increasing the possibility of getting something wrong or having a helper, no matter the embarrassment, I choose the helper.
HUGS - I really miss hugs. I have not had the full embrace of another human being in almost 6 months. Times when I need a hug and KNOW that I CAN't get one is when I really feel the difference in culture.
PBS - This is Public Broadcasting Station with news and arts and documentaries.
Tennis
Dancing - I miss dancing almost as much as hugs. It is such a wonderful expression and a chance to connect with another person.
I need, I crave, human touch. Not in any bad or unhealthy way. It is my basic belief that there is something in all of us that needs it. We do it instintively with children and babies to comfort them and then it fades as we get older. But where I come from, Black people hug! The full embrace I get at a family gather or at church...there's nothing else like it. I really miss that.
Peace
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Can Somebody Please Tell Me the Rules! or My Life as Panda (part 2)
Where in the World is D Today?
Somewhere Trying To Decide If It's Safe to Come Out.
One of the fundamental problems with keeping a document with your thoughts and perspectives open to the world is you never know how others will interpret your words. I check the site meter periodically and have seen that people have come to my site from some of the most unlikely places. What do they think of my thoughts? So people just write and don't worry about it. I'm not one of those people, because I truly understand the power of words. I love words and playing with them. I've worked hard in my life to be able to use, manage and manipulate words to express all of these odd feelings and perspectives I have. I consider myself a mediocre writer at best. But I do have my own off center view of the world and this blog is my expression of it. Not to mention, writing is good therapy for me. That in itself is another blog entry for another day. But, back to the point I was making, I Care what people think about my words and about me as an extension of those words.
There is a saying in the U.S. "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me." We teach this to kids when they are getting teased. We want them to be brave and confident. The problem is, that saying is a complete lie. Stick and stone can break my bones, but words... Words break the heart. Bones heal infinitely easier than hearts. A broken heart can last a lifetime. So, I am completely aware that every word I put on this blog has heartbreak potential, including my own. Although there may be pain inflicted that is unintentional, the result is the same and I can not be casual about it.
Now, that I have laid out that rather lengthy preamble let me get to the point of this blog entry.
On average I would say I think once a week I think to myself, this just isn't worth it, just give up and go home. They, the island of Taiwan, do not want you. They want the cuteness of the Panda, but not the responsibility of house training it. It is of course a wild animal no matter how cute it may appear. One day the Panda is out in the jungle doing whatever it is Pandas do, mostly eating without bothering anybody. The next day it finds itself in complete unfamiliar surroundings. Now Pandas, while cute and cuddly, do indeed want to comply with the norms of its new surroundings. The problem is, the handlers on each shift have different norms and expectations for the Panda. And sometimes the handlers on the same shift can not agree on what is best for the Panda. In the meantime, the poor Panda is trying to keep everybody happy and then makes a mistake and the whole world crashes in on the Panda. The Panda is shocked and surprised at the reactions of the handlers. He really has no idea what's going on.
You mean, I'm NOT supposed to eat ALL of the bamboo stalk.
No, just the top half.
But the handler on the other shift said it was ok.
Yeah, well on this shift we don't eat the bottom part, only the top. Got it! So the poor Panda puts all of the bamboo down, goes into a corner and wishes he had spaghetti.
In the U.S. I knew most of the rules. I didn't like many of them, but in general, I knew what they were. And no matter how I wanted to operate, I could always anticipate the next step. Not so with ANY of my life in Taiwan. At work there are three different countries represented by the foreign teachers. There's geriatric group with their set of cultural norms, the British guy and his very British ways, the young guy on his first teaching assignment trying to prove himself, me the middle aged black guy who seems at times like he's 13 and other times like he's 103, add in one 6'3" Taiwanese guy who is a heck of a basketball player, loves R&B and in many ways is Blacker than I am. Throw in a Taiwanese ladies as our coordinator and you have our office. Next I have my Starbucks friends, then the shop girls (I haven't mentioned them on the blog yet, but they are regular part of my life) add in people from the gym and now my friends from church.
Everyone experiences Taiwan in their own way based on their life experience. Each joyfully shares their expertise, because THEY are Taiwanese, with me in their own way to help me adapt to my new home. Some are Christian some are not. Some are older, some are younger. Some are students, some are adults with jobs. Some are conservative, some are not. Many not all, generally accept me pretty much as I am and give me the benefit of the doubt. They share honestly and openly their language and culture. I am a very good listener. I am a pretty good problem solver. And as far as I can tell, there is very little consistency from subgroup to subgroup. I'm sure there are some common threads woven into the beautiful mosaic that is Taiwan.
But can someone please just tell me what it is!
I need to know the rules. The do's and don'ts. I am a Great rule follower. I need rules. Rules make things easy to do and understand. Yes, do stick your finger in the cake batter and taste it. No do not stick your finger in a plug socket. Easy! Don't steal, don't kill, got it. You can drink the water but only after you have boiled it and let it cool. But then it's still a good idea to maybe boil it again. Or you can just buy bottled water. It's not water that's the problem, it's the plumbing.
So for those of you who suggest I think too much, which is about everybody I know in Taiwan and the U.S. Try negotiating a world were you don't know the rules and know body is telling them to you. As you're learning the language you can say the right syllables, but you used the wrong tones which completely changed the word. So you in stead of saying 7, 8 you said a really naughty word when you were trying to practice your numbers, because learning the language is REALLY important and when people talk no to people says the words the same. I can understand lazy pronunciation in English. No biggie. But how can I tell the difference between proper and improper pronunciation in Chinese. Or maybe it's all correct, but really fast, or has an accent. You don't know it's an accent what this guy said sounded completely different from what that guy said and the ordered exactly the same thing. (Yes, I pay attention to these things. It is how I make sense of words I'm hearing.) But I keep listening hoping and praying for the day the static clears and I'll be able to understand.
It's not easy being a Panda. Unlike the Panda's at the zoo, I can choose when and if I want to go back to my natural habitat. I don't want to go back. I love Taiwan. But like I said before on average I think about going home about once a week because Taiwan doesn't want me. But, My job is here. I'm trying to make a Life here; not just live from day to day. But right now, I'm just a Panda trying to figure out if it's safe to eat the dang bamboo.
OK, it's Tuesday, so should I eat the top or bottom. Maybe I'll just not eat today. It's safer.
Somewhere Trying To Decide If It's Safe to Come Out.
One of the fundamental problems with keeping a document with your thoughts and perspectives open to the world is you never know how others will interpret your words. I check the site meter periodically and have seen that people have come to my site from some of the most unlikely places. What do they think of my thoughts? So people just write and don't worry about it. I'm not one of those people, because I truly understand the power of words. I love words and playing with them. I've worked hard in my life to be able to use, manage and manipulate words to express all of these odd feelings and perspectives I have. I consider myself a mediocre writer at best. But I do have my own off center view of the world and this blog is my expression of it. Not to mention, writing is good therapy for me. That in itself is another blog entry for another day. But, back to the point I was making, I Care what people think about my words and about me as an extension of those words.
There is a saying in the U.S. "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me." We teach this to kids when they are getting teased. We want them to be brave and confident. The problem is, that saying is a complete lie. Stick and stone can break my bones, but words... Words break the heart. Bones heal infinitely easier than hearts. A broken heart can last a lifetime. So, I am completely aware that every word I put on this blog has heartbreak potential, including my own. Although there may be pain inflicted that is unintentional, the result is the same and I can not be casual about it.
Now, that I have laid out that rather lengthy preamble let me get to the point of this blog entry.
On average I would say I think once a week I think to myself, this just isn't worth it, just give up and go home. They, the island of Taiwan, do not want you. They want the cuteness of the Panda, but not the responsibility of house training it. It is of course a wild animal no matter how cute it may appear. One day the Panda is out in the jungle doing whatever it is Pandas do, mostly eating without bothering anybody. The next day it finds itself in complete unfamiliar surroundings. Now Pandas, while cute and cuddly, do indeed want to comply with the norms of its new surroundings. The problem is, the handlers on each shift have different norms and expectations for the Panda. And sometimes the handlers on the same shift can not agree on what is best for the Panda. In the meantime, the poor Panda is trying to keep everybody happy and then makes a mistake and the whole world crashes in on the Panda. The Panda is shocked and surprised at the reactions of the handlers. He really has no idea what's going on.
You mean, I'm NOT supposed to eat ALL of the bamboo stalk.
No, just the top half.
But the handler on the other shift said it was ok.
Yeah, well on this shift we don't eat the bottom part, only the top. Got it! So the poor Panda puts all of the bamboo down, goes into a corner and wishes he had spaghetti.
In the U.S. I knew most of the rules. I didn't like many of them, but in general, I knew what they were. And no matter how I wanted to operate, I could always anticipate the next step. Not so with ANY of my life in Taiwan. At work there are three different countries represented by the foreign teachers. There's geriatric group with their set of cultural norms, the British guy and his very British ways, the young guy on his first teaching assignment trying to prove himself, me the middle aged black guy who seems at times like he's 13 and other times like he's 103, add in one 6'3" Taiwanese guy who is a heck of a basketball player, loves R&B and in many ways is Blacker than I am. Throw in a Taiwanese ladies as our coordinator and you have our office. Next I have my Starbucks friends, then the shop girls (I haven't mentioned them on the blog yet, but they are regular part of my life) add in people from the gym and now my friends from church.
Everyone experiences Taiwan in their own way based on their life experience. Each joyfully shares their expertise, because THEY are Taiwanese, with me in their own way to help me adapt to my new home. Some are Christian some are not. Some are older, some are younger. Some are students, some are adults with jobs. Some are conservative, some are not. Many not all, generally accept me pretty much as I am and give me the benefit of the doubt. They share honestly and openly their language and culture. I am a very good listener. I am a pretty good problem solver. And as far as I can tell, there is very little consistency from subgroup to subgroup. I'm sure there are some common threads woven into the beautiful mosaic that is Taiwan.
But can someone please just tell me what it is!
I need to know the rules. The do's and don'ts. I am a Great rule follower. I need rules. Rules make things easy to do and understand. Yes, do stick your finger in the cake batter and taste it. No do not stick your finger in a plug socket. Easy! Don't steal, don't kill, got it. You can drink the water but only after you have boiled it and let it cool. But then it's still a good idea to maybe boil it again. Or you can just buy bottled water. It's not water that's the problem, it's the plumbing.
So for those of you who suggest I think too much, which is about everybody I know in Taiwan and the U.S. Try negotiating a world were you don't know the rules and know body is telling them to you. As you're learning the language you can say the right syllables, but you used the wrong tones which completely changed the word. So you in stead of saying 7, 8 you said a really naughty word when you were trying to practice your numbers, because learning the language is REALLY important and when people talk no to people says the words the same. I can understand lazy pronunciation in English. No biggie. But how can I tell the difference between proper and improper pronunciation in Chinese. Or maybe it's all correct, but really fast, or has an accent. You don't know it's an accent what this guy said sounded completely different from what that guy said and the ordered exactly the same thing. (Yes, I pay attention to these things. It is how I make sense of words I'm hearing.) But I keep listening hoping and praying for the day the static clears and I'll be able to understand.
It's not easy being a Panda. Unlike the Panda's at the zoo, I can choose when and if I want to go back to my natural habitat. I don't want to go back. I love Taiwan. But like I said before on average I think about going home about once a week because Taiwan doesn't want me. But, My job is here. I'm trying to make a Life here; not just live from day to day. But right now, I'm just a Panda trying to figure out if it's safe to eat the dang bamboo.
OK, it's Tuesday, so should I eat the top or bottom. Maybe I'll just not eat today. It's safer.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Teacher Extraordinaire! 教师非凡
Where in the World is D Today?
Trying to find a humble way to say I'm the GREATEST TEACHER EVER! :)
The Greatest Teacher Ever?! OK, that may be a little bit of a stretch, but that's how I felt when the flowers were explained to me. "Flowers?!", you say. Let me back up for those who haven't read the blog the last few days......
This past Wednesday was the 6th Grade Graduation. I am a natural High School teacher. Now, that I am teacher Elementary School, it takes learning a different thought process. (Since I'm not much more mature than 11 year old kids it wasn't too great of a leap. HA!)
I've only been teaching here for 5 months. So I never really expected to make the connections I did. Nor did I expect the kids to connect with me the way some did. I hoped for it, but honestly didn't expect it. Well,.... with some of the kids I got exactly what I wanted... to care for them and for them to care for me back.
At the end of the ceremony a couple of boys brought me some flowers. Thinking like a westerner, I figured the boys parents gave them some flowers to celebrate the graduation and then gave them to me because the are 11 year old boys and don't want to be caring flowers around they got from their mom. I asked teacher about it on Thursday when she explained to me I had it all wrong. They asked the parents to buy flowers specifically for them to give to ME! Say it with me people.. "AWESOME" A 6th grade boy would NEVER give his male teacher flowers in the U.S. I am still smiling!
So am I THE greatest teacher EVER? That is certainly up for debate. But I definitely feels like it.
On a deeper more reflective note. I wish I could share all of this with my Grand Mothers. I often think of them at moments like this. They both were SO VERY PROUD of me when I graduated, because I was a TEACHER! For those of you who appreciate history, at the time when my grandmothers were born, the early 1900's, and grew up in a very racist and segregated America, the most respected Black man was either the Pastor or the Teacher. So you see, for their grandson to become a teacher was a big deal to them, and rightfully so. I can remember one time I went to visit my Grandmother Johnson and she called her friends in the neighborhood, "My Grandson the Teacher is here to visit me!". A few minutes later her house had 4-5 of these little old ladies from my grandma's generation show up. She was so proud and so were those little old ladies. The had the same story growing up as Grandma Johnson. At times like these, I miss my Grandmothers. They were special ladies. I know that they would be especially proud of me now.
Trying to find a humble way to say I'm the GREATEST TEACHER EVER! :)
The Greatest Teacher Ever?! OK, that may be a little bit of a stretch, but that's how I felt when the flowers were explained to me. "Flowers?!", you say. Let me back up for those who haven't read the blog the last few days......
This past Wednesday was the 6th Grade Graduation. I am a natural High School teacher. Now, that I am teacher Elementary School, it takes learning a different thought process. (Since I'm not much more mature than 11 year old kids it wasn't too great of a leap. HA!)
I've only been teaching here for 5 months. So I never really expected to make the connections I did. Nor did I expect the kids to connect with me the way some did. I hoped for it, but honestly didn't expect it. Well,.... with some of the kids I got exactly what I wanted... to care for them and for them to care for me back.
At the end of the ceremony a couple of boys brought me some flowers. Thinking like a westerner, I figured the boys parents gave them some flowers to celebrate the graduation and then gave them to me because the are 11 year old boys and don't want to be caring flowers around they got from their mom. I asked teacher about it on Thursday when she explained to me I had it all wrong. They asked the parents to buy flowers specifically for them to give to ME! Say it with me people.. "AWESOME" A 6th grade boy would NEVER give his male teacher flowers in the U.S. I am still smiling!
So am I THE greatest teacher EVER? That is certainly up for debate. But I definitely feels like it.
On a deeper more reflective note. I wish I could share all of this with my Grand Mothers. I often think of them at moments like this. They both were SO VERY PROUD of me when I graduated, because I was a TEACHER! For those of you who appreciate history, at the time when my grandmothers were born, the early 1900's, and grew up in a very racist and segregated America, the most respected Black man was either the Pastor or the Teacher. So you see, for their grandson to become a teacher was a big deal to them, and rightfully so. I can remember one time I went to visit my Grandmother Johnson and she called her friends in the neighborhood, "My Grandson the Teacher is here to visit me!". A few minutes later her house had 4-5 of these little old ladies from my grandma's generation show up. She was so proud and so were those little old ladies. The had the same story growing up as Grandma Johnson. At times like these, I miss my Grandmothers. They were special ladies. I know that they would be especially proud of me now.
Friday, June 19, 2009
An Important Correction (It was bound to happen eventually)
Where in the World is D Today? 凡在世界是D呢？
Cleaning his ears out and listening more closely. 清洗他的耳朵和听力更密切。
In my post "Teaching Salsa To New Taiwanese Friends" I made an error I need to correct." The pastors name is Huang not Wang. If you have western ears you might understand the mistake, but I feel a bit embarrassed at getting it wrong.
我的公开道歉，以牧师黄
Peace 和平
Cleaning his ears out and listening more closely. 清洗他的耳朵和听力更密切。
In my post "Teaching Salsa To New Taiwanese Friends" I made an error I need to correct." The pastors name is Huang not Wang. If you have western ears you might understand the mistake, but I feel a bit embarrassed at getting it wrong.
我的公开道歉，以牧师黄
Peace 和平
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Do Good Because It's Good. More Adventures in Teaching.
Where in the World is D Today?
Wondering will happen to his 6th grade students.
There are few things I desire more in life than to do good. Maybe it's because I have a huge ego, though I don't think it's that. Maybe it's because finding purpose in life. I don't think it's that either. Maybe it's because I feel like an NBA player next to some of these kids. Nope! That ain't it either. It's pretty simple. I want to do good because my daddy taught me to. I love that man! And ultimately, I think every person that goes into teaching does it because they want to do good in the world. Even if they were raised by my Pop.
Is there something personally very cool and affirming when a kid finally understands whatever it was you were trying to teach them. There's this small celebration everytime that happens. But it's a terrible feeling when they don't understand what in the world you're talking about. Every teacher who reads this has experienced the extremes of joy and agony we get from our kids.
Today was the 6th grade graduation at Chungli Elementary School. Even though it's only be 5 months, I can say quite easily, "These are MY babies!" That is the connection I have with them personally, when in fact, they are the babies of their everyday classroom teacher. That is the person who has made the deepest and most important impact in their lives. I'm just the cool foreigner guy who comes in once a week. But I still think I made a positive and significant impact in their young lives.
I wonder what will happen to my babies. Their path is still set for the next 6 years. Will I ever see them again, not likely. How many future teachers are in this group? Many I hope because they have Good Hearts. And the profession needs lots of good hearts.
I love being a teacher. I love my students. And I think they like me a little bit too. A couple of the boys gave me flowers, a mark of deep appreciation. So did I do Good in their world? Yeah, I think so, maybe just a little.
Enjoy the pics from the day.
Wondering will happen to his 6th grade students.
There are few things I desire more in life than to do good. Maybe it's because I have a huge ego, though I don't think it's that. Maybe it's because finding purpose in life. I don't think it's that either. Maybe it's because I feel like an NBA player next to some of these kids. Nope! That ain't it either. It's pretty simple. I want to do good because my daddy taught me to. I love that man! And ultimately, I think every person that goes into teaching does it because they want to do good in the world. Even if they were raised by my Pop.
Is there something personally very cool and affirming when a kid finally understands whatever it was you were trying to teach them. There's this small celebration everytime that happens. But it's a terrible feeling when they don't understand what in the world you're talking about. Every teacher who reads this has experienced the extremes of joy and agony we get from our kids.
Today was the 6th grade graduation at Chungli Elementary School. Even though it's only be 5 months, I can say quite easily, "These are MY babies!" That is the connection I have with them personally, when in fact, they are the babies of their everyday classroom teacher. That is the person who has made the deepest and most important impact in their lives. I'm just the cool foreigner guy who comes in once a week. But I still think I made a positive and significant impact in their young lives.
I wonder what will happen to my babies. Their path is still set for the next 6 years. Will I ever see them again, not likely. How many future teachers are in this group? Many I hope because they have Good Hearts. And the profession needs lots of good hearts.
I love being a teacher. I love my students. And I think they like me a little bit too. A couple of the boys gave me flowers, a mark of deep appreciation. So did I do Good in their world? Yeah, I think so, maybe just a little.
Enjoy the pics from the day.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Just Pics!
Where in the World is D?
Dragon Boat Festival, Class 6-1 Graduation Dinner, Confucius Temple/Tainan, My Classrooms with High School Students and Playing Basketball with Church Friends.
Of Course there are stories! But just pics is cool too, Right?! Stories to come.
Dragon Boat Festival, Class 6-1 Graduation Dinner, Confucius Temple/Tainan, My Classrooms with High School Students and Playing Basketball with Church Friends.
Of Course there are stories! But just pics is cool too, Right?! Stories to come.
Teaching Salsa to New Taiwanese Friends
Where in the World is D Today?
Dancing at Church!
Ecclesiastes promises us that there is a time for everything. A time for singing, a time for crying, a time for planting and sowing and dying, and Yes, even a time for dancing (Chapter 3:4). The need to dance is wound into the very fabric of my DNA. I can’t, NOT dance! I grew up in the Nazarene church. Dancing was a strict NO NO. I never got on board with that. So when I was asked to teach Salsa at my new church, I was more than pleasantly surprised. I was shocked!
Last Saturday night was the first class. I could just kick myself because I forgot my camera. Not only did the people in the my group show up to learn salsa, at one point the pastor was there trying it to. How cool is that?! I love this new church! And just for the record Pastor Wang is a very good preacher! She’s brought an awesome message every week I’ve heard her preach. Back to the subject….
There are major cultural differences here in Taiwan. I have not been told that it is forbidden, but touching the opposite sex in public is unusual. Touching is a critical element in any part of couples dancing, but even more so in Salsa. So that really concerned me going into the night. While the men seemed WAY OUT of their comfort zone. The women were just fine. I was most concerned about offending them. I am still the odd man out and do not want to offend. I worried if a basic frame would be too far, not to mention the occasional touch in the back or waist that is common is salsa. But everyone seemed ok.
The men need extra attention, as should be expected. Salsa needs a confident male lead. I hope I have a chance to work with the men alone sometime. They did better when I danced the woman’s part with them. I have nothing but respect for them. I can remember when I first learned salsa, I couldn’t figure it out either, AND I grew up dancing! So the men have my uttermost admiration just for showing up and trying. I do truly believe that anybody can learn to dance. If you can walk, you can dance. Salsa is nothing more than very cool walking in place, to music.
I look forward to more dancing in church. My new friends can let out their inner Latino/Latina and we all will smile knowing there is a time to dance.
Dancing at Church!
Ecclesiastes promises us that there is a time for everything. A time for singing, a time for crying, a time for planting and sowing and dying, and Yes, even a time for dancing (Chapter 3:4). The need to dance is wound into the very fabric of my DNA. I can’t, NOT dance! I grew up in the Nazarene church. Dancing was a strict NO NO. I never got on board with that. So when I was asked to teach Salsa at my new church, I was more than pleasantly surprised. I was shocked!
Last Saturday night was the first class. I could just kick myself because I forgot my camera. Not only did the people in the my group show up to learn salsa, at one point the pastor was there trying it to. How cool is that?! I love this new church! And just for the record Pastor Wang is a very good preacher! She’s brought an awesome message every week I’ve heard her preach. Back to the subject….
There are major cultural differences here in Taiwan. I have not been told that it is forbidden, but touching the opposite sex in public is unusual. Touching is a critical element in any part of couples dancing, but even more so in Salsa. So that really concerned me going into the night. While the men seemed WAY OUT of their comfort zone. The women were just fine. I was most concerned about offending them. I am still the odd man out and do not want to offend. I worried if a basic frame would be too far, not to mention the occasional touch in the back or waist that is common is salsa. But everyone seemed ok.
The men need extra attention, as should be expected. Salsa needs a confident male lead. I hope I have a chance to work with the men alone sometime. They did better when I danced the woman’s part with them. I have nothing but respect for them. I can remember when I first learned salsa, I couldn’t figure it out either, AND I grew up dancing! So the men have my uttermost admiration just for showing up and trying. I do truly believe that anybody can learn to dance. If you can walk, you can dance. Salsa is nothing more than very cool walking in place, to music.
I look forward to more dancing in church. My new friends can let out their inner Latino/Latina and we all will smile knowing there is a time to dance.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
XieXie, Muchas Gracias and Thank You
Where in the World is D Today?
Appreciating the people around him.
After my blog entries on Sunday, I've had people checking in with me to see if I'm OK.
I am.
I need to remember you're there when the clouds roll in. God is good. He's given me friends to hold a net under me when my knee's and heart get wobbly.
Peace
Appreciating the people around him.
After my blog entries on Sunday, I've had people checking in with me to see if I'm OK.
I am.
I need to remember you're there when the clouds roll in. God is good. He's given me friends to hold a net under me when my knee's and heart get wobbly.
Peace
Throwin' a Shout Out To "My Gurl Tracy"!
Where in the World is D Today?
LMAO! (For my Taiwanese friends, LMAO means Laughing My Ass Off!)
I have known Tracy going on 16 years I think. (Dang it’s been a long time!) Tracy, did I get that right? Anyway, I met Tracy when I worked for the Missouri Dept. of Education. She was working for the Kansas City, Missouri School District. What began as a working relationship steadily grew into a solid friendship. And with all long term friendships, you wander in and out of each others lives. Some periods you talk, or email a couple of times a week. Other times, you catch up with each other after 9-10 months. The important this is you keep seeking each other out. Right now, Tracy and I are in a good communication groove.
Tracy and I have always been able to talk easily about the joys and pains of life, but especially about each others relationships. Sometimes we give the other advice, but mostly it is a back and for of, “He/she did what?” or (She said what?! Oh hell no! Don’t make me have to come to Columbia!) LOL as I write this.
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote on this blog “My Birthday Part 2, or My Life As a Panda”. Tracy was able to see what I was saying. Or at the very least she is the only one to tell me she understood what I was saying and acknowleded the bitter-sweet nature of being, “the cool foreigner guy”. When I talk to Tracy it’s like being back on the block, but a helluva lot safer. We chat and read each others blog, thoughts and ideas and most importantly, Laugh. And that is … Say it with me people, AWESOME!
LMAO! (For my Taiwanese friends, LMAO means Laughing My Ass Off!)
I have known Tracy going on 16 years I think. (Dang it’s been a long time!) Tracy, did I get that right? Anyway, I met Tracy when I worked for the Missouri Dept. of Education. She was working for the Kansas City, Missouri School District. What began as a working relationship steadily grew into a solid friendship. And with all long term friendships, you wander in and out of each others lives. Some periods you talk, or email a couple of times a week. Other times, you catch up with each other after 9-10 months. The important this is you keep seeking each other out. Right now, Tracy and I are in a good communication groove.
Tracy and I have always been able to talk easily about the joys and pains of life, but especially about each others relationships. Sometimes we give the other advice, but mostly it is a back and for of, “He/she did what?” or (She said what?! Oh hell no! Don’t make me have to come to Columbia!) LOL as I write this.
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote on this blog “My Birthday Part 2, or My Life As a Panda”. Tracy was able to see what I was saying. Or at the very least she is the only one to tell me she understood what I was saying and acknowleded the bitter-sweet nature of being, “the cool foreigner guy”. When I talk to Tracy it’s like being back on the block, but a helluva lot safer. We chat and read each others blog, thoughts and ideas and most importantly, Laugh. And that is … Say it with me people, AWESOME!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Going To Bed With A Smile On My Face
Where in the World is D Today?
Preparing for Sweet Dreams.
If you read the blog post directly after this one, You will see I was in a bit of a bad mood this evening.
But, as we say in my church back home, "God doesn't always come when you call, but He's always right on time."
Today, I got comfort from Timmy, Shaq, Pie, and Cindy. They lifted me from my afternoon funk. But After I got home, I really don't like coming home, the clouds returned.
Wrote on my blog, I love Taiwan but it doesn't love me back. Then I was comforted unknowingly by Joselyn (a Friend in Taichung), Yi-Wen my new friend at church and Ming my friend from school. My mood was better and I was beginning to think I should update my blog before bed. Then the best thing happened....
My Big Sister Marian called. I called her last night because I was sad. She was in the car and stopped at my younger Brother Steve's house so I could talk to him. Yeah!
So today Marian called to check on me and brought reinforcements. I got to talk to my Big Brother Kirk and my Sister-in-Law Theresa!
I LOVE my family! I miss them terribly at times. I appreciate them so much more now that I am in Taiwan and so far away. Families NEED each other. Our family understands that simple but very important principle.
Thanks to everyone who unknowingly through me a life preserver today. But my Big Sister KNEW from 7700 miles away her little brother needed a life preserver today. And she made sure I got it.
The love of and from ones Family is the greatest buoy any of us can hope for on this side of eternity.
And that is pretty darn cool! Sweet Dreams!
Preparing for Sweet Dreams.
If you read the blog post directly after this one, You will see I was in a bit of a bad mood this evening.
But, as we say in my church back home, "God doesn't always come when you call, but He's always right on time."
Today, I got comfort from Timmy, Shaq, Pie, and Cindy. They lifted me from my afternoon funk. But After I got home, I really don't like coming home, the clouds returned.
Wrote on my blog, I love Taiwan but it doesn't love me back. Then I was comforted unknowingly by Joselyn (a Friend in Taichung), Yi-Wen my new friend at church and Ming my friend from school. My mood was better and I was beginning to think I should update my blog before bed. Then the best thing happened....
My Big Sister Marian called. I called her last night because I was sad. She was in the car and stopped at my younger Brother Steve's house so I could talk to him. Yeah!
So today Marian called to check on me and brought reinforcements. I got to talk to my Big Brother Kirk and my Sister-in-Law Theresa!
I LOVE my family! I miss them terribly at times. I appreciate them so much more now that I am in Taiwan and so far away. Families NEED each other. Our family understands that simple but very important principle.
Thanks to everyone who unknowingly through me a life preserver today. But my Big Sister KNEW from 7700 miles away her little brother needed a life preserver today. And she made sure I got it.
The love of and from ones Family is the greatest buoy any of us can hope for on this side of eternity.
And that is pretty darn cool! Sweet Dreams!
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