Back in Taiwan

Well… As it is almost October and I have been back in Taiwan for 47 days, I should probably write a blog about it.

As I am in my second year here, I had the great opportunity to go to the Foreign English Teacher Orientation and be a guest speaker! It provided a opportunity for me to meet the new teachers and give a comforting word to them. It has been very interesting to know that one year again, I was in the exact same position and had the same excitement about little things. Now… going to the grocery store is routine and a pain again.

But I am getting ahead of myself…

Leaving the USA was VERY hard this time around. Most of my anxiety centered around the fact that I didn’t know if I would be hired back at my old school or have to find a new job in a different location. In fact, I didn’t find out until about a week and a half after arriving in Taiwan that I would in fact still be at Tucheng High School. Most parents were wonderful and supportive during this time. Dad and I sat down and devised a plan for every single POSSIBLE scenario.

I was so scared and uncertain. I had peace from God that whatever happened, he was in control. In fact my verse that I clung to during this time was Psalms 121 – the whole chapter really, but the last verse really spoke to me, “The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.”

However, this did not make it any easier for me to get on the plane. After Mom and Dad dropped me off at the airport, I went through security and sat down and cried. It took everything in me not to call Dad and tell him to come back and get me. But I did get on the airplane.

I arrived in Taiwan Monday night and immediately went to the FET Orientation. Tuesday morning, I had the privilege to speak to the FETs about Culture shock and how to avoid it. I enjoyed being able to tell them some things I wish I had known at the beginning. Plus it was great to get to know them! I definitely found some new travel buddies!

Nervous before speaking

I love Lina! Especially picking on her!

The whole group!

After leaving Taipei, I arrived back in Tainan. It was very nice to see my new roommate, Vanessa. However, right after I arrived, she left for the US!

So between a typhoon that wasn’t nearly as bad as everyone thought it would be and mentally making plans about what to do if I didn’t get rehired, I FINALLY found out that I was indeed rehired!

Although I was very very homesick and missing my family and friends, I have adjusted to being back in Taiwan! I do love it here! I’m looking forward to some awesome travel plans this year and a great year of teaching!