Jingmei Village

Hey everyone!  This past weekend was really great and I would like to share what happened.  From my last post, I am sure you are aware that I typically do not see my students once they leave camp. However, this weekend was an exception.

Last Saturday, I had no plans except to skype a few people.  I was not planing on going out, mainly because I was out of energy from teaching all week.  I planned to relax, read a book, work on a project, and maybe go on a leisurely bike ride alongside the ocean.  Of course, I accomplished none of these plans.  Christy, one of my fellow English teachers, informed me that she and a couple other people were going to take a train to Jingmei, a small village near Hualien, and I was welcome to join them.  Jingmei, as it so happened, is the village where some of my past students are from.  I literally jumped at the opportunity; I remember that week specifically.  It was the week of May 11th, I was the lead English teacher, and my small groups were the best!  I did not know which of my students were from Jingmei, or if I would see any of them there, but I was not going to miss out on the possibility.

When we arrived, we headed to the library where most of the kids hang around, but alas it was closed!  Undetermined, we walked around until we found the local church. Luckily, even though we were not planing on being outside, I wore my mosquito proof pants, because those xiaoheiwan were out and about.  Xiaoheiwan are little mosquitoes that are difficult to see, and they do not care if you are wearing bug spray!  At the church I was able to see three of my students!  Two whom were in my small group, Janey and another girl (and for the life of me I cannot remember her name); then Tina, who was in Sarah's small group.  Tina was so sweet.  She was so excited to see me, then she asked, "Where is teacher Sarah? Where is teacher Angela?"  I had to tell her they could not come, and I was afraid she would think it was because they did not care.

I spent most of the afternoon talking to my students, meeting new faces, and playing some games. For one game, the goal was to pick a person siting around the circle and do whatever you could to make them smile.  It was quite hilarious watching each kid try to make the the other one laugh.  Some of them started laughing as soon as the other person looked at them.  One boy tried his best to keep a straight face, but eventually he broke down too.  

 Afterwards, we joined them for their children's Bible study.  They all sang a couple of songs, read a verse and told a story to go with it.  I have no clue what was said, but we stayed to show our support.  Although, I should not say I had no clue because during the story telling one boy leaned over to me and said, "they use flour with cockroaches!"  Not sure I really want to know what was said, but I think they used some sort of analogy about pizza.

Upon the ending of the children's Bible study, we walked around with the kids for the remainder of our time there.  I was able to see a lot of the village and one kid's home.  It was quite the experience. These kids do not have half of what is available to kids in Western societies, but they are still happy. They do not act like they are missing anything, they seem content with what they have instead of always wanting more.  Being here, I have come to appreciate what I have, and I have learned to get along without a lot of things I would have considered important back home, like an oven, a stove top, and a vehicle. No doubt there were other things, but I do not remember.  Probably due to the fact they are no longer important to me.

On Sunday, I actually did just relax.  Along with visiting some friends in the evening.  The weekend seemed to fly by, but it left me with plenty of memorable moments.