The Road to Taiwan: Lunar New Year--The Year of the Ox

                                                               This gif is from giphy

Today is the first day of the Asian New Year. It is the 'Year of the Ox.'  I think that is so apropos this year, especially with me, personally. I know I have talked all about this plan to many of y’all, but--perhaps--there are some of you who don't know what my plans are for this year.

I'll start by telling a story.  Rachel, Jude, Ezra, and I were all stuck at home due to Covid lockdowns from 20MAR20 through 03May20.  It was during this time that Rachel (my awesome friend of 20 years) kept nagging me (well, reminding me, really) that I only have three classes left to finish my Bachelor's degree.  She encouraged me to think about finishing that task because it could change my world. Then she reminded me of something else. Once the hoops were jumped, this would be easy. All the schools were doing classes online!  It took me a few days to see the wisdom of her words, but I finally agreed and started jumping through what seemed like 80 thousand, 829 quadrillion, 256 hoops. And I did it! I was admitted to Texas State for Summer 1 and completed 2 of my final 3 classes. I got a B in Short Story and an A in film.  Then...I took American Literature from the beginning to Civil War and got an A. I finished all my classes!  One kind of annoying thing here. I didn't realize that I needed to sign up for Graduation by early October, so I wasn't allowed to walk the stage.  It's not too late for a May (probably hot) graduation, though. It is supposed to be May 25th, so anyone who is interested, start planning the journey!! I can't believe how long this journey has taken me!  I began college in Autumn of 1992; however, my first college credits were earned from January to March of 1988 during Air Force Basic Training. They were Physical Training credits!  So, it has taken me from January of 1988 to December of 2020 to take this journey. (even though I won't officially graduate until May of 2021). But this journey was taken! and will be completely complete (LOL) 3 months!!!

But that is only half of the story.  Part of the reason that I took the journey anyway is because I finally realized what I want to be when I grow up. I want to be an adventurer! A teacher! A writer! I've always wanted to do each of those things. I was always scared away from pursuing these paths, though. I've always been my own worst enemy and my own biggest detractor! I guess the benefit of becoming old(er) is that you understand life a little better. I'm not as scared anymore.  I can actually do these things I've always thought I couldn't. So, here is what is going on...and WHY the Year of the Ox is so significant for me:

My plan is to finish my TEFL certification (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and move to Taiwan in August to teach English for a living, to travel around Taiwan and other countries during my vacations and to have a blog about all the things I'm experiencing!  Adventure? Check. Teaching? Check. Writing? Check!!

I've chosen Taiwan because it has a pretty low cost of living, so even though I'm adventuring, I can likely save a decent amount of money for when I'm tired of adventuring, teaching, and writing and want to move back home to a small beach town in Texas (or Florida).  However, I have a (different--not Rachel) friend of 20 years who lives there with his Taiwanese wife in the north part of the Island. And, my cousin, Michael, married a Taiwanese girl a year or two ago and she has family in the south part of the Island. I'll have people who already care about me when I get there!  I'm not afraid to move halfway across the world. I've visited countries halfway across the world (England, Kenya, Tanzania)--or a few hours away (Mexico, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago) several times in my life, but I think moving and living there would be easier to do if you already have people who love you where you're going!  

I'm very excited about this plan.  I'm working hard at learning Mandarin and finishing my Tefl courses and working to save enough money to be able to get there safely and live for a month or two before my first check comes along, (along with all the first month’s rent, electric/water/sewage payments, etc.).  I CANNOT wait!  I'll admit that there are times I feel a little anxious about this plan.  (worst enemy, biggest detractor, remember?)  But, in my heart, I know I can do it!  I am the product of Paul & Candy, and of Pattalee, and of Lee Smith Martin, and of Gilbert & Leola, and of Claude & Millie, and of John & Paralee, and of my highly intelligent, strong, and capable sisters and brothers (all six of them!), and of so many of my Christian friends and family. I come from some seriously good stock. (Am I allowed to say that?) I can do this and do it well!

That is why this Year of the Ox is so significant. Oxen are strong and helpful. I am like an ox in this new venture. I'm strong enough to go and accomplish this plan. And, I'm a person who likes helping others. I'm so excited to be helping kids (no matter where they live) become people who live their best lives and have hearts to help others.  I've had a few people who have been negative about my plan.  (You're getting educated in America, but you're going to teach ANOTHER nation's children?)  But children are children. People are people. No matter how they look. No matter what language they speak. We are all God's creations. I am channeling my inner ox and FINALLY going to do something that will make the world a better place, one child at a time.  

So, anyway, y'all...that is what is going on with me! And--to reiterate the felicitations!!--Happy Year of the Ox!