My year in Taiwan is over. It has been over for a week but I wanted to let a little time pass before I wrote a "final" blog entry.

I have now spent some quality time with my brother in Albuquerque, NM and have now spent whole day hugging two little unsuspecting boys to death with the following thoughts (in random order):

1) I adore my family but they seem to have carried on just fine without me.
2) Technology is an amazing thing. Tyler seems to think there is nothing different between talking to me on videochat and talking to me in person. Barely a flicker of interest when he saw me in the flesh -- just a continuation of our last chat.

3) To look back on the year: definitely positive, in all ways: professional, societal, financial -- all ways.

4) Does this mean that it was all great? Not a chance! I really can't say with any honesty that I like teaching junior high. As before, I like 9th grade but much younger moves into someone else's realm. I had/made some of the most wonderful friendships I have ever had in my life but my principal never EVER spoke to me in a year. On the last day, we had a "teachers' appreciation" lunch and he came around to the tables (as is the custom) to toast the people at the tables and didn't even glance at me. I am trying hard to not let that be the last memory of my time in Taiwan since the rest was so good.

5) So. Let's talk about the good. 1) some real student improvement which is difficult to measure but other teachers noticed it. 2) some really fine teacher friends that I hope I will be able to maintain good relationships with through the wonders of email. 3) some promising students who will maybe escape from the rice paddies and want more education and maybe someday I can help them. I know I would be willing. 4) Two really adorable 18 month old "adopted" grandchildren that I hope will let me stay a part of their lives. 5) Three teacher friends -- 2 American and 1 Canadian -- that I hope to remain friends with forever. All in all, not bad for one year.

6) Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. IN FACT! I am going to but this time in Turkey. New blog to be created come September from Istanbul -- and I promise, this time it will be illustrated!