Hypothetical Re-location after National Disaster

This exercise required me to choose three things that would represent my family culture in a foreign culture. I have resided in China for 12 years. I have given away most everything connected with my Canadian home and have rebuilt a life here. This then became more about finding three things rather than leaving so much behind.

The one item that came immediately to mind is a Bible. Not to appear pious or especially religious, I believe that even though I certainly do not have all the answers, that this book and its Author do. I am aware there may be places where this might not be well received in my luggage. I did not carry that thought through to its conclusion.

The second item is a necklace with my nickname engraved on it, given to me at birth. This was given to me by my father's only living relative in Canada and as it happens my favourite auntie and the one I may most resemble. More than that, I think it represents to me my belonging to a family, to the point that they engraved my name in metal.

The third item is The Secret of Childhood (Montessori, 1966). I have come to recognize over the years that if you care for someone's child you have won their acceptance. This little book was my first introduction to the brilliance of Dr. Maria Montessori and I think it encapsulates all that early childhood education should be. This could help me build a niche in the new culture. 

If on arrival the items were reduced to one, it would be the Bible that I would hold on to. This is all about moving on with purpose with an able Guide, Refuge and Someone who has my back. 


It was with a bit of surprise, I realize how little I have here from home. I have a brewing idea  placed there by a friend in Taiwan. This would mean reducing my life to a carry-on and travelling from place to place doing teacher training and supporting early childhood education in remote areas. I find my life here, other than the responsibility of my job,  is easily movable. It is all very much a dream and would I be satisfied in a the long term not having my own space, even if only for a year's contract.

I have shared the idea of this exercise with some of my colleagues. It is coming in to the Chinese New Year celebrations so our campuses are getting to see each other more these days. None of these share my Christian faith and I am reticent of sharing it for the fear of seeming pushy. However, this exercise showed me that my faith is the essence of who I am. So with a little temerity I shared this information with my friends/colleagues. The response was their wanting to do the exercise as well and hear what the rest of my blog partners chose. This does provide a light into what is important to us.


Reference


Montessori, M. (1996). The Secret of Childhood. New York, NY: Fides Publishing Group.