First Day at Beimen Elementary School

Today is my first day come to Beimen Elementary School. Feel excited and curious what will happen when I already there. I have to  introduce myself around people here. So, I woke up at 4 am, waiting for Fajr praying time. I can decide where is the Qiblat for praying after asking Kimo (my host family in Tainan) the direction of sun rise because I still have to carry out my obligation as a Muslim wherever I am.

Kimo also gave me a breakfast during our way went to school after he bought it first from breakfast shop. That was odd for me because I usually eat rice/fried rice with hot tea every morning, then he gave a sticky rice with vegetables and pieces of chicken meat inside it (they know I'm not eating pork) and barley juice! (Kimo trying hard to explain to me about that juice haha). Barley jus was so special for me. Since that, I knew people in Taiwan eat a big portion of food everyday.

barley juice (left) and sticky rice (right)

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I love a new atmosphere in here. Not only students saw me and felt curious but also the teachers. Maybe because I am wearing hijab and this is their first time saw people like me at school. A short-
welcoming-ceremony for me in front of the main building of Beimen Elementary School was great! Children feel so interested about me, they asked me everything haha. After that, I gave them some questions and who can answer it they will get special souvenir from Palembang.

with 4th grade kids :)

Children

Class room

I didn't realize in Beimen Elementary School only have less students than in Indonesia. It's only have less or 16 students (not more) in each class. I think it is good so teacher can control every single student in a class. Because this is my first time, I need to know the situation around. Being an assistant of english teacher in Grade 6 and 5 made me think that they need to study more about english. They was afraid to say and forget with what their teacher has already told. 

Kids who gave me chocholate
and candies

When a break time and walked away in front of their class, the kids called me and some from grade 4 came to give me chocholate and candies which were really sweet of them. They just wanted to give and their generosity is something I should practise more often in my life everyday. Even the small things in your normal day can be shared. It makes the receiver feel wanted and appreciated. That’s exactly how I felt.