All the World's a Stage

Synonymous with Shakespeare's name, the statement "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players," our family has embarked on a new and interesting scene. For those of you who would like a front row seat, here is our playbill:

The Plot:  Mom and kids leave for Taiwan for a 9-week experience in culture and language. Dad stays behind to work, and will join his crew for the last few weeks. Kids are nervous, friends and associates think Mom is crazy, and Mom is elated to see them stretch and grow. 

The Players:

Mom, (a.k.a. Amanda):  Mother of five, former musician/missionary/lawyer, who believes in the need for her kids to experience something other than their bubble back home. Hopes her family can benefit from using their many years of learning Mandarin, and expand emotionally in the process.

Big-O:  Responsible older brother. Nervously going along with this venture, while providing loving help and support to his mom and siblings.

Bitts: (Formerly known as "Bitty," "Mr. Bitts," etc. as a younger fledging actor). Firmly declared before our leaving, "I am not going to Taiwan! I am staying home by myself!" Carries a naughty streak, yet has a very tender side that makes it bearable. 

Sassy:  Bright older sister who enjoys using her language skills wherever she can. Remarkably capable and independent, with definite opinions about whether or not her mom is performing adequately--in all areas. Nearly did not make it on the trip when she threw a tantrum because her new Hello Kitty shoes would not fit!

Coco:  Sweet four-year-old little sister, who lovingly embraces all who come into her path. Carries a quietly deviant streak, however, and is having to learn how to carry actual responsibility despite her fun-focused personality.

Buggas:  The family celebrity. Has barely made it past his first year despite every sibling picking him up precariously whenever they can. Provides happy chatter in the background, although will let you have it if he gets too hungry!

Dad:  The man who has made this all possible. Though not visually present currently in this play, (will be joining his family for the last three weeks of the adventure), is constantly supporting the other actors. Dearly missed and spoken of often.

Laoshi, (a.k.a. "Li-ling"):  Longtime teacher, friend, and second mother to the aforementioned children. Loving, kind, patient, and Amanda's right-hand woman. Generously allowing this crazy crew to stay with her family despite the obvious risk to familial and social collateral. Emerges as an even more youthful version of herself as old friends and family throng her during her much-anticipated return home.

Jamin:  Laoshi's adult daughter, a freshly returned Mandarin-speaking missionary, who is coming to get to know her Chinese family with her newly-acquired language skills. Awesome helper and love interest to Buggas. (He prefers her above all others).


On Thursday night this cast of actors arrived, ready to take on the world (and a bed). When all was said and done for our months of preparation and hours of packing, our crew looked liked this:

(Notice the 15 different checked luggage, and major roll-on carry-ons -- 

all maxed out at 50 pounds a piece)

Here we all came to see Taiwan together . . . only to realize, that Taiwan had also come to see us:

This shot was taken quickly, but we turned around after the last picture to see at least 100 Taiwanese travelers just staring at us. At least our play has an audience! Stay tuned for more. . .