Christmas Letter 2008

A lot can change in a year.

Not exactly a groundbreaking observation, but having a baby simplifies and clarifies a great deal many things. One year ago we propped Aliana up so that she could see the Christmas tree; this year I made sure to put the cheap ornaments on the bottom and tie the tree to the wall for fear she would tear the whole thing down when we weren’t looking! She’s talking a bit, although only a few words are legible (and I’m afraid most are Chinese), but her comprehension is remarkable, and she loves to “help” (also known as making a mess of things). She’s definitely the sort of little girl you want to hang out with whenever you have the chance.

That desire is a major part of my decision to pursue a major life change: I am currently applying to business schools with the intention of enrolling next fall to pursue an M.B.A. I believe a career in business will best maximize my talents and experiences, while offering the variety and challenges that I crave. Moreover, something approaching a 9 to 5 will be particularly attractive once Aliana starts school, as opposed to the evenings I work now. Finally, I am excited to give Jasmine the opportunity to take care of Aliana full-time, at least for the next two years. I hope to have news soon as to which school I will be attending.

I have had an amazing six years in Taiwan. To say it has been life-changing would be, well, true. To quote a powerpoint I made for one of my applications,

I came to Taiwan to travel, I found a home. I came to Taiwan to learn Chinese, I learned a culture. I came to Taiwan to make friends, I formed a family. I came to Taiwan without focus, I leave to build a career.

We may be back someday, at which time I’ll have to update that powerpoint, but for now this chapter of my life, remarkable and formative as it has been, is slowly closing.

Jasmine continues to excel at work. The branch she manages for HESS Educational Organization (my former employer) has been honored as a branch of the year for four years running, and she is regularly assigned the most challenging and important tasks for her entire area. Still, she also feels that she has accomplished all she can in her position, and is looking forward to a change. She recently traveled to Melbourne, Australia through her work, and loved the city and country. Still, I think she was even more happy to hear how much Aliana missed her - she’s a great mom!

Aliana is turning out to be quite the athlete; she runs everywhere, can throw a ball, and the strength of her hands is exceeded only by the strength of her will. She’s a good girl though; she loves to share, and is quite the showoff. Shades of someone, not quite sure who…

I am doing well also, although I have been extremely busy with business school applications in addition to my job. I currently work for another English as a Second Language school, and have multiple responsibilities, including creating and maintaining a new computer-based teaching system, teaching several classes in both English and Chinese, and directing our test preparation program. In many ways, I hope my future career in business aspects similar to my current position, including the opportunity to innovate using technology, as well as teach and lead.

In the end, one could argue that maybe not much has changed for our family. Jasmine and I have the same jobs, and Aliana is simply a year older. But to see her is to barely recognize last year’s infant; for Jasmine and I it is the vision itself that has changed. Here’s to you, our friends, with the hope that this year will bring similar clarity and purpose.

I miss you all!

Merry Christmas, and a very Happy New Year!

Ben, Jasmine & Aliana