Trying Simple Life in Taiwan

Sunday night we went to the night market. Something we have rarely done since getting back to Taiwan a few months ago. It is only on Sunday nights here in our town. Before, I noticed looks and comments on the "cute mixed kids".....yeah, my kids are considered "mixed." The technical Chinese translation would be "mixed blood child", though I really don't like translating it like that, but that's about how it is literally translated. Anyway, most don't think I know Chinese, so I just ignore comments and go on. Well, last night, I noticed that not only were we getting the "cute"kid stare and comments, but that we had 3 kids AND pregnant.

This came after Friday English class. One of my colleagues asked me if my kids were going to an American college (hellooooooo...my oldest is only 4th grade??!!!). When I said I hope so, he said "that's better, they wouldn't fit in here in Taiwan college because of homeschooling." LOL!! he got the "talkin' to!!"........then as I was leaving, he says "don't you think 4 is too much?"......took me a minute to figure what he was saying...when I asked if he was referrring to 4 kids, he said "of course, that's alot!". I simply said "as Christians, we feel that kids are a gift and a blessing, not just a money eating responsiblity." He agreed that that was probably it. Most Chinese families see our family size (which I don't consider big mind you!) and think "wow...you must spend a fortune on education and cram schools" (the latter is basically an after school tutorial to keep kids on track or ahead......for good test scores!). When we mention we homeschool, after we pick them off the floor, they say "no wonder....you save alot of money!".........................

Well, it has really occurred to me that in the USA and even here in Taiwan (which is now trying to give out money for people to have children!) really have a thing against large families (aka.....2 child family). It's sad really. Even my ob/gyn said "the governor needs to give you an award for having another child."....................I think we are allowed though for one more in most people's eyes since our first 3 are boys. It is like "well since you have 3 boys, you can stop now after you have your girl." 

I just pray that we can raise our children to not be sensitive to these remarks, even from Christian circles, and let them know they are a blessing!!

Tuesday, April 29, 2008 - <i>Untitled Comment</i>

Posted by seventhheaven
I know exactly what you mean by the comments... I still get them. But I think the tide is turning, at least back here in America. I am meeting more and more families that are larger (more than two) and would you believe they are mostly homeschool families. ~smile~ Its funny, the ones that have their children 24/7 are the ones wanting more, while the ones who have their children gone most of the day want no more. go figure.

And by the way we are a family of 7. Five kiddos,,,, 4 boys and 1 girl.

Edited by seventhheaven on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 11:59