這周末做完週六的植標館兒少之旅之後，我們要休息兩個月，好好規劃明年的課程內容，雖然放手是我的人生課題，現在想起來很感謝做了這樣明智的決定。於是絲瓜為我們的2015年畫下了美麗的句點。
This weekend we have our last workshop in the herbarium. Then, we will take a two-month long break to plan for next year's activities. In the beginning, I made some effort to accept the decision, but now when looking back, I really appreciate Guei-mei's wisdom in coming up with the suggestion. Thus, the luffa lesson draws a lovely period to 2015 for us.
從大家擠在一起看我的小白蘋果螢幕，現在有博物館的劇院享受。
It's hard to imagine that weeks ago kids were still crowding around the desk to watch a video clip on my tiny Apple screen. Now we have the luxury of a museum theater.
Kay Lin 攝 / photo taken by Kay Lin
我們用味覺感受植物的力量和國際化的下午茶：來自英國的唐寧茶─蘋果肉桂葡萄乾紅茶和印尼的佐迷迭香大蒜薯片。
We feel the power of plants with our tastebuds.
Menu for our afternoon tea: Apple cinnamon raison black tea of Twinings and an array of chips seasoned with rosemary garlic.
Kay Lin 攝 / photo taken by Kay Lin
今天來的孩子不多，不過我們的VIP館友柏輝回來了，還說：「媽媽說你們要休息兩個月，所以我們趕著來。」他很興奮地和其他孩子分享：「這裡有吃又有玩！」
Today we have less than ten kids. Among them is our VIP student Bo-huei. He tells me in excitement, "Mom said you will be taking a break for two months, so we feel we have to come." He also shares with the other kids his previous experiences, "Here, you can eat and play!"
貴美阿姨上菜：絲瓜蛤蠣湯！
Guei-mei's cuisine: Oyster soup with luffa.
Kay Lin 攝 / photo taken by Kay Lin
我的私人貴客宥宥也來拜訪我！
My personal VIP guest Yoyo comes as well!
Kay Lin 攝 / photo taken by Kay Lin
孩子在庭園裡奔跑很開心，還一窺因覺蕨展開放的溫室。
The children have much fun running around in the gardens. Of course they do not miss the rarely-open greenhouse.
Kay Lin 攝 / photo taken by Kay Lin
這陣子一直在收上帝送我的年末禮物，而柏輝也帶來了一個很大的禮物，九月的時候企圖念我寫的故事給孩子們聽，當時因為帶錯了檔案，只念了開頭的一句，結果這個細心的男孩昨天問我：「上次你寫的故事呢？」我心裡瞬間流過一波暖流，還好我有認真改寫，我回答：「完全不一樣了！」也送出去比賽了！雖然離我的夢想還有一段距離，可是我知道這個巨大的城市的某個角落，有人認真地看待我的夢想。
This week I have been receiving God's gifts for me as a reward of my hard work and good will throughout the whole year. Bo-huei brings an enormous one with him. I attempted to read a story I had written to the children back in September, but I had the wrong file with me. I wound up reading only the first sentence to them. However, this really thoughtful boy asks me three months later, "What about the story you wrote?" Upon hearing the question, I felt someone putting a warm palm upon my heart. Luckily, I did rewrite it with full might. I answered, "Oh, it's totally different!" And more importantly, I sent it to the contest a few weeks ago. Though I have not reached my goal of having my story published, I know that in some corners in this vast city, some people take my dream as seriously as me.
今年因為植標館，不只長知識，也面對了沒有信心教自然科的恐懼，更遇到了很多好棒的孩子和大人，給我各方面的幫助，這真是很棒的一趟旅行！
This year I have not only gained much knowledge but also the confidence to teach science from the herbarium workshops. Moreover, I've encountered many adults and children who benefit me in every way. I have to say that this is the best journey of the year.
雖然有爸爸媽媽已經急著為孩子報名明年的活動，我們要請大家有耐心地等一等，我們明年春天再見！到時候不只有新課程，我也多了神秘的新伙伴！
Some parents are eager to sign up for their kids for the coming events, but we have to ask everyone to wait with patience. We will reopen in spring, and by then, we will surprise you with new topics as well as my new mysterious teaching partner!
