April 17, 2025 – A Nike move to a new country can be as
exhilarating as it is daunting. When I heard that Demaree Raveaux and her
family were about to begin their adventure in Taiwan, I couldn’t help but share
my own journey there nearly five decades ago. Back then, my wife Mary and I
were just starting out, 24 years old – full of anticipation, excitement, and, to
be honest, a some uncertainty.
Transitions like these are more than just a change of
scenery; they introduce new rhythms, new challenges, and lessons you can’t
always anticipate. If there’s one thing I’ve learned – which I wanted to pass along
– it’s that navigating culture shock is a part of the journey, and finding a
healthy work-life balance isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential.
I shared with her a passage from my book, “1972,” capturing
some of our first moments in Taiwan – moments that taught me the importance of
supporting each other and staying grounded through all the change.
Starting on page 132
Two months later, on a rainy June day, I settled into my
seat on the plane, glanced at Mary, and took a few deep breaths. In twenty
hours, we would be landing in Taipei.
Getting ready to leave and saying our goodbyes had been
hectic. It was all behind us now; there was nothing more we could do. I let go
and enjoyed the moment of peace, then started thinking ahead.
Nike would take care of our living accommodations in Taiwan.
We would find a house, be given an allowance for furniture, and be given a
hardship bonus. Most of our belongings had gone into storage and we were asked
to ship only clothing and the personal items that would make our house a home.
I turned to Mary. “You ready?”
She smiled. “No turning back now.”
And the jet rose into the gray Oregon sky.
Start of Chapter 11 - Not in Kansas Anymore
We arrived in Taipei in June 1978, the culture shock was
like sticking your finger in a socket. The cabin door opened, and we were hit
with a blast of hot, humid air. Everywhere: people, people, people. Noise.
Confusion. Frustration. We had to push our way to get a luggage cart and waited
for nearly an hour before our baggage arrived. After getting through customs
and immigration we found the Nike driver with a sign saying “Steve and Mary
Bence.” He helped us with our luggage, and had us stand on the crowded, filthy
sidewalk as he ran to get the car. He took us to the apartment of Chris Walsh,
the current General Manager.
Because of increasing labor costs and a shrinking pool of
workers willing to work in a footwear factory, Taiwan and Korea were replacing
Japan and the US for Nike production.
“Welcome to Taiwan!” Chris said, shaking my hand and
offering a polite hug for Mary. “I thought it would be good for you to stay
here, at least for a while. We can get to know each other, and I can help you
get oriented and find a house.”
Chris’s apartment was towards the top of one of the taller
buildings in Taipei. Mary and I unpacked and settled in. A few days later I
woke up about 2 a.m. to the sound of a picture swaying on the wall.
“Earthquake,” I said, waking up Mary. I had lived in areas
with frequent earthquakes before. Mary had not.
“Earthquake!!” Mary leaped out of the bed and headed towards
the front door.
I followed. “Where are you going?”
“To the elevator.”
“No, that’s the worst place to go. Let’s stand here in the
doorway until the building settles.”
Mary settled as well. “Hey,” she said turning to look at me, “we aren’t in Oregon anymore.”
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