SQJ Taipei

The vastness of Taiwan amazes me. From a certain vantage point in Taitong, one can see the ocean, Taitong, and the mountains. Though this small island has extremely condensed cities, numbering in the millions, the Taroko Gorge has the immeasurable beauty of a land untouched. Undoubtedly, the Taiwanese people have been blessed by God.

The Taiwanese (generally) receive foreigners with open arms when one attempts any amount of their beautifully complicated language. It has opened my eyes to how unfriendly and condescending the environment of America truly is. My view of people of different cultures has forever been changed. Though the people can be intimidating (giggling when one says hello), in reality they have respect for those who journey into their vocabulary.

Turning to the people in closest contact with me, my teammates are… more interesting than one word can describe. Going through them individually seems awkward, so generalizations will have to suffice; the other seven girls here with us are (as a group) joyful, enthusiastic, and compassionate. Our four guys vary in their temperaments, but their love and child-like wonder is shared thoroughly between them all. Greg and Deb, our leaders (People In Charge—PIC), radiate Godly love and acceptance. The missionaries that have opened their lives to us, Scott and Angie, reveal everyday (in the best sense) what a life of a missionary is truly like.

Stories expose themselves in abundance everyday in exciting and brilliant ways. God has brought up one song multiple times: Amazing Grace; this hymn has moved many of us to tears and brought us closer to each other and God. The dream God had placed in my heart (to be an English teacher in mainland China) at the age of seven, has been altered, or maybe even erased, by my desire to be with children in an orphanage setting. In recent months, God has been prodding me to explore the idea that I may not be as open to his will as I claim. “My” dream of teaching in China has been a back-up plan my whole life; the instant answer to the question of my purpose. This trip was the obvious choice for me (instead of Venezuela) because of my desire to learn Mandarin Chinese (or at least introduce myself to it). Questions of my intentions have now surfaced… Scary in nature, but liberating in mind.

As for the rest of this exuberating trip, I pray and hope that God will bring Himself to the center of all our attentions. The people of Taiwan (and other countries I have visited) have been on my mind heavily and I ask for your prayers. If you wish to know what to pray for, pray for the world. For all the nations and people; ask for blessings and open hearts. Pray for the missionaries to love and share with the people without putting on an air of pride and superiority. I thank you for your prayers (and patience in reading my ramblings). May God bless you and I hope to see His work through the church soon.