When looking back at my time in Taiwan I have many wonderful moments come to mind.
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One being when we had the chance to bring the game of dodgeball into local schools. Watching the kids absolutely love the game once they got the hang of it was so fun to be a part of.
I mean, who wouldn’t like chucking dodge balls at your fellow classmates AND teachers? It’s not everyday you get the chance to compete with your guest teachers from America.
And I know one of the kids, sweet innocent Kent, took full advantage of this opportunity. He was out for revenge and ready to destroy me. He didn’t even have to speak English for me to understand those little pointing fingers at me in the way of “I got eyes on you” and pounding his fist in hand.
“Come on Kent, I thought we were cool?” That’s until I got him out, fun and games over haha!
This second grader was serious.
[After Dodgeball]
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Then there was the time we had a team bonding activity hiking up one of the surrounding mountainsides, along with our ministry friend Cherry (changed name).
We all loved Cherry, even in the short time we were able to hang out together. She has such a fun outgoing personality, a deep love for the Lord, a huge heart of service and a love for those around her. We were blessed with our time with her.
Anywho, so back to the mountainside hike. It was the night before Cherry’s last full day with us (second day together) and we told her that we would be willing to do whatever she wanted for the day, as long as we could spend time together. After listing off some ideas, she mentioned going for a hike up the mountain. We were all so excited and even when it seemed like it was going to be a long hike we were up for it!
The next day it was overcast with chances of rain in the afternoon. We were all still down to go, but with the possibility of rain knowing this was going to bit shorter then we planned.
The hike was beautiful. We walked through forests and along rushing rivers.
As we neared one of the lookouts it became crazy windy. Not only that, but as we neared the top it started to downpour. That, along with the wind it was a cold, wet and a hilarious sight to see and experience. One of those, you just got to embrace amidst the possible misery scenario.
As we descended, some of us wearing trash bags, we were all absolutely drenched, but thankfully full of joy. Laughing about almost being blown away, to the cows walking with us at one point and how we even embarked on this journey to begin with. It was such a fun and memorable time together.
Thankfully this day ended with a hot shower;)
[Mountianside scenery]
[Before the downpour]
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Lastly, I loved our time getting to uplift the local church.
Working alongside our host for a couple of weeks, we had the chance to lead three different church services. This was a first time for most of my team. I was so proud of each of them as they had the chance to share and lead something for the service.
I Loved it!
Whether sharing personal testimonies, singing worship, doing an improv skit, sharing a message or leading prayer. I’m so thankful to be with a team willing to step up in ways that they might not be sure or comfortable with, but knowing that’s what they get to do.
It’s a beautiful thing going into uncomfortable places. The Lord’s calls us to step out and trust Him, letting Him grow and move in us.
During one of the church services a local member shared her heart of thankfulness towards our team. Earlier, we went to visit her brother in law in the hospital, as he was battling cancer. He had just accepted Jesus and was baptized during his time in the hospital only months before. She wanted us to come and visit him. We gladly and unanimously accepted this request. Our friend Cherry came with us, which was wonderful because she could translate for us as we shared time with this brother.
We prayed with him, sang songs of worship and encouraged him. Even though he was tired, I could tell he was thankful for us being there. With tears in all of our eyes, the sweet comforting presence of Jesus was there. Lifting up spirits and bringing healing.
During this last year I’ve been able to do daily life alongside a strong, supportive and encouraging group of believers. But honestly, living life like this has become normal for me and many times I’ve found myself taking for granted this community I’ve been given. Living with them and doing what we do, it’s our everyday call from the Lord. To seek Him, love each other and those around us in however that looks.
After hearing our sister’s kind words of thankfulness towards us and visiting her brother in law, I was reminded of the sweet gift we carry. The hope, love, light and life Jesus has given me I get to share that with others.
That brother was blown away that a group of foreigners would come and visit him. That we would see him, love on him, share life with him and encourage him. What seemed like a wonderful visit to someone in a hospital for me, made a deep impact on him.
I am so thankful to have had many opportunities to share a smile with someone as I’ve passed by, offered to pray, strike up a conversation with a market shopkeeper and provide a listening ear to someone who just wants to be heard. We all desire to be seen, heard, pursued and loved. Praise the Lord that He has known every part of each of us from the beginning and He will continue to always be there.
Jesus help us to turn and see You.
I am beyond humbled that the Father has trusted and loved me enough to be a part of something like this, the Race of life. Continually giving thanks to the Father for the joy and blessing He is bringing through me and the community I’m so honored to be with.
[My team, Cherry and our Taiwanese sister with her daughter]
