Haha I know I know, it has been a while since my last blog. Struggle bus here. I am currently in China right now, but this is a recap of Taiwan. Hang with me here.
Provision. A word I could use to describe a lot of my life, but especially so in Taiwan. We arrive in Taipei, Taiwan. It is all squad for the first two weeks (all 19 of us together). The air bnb we stayed at was great, it was right above the night market and it was a great space for us to be in. The whole time in Taipei, we were doing teachings and time together as a squad. My faith was encouraged during that time. I was sharpened, and gain such good insight in just living this sweet sweet life for JC.
So… We had a sabbath day during this two week span. I went to a local temple (Confucius) that was not to far from the air bnb. I arrived at 7:30 a.m. I had planned to fast and just get in the word there. I wanted to hear something from the Lord maybe even see something, and I was determined not to leave till that had happened. Right when I got there a women gave me a bag of food (Oranges and some little treats). Haha, she was so kind. The rest of the time I read, I prayed, I even slept. I was right on the steps of this temple entrance to give you a visual haha. Like I said I was determined. It was 2:30 p.m. I was still holding out from eating. I was frustrated. How much time did I need to give? I had read all of 1/2 Kings, and then almost all of John. I decided to get up and walk. I found a bench away from the temple. A tall tree had given the bench a sweet shade. There was also a nice little breeze in this spot. I fell asleep once more. Sometime later I woke up and I can’t explain it (I can now) but it hit me. I was acting like the Pharisees lol. In John it gives insight to how the Pharisees constantly saw the miracles and signs of Jesus yet the continued to be in disbelief. That is not and will not be me. I simply believe. I mean, how many signs have I seen already? How many things has He revealed to me? Countless. Do I just grow numb and forget? Sure. Do I still desire more? Absolutely. In that moment I found my faith took another step closer. I found myself more in love with my savior. I realized after this had hit me, I was hungry. I found a McDonald’s…. I went to town haha. Worth it in the moment, not so much afterward lol. All in all, such a beautiful day. A sweet moment in this adventure.
Another moment in Taipei. We were out one night talking with the father and walking. I saw a man… He was in a wheelchair. His whole body was deformed. I have never seen the kind of burns/deformities he had. I can’t explain it. You could tell he was happy though or just happy to talk to us (he could sorta talk but it was taiwanese). I will never forget this man. I went up asked if I could pray for him. I ended up praying for him alongside another teammate of mine. We both gave him a gentle touch and we parted ways. I told myself I would never be unthankful again after that moment. That has rang true each day. I have found to be thankful for everything that I have. Blessings are there if you want to see them. This beautiful man gave me that sweet reminder.
For the last 2 weeks my team (just the 6 of us) went to a city called Kaohsiung. This is in southern Taiwan. We stayed at a hostel down there. A great place for our team. This is were the provision really kicks in. We had sweet friends come and provide for us in so many great ways. I CANT EVEN BEGIN TO EXPLAIN HOW GREAT THEY WERE. Spoiled rotten haha. It was such a great time. We had wonderful team time, shared testimonies, and just all in all really bonded. There were really good talks with people in the city as well. We worked with a church, got to do some work for a children’s ministry they were setting up. It turned out to be such a great time. I would write more, but I will save it for another time.
Taiwan was a great month. Like I said provision was definitely a word that I would use to describe my time there. HS provided so much for us and even for me. I am still growing and still learning so much. I found myself at points in Taiwan still mentally struggling. Not as bad as Japan. It’s almost like these first few months I’ve been just walking at a slow pace. It’s been incredible to take everything in. With that slow pace I have had a lot of time to think. Which, has been good and sometimes bad. Plenty of time to see and soak things up like a sponge. It’s been a time to allow the father to do some work in my heart and mind. I can tell you now, being here in China my long legs feel as if they are waking up. I am ready to run. I am ready to walk. I am simply ready to be faithful. Stay tuned for my China update 🙂
