Number Two- Taiwan Update

As I sit here on the roof top at night, observing the city below and the stars above, I can't help but be amazed at God's creative abilities. I'm completely overwhelmed by God's faithfulness as I think back to the past four weeks of DTS. Each week contains its own little compartment of memories and knowledge gained from my lecturers and experiences. I will do my best to explain weeks six through nine of my DTS. My apologies as this update is way overdue! 

Week 6 was mini-out reach! Me and my team traveled to Taidong in order to partner with a Church there called "Guan Shan Presbyterian Church." It took five hours to get there by train. Thankfully I was passed out on my seat in the train so the time to get there flew by fast. During our week there we helped clean the storage space in the church and organized over eighty years worth of books! We visited an elementary school and did a skit for the kids. It was wonderful seeing these kids faces and happy reactions to our skit. Later that week we visited two different nursing homes and were able to do a skit and worship songs at both places. I will never forget the elderly women who kept smiling at me and said "hen piaoliang." over and over. This means very beautiful. She was very sweet and said that all she wanted to do was watch me because I was so beautiful. This truly touched my heart. When my group had free time during that week we would all get on a our bikes and would peddle through the mountains and open rice fields. Through these experiences I learned that I serve a God who is bold and bright. I also learned that He see's me as his own very beautiful creation. I loved that this elderly women could see me as God sees me. 

Week seven was on the topic of "Spiritual Gifts". During this week I was not only able to connect with God on a more intimate level, but I also was able to experience God's faithfulness to me. I learned that I can live a life that is overflowing with the Holy Spirit by simply praying, worshiping, and being receptive to the leading of the Spirit. One of my highlights during this week was getting Ice-cream with my amazing one on one who's name is Wei-I. I love laughing and talking with this women about modern art, bacon on Ice cream, and dog meat (strange, I know). On a more serious note, I greatly appreciate the the time she has invested in discipling me and praying for me. Our hangouts are so much fun! 

Week eight was on the topic of "Father Heart of God." During this week I got a better understanding of the character of God and his love for me. God is a gentle father. He loves me with great care and enjoys being with me. He not only loves me but he also likes me and wants to be close with me. His love for me is not based on works. God's love is not given on a basis of my strength. I must look to the cross to understand what real love looks like. When I look at the cross I see that God's love is holy.  A holy love seeks the best in the one loved. A holy love is undeserved. A holy love is sacrificial. Jesus did a perfect job at displaying this kind of love while here on earth. Another revelation that I had during this week was that jesus knew me before the foundation of the world. To know someone is incredibly personal. God is the only one who knows me better than I know myself. In addition to what I learned in lecture, I loved getting to do family night on Wednesday of week 8. We had some amazing chicken and curry that night made by the DTS students. Soon after the staff surprised us students by dressing up in disguises and hiding amongst a sea of people on YingZhuan Lu road. It was our job to find all nine of them in 45 min. We only found two! We then headed back to the dorm for some chocolate cake to celebrate three birthdays that are taking place this month; mine, Jennifer, and Joseph. It was such a fun night! I also enjoyed a bike ride to Bali with my classmate Asher! 

Week nine was on the topic of "Relationships." During this week I learned about the four different types of relationships that exist between me and God. We also looked at relationship with parents, acquaintances, average friends, special friends, boy/ girl friend, and marriage. I learned the importance of learning the needs of those around me if I truly wish to be fluent in their love language. I learned that God's purpose for marriage is: One man and one women in every area, reaching deep satisfying unity: completing God's purpose, together glorifying God. This week was the first time I feel I got a true full picture what what God intended marriage to be. I'll be remembering that for when I get married someday. Besides learning all this new and wonderful information about relationships, me and my classmates went out for Hot Pot last night. This was our second birthday celebration! After stuffing ourselves full of amazing food we walked down to riverside to enjoy the beautiful weather we're having and to walk off our food babies. Our night concluded with face masks and uncontrollable laughter courtesy of Jenna and Steven. 

The following photos are from the past four weeks in no particular order... enjoy the explosion of jpgs. 

~To God be the Glory~ 

Life In Taiwan - Month One

It's hard to believe that today marks four weeks since arriving here in Taiwan for my DTS. The past four weeks have been a blessing full of memories and experiences that I never expected to take place in my life. I can only marvel at what God has been doing/done in my life and the lives of those around me. I feel so grateful for this amazing opportunity to be amongst this family of believers.

When I reflect on the past four weeks of lectures and outreaches, the gospel lecture has been by far my favorite. The beautiful revelation of the incomprehensible debt that Christ paid for me has given me a fresh perspective of the gospel in itself. I feel that I have a better understanding of the gospel as a whole. 

I love the culture here. Everyone is very friendly and open to communicating with me and my classmates. The food is so good and so cheap! The average meal here cost is about $2-3 USD. Don't get me started on the wide variety of teas and pastries. One of which is winter mellon oolong tea (which has become my favorite... I think). Something I must mention is that Taiwanese know how to do breakfast right. I've already started trying to figure out how I will come up with these wonderful concoctions when go back to the states. 

This video diary is just a taste of the things I've been experiencing in Taiwan the past month. I wish I could share every experience, however this is quite impractical. Hopfully more pics to come! 

Thank you to my family and friends for your prayers! Please continue to keep my team on your prayers as we leave for mini outreach next week. 

~Peace~ 

Letting Go

Yellow and brown leaves are featured in each and every one of my photos today. This fact has awakened me to the realization that fall has indeed arrived. When bright and brilliant colors come into play, and when change is the inevitable. To me this season represents that the old things are passing away, as they should, and new things are yet to come.

I would say I’m on a par with the currents season I face in my life. I face dramatic change that is sure to be colorful. Learning to navigate through change is not an easy task and can be rather difficult (One that I would not dare attempt to do by my lonesome), especially when it means saying goodbye to family and friends for a time. I’ve learned that letting go and letting God is the best solution to handling change. Give it to God. Knowing that He is with me gives me strength to press on into the mysteries that lie ahead.

One, two, three… deep breath in… deep breath out. He’s got this! 

Photos taken by: Esther Young… Edited by me.

Cheers to a new season in life.

In the Dome

I never thought I would say this but… I almost feel ready for sweater weather! As much as I enjoyed shooting in the Arizona atmosphere among the cacti and succulents…I can’t help but enjoy campfires and chi tea on a cool afternoon. Hopefully I get to experience a little bit of this when I’m in Taiwan.

Today marks one month exactly before I leave the USA and head off to study abroad. I’m so incredibly excited for all the good things at that God has in store for this trip and all the students that will be attending this school with me.

The following pictures are courtesy of Esther Young and are edited by me. Hope you enjoy!