Friday, February 24, 2012

...A Picture Trail from Week One...

First Meal.
Milk Tea. Amazing. (:
Downtown Hualien.



Hot Pot.




"Let the little children come to me...and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." ~Matthew 19:14



Thursday, February 23, 2012

Let the adventure begin!

Hello everyone!

After a long trip by: plane, train, and car; I am now in Taiwan. There are so many new and crazy things to learn and do. The other teachers I work with are very generous and are allowing me to observe the classes for this week. One of the transition (probably the most stimulating/ difficult for me) is beginning Chinese lessons, these began on Monday. The lesson was quite interesting, and at the same time SO very overwhelming. At times I feel as though I am lost in a sea of Asian faces and words. Even the other English teachers already speak some Chinese so its slightly disheartening, but I'll get it. I know I will.

Throughout this whole trip, the Lord has certainly been my strength. Getting through the jet-lag was ridiculous. I hardly slept for three days. My little sisters also gave me a nice cold before I left so when you combine the two it is NOT a good combination. ;) I have not powered through these first few days on my own strength, but these last few days have been such a blast!

As far as the weather, (just in case you're all wondering) it has been anywhere from 63-73 F and it is quite humid here. The sun was out today in the morning and it was just beautiful, it does rain a lot though. Today we experience 2 minor earthquakes, they were neat to feel though. One of the other teachers said it is not uncommon to feel them (they are mostly just a rumble in the ground and a loud noise).


The next time I post I would like to post some pictures of some of the adventures I have been on so far. I have explored the city a little bit with the other teachers. They are all incredibly warm and welcoming and so helpful! I'm sure there will be plenty of adventures to come in this upcoming week from the sounds of it, so I will keep you all posted!


Lots of Love for Taiwan!

Lauryssa 恩慈

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Goodbye America...

My Dear Friends and Family,

Many of you are already aware of the change that has taken place in my life in the last three weeks. However, for any of you who may not have heard (or who are confused) I would like to enlighten you in regards to my life situation. ;)

Three Mondays ago I was asked to travel to Taiwan and stay there for the next 6 months. While there I will be helping children learn English at an English/ Character school. Many people have asked, "What about school?" or "I know you talked to me about your plans for the spring, how did things change so fast?" The choice was simple. It was one of the easiest decisions I have ever made; I have the time, no heavy ties or commitments at this time, and I have the training (TESOL). As far as schooling, I am in an online program so it could have easily come with me; however, I have decided to postpone it until I return. This way I will have the time and energy to adventure and serve the Lord in whatever ways He needs me too! :) It was simply one of those times when "you just know".

I talked with my parents, prayed about it and slept on it for the night and the next day I called the organization back to inform them that I was definitely willing to go. After several different conversations that day, I realized that I had the blessing of not only my Church leaders; but also my family, church family and my friends and coworkers. I am so blessed by the people the Lord has placed in my life and I couldn't have asked for a better support system.

I have been in contact with the organization just about daily in anticipation and preparation for this adventure to continue. I do not know the exact date of departure, but when I find out I will definitely let you know. I hope to keep my blog updated throughout the trip, in order to keep all of you current with my adventures. :)

I thank you all for your prayers in advance! The Lord is SO good and I have seen His hand at work in my life many times in the last 3 weeks.

In Christ,

Lauryssa

(Photo Courtesy of one of my friends, while she was over there.)


"Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading it." 
~Oswald Chambers