2000-10-15
Ni hau (Hello) from Taiwan! Oct. 15, 2000
Well we are old hands at transportation – at least with the subway and taxi. We have yet to conquer the bus; because all the routes are listed in Chinese characters. That is fine; we can get most places without the bus for now. We are considering a bicycle, just so one of us can make a quick trip to the grocer or to the Pizza Hut. Yes, both Dominoes & Pizza Hut are in Taipei, however their choices are very cultural oriented. Fish and shrimp pizza is the common flavors & let’s not forget the corn. We learned how to order Hawaiian and cow meat pizzas last week. I know you must think, “all they talk about is food and house ware goods???, however adjustments to such things play a major role in helping us move smoothly through cultural shock. Unless we are in denial, after doing some reading, I believe we are settled and on our way to becoming adjusted so we can begin the tasks for which we’ve come. We accredit the smooth adjustments to our Lord’s will, your prayers, and the wonderful team that has helped us since our arrival.
Although we haven’t had any bad weeks, this past week has really been one of the best since our arrival – especially concerning developing relationships. We would like to share a few, so you can praise God for answering some of your many prayers on our behalf. (I’ll try not to give the Edith Bunker version so Jackie won’t have to edit too much.) I met a visiting American at BSF a couple of weeks ago. She and her husband were to be in Taiwan for only 3 weeks. She called and wanted us to meet with her, her husband and another couple (missionaries with TEAM) who arrived in Taipei about the same time we arrived. We met with them all last Saturday morning for coffee and had a great time. We are looking forward to getting to know Jim & Alyca (and his sister Nancy) better in the near future and corresponding with Bonnie & Roger in Iowa.
Tuesday was a National holiday for Taiwan called Double Ten (10-10). This is a very important holiday celebrating the establishment of the Republic of China that began Oct 10, 1911. (Because of this day, we are in the year 89, so when we see dates on food etc, we have to add 1911 to it to confirm expiration dates.) On Monday (the 9th), our language teacher Gwey and her husband William took us on an outing to show us some sites. We visited The Grand Hotel (very elegant hotel) and The National Revolutionary Martyr’s Shrine (a memorial to the fallen heroes of the Republic of China) to watch the changing of the guards. Spending time with these nationals was a true blessing. We felt very honored that they would choose to spend their holiday with us. We closed the evening at a local Cantonese restaurant. One of our obstacles is learning how to order meals, because most menus are in Chinese. Then, on Tuesday, we had a wonderful treat. Herb & Alice (from our mission office) took us to their home for a wonderful brunch. They live about 30 minutes outside of Taipei nestled on the edge of the mountains. After brunch they took us to the east coast. Yes! It is true; we are on an island! We’ve been here for a whole month and haven’t seen anything but high-rise buildings! We were very ready for this outing and fresher air. Taiwan is a truly a beautiful place with rocky crags that line the coast (Northcutt – check the web for photos next week). The mountains are lush with topical plants – incomparable to the mountains of Colorado, New Mexico or Arkansas. As we drove from village to village nestled in the mountains we viewed something that is so common to this culture, yet is so heart breaking to our Lord. We stopped at a few large temples where the people come to offer money, seeking guidance. (These temples smell like 1970’s head shops.) Idolaters toss these wooden kidney shaped blocks on the ground searching for answers. Herb and Alice say that some new missionaries may be offended when they are taken to visit temples, yet through their twenty plus years of experience, they find this is the most effective way for new missionaries to see the spiritual darkness and the bondage of the idol/ancestral worship that exists amongst the Chinese. The graveyards are as elaborate as their temples. It was so refreshing for our minds and bodies to be out in the open air, however our hearts have a greater burden for the reason we are here. Herb and Alice are wonderful good-hearted folks and we look forward to getting to know them better. They truly have a heart for God and a burden for the people of Taiwan.
On Wednesday, I returned to the fabric mart to pick up some of the items for furnishing my study. I feel so blessed to be able to create a homey nook to study my bible, write, pray, and do my ironing. The room is ready to welcome any guests (hint – hint!). Returning for a final time on Thursday, Gwey went with me and was able to interpret my thanks and pleasure for their services. Lord laid it on my heart to give a scripture booklet to the Buddhist fabric man. Please pray that his heart would be tender for truth. Each Thursday we have the opportunity to gather with other missionaries in this area for a time of worship and prayer. We are slowly meeting others serving in the Taipei area, seeing glimpses of the many ministries that reach hearts for Christ.
We are very thankful that our suitcase arrived from the states with my computer, medication and fun surprises from our kids. Many people and prayers were invested in packing and connecting with Hal to bring it to us. We are very thankful for the great strides we have made in language study and for Gwey our teacher who is sensitive to rabbit chasing, and helping us understand this very complex language. We are very thankful for our Lord who guides us through His written word – not wooden blocks; who loves us with grace – not imagined fears and intimidation; and who dwells in our hearts – not empty stinky temples.
Please pray that our car would sell (it’s still in Garland).
Please pray that customs will release the new mission office computer system immediately. Jackie’s service and our group training is impacted by this delay. This delay also affects travel schedules for those coming to train our group.
Now that our home is in place and we feel acclimated to the culture, we are both anxious to begin ministry service.
Please pray for God’s clear guidance, confirmation, and joy.
Woman eye taman (this is Fran’s romanization for “We love you??? in Chinese),
Jackie & Fran
Psalms 139:9-10 “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.???
