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Woohooo?? HaS iT bEEn BuSy!!

Zao an (Goodmorning),

Well to continue from my last blog. Im on my fourth week here in Taiwan. Life at the base is almost a bit like the one at home (except the waking up at !!!!5!!!). It was a challenge waking up so early, pero gracias a Dios q' me estoy acostumbrando. We also have chores that have to be done weekly (and its not some simple one floor two bathroom house... its more like three floors,- mini houses- with rooms and living rooms-, and 6 bathrooms); Not only that, but everything picks up dust so fast!!! We can sweep the floor once and the next day it be full of dust(black dust)and dirt-NO EXAGGERATION!!. Every student also gets a night to cook and wash dishes (no Goya, no seasoning... imgine how it turns out!!).

We are in class everyday for 2hours. Its not a lot by our standards, but the amount of information and revelation you get is enough to wear your brain out. I had someone ask 'Am I getting any sleep now', well... like I had shared previously God is doing crazy things in me. He is challenging my faith, my standards, my character, my being. Every week we have a teaching on aspects of the Christian walk. And though I recieve food... solid food from my church, its been different. I see how God is putting light, life, and perspective to all the knowledge that Ive previously had. So sometimes my mind is running so fast that it takes time for me to fall asleep. (I am trully blessed to come from a church where the revelation is up to date with what the Spirit of God is doing around the world.) I can say that I have been taught well by my Pastors.

Ever since the first week of class, God has been dealing intensely with my life. To be honest I had no idea how the school was going to be like. I thought that all the classes were going to be about missions, what you can do and stretegic planning... But oh was I in for a surprise. The phrase to 'Know God and Make him known' was not a class topic, it was the form of life they live by. They focus on my spiritual man, on the issues of the heart, of our view of God. If there is one thing ive learned in these past weeks is how to seek His face, and to wait for Him to respond. The ultimate purpose is to see/hear/feel God as real as the person next to us. This has been better than I ever expected. Im coming to know the Lord soooo deeply, and so personal. Im becoming more aware of his voice; I mean I used to pray all the time 'Lord make my ears sensitive' 'Lord help me to hear you'... and to have it actually happening is AWESOME!!!

My relationship with Jesus is so different now. Many of you know my past (Especially after that friday with mask off!), so for many years the main focus of my life was the struggle to become pure and clean; I always prayed, 'When am I gonna get to move on'... and now .. Im seeing God changing the course of his teachings to me. Now im at another stage in my life; It's like God had timed it perfectly . Everything that im learning now, I can grasp at a whole new level. I feel like someone has turned the light bulb of UNDERSTANDING in my head to ON !!!

We have also started ministry in different sites. The first place was the Girls center. OH how my heart broke the first time we went there. This center has two levels... One is an orphanage of kids abandoned and the other is case sensitive, ranging from abuse- to girls being smuggled from china for prostitution purposes. I could just see the need for love in their eyes. We do a whole program (worship, games, testimony)... HOW OPEN they were to receive the GOspel!!!! ...

The other day we went evangelizing and I was so suprised of how little the people knew of Christ. Many have heard of Christians... but never about who Jesus really is. Its been such a challenge sharing my faith here. The importance of tradition has been so engraved in their minds, that everything else is brushed off as unimportant. This is definitely not like any mission trip ive ever been to... they have a hard time accepting the concept of living by faith and that there is only ONE TRUE GOD. The language barrier has also been soooo difficult. I often have a hard time communicating with even the translators. This was really discouraging in the beginning, cause im used to starting conversations, flowing with questions, and getting to the point fast... ohhhh... buttt what a change... Im trully learning what patience and intercession is, especially when in most cases this is all I can do.

OKAY... so I know this has been a long blog. hahaha : ). BUT I HAVE SOOO MUCH TO SAY!!!! well... I love you all and I hope I answered some of the questions you had. Till next time.. keep to the race and to the calling- Which is to know God more and more each day!!!

I Miss you all and I love you so much

More Photos

This is Tayuan from top of mountain.


We went out to eat one night... the soup was very HOtT!!! Im learning how to eat with chopsticks.










This was during our pride and humility lecture.. a very humbling day.



This was our intitation banquet, they presented us to the staff and they prayed and commisioned us. It was a beautiful night.

Photos of My Taiwan HomE

ARrival To TaiwAn

Blessings to all,

Well i finally made it!! Thank you all for praying for me during this time. There is so much I would like to share. Lets start with my flight trip; I got in the airplane being forwarned of the need for sleep, earplugs, and a good book. I could not find anywhere in the airport earplugs... and out of all the people in the plane, it had to be one guy who snored like a truck. I ended up sitting by a lovely elderly chinese couple. Although i could not understand them and they could not understand me... they somehow took me under their wings and treated me like their daughter. Now, I dont really get scared of flying, but knowing i would be over the pacific for quite a while, made me nervous when the emergency instructions were only in Chinese.

They actually had really good food (beef stew for dinner and pankakes for breakfast). The seats were quite comfortable...and... Marita now i know why you took so many walks around during your flight. I did the mistake of only getting up three times during the whole ride; by the end of the trip my feet had swollen to a whole extra size. It was not a pretty sight!!

I was a bit nervous of arriving at the airport. I heard so many stories of people trying to take your bags, vendors getting in your face and such... so i was dreading as the plane landed. Yet, it was quite a breeze. I didn't have one person come up to me to offer to take my bag. After passing through the main gate, I was met with happy grimms, and a sign that read YWAM: WELCOME TO TAIWAN!!!

I got to the base at 11:30pm. I was ready to take another snooze; I was surprised that my body didn't feel exhausted in the days that followed. It was wonderful driving through the streets of Taoyuan. It reminded me of a mini New York City, with all the bright lights, tall buildings, and lots of life. People here in Taiwan work very long hours; Sometimes till 12midnight. We got to the YWAM facilities, went up what felt at the moment like 100 stairs and into our room. My roommates Emily (taiwanese), Adele (South African), PoYu and Rain(Hong Kong) and me got to know each other pretty fast. I automatically found the differences in personalities... (hahhaa).

That first night I didnt sleep much. I was still in shock that I was in TAIWAN!!!! It was incredible waking up in a country accross the world, knowing that I am following the call of God. Its an amazing, thrilling, and exhilirating feeling. This is what living for God is all about. It has definitely exceeded my expectations.

Please keep watch for more updates. Im sorry for the lateness of this letter, but they have us so busy. I actually get homework : ( and they have us reading like three books. But, in the next update ill explain the awesome stuff God is doing in me. Ive never been challenged in my character like I have been here. It's awesome.

I Love you all and I miss you so much. Thank you for the letters and emails. They have been such an encouragement.

LiVing iT oUT,
Shary

Some prayer requests :
1. Unity for our group (differences in cultures can clash a lot)
2. Boldness to speak the word of God without fear, and with wisdom
3. For wisdom to understand the teachings (they are very intense)