My first week and a half here in Taipei went by way to fast. This place, the people, and especially the food, is amazing. It is so neat to look out the window of the 24th floor of the IBLP office and to see the tightly packed city of Taipei surrounded by mountains in all directions. It is very pretty at night to see the sun set over the mountains or watch a rainstorm blow over the city. The night markets are fun and the stuff you can get to eat is far out( the spicy snails still in the shell are very good).
Last week at English camp I helped Erin with the lower class. It was nice to be able to help the students to learn and to see how the camps are run and to act in the skits(some of the time). The kids are so sweet (most of them) and it was a little hard to say goodbye at the end of classes, but there is no time to think about that as this weeks classes have started and I have a class to teach with Erin as my assistant. She is leaving in a few days so the idea is to let the new people teach and take over and give the "old timers" a break. It also helps us remember to put our trust in the strength of Christ and to look to Him for wisdom. Most of the students in my class this week know even less English than the last class so I have had to change some of my lesson plans to reach their level. It's all good.
All of our TAs are very good to work with and they know their stuff well. It is great to have them helping, and it is fun to get to know some of them as well. Please remember to pray that all of us would be good examples of the love of Christ and that our light would shine through to all those we come in contact with. Some of our TAs have expressed interest in Christianity and may be close to making a decision to follow Him. That would be very sweet.
I am looking forward to what God had for all of us here as we continue to adjust to changes. Remember to pray for those who are going home for a break that they would have safe travails and good time with their family and friends. Pray for those who are going home to stay that the trauma of Taiwan withdrawal will not be overcoming. Last but not least, PLEASE pray for those of us staying for the year. We need it.
In the strength of Christ,
Jo`el
