Where do I begin on this update? That seems to be my opening line every time I write. I’ve been back in Taiwan now for about seven weeks now. Things have been radically different since coming back.
My time back at home was good to get rested and prepared for the new semester. (Well if you can call non stop travel a break) Since I’ve been back to Taiwan it’s been a non stop testing of my faith in every area of my life. God has been at work in ways I wish I could share with you all but for lack of time I won’t.
One of the things that God showed me was the importance of my team here in Hualien. I have to say last semester was a little rough. When you have 6 people living together all with different perspectives you tend to clash. Through a few people God has been really challenging me to change things. The amazing thing is that I don’t feel I’ve actually changed anything. It’s totally been the Lord and things are getting much better.
In fact there is nothing like pressure from the outside to bring everyone together. We’ve all faced a very hard situation over the last few weeks. In fact it hasn’t been easy at all. We really wondered on days or at least I did on how God was going to get us to school.
One of the things God has been showing me is why I’m here in Taiwan. It’s been a mystery to me and in fact it still is. I’ve been really trying to decide whether or not I’m going to stay here for another year. Although there is nothing definite yet He’s been showing me my heart in all of this and where my heart needs to be.
This semester things changed at my Wednesday school. Instead of only teaching 5th and 6th grade I’m now teaching 3rd thru 6th grade. This has been totally amazing as I really have gotten a new love for teaching. In fact these kids have really taken to me or I should say I’ve taken to them. This one girl in particular… Tina and Maggie they are just so sweet. In fact yesterday as I walked in the room I had about 20 kids jump from their seats to try and tackle me to the floor.
It’s through these kids that the Lord has been showing me why I’m here in Taiwan. In fact as I talk with them more and see the need that they have in there hearts I just melt. I really love my job. Yes even when I have to teach “If you’re happy and you know it” for 160 minutes. (BTW I don’t want to hear that song again)
The other thing that God has been teaching me is the importance of surrendering my will to His will. To be honest I don’t like his plan especially when He asks me to do something against what I’m thinking and wanting to do. Like I mean God I want this and I want it now. I don’t want to wait I don’t want to do it your way. Well Sunday night God reminded me that I decided about a year ago to follow Him and to give him my life to serve him in whatever way he chose. That obviously translated into serving here in Taiwan. A verse he gave me before coming here was from Luke 9 where Jesus says “… any man having put his hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for the kingdom of heaven.” God reminded me that I told him I would give up my timing and direction for my life. In fact I told him I was willing to do anything and go anywhere. Well things changed and I found myself wanting to do something else. God told me that if I wanted to I could go back and turn from the plow. Yet he reminded me that if I did that I wouldn’t be fit for his kingdom.
Well where am I at right now… I’m still on that process of once again trusting Him for his timing in everything and you may wonder have I decided to do things my way… well the answer is no. I would rather have God with me then against me. After all He was with Joshua… "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Joshua Smith,
Hualien
