During the last several days my heart has been full of mixed emotions. I love Taiwan yet at the same time I love Texas. I never want to leave but I want to go home. I love my team but right now I just want a hug from my mommy. I enjoy learning Chinese yet at the same time I long to be able to express myself to those around me in my native tongue. I love my students, but I miss my niece and nephews (I might have two nieces but I do not know my sister is pregnant and I do not know what the baby will be yet). I have many wonderful memories from the past eight months but I have missed out on many events at home. I like Chinese food but sometimes it would be nice to eat a meal that does not have rice in it.
The number one lesson that God has taught me during my time here in Taiwan has been contentment. There have been many other lessons as well but contentment would defiantly be at the top of the list when it comes to lessons that I have learned while in Taiwan. A few months ago I called home and talked to my mom about some homesickness that I was experiencing. My sweet mom said "Seize the day". Wow! that phrase hit me like a ton of bricks. I had heard it hundreds of times before but for some reason I had not thought about it until she had reminded me.
I long for home. I don't think that that will ever change. There is not a day that passes without me thinking about my family and friends at home. At the same time I have taken My mothers advise to heart and have learned to enjoy every second of my life in Taiwan. I will be going home in a few months. I do not want to spend my last few remaining months left in Taiwan wishing them away. Likewise once I am at home I do not want to be discontent, and wish to be in Taiwan again.
I miss home so much. Sometimes I do not think that I can make it one more day without my family and church. Although it has been difficult to be so far away from home, the Lord has been with me every step of the way. I look back on the last eight months with fond memories. He has lead me in the way that I should go. He has been the Good Shepard. I will be content wherever He leads me.
Lydia Deluca
Ji Ji, Taiwan
