Today has been one of the most enjoyable days of my entire stay here in Taiwan so far, and one of the most memorable that I've had in a long time. It was very special in that I saw the language of love can be very real, and very loud (like fire-cracker loud). I really feel a special affection for my students, and today it was returned to me in an unexpected way. Tuesday is one of my favorite days to teach, as I teach three sixth grade classes, and two fifth grade classes. The students are some of the best that I have come in contact with, and they are all very sweet. Anyway, today was my birthday. After I arrived at school, I was sitting in the teachers office and a few students came in with birthday cards and small gifts for me. I was thinking, "Aww, this is sweet!" When I entered the first classroom, I was met with a loud "Happy Birthday" from all of the students. After I finished class, they sang "Happy Birthday" to me in Chinese, Taiwanese, and English and some of them gave me cards. The next class was more of the same, and some of the students stood up and said that they like my teaching and will miss me when I leave. Then I got to fifth grade. That is when I got totally plastered in silly string and confetti! It was great! These kids are so sweet, and it was really hard to tell them why I have to go home for the summer. It's not easy when you have a mob of fifth grade students all around/on you telling you that you can't go back to America...
Anyway, I guess all this is to say that during the last few days I have been looking back at what has happened in my life during this last year, and wondering what kind of an impact, if any, I have had here in the lives of my students. Sometimes it is very hard to tell, as you only see them for maybe 40 minutes once a week. It was so encouraging to me to have them show such kindness and love to me, even if they can't express it in my language. I know that it was the Lord who arranged it all, and it really has been a happy day.
After school my team took me out for supper at a very nice little coffee shop not too far from our school. We had a humorous time ordering our food, with the help of the waiter's electronic Chinese/English translator, and we all had a great meal together. I do need to learn more food characters in Chinese...
Our time here in Taiwan this semester is all too quickly coming to an end. I pray that many people will have been reached, and that our work here will have a lasting impact for God's glory. It has been such a wonderful time of growing and learning many new things, meeting new friends, and being a light in the world. However, it is not over yet, as there are still many things that have to be accomplished. Thank you all so much for your faithful prayers on behalf of our team here in Taiwan, and I ask you to hold us up during these last few weeks, that we finish strong.
Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt 5:16
From the center of Taiwan,
Joel
