Up in the Mountains

The winter has been a whirlwind. It seems keeping up with classes, culture, and our family has been about all we could do. So we're sorry we haven't been better about sharing it all with you. Last week Chris finally got our pictures off the camera and onto the computer... so tonight, I'll try to share a piece of what we've been up to the last few months.

Taiwan, a newly developed country, has such a contrast... a paradox if you will... of rich and poor, high-end mega-malls and shanties. A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to leave our private, Christian international school and spend an afternoon in the mountain village of Lai Yi.  Our friend, Jim, took us along with his family for their bi-monthly English classes at a small village church. We spent the first half with the young children, and the next with the youth.

The village of Lai Yi is the home of an indigenous people group, who much like native Americans, have been moved by the government from their original high mountain lands and 'compensated'. This village has had th benefit of a relationship with faithful missionaries for many years and many have the hope of Jesus. However, they still deal with many of the same issues as North American natives... alcohol, lack of education opportunities, and a loss of heritage, language and culture.

The "brown" sides of the hill are where the mountain fell into the river.

On top of these "normal" challenges, Lai Yi was also hit extremely hard by typhoon Marokot in 2009, and another big typhoon in 2010. The sides of the mountain literally came down, wiping out bridges, homes, and closing their school for months. A new river sprang up right through the school. Our students at MAK had the opportunity to put together shoe boxes of gifts and school supplies for the children there. It was a privilege to be invited in and to meet the sweet people who continue striving for a better future, in spite of the challenges.

The youth we met were wonderful! They are smart, witty, and fun-loving. We look forward to going back again and taking our basketball shoes. :)

The Dance - Part 1

     You could say our Dance began over 13 years ago, when Chris decided to propose over Chinese takeout at the beach. We had never eaten Chinese food together before. But for some reason, he chose to pop THE question after sweet and sour pork, watching the sunset on the beach.  That night my fortune read “Will You Marry Me”.  Little did I know where that “yes!” would lead.

      14 moves, 2 countries, 4 states (even Oklahoma!), flight school, job changes, kids, and endless rolls of packing tape later we are heading to Taiwan for the second time. Not by chance. Not by first choice. (I happen to really like Oregon. And speaking English. And Trader Joes.) But because the God, Creator of the heavens and the earth, has invited us to walk with Him there. To love on His people.  To share His peace and joy.  To see a little more of how BIG a God He is. And when God invites you to walk with Him... well, I don't know about you, but we think we'll accept the invitation.

      In reality, the Dance began long before a proposal. And I don’t believe it’s all by chance. Both of us grew with a love for travel. And as we each came to know the Hope and Grace of walking with Jesus Christ, we couldn’t help but have a desire to share the Love and Joy we’ve given. And then He gave us "Us". Partners to dance the dance with. A precious gift in itself.

     I fully believe God creates each of  us with gifts and talents and passions in our hearts. There is always a way to use them to share who God is, how great and loving and awesome He is. The challenge for those who have experienced Him, is taking the risk to live it… for real… not just in a dream.

(to be continued)