Getting to Know Taiwan

Getting to Know Taiwan – A Land of Beauty and History

Hello again, friends. I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas celebrating with friends and family and remembering the reason for the season. Today is January 1, 2025. Happy New Year! Looking back, 2024 has felt like it went by quickly. It was a good, memorable year for me, and I hope for you as well.

As I prepare for my trip to Taiwan, I thought it might be helpful to share a bit about this amazing country I’ll soon be calling home for three months. Taiwan is a beautiful island in East Asia, known for its mountains, beaches, and bustling cities. Taipei, the capital, is famous for its towering Taipei 101 skyscraper (which is 1,667 feet!) and vibrant night markets where you can find all kinds of delicious foods—think authentic bubble tea, dumplings, and exotic fruits. I’m excited (and a little nervous) to try them all! Also, it has been requested of me to try the infamous “stinky tofu,” so stay tuned for that experience haha. Every year Taiwan celebrates its Lantern Festival, right after celebrating their Lunar Year Lol. Thousands of lanterns are released into the dark sky, creating a beautiful, illuminating picture. This year it starts on February 12th, 2025, so my friend and I will be able to experience it! We are both so excited; it’ll be like living in real-life Tangled!

On another note, one thing I’m looking forward to is seeing how the people of Taiwan live out their daily lives. While I’ll be spending much of my time at Bethesda, I still plan to do a bit of sightseeing and shopping in my spare time. However, most importantly, I’m eager to learn from the culture and bring the kindness of Christ to everyone I meet. I know God is already preparing hearts, including my own, and I can’t wait to share what I learn.

Stay tuned as I continue to prepare for this journey, and thank you for being part of it with me!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Hosanna