Questions and Answers
I know many of you will ask me many questions about my trip, and I will try to answer the best I can. If you know me, though, if I can write, I do much better. It takes me a while to sort through my thoughts and feelings, and I don’t do well with on-the-spot questions. I will try to address the main questions here with thoughtfulness and detail.
Q: What Did You Learn?
A: I learnt to do hard things — step out of my comfort zone and do what I would have opted out of if given the option, but then I might have missed the lessons and the works God was doing through me, even if I don’t see it now. Working on the 7th floor of Joy House is the biggest example. That was a hard transition at first, but ultimately it was good for me and will hopefully better equip me for the future. I never know what God may call me to to do. He may give me a special needs child, whether by birth or through adoption, and I think that after this trip I can honestly say I would be good with that.
Q: What Did You Enjoy Most?
A: Probably the main thing I enjoy most, and it’s something that surprised me, is using my Mandarin. At home I only take a 50-minute class once a week, but other than that I don’t ever use it. Here at Bethesda, I use it every day and for most of the day. Even now I find myself using Mandarin towards my mom rather than English because I so much enjoy it, or I forget the English word lol. Going back to Canada, I will happily keep up my Mandarin. I won’t learn as much or as quickly here, but I will maintain what I know. Bethesda is the perfect setting for me to learn the language; the Mandarin is simple, and the words they use are words that are actually useful. I don’t feel judged by my mistakes, and they also graciously correct my mistakes. I haven’t liked my Mandarin classes before because I didn’t see a point when I never use it at home, but my parents have always been firm and made me keep it up with no exceptions. They have always felt it was important to keep up my heritage, and learning the language was the biggest thing, especially so I could communicate with my biological family. I do think that’s good, but I don’t see in my foreseeable future that possibility; however, now with the desire to go back to Taiwan, I have a goal and am more willing happy to learn more.
Q: What Is Your Best Memory?
A: Honestly, I have so many. I made so many memories,, and they were each special in their own way. Hanging out with one of my best friends, Kajsa, for a whole month, exploring the beauty of Taiwan, all the bubble tea and fruit drinks, the food, and just being at Bethesda, making friends with the residents and teachers.
Q: What Was The Hardest Part?
A: Periodically, I struggled with loneliness. Tian, Esther, and Mirjam were really busy many days this month with guests or work. Normally I’m okay and prefer to be alone, but I wasn’t at home in the comfort of my home, and I don’t like to go out and explore by myself. I never thought of this, but when I was expressing this with my mom, she mentioned to me that even in this hard part, God provided a solution. Through this time I made some very special memories with my 3rd floor group, and I wouldn’t trade that time I had with them for the world.
Q: What Will You Miss?
A: The people and the food. I’ve grown so attached to everyone at Bethesda, especially on on the 3rd floor, and so parting with them was hard, especially since there’s no guarantee I will come back, no matter how much I desire it. It must be God’s will. I hope and pray it is. As for the food, I’ve been spoiled here. Every lunch and dinner, we have at least 6 dishes to choose from. A pot of rice, a pot of soup, three vegetable dishes, and one meat dish. The food is very Asian, and I love it.
Q: How Did You Grow As A Christian?
A: I didn’t have an epiphany, and no, I didn’t expect to have one. I was pretty diligent by doing my regular quiet times, prioritizing them when I had my break, and tried to be more consistent in prayer (although I still struggle in that area). Every Sunday I watched my church’s online service and made sure to take notes and there were several times I felt there were many times that the sermons were speaking directly to me even though I was on the other side of the world. It’s amazing how God works. Twice a week we had devotions with the whole Bethesda group, there was singing and a short bible story. Just seeing the residents great joy and child-like faith really impacted me. However, the biggest area I do feel like I grew in was I became more like Him. Through this experience with different situations, I learned to be more loving, kind, thoughtful, helpful, compassionate, etc…
Q: Do You Want To Come Back?
A: Yes! Absolutely! It’s a no-brainier. I would love to come back in 2-3 years and do a full short-term—10 months. My mom would also love to come again and bring my dad! Obviously, if it’s God’s will, it will happen, and if it’s not, it won’t. I would love to come back with Kajsa, and I know she would love to come back as well, but we will see what the Lord has planned for us in the next few years. ;)
Q: What Will You Do Now?
A: Good question. That is yet to be fully decided. I don’t really want to go to school, but I know I need to do something useful with my life for my future. I’ve been looking at courses and found a potential one that I think I’d enjoy—medical laboratory assistant. I found a two-year program put into one, so it would be a year of intensive study, but then it would be done. The beauty of it is that it’s online, my favourite way of learning, but there’s also a practicum in a hospital-type setting so I can put my skills to use. It really stresses me out thinking about all this, and I feel so much pressure, not from my parents, but from the world in general. My mom has encouraged me not to rush into anything and told me if it’s God’s will for me to work for another year and save up money, I’ll be content and happy.
Hopefully that has helped answer the main question you may have. Feel free to come up to me and ask any more; I’m happy to answer!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Hosanna
