Seasons Change and So Do We...

{Well, this is my first blog post. I've been wanting to start a blog ever since I started my traveling adventures in Asia a year ago. I guess now is the perfect time to start one.}


On December 5, 2010, I was given an opportunity to work in Taiwan as an English teacher. Something that I had never expected to happen. But God in His divine plans knew would. As I sat on that airplane, I remember wondering what Taiwan had in store for me. I really had no idea of how things were going to work out. 


It was a huge transition in my life. I had been working night shift at a hospital for 2 years and I just felt drained. I felt like a Zombie. I was ready for change in my life. 


So this is how the adventure started:


As soon as I heard I was moving to Taiwan, I put in my 2 weeks notice at work. I had been told I was coming by the end of September [2010]. But it was not until December that I was sitting on that plane. Three of the longest months EVER. But as I look back, I think it was a good three months of faith increasing experiences, learning to trust the Lord with my future, and an increase of passion to go out and spread the Gospel. 


I wanted to go to Taiwan because I wanted to obey God's calling. I didn't know how things would be once here but I knew God was opening doors in Asia & closing them for me in California.


After heartbreaking goodbyes & a couple tears, I was finally on the air. Excited to start this adventure. Excited to see how God was going to work things out in my life. And when I finally got to this tiny island, Kinmen, I had the pleasure of meeting young people with a passion [a great love] for the people of Taiwan. These young people whose lives were completely dedicated to Jesus {who lived for & breathe Jesus} were an amazing encouragement in my life. They were an awesome example of Christ's love{I knew I fell short}. 


I was on cloud nine. I was soaking in the culture and loving Kinmen's amazing beauty. 
{Kinmen is an island that belongs to Taiwan but that is in the outskirts of China. On a clear day you can see Xiamen, China.}
I constantly had to pinch myself to see if all this was not just a beautiful dream. 
One of my favorite things God did when I got here was giving me a desire for ministry.The Lord began opening doors for ministry at Kinmen's university, National Quemoy University. It was there that I met many amazing university students that became very important part of my life.


God had given, Bethany Williams, a burden for the university students and after much prayer, a Bible study was started at the university, allowing students to practice speaking/listening English by hearing/discussing the Word of God. 

What an honor to spread the Gospel to these people I now called friends. It was an exciting thing to see how God was touching the hearts of these students and provoking them to have questions. God was there with ALL THE ANSWERS. 


Our Visa-renewal trips:
For winter vacation, King Kar [the company we work for] paid for our visa- renewal trip to the Philippines. 
This trip changed my life. I mean, my outlook on life had already changed drastically when I moved to Kinmen. This trip to the Philippines fuel a passion that was once in my heart but that I no longer thought existed. It was a passion to serve those less fortunate. A passion to dedicate my life to spreading hope, love & faith to those people whose lives were hopeless. 

I suddenly was confronted with the realities of a third world country. 


While we were in Mandaluyong City, we volunteered at a daycare and we "taught" about 200 children whose families lived in poverty. The experience was incredible. The lessons I learned were so valuable. A vision was born. Their tiny hands holding mine, their tiny arms reaching out for mine- spread a love in my heart for those filipino children like a wildfire! 

I never wanted to let go. They were just adorable.

The children saying their goodbyes. One of my favorite moments of my life. 

 Matthew 18:3 says, “And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

 When I got back from the Philippines, I had changed. I was different. You cannot see suffering, poverty, hunger and not be moved. There was a bigger passion. 


On our second visa-renewal trip we went to Thailand [2012]. Thailand was also an life changing experience. We got to visit amazing places there. It's so rich in culture and the people are very friendly. This time, I didn't spend much time with children, instead I had the honor of teaching a class of 12th graders. 


A week of getting to know these special group of people. All very different yet all very special. 

While we were in Thailand we had the opportunity of visiting some  of Northern Thailand's mountain schools. Oh, it was the most amazing time getting to know all these children. Seeing their smiles as Johnny and some of the others, played with the children, was priceless. I remember feeling as if time had slowed down and all I could see was happiness all around me. 

While we were in Thailand we go the chance to explore the Golden Triangle, and also to learn about Thailand's past. We ate some very delicious food and also some very interesting food [like GRUBS! eeek]. 

And ACTION!

    We had heard for so long about human trafficking & sex slavery in Thailand but it was until we were there, seeing these little children, that the Lord gave our team a burden to do something to stop slavery. 
We got back from Thailand with a burden. We began to raise awareness in our school about this world problem. Our students were amazed and couldn't believe that there were more than 27 million slaves in our world today. 
We have had 2 fundraisers so far. Johnny & Christina have organized a Swing dance fundraiser, in which, our teachers, friends & students can come and have fun but also learn about slavery and donate for a good cause. All the funds we collect go to destinyrescue.org. [Destiny Rescue is a christian organization that rescues children, women & men in Thailand from Sex slavery. They have safe houses for these victims.]


Not the same girl...
So here I am, after a year & 3 months of living in Asia, I have seen things & learned so much; I am no longer that girl on the plane unsure of her future. 
I am now the girl with a passion & a vision to help better my world, to spread the Gospel, and to bring glory to God. A girl focused on Jesus. A girl working on her relationship with God. A girl struggling but trusting Jesus. A girl desiring to achieve perfection through Jesus. I am no longer confused, scared, ashamed, guilty, unsure, among other things. 
I plan on staying in Kinmen for another year. I'm excited about future adventures with God. Life is so mysterious when you live with God as your  Guider. You never know what exciting adventures God has for you! 
I will soon start studying a midwifery course, and plan on moving  to the Philippines to do an apprenticeship there. 


I've changed- He doesn't.
What has been comforting to me is that God never changes. He remains faithful, loving, trustworthy, & merciful. What an honor to  trust in such a mighty friend, father & lover!


The ultimate answer is Jesus' presence. That sounds sappy, I know. But just wait- when your world is rocked, you don't want philosophy or theology as much as you want the reality of Christ. He was the answer for me♥ M.H