Six months

I've been in Taiwan for 6 months now.  I look around church and see all the faces that I know.  Six months ago many were strangers; now they are familiar and friendly and full of care.  It's funny how comfortable one can become in another country.  I wish everyone had an opportunity to experience life as an expat, to have that free-falling feeling of being detached from everything you knew back home.  You start as a stranger, and leave as a friend, and find yourself free-falling again.  It will be hard to leave Taiwan for good, whenever that time may be.

I've been really busy since the second semester started.  I have a full teaching schedule with overtime hours, tutoring on top of it, not to mention Bible studies and outreach programs.  I think I need to cut down on tutoring, but it's hard to choose which students to keep and which to let go.  I want to be a blessing for all of them.  I'm praying for wisdom on how to balance my schedule.  I also pray that God would have me where he wants me, connecting with the right people to make the most impact during my time here.

My first semester I thought my biggest job here was to teach the contents of the Bible with the word of my mouth.  It's true, this is important.  But the more I live here and experience ministry, the more I realize that the way you live your life can sometimes effect people more than what comes out of your mouth.  We always say "a picture's worth a thousand words" and "preach the Gospel; when necessary, use words".   I've always known these things, but now I'm seeing it happen and learning the practical application of this.

Things like this:

Being eager to work with and help a troublesome student.  Loving people that make my life difficult.  Being patient as someone repeats to you what you already know.  Washing dirty dishes that aren't mine and not complaining.  Enthusiastically offering to do a task at school that no one else wants to do.  Being willing to meet with students during lunchtime and breaks.  When complimented, giving the glory to God.  Being thankful and joyful in all circumstances.  Not cutting shortcuts in honesty.  Keeping a rein on your tongue and never speaking badly of people.  Always being encouraging, serving, forgiving, loving.  In your freedom, choosing to be a slave.  Making people wonder why you live such a radical life.  Making people wonder what kind of God you serve.

The mission of a missionary.

"Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible."  1 Corinthians 9

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."  Matthew 5:16

"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."  John 13:35

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."  1 John 3:18