Chinese Boot Camp

We Graduated!

We are done! Well, actually, we have only just begun. The 7 of us have just made a two year commitment to staffing with YWAM in Danshui, and to begin our commitment, the base (starting with us) asked if we would be willing to learn Chinese in order to better serve Taiwan. This required about half of our group to come back at least 4 months earlier than planned. All this to say, it was worth it!

During these three months of Chinese, I was humbled in many ways that I was not anticipating. I will try to paint a picture of the roller coaster of language learning for you... The three months of Chinese Classes culminated to a final proficiency test. This test was basically a pass or fail the course kind of test. All of us passed, praise the Lord. However, many of us had the daunting thought of 'what if I am the ONLY ONE who doesn't pass?!' Many times I thought this, especially on the days that learning Mandarin Chinese felt like learning Mandarin Chinese.

This whole season and process also revealed things about my character that were uncomfortable to deal with. I am not sure how to describe it other than comparing it to fasting. If you have ever fasted for a somewhat-extended amount of time, you are aware that it doesn't necessarily make you feel holy, but rather, quite cranky and human. Its the voluntary weakness in my experience that shows me my need for the Lord. I felt similarly in my attempt to learn Chinese, except far less noble. In my weakness, however, it was an incredible opportunity to begin my staffing experience realizing how much I need to depend on the Lord. In March, I will begin staffing an SBS. This means that I will begin teaching, leading small groups, one-on-ones, all on top of ministry in Taiwan. I desperately desire the grace of the Lord to know how to do this well and bring Him the most glory.

In the meantime...

I am finishing up some assignments in order to receive my AA in Biblical Studies from the U of N, helping out with different needs around Taiwan with Ministry commitments through the base in Danshui, and working on my Alien Resident Visa for staying in Taiwan. I will also have a two week break at home with family for Christmas, which will be a much needed and appreciated holiday!

Thank you for your prayers and support! More updates to come soon!