Dear friends,
How's your summer vacation? In July, my big sister and I had a voluntary vacation in Shuhai, a peaceful aboriginal township beside the Pacific Ocean in southern Taiwan. A foundation arranged us to live in the local church for three weeks. In the morning, we supported the teachers in a local kindergarten to look after the lovely kids. In the afternoon, we taught a few aboriginal students English and computer skills in addition to their homework. We did enjoy the hot spring, the seasonal butterfly ginger lilies, and the sunrise by the seaside. We also understood how simple our life could be.
During the last week of July, it's so wonderful to see Elspeth and Andy again in Taipei. The time seems to return to the good days in Lancaster. On Friday, we went to Yingee Pottery Street and had dinner with my BIG family. (Yes, I drew a family tree afterwards.) On Saturday, Chen-yang and Irene led us to go hiking in the Yangmingshan National Park and then visited the Palace Museum. It must be an unforgettable experience to hike up a mountain in 35 degrees centigrade and 82% humility to Elspeth and Andy. :-) On Sunday, we had worship in Chen-yang and Irene's church and then a small farewell party in their house. The happy gatherings reminded us, the returnees from Lancaster, the gorgeous outings and International Café activities. We dreamed to visit our friends in Lancaster some day.
About my future, I am still praying for the direction, with strong confidence in our Lord. I don't have instant economical pressure due to my insurance compensation and family support. Currently I write some travel articles and take a few translation cases for interests and the allowance.
No big change about my health condition. I had a physical check-up last week and will have bone-scan in late August in order to check the dark areas (hot spots) in my bottom. If things go well, I will have my routine check-up every half a year. It's good news to me because I will feel closer to normal.
Thank you for keeping me in your prayer. I wish you know you are in mine too.
In His love,
Carol
還記得2002年我決定受洗前，小組弟兄（隔年也受洗）曾經問我：「為什麼要受洗？心裡相信不就可以了嗎？」我的回答是：「對於聖經，我仍有許多不明白的地方，但我可以感受到上帝愛我就像已逝的父親愛我一般，我願一生跟隨他，所以我也想藉由這個公開的儀式，表達我的承諾。」因為對我而言，受洗就像結婚，婚禮不只是有沒有那一張證書的差別，而是這輩子不離不棄的承諾。在洗禮中公開承認自己驕傲、貪慾等原罪，是為了要告訴大家，受洗後的我會重新開始，效法耶穌基督的樣式，成為一個更好的人。
還記得2002年我決定受洗前，小組弟兄（隔年也受洗）曾經問我：「為什麼要受洗？心裡相信不就可以了嗎？」我的回答是：「對於聖經，我仍有許多不明白的地方，但我可以感受到上帝愛我就像已逝的父親愛我一般，我願一生跟隨他，所以我也想藉由這個公開的儀式，表達我的承諾。」因為對我而言，受洗就像結婚，婚禮不只是有沒有那一張證書的差別，而是這輩子不離不棄的承諾。在洗禮中公開承認自己驕傲、貪慾等原罪，是為了要告訴大家，受洗後的我會重新開始，效法耶穌基督的樣式，成為一個更好的人。
