Treasures Of Taiwan : June 9th

Sunday morning, June 9^th

We usually wake in the morning between 4 and 6. The girls can’t believe we aren’t sleeping longer. The 16 hour days are long, but we feel It’s because of all the coffee events and lack of sleep the month of May that sleeping a solid 7 hours is a wonderful thing! We do enjoy our break during lunch to rest though. When our bodies are fully adjusted to the time here we look forward to exploring a little more during our break time.

Yesterday, when we came downstairs to begin our day, we noticed a picture we hadn’t seen before that was behind one of the rockers – it was of my, Debbie, mom and a couple of ladies from Grinnell Christian Church taken in 2007. So even though she couldn’t come with us, we felt she was here in spirit!

The routines of the days sure make them go fast. I, am on the schedule from 7 AM to 5:30 PM (with my lunch break in between), but can’t quite quit when there are babies to be held, fed and changed and bottles to be washed and refilled. One of the workers at the home has been here the whole time we have, but today is her day off and we are told, it gets kind of crazy around here on Sundays. She is a hard worker.

I, Kimberly, have the schedule from 9-12 then 4-9 I too have a hard time not taking breaks or due to being up by 5 am I tend to start my shift early.

Due to my mom’s willingness to kill insects (unlike me) two huge cockroaches have died since we have been here.

Yesterday during the lunch break we enjoyed a little walk with the other girls who are working. We went to the Salex, which has American style food. We couldn’t quite turn down the option to have Hawaiian pizza (over pig or duck or other things I’m not so bold to try.) After lunch, which was located by the nearby lake, we watched the dragon boat races going on. We hung out there a little bit. If you ever want the feeling of being a celebrity come to LuoDong. It is so funny, we come to look around but people want to look at us. They don’t have many American tourists here on normal basis. We took a picture with one of the rowing teams who were so excited to have a picture with us. We look out at someone taking our picture and before we know it many other locals pull out their cameras to also take pictures. My mom was offered a stool from a local lady to sit on in the shade.

It was a very hot day here yesterday and already a hot one today, We are hoping it rains soon due to the fact it cools everything down. Many people walk with umbrellas to protect their skin. They probably think us American girls are crazy for purposely standing in the sun while we are out.

So far the kids here have brought so much joy to our hearts. When we get smiles from the babies, cuddle time, and even when changing the diapers and calming them (or attempting to calm them) before feeding time or naptime, they are such a blessing. I often say all 22 baby’s names and in my head and pray for their future.

There are a few older girls from the orphanage I’ve been talking to. They now call me teacher and want me to teach them lots of dances while I’m here.

Specifically, we are asking for prayer for the Home. There are some major inspections coming up; one this Friday the 14^that 2:00 pm (which will happen when it’s Thursday back home). This will affect the future of the Home. Praying the Lord’s work will continue to be done and that He will be glorified through the outcome.

Also please pray for unspoken requests regarding the baby’s lives and adoptions. These little ones lives are so important to all of us here and most importantly to God, so no matter the outcome or the timing of things taking place, the Lord will be at hand. We are also asking for continued prayer for strength on these 15-16 hour long days.

We had our American Church service yesterday on the roof. Construction of the new orphanage was going on as well as fireworks over the lake for the completion of the dragon boat races. Yet our small group of 8 definitely had church! Our worship service was led by one of the helpers here. Then Tim, who is taking over for Ted while he and Bev are in the states led our communion time and scripture reading. He read from John 15:12-17. “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” It was so appropriate and gave us strength for what we are doing while we are here.

Thank you, friends, for sacrificing your time to pray for us and for your support on this trip.