I woke up at 7 in the morning after having gone to bed at 3 with a tight sensation in my chest and “what in the world was I thinking!” thoughts in my head. It was a difficult day. I spent most of it with my mother affirming the amazing relationship we’ve had ever since I was a little girl. We went to the dentist, then bought cupcakes and went up to a hill to pray together, enjoy our food and read Psalm 121.
The rest of the day was a combination of tearful phone calls and packing last minute articles. My best friend Maureen came over to say goodbye, and then it was time to go to the airport.
I was exhausted! Which didn’t do a whole lot for my nerves. They were shot! So after paying for 3 overweight bags and hugging Mom and Dad, I went through immigration and embarked on this incredible journey.
First stop, Auckland, New Zealand. We arrived at 4 in the morning of the 30th (which means I quite literally skipped a day). Due to emotional exhaustion I was able to sleep through most of the flight and arrived at the airport feeling slightly rested. Bought some internet time, and managed to get the credit card blocked for making “suspicious purchases overseas.” Whoops!
Next stop, Brisbane. By this time, I have to confess I was ready to throw the whole trip in the trash. I didn’t want to get on another plane, eat any more airplane food (not that I had eaten much) or watch any more in-flight movies.
Finally, Taiwan. I got off the plane and was greeted by a corridor that seemed to never end. Most likely it was excellent for my circulation, but after traveling for 30 hours, you really don’t feel like walking anymore, do you? Finally I made it to immigration and stood in line for a while. When I met the immigration officer I was initiated into the bluntness of the Taiwanese. He looked at my passport, looked at me and said “this you?” to which I replied “yes,” and then he scrunched his nose and said “much prettier in the picture!” Well thanks. Not as pretty in the picture and all, they still let me into the country ;).
I was helped with my bags. I think everyone who saw me was surprised that a 5”2 little woman had so much luggage. The man that ended up helping me take them out of the baggage claim area looked at me after we had stacked all of the luggage and said “All bags, one man?!”....yep. All for me!
As I walked out of the bagagge claim area I was greeted by Julie Heisman, the high school counselor. I was so happy to finally be in the company of a fellow worker who understood what I was going through. We drove for two hours and finally reached the city of Taichung.
After a phone call to my mom to let her know I had arrived safely, I spent some time with Lynne, the former second grade teacher and her family. It helped me deal with the sadness of leaving home as we engaged in conversation and I kind of forgot that I was in a completely foreign country.
Took some melatonin at 12:00 but was only able to sleep for 5 hours. It’s now 4:10 in the afternoon on Friday and I think I’m doing pretty well. I got to see my new classroom this morning, as well as go to Carrefour with Kari today. We picked up some apartment basics (electric toothbrush, toilet paper, paper towel, trash can, etc.) and then went to her house so that I could use the internet. Following that we went for lunch at what looked like a hole in the wall, but turned out to be a delicious food station. I had fried noodle soup. Yum! Walked around some, and finally bought some fresh flowers for the family that is feeding me dinner tonight.
My arrival has felt long yet good. I am surrounded by people who truly care about my well being and are making sure I am well taken care of. When we are faithful to God’s calling, He is faithful to provide all that we need. He has shown me so much mercy in this new journey.
The following are some photos of my new amazing apartment! I will soon post pictures of today´s adventures as well ;)
