and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 1 Cor 13:2

I think I finally understand what Paul meant and felt when he wrote those words.

merely a tool.

Last day of tutoring with these two brothers from church

Hangout day with Bingguo and XiaoHan!

Finally got to try out a two persons bike!

Exploring!

Shaved Ice shop with past customers' writings on the walls...

... and ceiling!

Nightmarket

Last class with this girl!

Thanksgiving celebration day with the church!

"Honey and Bread" documentary showing

Hot pot dinner afterwards

As the countdown continues, my days seems more precious on this little island in the city of Kaohsiung. Anywhere I can go, I go; whoever I can meet up with, I would go and spend time with them.

God has been so faithful despite of the spontaneous life He's given me. These months are and will always be precious to me.

The church also gave me the opportunity to share a part of my Testimony today to the congregation for our Thanksgiving service, only given 15 minutes. It was my first time speaking to 200+ people! I gotta admit, I could not sleep at all the night before. I even google called one of my best friends, Sarah, so she can pray with me. But praise God! The moment I woke up this beautiful Sunday morning, I did not have any fear, even to the point when I stepped onto that stage. All of a sudden I didn't see a sea of people; I saw each individuals that were God's most beautiful creation. And I was merely a tool used by Him to speak to each of them. I questioned the night before if my testimony is fitting to share, would speak to anyone, would even glorify Him,

but I'm merely a tool.

What seems impossible with us, is a possibility for Him.


I may be weak, 
But Your spirit's strong in me
My flesh may fail
But my God, You never will.

his heart for me

Group hangout at the place that created bubble tea!

Parents came to Taiwan! (:

Thank you lunch with the two friends that were the first ones to help me settle here in Taiwan

Last day of class group picture!

Graduation ceremony

Tutors that worked in the library getting their certificates

Whoo! (:

 I fell in love with Him all over again today.

I can't believe after all these years, I never saw His heart until today.
His love made my heart come alive, my eyes sparkle, and joy to overflow within me.
I missed out on so much in the past. I wish I heard His words written just for me earlier. I wish I never turned my face away when He tried over and over again to whisper in my ear of His love for me.

What made my heart cry out today were the affirmation of knowing no matter how weak my love is for Him, He's good with any amount of love I have within me for Him. For when I'm in my weakness, He shows me what He sees within me.  Not failures, but the weak love He will strengthen.

For I was like Peter, and still am, who denied and will keep denying Him in many circumstances. Instead of hating me, punishing me, He will come to me like He went to Peter: with gentleness, with open arms, with the agape love that I need. He will ask me, "Do you love me?" countless times just to let me see what He sees in me: my weak love that He will strengthen.

For I was like Peter and will still be.
But one day, He will strengthen within me a love that will one day glorify Him, even in my death.

Now I love him fearlessly. Undoubtedly.

Now I surrender completely. 

John 21:15-17

countdown

Bunny hoody for Halloween!

Cultural day in the language center

Dream Mall!

Group hangout (:

Paper project class day

Dinner with the "parents"

Hot pot night at Mizuho's!

Last day of the language exchange program!

10 things I've learned about myself throughout these months here:

1) I'm an over-thinker. Sometimes I catch myself thinking of things that I would even call myself out on and then the whole situation would just turn to me calling myself "stupid! stupid! stupid!" in my room. I'm not surprised if my grandma thinks I've gone crazy.

2) I still have not learned what it means to sacrifice.

3) I... don't drink water. At all. I can go a day without water. This is bad.

4) Coffee does not wake me up anymore.

5) I like traveling. As much as I hate moving around, I love traveling. Provide by my side a few friends, money, and a suitcase, and it'll be the best time ever.

6) I hardly dream, but when I do, it always becomes de ja vu or just something CRAZY.

7) I LOVE surprises. Love giving people surprises, love receiving surprises. Love getting the reactions I get when I give surprises, and love seeing how people has prepared it for me.

8) I think I'm a bit more introverted than extroverted ever since I got to Taiwan...

9) Still seeking after that one passion I would want to die for.

10) I love food so much that I think I should just give up on dieting. Sigh.



Man... as this week becomes the "last" of everything, I've realized one thing:

As much as I want to be back at Chicago already,
this little island will always have my heart.


"Is not his love for us his eagerness to do for us all he must do (including die for us) so that we can marvel at him and not be incinerated by him? Redemption, propitiation, forgiveness, justification, reconciliation - all these have to happen. They are the act of love.
But the goal of love that makes those acts loving is that we be with him and see his jaw-dropping glory and be astounded. In those moments we forget ourselves and see and feel him."
- John Piper