this is actually an entry from august 5th this year, but i forgot to post it!
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Last year during Christmas time, a team of 7 from CPC including myself went on a STM to BaoShan, Taiwan, where we helped out at this local church as well as taught in a high school for juvenile delinquents. Since today is the last Sunday I would be spending in Taiwan, I decided to visit those people I met during the STM and see how they are doing. BaoShan is a hour train ride away from Taipei, but to make it to their 9am service, I actually had to wake up at 5:30 in order to get there in time (including time taking MRT to the train station etc.) I made my way to the train station half awake, until a stranger really woke me up. Basically I was waiting for train while kind of dozing off when this 40 y.o lady dressed in bright purple legging with a pair of white shorts came and started talking to me like I'm her best friend. She told me that I had the words "I want to sleep" all over my face. I thought she was just being friendly, so I just smiled politely at her. I must've dozed off again but the next second I found her shouting at me loudly with her face right in front of mine (like 1 cm away)! She seriously freaked me out and I literally jumped off the seat (thankfully the train had just arrived...)
Ok, so it was so nice to catch up with some of the people I grew so close to last December. I can't believe all the little kids still remembered us and warmed up to me within minutes. The church recently moved to a different location however almost all the same people still attend the service. It is again strange to get used to a congregation of only ~10 members! I spent most of the time with the kids and a missionary couple from Singapore there. I once again saw how different my life is compared to theirs...
What stood out to me was this 17 y.o girl who has to look after her young brother and sister all the time because their mother (unemployed single parent) is out all day long. I asked the girl where her mum goes each day and she hesistated to tell me so I asked her whether her mum has a boyfriend and she said yes. Her little siblings' clothes look as if they havent been washed for 6 months and because they eat all the lollies they want, they have so many untreated cavities. It is really sad to see how there are kids who are without parental guidance and are insecure about themselves...I pray that they will grow close to their Heavenly Father and know of His unconditional love.
