[牧者心語] Our First Five Months in Taiwan 我們在台灣的頭五個月 2017.25

We have now been here 5 months. To us, the time has gone by very quickly. And yet, it seems we have done so little. This adjustment to another culture is much more challenging that we had ever thought it would be.

我們到台灣已經五個月了，對我們來說時間過得飛快，然而做的卻好像很少。跨文化的適應比我們原先所預想的還要更加艱鉅。

But first, we want to “Thank you,” to our church family and friends. We have been overwhelmed with your acts of kindness and generosity. Your welcome to us has been refreshing and humbling. We know we are loved and wanted here. 

但是我們想要先感謝我們教會大家庭還有朋友們，你們的慷慨仁慈使我們有些不知所措，我們受到的歡迎使我們常常覺得重新被激勵也使我們感到謙卑。我們知道在這裡我們是被愛的，也是被需要的。

At the first, Pastor Kao explained to us that we would be spending most of our time on the Mandarin side of the church rather than the English side. We did not understand that but realized he knew best. Those weeks were some of the most wonderful times for us. In spite of the language barrier new friendships were formed and forged. We have come to greatly appreciate the vision and ministry Pastor Kao has for this church and community. We cannot believe we get to be a part of it. 

一開始的時候高牧師要我們把多數的時間放在中文的聚會(三四堂)中，一開始的時候不明白，但是既然牧師這樣要求(我們就照做了)。事後才發現，在三、四堂的聚會是我們有過最美好的時光，雖然有語言的隔閡，我們卻開始的許多新的友誼。也逐漸開始體會高牧師對於教會和社區所懷抱的異象以及使命。真是不敢相信我們可以成為其中的一員。

Some of the seminary students took us on various tours in Tainan. The time with them was always fun leaving us looking forward to more time with them. We have come to know some young people in this church who are an encouragement to us. It is so wonderful to see the passion and commitment of the young people here. 

許多神學生帶我們到台南各處遊歷，跟他們在一起都很有趣，我們也一直期待能夠與他們有更多的時間在一起。我們也認識了這個教會許多的年輕人，他們也常常成為我們的鼓勵。能夠看到這裡年輕人的熱情與委身真是一件很棒的事情。

We have been invited to homes and small groups. We have had the privilege of having many to our apartment. We have been invited to Zone trips. We have sat in numerous meetings, services, and small group sessions. And it has only been five months. We are eager to see what God has for us here over the coming years. 

有許多的家庭與小組邀請我們，我們也有幸能夠邀請許多人到我們的家中。我們也參加了(馬可/但以理)牧區的出遊，也參加了數不清的會議、主日崇拜、還有小組聚會，很難相信我們到台灣才五個月而已。所以我們很渴望看到神在我們將來的日子裡會怎樣帶領我們。

We have had some questions asked that we would like to answer here.

• Do you know how to use chopsticks? Yes we do. We practiced at home before we moved here. 
• Do you like living in Tainan? We love living here.
• What do you miss about the USA? Our children and grandchildren.
• Do you like the food? The food is wonderful. There is so much food and so little time but we do not think we can eat stinky tofu. 
• What is your greatest challenge here? The language but we are slowly learning Mandarin.
• Why did you move here? We believe God moved us here. We see God at work here and we are excited to be a part of it. 

有些常被問到的問題，我們也想藉著這個機會來回答：

• 你們會用筷子嗎？會，我們會用筷子，來台灣之前我們已經在家裡練習。
• 你們喜歡住在台南嗎？我們喜愛住在這裡。
• 你們會想念美國的什麼？我們的孩子和孫兒。
• 你們喜歡(這裡的)食物嗎？食物非常棒，好吃的東西太多，時間太少。但是我們無法接受臭豆腐。
• 你們在這裡最大的挑戰是什麼？語言，但是我們慢慢地在學中文。
• 為什麼你們要搬來台灣？我們相信是神把我們搬到這裡，在這裡也看到神的工作在進行，我們很興奮能夠成為其中一員。

Thank you Tainan Holiness Church for your kindnesses and your friendships. We are so happy to be here with you.

謝謝台南聖教會的慈愛和友誼，能夠在這裡跟你們一起真的很開心。