Tender Mercies in Taiwan

When Scott and Daniel returned from the mission field we took the opportunity to pick them up. By doing that we were able to meet the wonderful people that they introduced the gospel to. That was a bigger challenge with Joseph being that he served in Taiwan. As luck would have it Bob's work was taking him to Taiwan so we planned a vacation in conjunction with a business trip a year after his return.

We title this blog Tender Mercies because of the wonderful experiences we had each day as we walked the streets of Taiwan. Several of the days we did not have things lined up with people he wanted to see and things always worked out so beautifully. Things feel into place so that we could see so many of the people Joey wanted to see. Joey was to be both our tour guide and interpreter for the week and he did a great job by helping us learn about and meet the people he came to love.

We landed in Taiwan and took a taxi to the Taiwan Temple patron housing. The next morning as we came outside to go to church two full time missionaries walked out of the mission office. One of them was Elder Hammer, one of Joeys companions. After a long embrace and some pictures it was off to church. We took the subway to one of the Chinese branches that Joey attended. It was a great reunion (Joey was afraid no one would remember him). One of the speakers didn't show up and Joey was asked to speak. We wish we knew Chinese but the holy ghost helped us to feel much of the meetings spirit.

That night we went to a members home for dinner. We enjoyed pigs feet, jelly fish, shark and more. We helped him call the missionary in the USA that baptised him years ago. Home on the subway and looking forward to an adventure down south.

We ate breakfast "on the street" which was very good. then on to the subway and then the 3 hr train ride to Hualien. The train ride was grand with ocean and mountain views. When we arrived Joey mentioned that even though he couldn't contact any people in this city he still wanted to be there. He suggested that we just go to the church and see what happens. On our way to the church we passed a member that drives a taxi and Joey gave him a shout. The church was locked but a member (custodian) let us in. The custodian happened to be the big sister of the taxi driver that Joey knew. They called him and he came and he wanted to be our tour guide for the day in his taxi. So he grabbed his camera and off we went to Taroko Gorge. (They claim it is the 3rd prettiest place in the world)

Amazing canyons, gorges, cliffs, etc. But after 5 hours of nature viewing, Miriam actually said..I never thought I would say it but " I am tired of nature". I think she was just tired but we never thought it would happen. Back to the city by way of the cemetery and ocean. That evening we went to a outdoor show of traditional aboriginal dancing. We spent the night in a bed and breakfast type hotel. The owner was wonderful to us and Joey even had the opportunity to teach parts of the first discussion to a group of guests that asked some questions. Later that evening (11:30 pm) a nurse that went to English classes that Joseph taught and joined the church came over with her son and visited with us. She brought us mulberries and juice for a nice treat.

The next morning it was the best street breakfast with Jeff, a young man that Joseph taught. We had a great lunch with the Lu family then off to the train station where we barely hopped the train to continue our journey to Taidung. (literally)

Mountains and rice patties as far as the eye can see. An entertaining taxi ride (110 in a 60), a hotel with mattresses on the floor but free bikes, yet another great breakfast on the street, and an adventure with the Lu family. They took us to the hot springs where we sat in natural hot springs while our raw eggs were cooking close by in really hot hot springs. We enjoyed meeting and talking with the very friendly people at the resort.

Now to the airport for a flight back to Taipei. (Well, Bob just stepped away from the computer and told me it is my turn. This is going to be consolidated compared to his.) We had a few more days in Taiwan. We went to the temple for 2 endowment and 1 sealing session. That was really sweet for us. We ate great meals with Bob's work people, Daniel and Amber who are younger friends of Joey's. They accompanied us up to Danshui where we had such a great time together. Walked and walked just like missionaries on the streets. We found his favorite Mexican restaurant and Eddy. Each evening we had dinners with people he worked with on his mission. They love him and you should see his face with the people he spent so much time with and grew so close to. He really glows.

One particularly special experience was looking for a Filipino girl that he found and taught on his mission. We passed her on the street going to her home. She has not been able to come to church because of situations with schedules. He was able to get a hold of the missionaries that speak her language and find a branch that will meet in the afternoon so she can attend. He talked with the missionaries and this girl and got commitments to attend and get a hold of each other. The Elders told him they were going to keep helping her to come now. So she was happy and so was he. It was fun for me to see him in action and testifying to her of the importance of the covenants and remind her of the blessings of keeping them. They speak English but she prefers Tagoli.

We got up early and a member taxi driver drove us to the airport. Joey waited for many hours for his plane. We got on our plane and went to Cambodia for Bob's work. The people of Taiwan are the some most gracious and giving people we have ever met. We are so privileged to have had this beautiful experience. We are so grateful that Joey had the opportunity to serve his mission here and feel the tender mercies of the Lord on this blessed land and himself. (Oh, Bob had successful meetings and enjoyed the people at work as well) CHECK OUT THE PICS IN THE ALBUM LINK