The First Night in Pictures

Impacting Hsinchu

It was definitely a first -- the dirtiest I have ever been while in Taiwan! I guess we should’ve thought about it a bit more before we jumped onto the go-carts. I guess we should’ve realized that dust that layered the off-road track would inevitably be blown in our faces. We should’ve also considered that we would be going out for dinner in public afterwards, but it seems all reason left us as the adrenaline kicked in and we jumped onto the roaring contraptions and sped off at incredible speeds.

The competition was fierce, grime flew and tires spun. There is something totally novel and picturesque about finding an obscure go-cart track tucked away in a small mountain town, and I think it’s safe to say that all involved walked away refreshed and invigorated from the experience.

The same rush of energy that came from spontaneously deciding to laugh in the face of danger a couple of days ago returned to us last night as the children arrived for the first night of the Hsinchu seminar. I felt a bit unprepared, but plunged ahead anyway. I was encouraged by Luke 12:11-12 “and when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: for the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.”

It’s amazing to be here in Hsinchu! It’s also overwhelming to look around and see so many who are lost and to desire for Christ to reach all of them. I’ve come to realize that this seminar may be the only chance I’ll ever have to impact Hsinchu. These children are the next generation, and I’m hoping to take the small window of time that I have with them to introduce them to Our Great God. Remember to pray for our team! The battle is only just beginning, but we know Who will have the victory!

Until next time,

Charity Sanders

Happy Feet

The morning sun shone down with perfect clarity on the first day I awoke in Taiwan. Alas, the curtain in front of my window prohibited me from viewing the breathtaking splendor…but none-the less, it was there. As my eyes opened and focused on my dark surroundings, the knowledge that I was back home in Taiwan hit me with the force of a freight train. My mind scrambled to catch up as I tried to recall how I had gotten here…ah yes…the plane ride…never mind, let’s think about something pleasant! Ah Taiwan…I have returned.

As the day progressed I was pleased to make better acquaintance with my fellow team members, eat the lovely Taiwanese breakfast, and listen to Karen play the guitar for our worship. I love this…

Wes led in morning devotions, and as he spoke on the Armor of God, I took special note of the third piece we are to put on: “And having your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace…” My mind retuned to the scene before Luke and I flew out only hours before…my family gathered around us, praying for our journey. My Pastor; his hand on my shoulder asking God to bless and protect me and to make me effective for God…The HQ staff praying for the team that we might be as one vessel, a clear channel of God’s love. My many friends and family assuring me that Luke and I and the team are in their constant prayers…binding and rebuking Satan from any attack. And I realized, my feet were indeed shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. God has so blessed me with a supporting base of prayer warriors…my shoes are on, now walk.

If you are reading this journal I assume you have an interest in what is going on here in Taiwan and Hong Kong in the next month. Maybe you wish you were here, maybe your child is here, maybe a brother or a sister, maybe a friend. Whatever the case may be, you can play a huge role in what happens here. If you are reading this, I assume you care, and if you care I ask you to pray. Pray that we would be willing to surrender ourselves to the will of God, that we might be an example of His powerful love to the children and people of Taiwan. I am convinced God has each of us here for a reason, and I am just as convinced He has you there for a reason, reading this. Please take a moment, even now, to pray and ask God to bless us; to bless the work of our hands, to bless our bodies with health and strength, and to bless our minds and mouths with His thoughts and words. We can’t walk on mountains without good shoes.

Last night we took a walk through the city of Hsinchu—praying that God would work. Praying that God would show Himself strong this week. And I know He will, I know that with such preparation as we have, we will not only walk in our shoes, we will skip.

Thank you for your support and prayers. May God bless you for taking an interest in what is going on here in Tawian.

With Love,

Naomi Kallberg

Lunch @ The Teapot

Safely to Taiwan

Praise the Lord for His protection as the CI team arrived safely into Taipei tonight. We'll post more about how the Lord is working through the seminars a little later.

The Staff

Taiwan CI's turn 10!!!!!!!!!!

Ten years... 500+ teachers... 4500+ children... Ten years of experiences, lessons, and friends who have changed our lives forever.

This graphic is a sneak preview of the Taiwan CI 10th anniversary T-shirt design. Email Karen if you're interested in ordering a shirt (don't forget to specify your size). This offer is only available while supplies last. If you're coming with this year's team, you're in luck-- you'll get yours for free.

To kick off the anniversary celebration... a little trivia to help my veterans reminisce. We will give a FREE T-shirt to the first CI junkie who can answer all the questions below correctly.

Taiwan CI Trivia (Tenth Anniversary Edition)
[Editor's Note: The questions below apply only to Taiwan CI's and do not yet include 2007.]

1. List the five Team Directors.
2. Who was the first Teacher Trainer?
3. Name Taipei's two most notorious Wisdom Walk Frequent Flyers.
4. Which family has sent the most children to teach in Taiwan?
5. Which five countries (excluding Taiwan) have been represented by CI teachers?
6. Which CI song originated in Taiwan?
7. Who told the most "romantic" rendition of the Eagle Story?
8. Who has played the piano for the most number of CI's?
9. What's the age limit for CI assistants?
   
10. Name four CI veterans who have returned to teach in Asia for a year or more.