The East meets West

I went to a Chinese concert with all the traditional Chinese Instruments. I was told it was one of the best concert groups in Taiwan. While I heard this, I didn't know what to expect since Heidi, the music guru on Team Taiwan, said the the sound was very shrill. All I have to say is the sound was amazing. They played many songs that I did not recognize, but when they played Western songs that I did recognize the Chinese instruments with the cellos, drums and harp gave it a sound that was simply beautiful to hear. The flute duo that I heard was also great. I wish that I would have taped some of it, but they requested no videotaping so I respected that wish.

Back in the Swing of Things

So after a long Hiatus I am finally back with my computer. Today has been busy baking cookies for the Halloween Party at CELA on Monday. Tonight we have a Halloween Party at the Hanson Manor. It should be a good time to just kick back and relax. I am finally feeling more comfortable teaching the 1st grade class. They are starting to listen to me as well! It's is great to have some relationships forming. One in particular is with a student named Stalin. He will come into the CELA office everyday and talk for a little bit. I am usually busy with things so I cannot talk long, but he constantly asks me if I will come to Thrusday night to talk more.
I have also decided to post a picture of some of my E6 students. They are a wild bunch at times, but usually are pretty good.

I'll try to keep you updated more now that I have my computer once again.

If you want to check out YouTube I now have some videos on there as well

In Christ,
Matthew Fick

1st week of School

I just finished my first two days of teaching. While i didn't feel quite at home with the E1 kids (1st grade) I got through it and that's all that matters. My E6 kids (6th Grade) are amazing. I ran into one of them at a book store on Saturday, but she was too shy and didn't want to talk. That is how most of the students are; they are very good in speaking English, but they are too shy to actually speak. I am learning a bit more Chinese not as much as I wish I knew, but enough to order things from restaurants.
I visited a temple yesterday on our bike tour and was amazed at the architecture. It was so ornate and very beautiful. and then I realized everyone worshiping there did not know Christ. It weighed really heavy on my heart and the hearts on the other missionaries as well. We had a prayer after visiting the temple for the people of Taiwan. I ask that you too pray for the people of Taiwan that this tiny island may experience the growth of the Christian church as the disciples at Pentecost experienced. Just thinking that 3,000 could be added to the number of the church in one day is amazing. If that happened during the time of the disciples, I pray that it could happen now.

'til next time. tzi chien.