It’s hard to say just how much of an effect a first impression has on your future dealings with whatever the subject may be. I’m trying to figure this out as I near the end of my first week in a new school and program: just what were my impressions this week, and are they correct?
I’m speaking in general of my new enviromnent as a whole, but specifically of my school…and I wonder about all of this because I find myself faced with disappointment. As usual, I got over-excited and set my plans on a pedestal, thinking “Why of course it will be everything I dreamed and more, much more…” In fact I have just chosen one out of the myriad paths I could be taking right now, no doubt none of them able to live up to my high, dreamy standards of perfection.
The main point of discontent lies in not being able to be correctly “fit” into any one of the three levels in my program. I should be intermediate, but because I’m quite a bit less intermediate than some of my degree-mates, I’ve been (temporarily, I hope!) placed in the basic class, where I am not challenged in the least. The school is working hard, trying to do what’s best for all the students, but it just broke my heart to hear that I wouldn’t be able to be highly challenged in my classes, right off the bat. But, there is hope: after speaking in length with the department head yesterday, she agreed to let me join the intermediate classes in my strong subjects, listening and speaking. It’s reading and writing that give me trouble, so I may still be joining the basic class for those subjects, and asking the teacher for special assignments if necessary.
So here I am, wondering how a sinking heart changes into a gladdened heart, holding fast to the words of my sweet Lord and Saviour, who promised “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” I feel Him with me, quietly whispering “Oh my child, how I love you! Did I not give you peace and joy of heart when you made these plans? Why then do you wonder what will become of you? Trust in Me only…look to Me only…cry out to Me only…I will hear the aches of your heart and give you the strength to overcome all in My name. As from the beginning of all time, I still have great plans for you.”
I know that God has to help me not let these first impressions of disappointment cloud my view of all the good things and people around me. What good would it do to be a sourpuss, and miss all the fun? So. Please pray for me. I am forever in your debt 
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In other news, since arriving back in Taiwan last week I have:
1. Seen a man walking a hariy, ubly boar on a leash down a busy town street
2. Seen a woman shaving her legs in plain view in the hand-wasing bin outside of a rural factory
3. Walked through the hallways and back rooms of a hospital to get to the bus stop inside of it
4. Had the power turned off on our apartment. The previous tenants so kindly forked us with the bill, due in July
5. Sat around a lone candle in our living room and talked with roomies for hours
6. Lived through Typhoon Sinlaku by staying indoors all weekend and doing basically nothing
7. Traveled by myself by subway, train, bus,, taxi and foot, sometimes not previously knowing how I would get to point B
8. Tried watermelon juice. It’s pretty good!
Love you all! Check out the new pictures from this summer.
Emily
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