November 1: Wu Feng

Besides the incredibly friendly Taiwanese people, I think the two things we will remember most about Taiwan are the motorized scooters and the night markets. Taiwan is about 85 miles wide and 300 miles long, with a population of 21 million. And, it seems that all of those people, and their aunt, uncle, brother and mother ride a scooter. (Sometimes an entire family fits on one scooter.)

Scooters everywhere

It was fascinating to watch them all manuver through traffic and beware while crossing the street! Of course, I was thriled when the Penney’s let me ride one of theirs a very short distance in their town. Last night we went with Doug and Melody to the weekly night market in their neighborhood. It’s kind of a carnival atmosphere with food venders selling such specialties as chicken’s feet, pigs blood and stinky tofu – which really lives up to it’s name. We sampled some of the tamer fare. . . a dim sum type dumpling which was really good and then had the most delicious papaya milk. . . . yummo. Some of the university students from the Penney’s church were there passing out tracts and talking to people at the market. Today we packed our bags and then met the pastor of the Penney’s church for lunch. We had an opportunity to talk with him about possible future mission opportunities.

Taiwanese foot massage

After lunch the Penney’s took us for a very traditional Taiwanese experience. . . . a foot massage. I was thinking something similar to a pedicure. . . .Chris didn’t know what to think. It was far more than either of us expected. . . . and if there was one in Folsom we would be regular customers. They begin with a shoulder and neck massage while your feet are soaking in a tub of hot water. Then they move you to a reclining chair and give you some herbal drink that’s good for your eyes and liver and they begin on the feet. If you are suffering from some illness you can let them know and they can concentrate on that reflex point on your feet. . . . .or, it’s my understanding that they can also identify illness based on the tension or whatever of certain points. Anyway, it was really relaxing and just what we needed after spending the past two weeks walking, walking and walking. (Did I mention that there are a lot of stairs in Asia?) We made a quick stop at the Morrison Academy which is the missionary school that the Penney’s children attended as well as missionary kids from all over the island. It’s really a nice facility which is also used for conferences.

Pastor Kevin, Doug and Melody

Our time with the Penney’s was really great. . . just getting to know them, seeing their heart for the Taiwanese people and what the life of a missionary is like. Chris asked them what a typical week looks like to which they responded, “We never have a typical week.” Doug and Melody met in Taiwan as short (or mid) term missionaries and then returned about sixteen years ago and have been there ever since. They were actually the first missionaries supported by Lakeside! They moved in August and are now living in Wu Feng, a smaller more rural location than they had been living in. It was really amazing to think that because of their efforts, this thriving church in Wu Feng exists. We are so grateful for the opportunity to have experienced their hospitality and look forward to their visits back to the states.  Susan

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