StaddonFamily.com

posted by Donald on 02/7/08

As in the opening lines of Dickens’ Christmas Carol one point should be made first before the rest of this post will make sense. That point is that I have never really enjoyed being a part of camps for youth or children. While there seemed to be benefits, they generally looked artificial and pointless to me as a child and as a young adult, due in part simply to the fact that our family was already close and strong as a family, a determination that I attribute gratefulness to God for.

One thing that made Winter English Camps here different was of course the English. Learning and conversing in English is a skill that many parents in Taiwan make a priority for their children even during vacation. The classrooms here provided the perfect backdrop for the camps and made English learning naturally more enjoyable and exciting. However there were still many details that our fearless leader Lucas Stewart ironed out for our first camps ever on site. Afterwards, we heard that the feedback to us from the parents was very positive and that there are not only students wanting to come in the future but ones who have already come through who would love to come a second time even if we teach the same exact things again.

We had ten teams that took the names of a country such as Australia for team A and Brazil for Team B. As it turned out I worked with Team Canada for one week and England the next. They were eager to learn anything we told them about those countries. Besides holding elections for a Camp President and cooking our own lunches, one highlight was being able to give a chalk-talk on attentiveness. Afterwards, I got a torrent of mail through our Camp Post Office! One student on team Germany wrote: “To Donald ~ Hey! You draw the picture well. And your stories were good. They were bringing me a lot of fun. I hope you will have a great Chinese New Year [a]nd have fun in Taiwan. . . .”

From 5:30am on the first morning of camps to our “finishing celebration” at Ponderosa on Friday night a week ago, the Lord supplied His guidance and strength. Besides His presence with us, I must say too that it was a good thing to see the TAs (Taiwanese Teacher Assistants/Translators) we had come to know over the summer! It was a team effort and an honor to play a part in.

3 Comments » | posted in Ministry Reports

posted by Donald on 12/27/07

The night was crisp and clear. Between two very cloudy days, the Lord blessed us with a cool and beautiful Christmas Day–and night. I stood in an apartment complex looking up at the night sky. Between two towering apartment buildings against the velvet of deep purple sky, hung a full moon, radiating its calm, bright light. It was wonderful to behold.

After enjoying one another’s company, exchanging gifts on Christmas Eve and punching in a full day’s work of teaching, we had taken the opportunity to take the Christmas spirit a little farther–downtown–to a neighbor family. We sang Silent Night, Hark the Herold Angels Sing, Joy to the World and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. The familiar strains rang among the buildings, radiating (much like the moon) both joy and peace. When the last song was finished the family came out to greet us with warm hugs and words of appreciation.

In making the night a special night for someone else, it become just as meaningful for us and the ancient carols reached their target once again, this time in a home on the others side of the world from my own.

4 Comments » | posted in Family News

posted by Donald on 12/20/07

Last night I witnessed Taiwanese hospitality once again.

Mr. and Mrs. Liu invited Lucas and I to their home for a visit/Christmas party/birthday party all at once. It was wonderful. Even though I didn’t get the chance to wash dishes I still felt right at home.

Lucas and I first helped make a fresh garden salad (a Western dish) and then dumplings (traditional Taiwanese food).The dumplings reminded me of both Mongolian “bootz” and Chinese egg rolls.They tasted great and best of all they were homemade! Then we cut the cake. It was a tremendous work of art by Mrs. Liu. It too was homemade–double-layered and decorated with fruit.

Josephine was turning ten but mature and wise for her age. Mr. Liu was glad to tell me about the competitions she had been in and how Mrs. Liu had been able to teach her Chinese well enough to read before she entered first grade. They also had a slideshow with many pictures from the places overseas they had been together which included both America and Europe. Throughout the time (along with four-year old Joseph) we all enjoyed shooting off the party poppers and wearing party hats. Mancala and Monopoly were the games of the night.

Towards the end of the time I took the chance to play a little on the stately upright piano they had. It certainly produced a different sound than the keyboard and though I could only play a couple songs it was enough to hear on it the vibrant melodies of Bach’s Minuet in D Minor and the Doxology. After that my hosts requested pictures and stories from my family, and it encouraged my faith as well to recount time after time that the Lord has done His wonderous works in our family.

One more surprise came when the Liu family insisted on driving me back all together. It was enjoyable to the last minute and I hope to see them again often. Thinking back on their love, generosity and the comments that they made, I am reminded of home once more because I see in them the same family-building faith that I have seen so often in my own parents. Thank You Mr. and Mrs. Liu! You have been such an encouragement.

HOSPITALITY

Cheerfully sharing food, shelter & spiritual refreshment
with those God brings into my life

4 Comments » | posted in Ministry Reports, The Bright Side

posted by Donald on 12/13/07

Makes a man healthy
This year the ability to turn in early and rise early have been part of the fulfillment of Dad’s blessing for physical strength and endurance last April. Since then I can remember having only one sick day. It was here in Taoyuan during one of our days off and didn’t interfere with our teaching which was providential in itself. In a work as this is, faithfulness is key. The Lord has been my strength so that I have never needed an extra day off; Dad and Mom have been faithful building into us strong eating and sleeping habits; and in addition to that I’ve been emboldened by the example of many in history who have left their influence through Scripture and biography. I am very grateful.

And wealthy
While the self-control which motivates early rising plays a key role also in financial decisions, I would say that my primary “wealth” this semester has been the relationships the Lord has brought my way. Yesterday morning for example I had a lot on my mind but the opportunity came for a chat with the English teacher who works at the school next door. In twenty minutes of hearty conversation I received as much encouragement and satisfaction as several hours of “getting things done“. But once again I realized that it was a conversation that wouldn’t have taken place if I wasn’t up early.

And wise
Last but not least is the experience of finding the objective wisdom which comes from seeking the Lord early: early in life, early in the morning, early in a situation or problem. Putting the important things first establishes the equilibrium needed for the time ahead. I will be eternally grateful for the time God provides each morning to spend with Him. It’s as though I have the open invitation each morning to have a one on one meeting with a president, a professor in my area of interest or a precious, faithful friend!

May God show Himself faithful as we show ourselves faithful in the daily disciplines which mean so much.

2 Comments » | posted in Family News, Ministry Reports

posted by Donald on 12/6/07

During a particularly busy season, Jesus encouraged His disciples to come aside and rest a while (Mark 6:31).

Last week was a busy week and after our Monday meeting I could tell that the rest of our time here was going to fly! At this point the Lord was a very present help, reminding me to reprioritize and rest in Him. As I learn this lesson, I find how much more free He is to work in His miraculous ways.

(more…)

4 Comments » | posted in Ministry Reports