Nike 10km Human Race 31.08.08

So we woke up this morning at 4:45 to be ready to take a taxi at 5:00 to Taipei city hall once again for a race. We looked all shiny in our red nike running shirts while hopping in our two taxis. 9 of us went. Me, Adrian, Adele, Linza, Mernette, Bianca, Cory(the runners) and Sandy and Tinus(the supporters). On our way to city hall we saw hunders, no thousands gathering for the race. It was great seeing Taipei getting ready for the human race and also know that around the world we are sharing this day with thousands. What a priviledge to be alive and well and being able to run. Thank you Jesus!

It was extremely humid and we all suffered a bit. But it was great and we all made it. Cory finished first of course because he had Sandy to run to. Bianca came in second. Well done B. Me and Adrian finished stongly in third haha. We just made it under and hour. 59.50. We did some walking around the 8km mark because we wanted to take in everything and enjoy the race. Linza almost had to go look for a bathroom along the way, but she made it. Then followed Adele and Mernette.

What a way to start the day. A few hour(s) later we did some serious worship in church and just praised God for this beautiful day. What a blessing to just be! To live a life in abundance thanks to our wonderful Father!

Good bye Papa Jordan's

It's been a blast! Moments I will remember and treasure for the rest of my life. My dreams will always be filled with kids' smiley faces. And it all feels like it started just yesterday...

But it didn't. It started in February 2005. From that first day in Papa Jordan's I knew that I would be here for a while. The kids crept right into my heart and thanks to Stacy's friendship, I felt like I found a home FAR away from home.
If I look back now, I think I might have scared them with my "bandit" hairstyle and chubby cheeks. But they just lavished their love on me from the first day. They were kind of unreal for a moment or two. I was just amazed each day by how much they could do and learn. At first I actually thought they were like robots. Almost like a chip had been implanted or something. But I quickly got used to the system and then all the fun began....

Here are some of the funniest names of either my teachers or students that I have taught:
Mermaid, Pompom, Seven, Join
What I will miss most:
*Their true hearts. *Their hugs and kisses. *Their passion to hear about Jesus. *Their laughs. *Jaguar trying to impress me with some of his own dance moves or stories.
Most memorable moments: *How their faces light up when I tell them bible stories. *The way they show that they are in serious need of the bathroom. *Ron (a 5 year old boy) correcting the other students on their pronunciation. *The lunch meetings with the moms!
Funny moments: *On time during snack time, 6 of the kids in my class threw up. It was a mess! *I told a girl once she could go to the bathroom but she didn't hear me give her the thumbs up. Needless to say, I forgot about her and after about 10 minutes, I saw a puddle of water under her chair. She wore a beautiful white "princess"-dress. I asked her if she's back already.(Thinking that she did go) She didn't reply. Tina stood up and her entire dress was soaked in her own pee.

*Wilson came to me (after a year and a half and after I lost almost 20kg) and told me his mommy says that teacher Al is dieing. She looked at the pictures from the first year and now and saw that I was melting away. I quickly had to tell him that I'm not dieing but just on a healty diet.

Priceless moments: *Spinning the babies (aged 2-4) on the floor and letting them walk back to their chairs. Hahah. They love it! *Seeing the kids sing "Jesus You're my superhero" at the top of their longues.
God really blessed me with this awesome school. I will never forget these beautiful kids who won't stop smiling. There's a place in my heart for each and every one of them. It's weird to think that most of my friends over the past 3 and a half years were kindergarten students. But I've learned so much from them. I guess I understand so much more why Jesus said:"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven." Mat 18:3.

I praise God for every moment He gave me with the children and teachers at Papa Jordan's school. He gave me the opportunity to be a daddy to so many children and I believe that I will see many of them again one day in heaven. I thank all my fellow teachers, especially Theresa, Paris, Johan, Bianca, Potta, Stacy, Ruby, Sunny, Rebecca, Ariel, Rose, Mermaid, Susan, Janelle, Lulu, Rich, Sally, Anna, Emily and Erin. You guys are all awesome and I pray that Jesus will be real to each and every one of you. To Ailce, David, Ester, Ivy, Ginny, Celia and all the other teachers that I'ce worked with, thanks! For all the smiles. I will always remember how you welcomed me into your family. Finally, to all you guys out there who prayed for me and the school. Thanks so much for your faithfulness. God really touched my heart here in Taiwan. May my every step forward be in honor and praise to our awesome Creator and Father. Who loves us so much and has a special plan for each of our lives.-Jer29:11.

May all you guys be blessed.

Much love

Alwyn