Friday, December 18, 2015

NUMINOUS



The word I chose to describe this moment of my life:

NUMINOUS (adj.) Describing an experience that makes you fearful yet fascinated, awed yet attracted- the powerful, personal experience of being overwhelmed and inspired.
I believe that - in some point of life - a decisive moment knocks on the door, the one where we can choose either to continue with whatever you are doing, or to take the adventure to “The Unknown Land”.

Today, I’m writing this blog from Kinmen, Taiwan while living the experience of a lifetime. My purpose in this country is the same as it is in my own: to love, to serve, to witness, to enjoy, to share, to give, to teach, to learn… in an effort to become a “Global Citizen” who can understand the world from a holistic perspective of what people call culture - and at the same time - trying to understand the cosmovision that God wants me to have about the world, people, and love. Maybe it’s too soon for me to make a statement about Taiwanese Culture, I have only been here for 3-4 months, but I will share some of my impressions:

Spirituality
I have a deep desire to understand the paradox of different perspectives of God in other cultures, there was a man who gave me a good example of how God’s love changed him:
“Before Jesus, I was living afraid of the ‘god’ that I was worshiping; I was living like this just to protect me from horrible situations/punishments.  Can you imagine how joyful I am now that I know that I worship a God that actually loves me and wants the best for me?  I would do everything for this God, I would do everything for Jesus” 
-A Christian Taiwanese citizen at the bus stop.    

I have a burden in my heart, I want people to live the freedom that Jesus gave us on the cross, that God’s love is unlimited and unconditional and living as a child of God is life-changing.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11

Me as a Teacher in Public and Private Taiwanese Schools

Professional co-working with another culture is fascinating - you never know what to expect, but you have to be ready for everything - even if communication or cultural differences could sometimes be a barrier. The Taiwanese co-teachers are always willing and happy to have all types of cultural exchanges so we all can do our best for the kids.

Kids
They are crazy about having foreign teachers and I’m so glad that I have connected with my students in a way where language is not a barrier anymore. We have what they call, a “Quiz for you quiz for me” - we teach each other. I teach them English and they teach me something in Chinese and the following week we do a fun quiz to see who’s learning faster. This activity is fascinating as they have built a strong confidence where they know that every mistake is a chance to learn the right way. And of course they have laughed at my “weird Chinese.”

Connections are powerful, I can tell the difference when kids know they are loved no matter what they do. Paul is one of my 4th Grade students at Kaishiuan Elementary School. He has autism and reacts to everything with anger. I had the chance to talk to him and explain how loved he is, that he is smart and that he is such a good student. Then we all said loudly, “WE LOVE YOU PAUL”... that was the last time I saw him having an anger attack against other students.

There’s a word in Spanish called cotidianidad. Sometimes people can be so involved in their daily lives that maybe they don't realize extraordinary things happening in their lives. I believe God works in the middle of the ordinary so it can be extraordinary. In regular life activities, let’s be sensitive to his voice, and let’s let his light shine through us.I may have limited strength and limited days, but I have unlimited resources to enable me to carry out all that God has assigned me to do.

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
Ephesians 1:18-19



~Zabdi Montiel

Zabdi Montiel Fuentes is 24 years old and from Veracruz, México. She attended UANL where she earned a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Communications. In Mexico, she is a Project Manager of Social Programs. Her time in Taiwan is giving her new cultural experience in education and lifestyle which is teaching her how this country conducts their public politics and legislation. This knowledge has led her to integrate new perspectives that can improve Social Projects in Mexico. She believes that having a cosmovision enriched by different cultures is the key to transform a society. She likes music and photography and enjoys having a cup of coffee with good friends.

1 comment:

  1. Loved reading this, Zabdi-- so glad God put you in Kinmen and gave you this perspective as you serve Him!

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