The Little Children of The World

As the time got closer, thinking about coming to Taiwan for 11 months was exciting and scary all at the same time. I had known that I wanted/should go on a missions trip for my gap year and God showed Taiwan to me over and over again.  

I like to know exactly how things are going to go, and not knowing how everything was going to unfold was terrifying. I didn’t know if I would be stuck with someone I couldn’t stand, or how often I would get to talk to people back home, etc... All these questions that I had built up in my mind scared me. Of course after all I knew that this is where God was calling me, so that when I go God would have amazing things in store for me. And of course, He did! God has blessed me with amazing co-workers, church and roommate! 

Shopping with my teammate Olivia 

I come from a large family of 12 and I have always loved being around children and seeing their smiling faces. Even though I haven't done it much, teaching it is always something that I've had a passion for and even considered going to school for. I have always loved the idea of working with children all day and Taiwan has showed me that I was right! Working with children all week  is amazing.

The children have been such a blessing to me even though we don’t speak the same first language. They are always smiling and excited to play any game, or even help erase the chalkboard. I have loved being able to see a change in them as the week goes on. They may be small changes such as raising their hand to answer a question or putting their chair away quietly. They show what loving strangers and strange people look like, which is something to learn from.

For the past 3 weeks we have had children from the school that is right outside our building. I love being able to see them when I ride my bike around town and see them waving frantically. Taiwan is beginning to feel like home and I know that it is already going to be hard to say good-bye. I am excited to see God has in store for me throughout this time that I am here in Taiwan.

~Florentina Parra

Florentina is from North Carolina and has always had a heart for missions. She loves to play volleyball, explore the outdoors, and  bake. She is excited to meet new people and begin many new friendships in Taiwan.