My name is Audrey and this summer I decided to volunteer in Dongshi, Taiwan. This past summer I was on my way to entering high school. Although I’m very young, the thought of teaching and interacting with even younger kids excited me. So, I followed my mom onto a plane and landed in Taiwan to eventually arrive at DongShi elementary with the goal of teaching children English and spreading the gospel.

The first day we spent at the church, I met so many amazing people from the Taiwan college team. It was inspiring to see all these young women and men be so touched by God and willing to be his servants. I was delighted to start working with them and getting to know them as well.
Walking through the village, on our way to the school we would teach at, it was very eye opening to see the countryside of Taiwan. The setting and conditions of the local homes were very different from what you would typically see here in Bellevue. It made me more grateful of what God has blessed me with- which is a great environment, family, and a home. I believe that through this trip and testimony, God has also blessed others by sending me to spread his word.
When we finally got to meet the kids and start the English camp, I was overjoyed and so delighted to get to know each and every one of them. My team and i were tasked with leading third graders. Thinking it would not be too hard and they should be good listeners, I was in for a big surprise! We might’ve had the loudest kids in the whole camp, but it really forced me to get out of my comfort zone in order to get through to them and that also gave me a fun challenge. Though, I think I was an easy target, with the children quickly realizing they were almost the same height as me if not taller. However, all of the children were so genuine, although naughty sometimes, but truly caring towards us and one another.
It was indeed a very productive and gainful trip for me, and i am definitely planning on going again next summer! Thank you.