Thursday, October 4, 2012

Struggling through the Murk!

This is for all those looking for Taiwan flag pictures

I have been writing the Taiwan Adventure Blog (TWA) for about three years now.  I began in August of 2009.  For much of that time it’s been a pleasure to write it and document what I’ve seen and done in Taiwan.  The photos and writings will make wonderful memories at the end of this journey.  Who knows when it will all end?

I have grown to love Taiwan and its people.  I think it is a beautiful place once you leave the city, although, many of the cities are spectacular.  I believe that Taipei rivals San Francisco in its beauty, personality and quirkiness.  That’s one of the things I like about Shu Flies and Vagabond in Taiwan, the detail about little places you find in back street neighborhoods, throughout Taipei.

Taiwan has many more exciting things to see and places to go and for me, most importantly, foods to eat.  I’m not through with the idea of continuing to explore Taiwan.  I’m still excited about Taiwan and its possibilities for my calling and me.  I don’t mention my calling much in TWA, it never seems to come up, really.  I came to Taiwan for a specific reason, and that is to win souls to Christ.  I’m a missionary.  The Door Christian Fellowship in Colton, CA launched me into this nation.  I’m part of a fellowship that has more than 1500 churches in more 100 nations. 

And for those looking for M13 Pictures
I’m not ashamed of that, in fact, I’m proud of my mission and purpose in this place.  I have a website for the church, www.pottershousetaoyuan.blogspot.com.  The church is located in Taoyuan City and all the details are listed on that website. 

I have been writing TWA for a number of reasons. Mostly, as a way of relaxing.  It’s like an occasional game of golf or racquetball; a way to allow my thoughts a fallow season.  It’s interesting but when you’re faced with a job of some sort, sometimes by thinking of other things you can free your mind to engage the details of a situation.  I can be more creative on the job if I’m creative off the job.  At least that’s been the case.

But now I’m feeling a certain ambivalence toward this blog.  Last year at this time I was looking forward to writing, and engaging people around the world each week.  This year, not so much, I’m really struggling to write.  It’s not a writer’s block, it’s a motivation block. 

The reason I say that is that I have several ideas for other writing projects.  I have a couple of non-fiction Biblically oriented books that I’d like to write.  One I’ve started but have left off on working on, the other is in the germination mode.  I would also like to write a novel.  It’s a historical, science fiction, political thriller.  Well, it will be if I can pull it off.  That, by the way, is the big question because in reading other blogs, I’ve discovered that I’m not really all that good a writer.  It may take a lot more time than I’m willing to invest to write anything, we’ll have to see how that goes.

So, looking at this and thinking about my readers, you’re probably wondering why I’m sharing all this.  Believe it or not I have a reason.

This year, I have been enduring a struggle unlike any others I've faced in life, and I've had a few to be sure.  So, in struggling through this I have begun to prioritize my life.  In arranging priorities some hierarchies become obvious.  At the top of the priorities are my family and my calling.  These are the two most important things in my life.  I love my family above all earthly things.  I also am committed and still excited about my calling, I want to serve God and people.  Those are the easy ones.  Other things are a bit murky.  I don’t know anymore where TWA fits into my priorities.

On the one hand it’s enjoyable to write just for me.  I usually enjoy the time I spend on it.  There is value in doing something just for yourself.  I get that.  I’ve met people and done things I never thought I’d meet or do.  But I’m geared toward making an impact and I really wonder if that’s happening with this blog.

So I’m wondering if this is even worth continuing.  I think I will put the Taiwan Adventure Blog on hiatus for a while.  If I can’t come up with a compelling reason to start writing it again then the hiatus will more than likely be permanent.  I've actually been thinking about this for some time. If you have an opinion you want to share feel free. 

PS The Tea Blog and Taiwan Gongfu Tea are on permanent hiatus already.  The Church website and the Standing Stones Sermon Blog will continue.

3 comments:

  1. NOOOOOOOOOOooooo! OK that was selfish of me. Chris I love this Blog and it has been such a much needed way for me and my family to see everything you and your family are doing.It's a constant update.I used to "journal" too but I got lonely always "talking to myself" I don't know if that is how it feels for you but if so,please know YOU are talking to so many of us who are missing your family so much but you are there b/c of your calling and we support that but this is our way of communicating your NEW Life as we see you experience this culture. No matter what it is you choose, we will stalk you for some kind of writing b/c you are an EXCELLENT writer-from the heart-b/c Taiwan is in your heart-YOUR CALLING!!

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  2. I just recently started reading your blog. I loved the very first post I read, and I quickly started reading from the beginning. Your posts are witty, funny, and informative at the same time.

    Especially the one about your family leaving you behind for a while and getting to try the blacklisted foods of Taiwan. That one had me laughing at work.

    Your love for your religion shines through in almost every post, but not so much to turn people like myself away thinking it's being pushed on us and I like that.

    So after reading from your very first post, and getting to the one about you not feeling so hot about blogging anymore, it made me kind of sad. I knew there were still more posts you had put up afterwards, but still I felt something would be lost if you were to stop. So my point is I love your blog, and even though I don't share the same religious views, I have the deepest respect for how you view the difference in culture. I don't feel you are the almighty hand of righteousness cast down upon the poor souls of the Taiwanese. (many people seem to come off this way I think)

    Anyways, if blogging is something you like doing, please keep doing it. Be assured you have at least one reader who will keep with your blog.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Alexander, Thanks for the kind words. I went through a bit of a struggle at the time I was writing this post, but in the end I just couldn't give up the blog. It's become a part of me, deep inside, right next to my spleen or some other gushy part in there. Anyway, for good or ill the blog goes on. Thanks again Chris

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