Off to the ROC

It is mind-blowing to think that in about 14 hours I will be boarding a plane for Taiwan. I have to leave for the airport in less than 11 hours and I have yet to start packing. Surprise surprise. I am going to try my best to update this as often as possible (primarily for the sake of my parents) but I don't yet know what the internet situation will look like or how much time I will have. In addition, I tend to get bored with this sort of thing (that's why I don't journal) but I'll do my very best to update at least every few days. 

I'll begin by explaining why I named my blog as I did. Around the end of the 16th century, when the first western ship passed an unknown island in the Pacific, a Dutch navigator on a Portuguese boat exclaimed, "Ilha Formosa", which means "Beautiful Island". The name "Formosa" became the official title of the country we now know as Taiwan.

Taiwan is just off of the east coast of China. Original inhabitants were of Malay-Polynesian descent but those aborigines make up only a small part of the country's population today. Influences made by the Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese, and Chinese discovery of the island can still be seen today.

From what I know, the people are hospitable beyond belief and will keep us busy night and day. A month is a long time but I have no doubt that this will be an unbelievable opportunity to grow and learn and I am so thrilled and blessed to have the chance to be a part of an adventure like this one.

Yesterday I printed out my nursing license application. As I was walking to my car with the document in my hand it suddenly hit me that I am an adult. I will mail the application out today and, in a few short months, I will be a registered nurse. (It's okay, mom...don't be sad...) The past 3 1/2 years have flown by and I know that this finally semester is going to do the same. 

Despite the 16 hour time difference, I will do my best to keep in touch as often as possible. If you don't have Skype, get it! 

I appreciate your love, thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement. Better get to packing!