This book is now available on Amazon, as of December 8, 2013.
“From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.”
Acts 17:26-27
CHAPTER THREE
The first time I was nudged by God – the first time I was cognizant of the fact that he reached down from his high and holy mountain to enter the hemisphere of my small world occurred when I was living very far from home. It was one of those moves that, in hindsight, you know had to be divinely-inspired. If I hadn’t gone to that party in college, if I hadn’t spoken to that particular person for the first time, if I hadn’t been ready for just such an adventure at that juncture, my whole life would have ended up very differently.
I moved to Taiwan after graduating from college to teach at one of the schools in Taichung, a largish city located in the middle of the country. I suppose I went because I hadn’t finished re-inventing myself, and felt I needed more sophistication. But in any case, I was eager for some adventure after my small taste of it in France, and couldn’t imagine going straight for the job, marriage and white picket-fence. Plus, there wasn’t anyone around who wanted to marry me.
What a stunning recount of your time in Asia, Jennie.
I have some inkling as to the kind of loneliness you felt. I was much the same way the first couple of months in the UK when I was 18, going on 19. Of course, you tell it beautifully. 🙂
I’m learning that many more of us feel that loneliness (even those who don’t struggle with depression) than one might think. Thanks for reading.
Well, I think this chapter, added to your life now, makes you one of the most interesting woman I know…remarkable journey!
You are so sweet OTG, but this is just the beginning! It’s only chapter 3! My life doesn’t start to get boring until I get to France and start having babies. 😉
**So in my year of solitude and hopelessness, this was the first time I was invited to learn about God. This was the first time I was called.**
I love that you were called, Ladyjennie! I love that you are telling your story! <3 Xxxxx
Hugs chiquita – and thank you.
You tell your story so beautifully. I can’t help but think of how universal loneliness can be, whether you’re in a foreign country or just disconnected from those around you.
I loved this passage:
When we were ready to post our scented letters, we headed to the nearby post office, paid for our stamps, and glued them on with the help of a paint brush and a small well of rice glue stationed on the table near the entrance.
Such a little detail, but remembered in such clarity and beauty.
I realized as I’m working on this each week (tons and tons of edits on each chapter) that it’s a little hard on me emotionally. It’s going to be a long 6 months, I think. But it’s easier to do it this way when one chapter is due each week and you only have to work on that. I’m sure you, as a writer, get that. 😉
I’m really enjoying your memoir! I love your awareness of how the loneliness and isolation set in.
Isolation and loneliness are a dreadful combination. One or the other, I can handle, but both together often push me out of my norms. I love your work.
You’re right. Isolation and loneliness are different, although I never put words to it before. You can be lonely in a crowd, and whole in isolation.
I’ve faced loneliness in foreign countries, but I at least knew the languages. You really do find out what you’re made of.
Keep up the great work.
Thanks Carole
I have also been enjoying reading your memoir, and look forward to reading as it continues. I’m sorry not to have commented for a while, I had some internet access problems but all OK now! Thank you for your writing!!
Thank you Anna, for reading, for commenting, for being here. 🙂
Thank you! : )
(oops! sorry – just duplicated my reply *blush*)
This is amazing. You’ve totally sucked me in. I have read and re-read. Your voice is so distinct; I feel as if I know you just from reading a few chapters!
Yay! Thank you Andrea!