Dear you:

How is everything? Life is always full of challenges and surprises. Two days ago we just arrived Cyprus where the apostles firstly sent. I just started my latest job as a Tour guide in PR department (ask me anything!).

About the possibility for me to visit Phoenix (Peng¡¦s family reunion) and LA (God sister Maria and Byron¡¦s wedding) during Chinese New Year¡¦s time 2004, our (Ship ministry) personnel office just approved the application for me to take my own break days that time ( about 17~26 of Jan).

I am very exiting to hear the positive answer which means I could possibly visit family, friends, share testimonies and raise support in between the two year commitment when serving on board DOULOS. However, at the other side of the coin, there are still many difficulties I have to face. And for people ho only have little faith like me, it is almost a mission impossible.

At that time DOULOS will have her Dry-dock in a small port called Bijela(it¡¦s not even on the map, see ¡§Kotor¡¨) at the coast of Montenegro (?!). This is a country in former Yugoslavia territory next to Kosovo, Croatia, Albania, and Serbia. DOULOS will visit some of the poorest of the poor cities in that specific area for our ministry in between January and March.

My difficulties will be:
1. TRAFFIC. There are no international airports in or nearby that city. The nearest international airport will be 25 KM away in Dubrovniik Croatia, another country.
2. VISA problem. Neither Montenegro nor Croatia is that friendly to the citizen from ¡§Republic of China in Taiwan¡¨.
3. AND THEN? There are no direct connections in between the States and that part of Europe (guess why).
If I can make it to Croatia, I will fly to Beograd (Belgrade), the capital city of Serbia at the same day and wait for the flight to Frankfurt in Germany (or any other west Europe cities which have a flight to LAX).
From there I may have another 10~12 hour flight to west coast of the States. It sounds at least a two-day trip.
4. Budget. It might cost more than 1000 Euros. Of course, it would be much easier or cheaper if I have someone look after my ticket. I am looking for God¡¦s permission.
5. Changes. I am in Cyprus now. We will be in Greece in a week then, Albania and Montenegro.

Yes, I know. It sounds very complicated and maybe frustrated. However, I also know that my mother and others missed me a lot after my departure, and I do miss you too. Furthermore, I would love to let you the hear stories from me and witness the difference in my life.

What can you do now?

Pray for wisdom: is it worth it to go? Give me your opinion.
Transportation: I need someone to surf on internet for the price and the dates of flights. We can¡¦t do it on board anyways. (You have all the information you need in this mail. If you are willing to help me, please reply this mail.)
Visas: As a Taiwanese, the visa problem is always there. Sometimes it makes me feel sorry for my own country.
Safety: If everything runs incredibly well, I also pray for safety in these days before, then, and after.
Understanding: For family and friends back home in Taiwan, I wish they could understand my desire to be back. Or even just to meet my parents and family in the States.
Money: This is the least thing I would ask for. I saw God¡¦s will through me overwhelmingly from the supports of all His saints.
He knows what I need, and why I want to make my journey from the waste land in east Europe to the States (LA and PHX).

Dec. 1, 2003