A Glass Half Full - Inspirational Story from Reader's Digest

I came across this article a few minutes ago in the Chinese Reader's Digest. I felt as if God had directed me to it to show me just how necessary it is for me to press on. The author, Danielle Bruce, a 28-year-old counselor from Melbourne, truly has a life story that makes her somewhat different from most other people. I can relate so much to her feelings---the kind of burden and dread that build on you from the constant reminder that you are DISabled.

Well, here's an excerpt. Read on!

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I like to think I’m normal, but I’m not. I like to think I can do whatever I want, but I cannot.

I remember the first time this reality hit me, as a skinny, energetic, ringlet-haired six-year-old. That’s when I had my first public seizure. At school. In the middle of the classroom. On the mat.

But it wasn’t until a few days later that I got an insight into how it would affect my life. I’d been given time off school and my cheerful mother was driving us home from a visit to the shops when we pulled up behind the school bus. It was the first time I’d seen my classmates since the episode and suddenly a number of them began pointing out the window at me and talking animatedly. We sat like this for a few minutes as I wondered what would happen next. Nothing did.

As we slowly drove home, my thoughts were in conflict. Part of me had decided to put off returning to school for as long as possible, but the other part knew I had to face my fears. It was the first time in my life I realised that I was different... (continue).

Out in the Country

So, this is at Sun Moon Lake, a very most popular tourist spot in central Taiwan. This is one view of the lake.




This is another.












As you can see, they've made it quite accessible. I love the shades.






A bumper sticker: "No success can ever make up for a broken family."







The next morning I made up my mind that I would quit tapping away on my laptop indoors. So Leny moved my Mac out to the backyard. Loved it.

I got bored after a while, so I started taking pictures... this is just one of my many poses.














I loved the view.












The day was so beautiful I wanted to reach out and touch the sky.







Even my hand felt alive.











By the way, this is a wild vegetable I ate for lunch. (...just not this particular one.)




And I've finally proven to everyone that I'm turning into a photographer.















Later I visited the elementary school that I attended (Grades 1-3). Missed it. The building is now used as guest rooms.


I love this pic! Embracing the breeze... and you!









These trees are part of my childhood memories. I remember playing so many games during recess. Talk about growing old!

























And, well, the unforgettable sunset... Till next time, my friend.


I shall see you again.

Full-time Assistant Wanted

21 year old wheelchair-bound female student needing full-time personal assistant. Female only. Must be able to carry and transfer person between chairs. Location: A university in northern Taiwan. At least six-month contract. Monthly Salary Negotiable. Plenty of free time between regular schedules for assistance.

Duties can Include:

-Personal hygiene
-Laundry
-Errands
-Travel assistance
-Daily activities
-Grocery shopping
-Cleaning (general)
-Cooking (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
-Anything that is within reason!

Msg me if you're interested.

Globe-trotting assistant

OK, so here are my latest updates for the travel plan in 2007:

1. I plan to take part in a global evangelism trip with my parents. We're planning to spend two weeks abroad as missionaries. The location has not been finalized yet but we already have a direction.

2. I'm looking for an assistant from anywhere around the world to go with us on this trip. You'll have to pay your travel expenses, but hey, this is one-in-a-lifetime chance. It's going to be awesome.

So yeah, not much, but it's a good start. I may start doing some radio stuff at my school but I'm not sure. Otherwise I'll go into more writing.

Till then... Good day and take care!

Mumbai Special Taxi Services

I read a news article on BBC today about a man who is starting the first special taxi services for disabled people in Mumbai, India. It caught my attention because, coincidentally, starting Monday I'll make three trips on the Taipei City-sponsored van before the week is over. The van, fitted with a lift, will costs just 1/3 of the normal taxi fare.

I've been using the van service more now that I'm starting school, and it's taken me to shopping malls and museums when I run out of things to do at home. Though it's always very bumpy and somewhat uncomfortable to ride in one, the van has proven itself to be an important part of my social life. Without it, I am stuck at home, isolated from the rest of the world.

The program in Taiwan is relatively new, and not all cities have such services, but to think that India is just starting its very first specially-fitted taxi caught me off-guard. I am excited for the people because I know what kind of changes that will mean in disabled people's lives. I encourage them to promote and expand the service throughout the city and into other parts of India. It's a worthy cause.

It's a complex feeling to know that you are very fortunate even though you have a severe form of physical disability. I realized today how lucky I am and how much good there is that needs to be done. Let's make a difference today.

ARTICLES:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5293366.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2795603.stm

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