Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Bring Taiwan to America, muhahahahaha!

Hello family!

So, I am still becoming accustomed to spending a little more than a hour on a computer. It has served as an important tool in helping me apply to college, look for jobs, contact friends, and listen to music! My current plans are to start Aug. 27th at Utah Valley University and study towards an AA while studying every Mandarin class available. Than, I will transfer to BYU and finish a major in Mandarin Chinese/Minor in Business. I than want to apply and study at a MBA program focusing on International Business. As for a PhD, that is something I have not yet pondered or sought out revelation.
Now, my mother has informed that it will take around $500 + to enable me to get up to Utah, down payment for an apartment, gas, food, and other essentials (car insurance, cell phone bill, etc.). So, the next hurdle within the race is finding a job that will allow me to stay on for a few weeks. At the end of June, New Skin will be having a job fair where I will more than likely have a job as a Mandarin speaking Sales Agent along side my long time good friend and old companion, Bronson Dameron. He has been a big blessing at being a middle man with items such as work and an apartment in Orem.
So, this morning, I looked at some internet sites of companies, fast food, and other items within the area. My first thought was to hit every Subway since I would require little training. But, it did not seem quite right to me. My mother and I ran a 5 mile run and doing so, I received some inspiration that we discussed in dealing with a good friend in Hacienda Heights. Last week, I had called her up and spoke to her for around 30min in Mandarin. It was one of the best activites I had, :-) . She had offered a room to spend the night and visit the area/ Mandarin speaking ward. I was impressed that I could find a job down there alot faster than up here, plus continue to improve my Mandarin, as well as start friendships/ relationships with men and women who could potentionally help out when I am finished with my MBA school and start looking into a job involving China or Taiwan. I called her up today and asked if I could live down there and work till I had enough to head up to Utah. She had no problem at all, but would still discuss it with her husband. I also thought it would be a good opportunity for their son and I to build up our friendship and help him get on his mission.
So, we are down to praying UVU accepts me. I can move to Hacienda Heights. Upon moving down there, I can find a job which will help. Than, I can be accepted to work at New Skin and start studying up in Utah. I am grateful for the planning, working, and effort into it. It has helped me stay... hmmm, well. It has been quite a culture shock living back in America, but thankfully... it is nothing which I and the Lord can not overcome. I am grateful for all of your prayers, cards, and love as I served in Taiwan. I love that place. I miss it so much. Though, I am happy and excited to move on to the next chapter. Be strong. And know that God answers prayers. He loves us and will always look out for us. His work will not end. And it is up to us to be faithful, true, and anxiously engaged, thus allowing Him to use us for good against evil.
Be strong!
-James

3 comments:

Jen W said...

Hi, James.
I am Jen. It sounds like you have a great plan worked out. Now we get to see how Heavenly Father changes it or uses it to get you exactly where He needs you. Keep us posted.

silleeg said...

Good to hear from you James. Good luck with the plans. Starting jobs, school, making plans, etc can be a difficult process, but He will help you....as you already know. We are happy you are home safe!

taryn_swims_ said...

I am sure glad you are back form your mission. I really missed you!! How was it speaking Chineese. Well, good luck!

Love,
Taryn