A Clean, Well-Lighted Place
Give You All That I Have
Many years ago, I served as a summer artist-in-residence at Dong Hwa University in Hualien, Taiwan. The campus was vast, with two 7-Eleven convenience stores in operation. Upon arriving at this beautiful place, I couldn’t find the store at first and asked for directions. The response I received was impressively bold: "Just head in the direction of the Central Mountain Range, and you'll find it!"
During my time at Dong Hwa University, I also took college students to Yue Mei Elementary School, where we painted murals, held art classes, and organized art exhibitions with the elementary students. These experiences left behind wonderful memories. Through a friend, I met several Amis friends who warmly shared their lives with me. They proudly told me, "The Pacific Ocean is our refrigerator—just go catch what you want to eat," a sentiment that reflected their generous and carefree spirit. Indigenous people always leave the impression of being naturally gifted in art. For example, they turn driftwood into uniquely styled furniture, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Their craftsmanship is so impressive that I wanted to pack everything up and take it with me! In short, Hualien is a place blessed with outstanding people and natural beauty. It’s refreshing and inspiring, and I’ve promised myself to visit again if given the chance!
I once chatted with friends who worked with driftwood crafts and asked them, "Besides carving, do you also paint?" They told me, "Buying art supplies costs money, but collecting driftwood is free." Their response was a perspective I had never considered before.I have come to realize that what I possess and pursue is not something to be taken for granted. This insight has always resonated deeply within me. Although I lack financial wealth, I still have some talent. A hymn expresses it beautifully: "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, I give..." While I may not have riches, I hope to convey the inspiration of life, spark dreams within hearts, and bring a little comfort through the connections made in art workshops.
I learned that the Mennonite Christian community in Hualien not only established Mennonite Hospital but also operates numerous charitable organizations serving society. For example, the Dawn Hope Garden cares for children with autism, allowing parents to set aside their worries. The Dawn Education and Care Center supports individuals with physical and mental disabilities. Additionally, there is the Good Shepherd Center, a women and children protection agency. It primarily provides shelter, placement, and empowerment for women experiencing domestic violence, as well as for young girls who are pregnant out of wedlock or have suffered sexual abuse. It also offers after-school programs to accompany and support underprivileged children and teenagers. All of these efforts reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
A Clean, Well-Lighted Place
In 2023, thanks to the strong support of the Good Shepherd Center’s Executive Director, Mrs. Chu Yugui, and the assistance of Specialist Jiang Bingqi, I held two art workshops at the Good Shepherd Center. One was tailored for the center’s service recipients, and the other, organized in collaboration with the Lifeline Association, was open to the local community. During the workshops, participants expressed their emotions and creativity by painting on paper, creating a space for release and connection.
A single mother tearfully shared her story; a mother and her shy son attended together, with the son drawing his mother’s face while she smiled with comforting joy. The event was filled with genuine emotions—tears and laughter intertwined!
I was also surprised to discover so many art enthusiasts in Hualien, and among them, the legendary comic artist Ao Youxiang even attended the art workshop. As a fan, I was thrilled to meet him in person! His work *Wulongyuan* dates back so many years that I had imagined him as an elderly man, but he turned out to be much younger than I had expected. With a humorous smile, he said, "I started my career early." He truly embodies the joy of drawing. It’s clear that a love for art keeps you youthful!
Both events were held at the Morning Star Center, a venue that was formerly the Anze Tiandi Hotel. It was later purchased by the Mennonite Christian Hospital Foundation, with the first and second floors provided free of charge for use by the Good Shepherd Center. Here, the Good Shepherd Center helps women acquire vocational skills, such as crafting handmade fabric bags or engaging in culinary production and business. These efforts empower women with the skills and opportunities needed to earn a livelihood.
This is a space that exudes warmth and comfort. Through the large glass windows, one can take in the lush greenery in full view. Whether dining or hosting activities, it’s an excellent venue that uplifts the spirit. It’s hard not to feel the thoughtful care and dedication the Good Shepherd Center puts into every aspect of its work.
Undoubtedly, the Good Shepherd Center is a true blessing to Hualien! Borrowing the title of Hemingway's short story, the Good Shepherd Center is "a clean, well-lighted place." With steadfast patience, it accompanies countless women and youth in need, helping them bravely navigate their hardships. Through God’s love, they gradually restore the original beauty and dignity of their lives, step by step.
