The Hualien Experience

Bananas and papaya trees spring up seemingly randomly in every crook and cranny, while rice paddies are neatly tucked in between houses and earthen ridges. Palm trees are interspersed among thick tropical foliage. I wish I knew the name of every plant (there’s an app for that!)

We were on our way to Hualien to open an apartment and take a van full of furniture to outfit the new place. The trip down winding mountain roads was amazing in our 12 passenger mission van. The trip takes over 3 hours one way. 

Thick forested mountains on one side of the road - ocean views on the other.

The beautiful Hualien coastline and Pacific Ocean

After delivering the furniture, signing the contract and buying needed supplies for the sisters, we enjoyed a meal of dumplings with the office elders.

Apartment contract signing

Bafang Dumplings - amazing!

We finally pulled into the Hualien Holo Hostel Hotel where the Elders had kindly made arrangements for us to stay the night. They would stay with the missionaries serving in the area in their local apartment. They spoke to the person at the front desk, (no English here), got us set up, then left.

International "signatures" from
hostel visitors

The gentleman took us up two flights of stairs to our room. I was curious what a Hualien hostel might look like.

Our hostel room

My only requirement had been airconditioning – and it had a very good one in the corner of the room. I knew I’d be okay.

The room was very clean – even came with basic extras like a hair dryer, shampoo, bath gel and WiFi.

The room even came with a Gideon’s New Testament, vertical Chinese in the front, opening from left to right as in standard old style books, and English in the back.

We were exhausted. The mattress on the floor had about 675 very prominent springs and it seemed that 653 of them ended up massaging my back all night long. I woke up sore, but I wake up sore every morning these days! Lol Nevertheless, I had slept like a rock.

The sign above the toilet read, “Please do not throw tissue paper into the toilet bowl. P.S. Our toilet is not as powerful as you think.” So I left the toilet paper in the trash can instead of flushing it away, feeling a bit awkward but wanting to comply. I’ve seen that before in some areas, but still it seemed awkward.

At least they had toilet paper. And a garbage can. I was grateful.

The view from the window greeted our morning.

Now we’re off again, heading back up and down the winding mountain road overlooking the steep cliffs on the Pacific Ocean, heading back to Taipei. Elder Coffey is driving. Glad it's him and not me!

Click here for a test drive: Drive from Hualien to Taipei

The message on the wall of our room sums up the Hualien experience, English and all. 

It's amazing to see these servants of the Lord, in all corners of the island, bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to everyone they meet. They are determined, faithful, hard working, and dedicated. It's an honor to serve among them. May we all find ourselves farther down the road toward eternal life each day. 

It’s another very good day!

Villages along the Hualien highway

Village stacked up on the hillside

A cheerful elementary school!

The "chop" stamp - making it official.