21.07.25 Back to Canada to handle Estate Issues

When God's way is not the way we would choose...
Isaac Newton did his best work when isolated due to the pandemic.
Paul did his most enduring work -- the letters -- when in prison.

I continue to be amazed and encouraged by God's mercy towards us. It really seems to take us a lifetime to learn to trust him. I think especially in terms of God's timing and planning and protection that goes so far above our own plans and designs. It seems that God is working to correct and protect us from our own stupidity.

Case in point: In order to fly to Canada, I signed up to take a PCR test but did not bring all required documentation so needed to delay the test. If I had been successful, then it might not have been honored by Canada as it would have been taken ~72 hours before my final transfer (Canada requires PCR test <72 hours before the final leg of a flight NOT the time you start to fly). An important distinction for me with 38 hour flights (including stopovers & transfers due to COVID-19). Thank God he overruled my plans. Recently there have been many such instances where God overrules my plans or brings to my attention some oversight just in time for me to correct it!

Teaching update. Course on teachings of Jesus, Moses, and Aristotle and how influence Science. We received additional funding from the Taiwan Ministry of Education to improve this class. I thank God that he provides us (all of us) unique calling and ministries to fit our ability and to go beyond our ability. God is not into "one size fits all".

Lighting research update Truthfully this project goes far beyond my ability and background. So many new things: Circuit design and PCB design and construction, ethics review, electrical certification. l am incapable of doing this project -- but God is capable in providing wisdom, people, money, contacts -- all at the appropriate time.

Really we are totally dependent on him. God has been faithful so far -- it seems only when we are hopeless that we learn to rely on Him and not ourselves. It is only then so we can see that He is faithful. I hope to prove God faithful many more times before he takes me home.

"Honor your father and mother." Aien Charity-Grace has been both a perfect daughter and a demonstration of how God keeps his word of blessing greatly those who follow this command. Indeed, God has blessed her greatly. From 7 years ago when she first left Taiwan for Canada to support her beloved grandmother and was privileged to live with John Livingstone's family. Seeing God's financial provision when she was able to sell her "xiaotu.com" domain to help finance her university studies. To her acceptance at McMaster University to allow her to continue care for her grandmother and visit her regularly. To her completion this year (on Dean's honor list) a Bachelor (Honors Physics, Math minor). Her connection with Wentworth Baptist allowing her to serve poor children in downtown Hamilton for a summer, her connection with Hope Bible giving her the opportunity to serve youngsters in Oakville, connection with Micheal that has allowed her to participate in the music ministry in a Chinese church. Her tutoring jobs in piano, physics, math with both Chinese and Canadian students. And now in her acceptance at Moody Theological Seminary (Chicago) for a Masters degree (3 years) in Biblical Counselling. God's confirmation is seen in that the only available apartment across from Moody was number 502 (Her birthday is May(5th month) 2). Isn't God's attention to detail amazing! To confirm his love for his children. It is amazing to see how all her experiences are being used by God to mold and direct her life. I just feel thankful to our Heavenly Father.

When Aien was a small child, Aien used to say she had 2 fathers caring for her (to my wife's annoyance since people misunderstood!) -- her earthly and heavenly Father. (Then when she came to Canada she got a 3rd father to care for her: John Livingstone.) When she was about 3 years old we lived in a Malay area (all black hair). She was out playing (by herself) and there was a strange person wandering around that scared my wife. At night Aien told me that that day a girl with beautiful blond hair had come and played with her in the alleyway all afternoon. As far as I know, she never saw the little girl again.

This letter is going too long. I am heading back to Canada for 1 month (July 24 to August 25) to handle both my late aunt's estate and help my daughter Aien handle my late mother's estate in the way I believe God wants us to handle it. I am also seeking to follow God's leading in how to proceed in demonstrating improved lighting to help dementia patients.

Future: I am eligible and have applied for a Sabbatical from Yuan Ze University starting in February of 2022. There are about 5 different applications involved in this! Two have already passed (Permission to apply from Yuan Ze University, Position of Adjunct Professor at McMaster University) two have been submitted (Research Funding in Canada and living expenses from Taiwan) and the final application needs to be submitted in August. If approved, our family is planning to move to Canada (Hamilton/Oakville) for one year. It has been many years since I have been in Canada without having my whole focus being on my mother.

Prayer Requests: Wisdom in research, wisdom to lead my family (especially wrt computer/cell phone usage), wisdom to guide students, wisdom to fulfill my role in the kingdom of God