A Parental Journey/A Dad and Mom Journey
A Shihmen Dam Journey: to Make You Fishers of Men

March 08, 2014

The Seven Different Ways to Eat Fresh Fish

Satiation is Completion!

It was an overcast and rainy day on Saturday, March 8. It had been raining for several days before our departure, so we prayed unceasingly to God for weather that would be suitable for our family outing - preferably an overcast day. Hallelujah! God gave us some additional rain, and because of this light rain, the Shimen Reservoir became empty, as if we had reserved the entire place. We give thanks to God!

We walked slowly in the drizzle. The light fog of early spring spread like mist. The maple trees had sprouted new green shoots; the shorter cherry blossom trees were blossoming and the knee-level azaleas were in full bloom. It was an uphill section, so we used this opportunity to inhale deeply; the air was crisp and fresh. We conversed quietly, scared that the fog would run away and dissipate (if we spoke too loudly). After we reached the top of the dam, we pushed ourselves a little more to hike up to the viewpoint. There, Pastor Hui-chuan led everyone in praise, prayer, and chant. As we shouted, our stomachs also resonated in kind. It was time to “acquire” the fish (7 ways to eat fresh fish). The restaurant we reserved had pretty good business. Everyone was starving and couldn’t wait for the food to arrive. One, two, three… five… Why could we only count five ways and not seven? I explained to everyone that because seven is a complete number, if everyone is full, then that is completion.

Value the Water Resources God Gave Us

After the meal, we boarded a ship to cruise the lake; it was a relaxing and profound journey. With the help of an old classmate, we booked two of the highest ranked cruise ships in the reservoir, at only half the price. The ship provided hot tea and biscuits. The ship captain was very friendly and inviting, and helped explain the long and weary history of the reservoir; it’s been 50 years since the reservoir was first completed in June,1953. He wished that we can care for and protect our water resources, so that the reservoir can remain for another fifty years. Indeed, the world that God helped us create, how can we not love and care for it? The rain lightened up, the fog dissipated, the reservoir lake rippled; tut, tut, tut, tut went the deep sound of the motor as the boat swayed gently. The slightly chilly wind came in through a crack in the window. I pulled up my collar. God! I’m coming to find you!

of the motor as the boat swayed gently. The slightly chilly wind came in through a crack in the window; I pulled up my collar, God! I’m coming to find you!

The sixty minute cruise ride went by very quickly. The beautiful voyage ended as the ship slowly docked amidst songs of praise. Finally, the day’s events ended with picture taking and proverbs-picking. My face turned red from embarrassment as I looked at the proverb in my hand; I hurriedly bid everyone goodbye - telling them to take care, and to see each other at the next event. In total, eighty-one adults, two children and one baby attended. 22 of those people were newcomers. The amount of people who attended greatly exceeded our expectations -- even friends from Changhua County’s Changxing Church came to attend this grand occasion! We ask that the Trinity and SSN can help protect and ensure the success of every event!

Special Report by Meng-hua Lin