About two years ago we made our new home in Hot Springs.  We really liked it there, but God had different plans for us.  I accepted a position at a non-Christian institution and it was a difficult situation.  He wanted us back in Christian education and we felt led to begin a season of prayer. 

We truly felt the Lord wanted us to teach overseas in an international school.  We pursued several options but felt the Lord's timing was not in it.  So we decided to stay in the States.  Last year we taught at Sunshine Bible Academy in Miller, South Dakota and continued to inquire about positions at various Christian international schools. 

This February [2004] we accepted teaching positions at Morrison Christian Academy in Taiwan.  Morrison is a Christian day and boarding school serving the educational needs of the children of missionaries and expatriates from the business and diplomatic community.  About 70% are American and the rest come from various other countries.  I will be teaching World History and some Bible while Kari will be teaching some math and physical science.

We are excited and a bit anxious about going to Taiwan.  We will be there for the next two years.  We have met some people who are currently working at Morrison and it seems like a great group to work with.  There will be lots of changes.  We will be moving from a rural area to a city of a million people.  The kids will be starting a new school and making new friends (Jason will be in 8th grade, Elliot will be in 3rd, and Katrina will be starting Kindergarten).  We will need to learn enough Mandarin Chinese to get around and learn where to shop and buy the things we need.  We need to find a new church.  There will be many new and exciting challenges.

We are asking for your prayers: 

We will keep you posted in our adjustment and how our prayers will be answered. 

Thank you and the church for all your support and friendship. 

Graciously,

Paul and Kari Smith

with Jason, Elliot and Katrina