Group Study Exchange- Taiwan

The GSE team from Taiwan was welcomed to Mentor and met their host families Sunday night. The evening took place at Nancy Sandon's home where Nancy once again exceeded all expectations. Our guests arrived by GSE committee chair and taxi driver Dave Noble assisted by acting porter Rick Cooper handling the luggage. Introductions were quickly made as we welcomed our visitors. Soon we all settled into various conversations discovering what we share in common and how our cultures differ. I personally found it interesting that Robert, an ENT doctor from Hualien City, practices only what they call modern medicine much the same as an ENT here. They do not blend modern and ancient medical techniques in practice. He commented that cancers of the mouth and throat are prevalent in Taiwan due to tobacco use. When time came for dinner our host said a short prayer before the common language of food and drink began. The exchange continued while we shared our food and stories. I learned that Taiwan created its' National Parks within the last thirty years. They contain areas of tropical mountains that reach about 12,000 feet above sea level along with spectacular waterfalls and rivers. Then it was time to depart. A few announcements were made and soon they were on their way with their hosts for the week. We all will see them Thursday at our meeting where they will share with us specifics of their lives in Taiwan. Submitted by Mike Scruggs