(Written by John, a high school student in Beijing)   

          Everyone has the ability to make decisions regarding the course their life will take. It is not the hypothetical force called fortune that determines issues or events for us. We must avoid thinking that our lives are foreordained. As long as we try our best to work toward realistic goals, we will create a satisfactory life regardless of the family into which we were born, the environment in which we live, or the type of education we have.

          Some people believe that when they’re born, a plan for their life is already in place. They feel that an unseen force, sometimes called a God, has decided beforehand how they will make every decision. Those who believe that their actions are guided by fate can easily slip into the feeling that life should be lived day by day without consideration of the consequences as “everything will work out”. That is very unfortunate, as it could very well prevent us from reaching our optimal potential.

          Sometimes we need to fight with ourselves. Ideas in our minds such as preordination stop us from going forward. If we reject the thought that our lives have been predestined, we will make the best of our time on earth.

          I once read a book about Helen Keller who was deaf and blind and couldn’t hear or speak. She was very headstrong until she met Anne Sullivan who became her lifelong teacher. Anne Sullivan was a kindhearted woman. She, too, had problems with her sight, but they were corrected through surgery when she was young. That experience helped her understand Helen’s problems more clearly, and she was able to teach her to speak and then to read books in Braille. When Helen was in college, the work continued, and she was graduated with honors. Because of her success in overcoming handicaps she was in demand as a speaker in many countries. As a result she became an inspiration to people all over the world.

          A disabled person made changes in her life that were of interest to us all. How many of us would have been as strong as she? Those of us who give in to the thought that our lives are predestined are fainthearted. Helen pursued her dreams and tried her best to achieve them. Her spirit should be helpful to all of us in realizing our dreams.

          One should never surrender to the thought that our lives are foreordained. We have the freewill to select the paths that will lead us into a rich and full life.

(Written by Deken Before He Left for a Visit to Los Angeles)

          People work so hard at their jobs nowadays that they look forward to their vacations and spend a lot of time planning them.  I worked as a salesman when I lived in Taiwan, and had so little time for recreation that when vacation-time rolled around I jumped at the idea of going to Bali.  It was a place I’d never visited, but it turned out to be my favorite.      

          Bali is very beautiful, and it seems that everything is planned to make a visit there as comfortable as possible.  When I arrived, the airport seemed like a temple, as it held so many beautiful statues and pictures.  There was a general feeling of peacefulness.  Everywhere I went there were beautiful natural views, and when I arrived at the hotel, I saw that it had been built along the water and there was a sandy  beach where I could relax. 

          Bali’s people are so friendly that I didn’t have to worry about anything during my entire visit.  I didn’t have a care in the world.  It was good for my soul.

          I love sports and felt right at home in their traditional canoes.  SCUBA diving in natural surroundings was a great experience.  I’ll never forget the SPA with it’s unbelievably refreshing massages.  Being cared for like that in the open air is good for the skin and the soul.  It’s a wonderful way to get away from the cares of the business world. 

          Bali is my favorite place for a vacation.  Even though it’s not a developed island, everything was nearly perfect.  The hotel’s service and facilities were excellent, and it was idyllic to live in such a natural setting with the fresh air and sounds of the sea lulling us to sleep every night.    

          Although I’ve vacationed in many countries, there’s no place like Bali. 

(Written by Sherry during a long visit to the United States)

          “Treasure Island.” That’s what we call Taiwan.  It’s quite small – you can hardly find it on maps – but it’s a charming country.

          Taiwan is a wonderful place to live, as there is warm weather throughout the year. Located near the equator, we have sunshine almost every day.  

          Though a great number of people live on the relatively small island, there are many conveniences.  Transportation is easily obtainable and there are many shopping malls and recreation centers.  Night markets are located near populated areas and stay open until midnight so the varied Taiwanese food is available most of the day.  

          The Taiwanese are enthusiastic and treat foreigners and those that are native-born with friendliness.  A Japanese friend told me that when she visited Taiwan, she met an old man who welcomed her into his home, prepared a feast, and even let her stay the night as if she were an old friend.  She was very surprised to be received so well.  

          I love my country.  For me, it will always be a treasure, as I’m always discovering interesting things about it.

          If you haven’t been to Taiwan, you ought to plan to have that experience on your next trip abroad.

          I believe you’ll love it.