It was my first time taking the bus, Lrt and bullet train by myself.
At first , I was hesitant to travel alone , but with the support and encouragement of my family who kept telling me that I could do it , I decided to challenge myself .
My first hurdle was deciding whether to take the bus or lrt since the lrt seemed quite challenging , I chose to take the bus instead.
At the bus terminal, I spoke with a man to verify which bus I should take to banqiao he repeatedly told me to take bus 125 , but I felt anxious because the destination board showed that it was headed to Xulin.
As our conversation continued I realized that the man appeared to be mentally ill .
He laughed throughout our conversation, so I stopped talking to him and checked the information myself.
Then bus BL 37 arrived God sent me a kind driver I asked him if the bus was going to Banqiao Station, and he confirmed it was.
The bus was packed so I had to stand for most of the 45minute ride. By the time I arrived in Banqiao , it was raining heavily .
At the station , I went straight to the bullet train ticket station counter and bought a ticket to Taichung. I purchased a non reserved seat because I thought it was a short trip . The staff , including the ticket agent and security guards, were very accomodating and helpful.v
When I boarded the train, everyone was seated except me because I had a non reserved ticket. A few kind ladies noticed this and told me that I could still take an available seat.
After a long ride , I arrived at Taichung station two elderly ladies even accompanied me as I exited the station.
Next I needed to transfer to a local train going to Tan Zhi .A station attendant instructed me to go to exit , straight and then turn right. I bought my ticket and learned that I could take any train as long as it stopped at Tan Zhi. As the train moved forward through the rain and fog , I started to worry that I had boarded the wrong train. After five stops I still hadn’t seen Tan Zhi on the LED of the display. I texted my sister and showed her a picture of the display . She confirmed that I was on the correct train.
She told me that there were mini stops before Tan Zhi so I waited eagerly. Finally, at the ninth stop , the train arrived at Tan Zhi .
Through our the journey I felt Gods guidance through the many people he sent to help direct me safely to my destination.
In Taiwan there may not be many scavengers visible on the streets , but there are many people struggling with mental illness. This experience reminded me how blessed I am and how many good things I have in my life. It also made me realized that many people are going through difficult times.
Although the waiting and traveling took a long time , I am grateful for my health and for the opportunity to experience this journey.
This trip taught me courage, independence, gratitude and trust in Gods guidance.