Humble dependence on God

I knew that I would have lessons to learn in Taiwan; Well, here is my first lesson: Depend on God humbly like a child.  "“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things."

Once I arrived my tiny apartment in Kaohsiung, Taiwan on Dec 1, I was immediately overwhelmed.  I knew I was going to live on less but I was not prepared for how uncomfortable that is.  Well, I have to face the truth that I am a spoiled American.  This apartment is soooo tiny.  When I came with my two luggage, the whole apartment seemed to reach maximum capacity.  I had to face many challenges as to where to put my stuff.  I already downsized from 40 years of accumulated junk to two luggage; now in the apartment, even the two 50-lb. luggage seemed too much stuff.  Yesterday was a challenge as I went out to acquire the basic things I needed.  There is no Walmart nearby.  All the shops in Asia are specialized.  If you need stationary, you go to the place selling stationary.  If you need a light bulb, you go to the hardware store.  If you need fresh produce, you go to the produce place.  The first challenge is the fact that I had to buy a lot of stuff without a car.  So I finally acquired a personal shopping cart, then I made three trips to buy the things and carry them back to my apartment on the 10th floor.  I had the challenge of facing life without microwave or dryer.  Ted boils water any time he needed to drink water.  I think I am going to have to invest in a water filter system.  The microwave will probably not happen because it will take up the entire counter space I have.  I have to wash clothes early in the morning so that when the sun comes up, the clothes can be dried.  If we wash it too late, they will smell.  Things I have not thought about much in the US now required much planning.  I bought the wrong sheets because they don't have sizes like twin, full, Queen or King.  Instead, they use meters and specific measurements.  Cash is the acceptable payment for everything.  Did you know they use the same tissue paper for toilets and napkins?  I am a bit anxious about taking the bus because the first time I almost got off at the wrong stop.  Here I am in my 50's and I don't know how to do anything here.  It is very humbling.  

Gosh I am sooo grateful that God is with me in all these.  He is the same God and He is very portable.  Actually, He delights in my "not knowing anything" because I can now depend on Him humbly like a child.  My Mandarin is about 3rd grade level, so I stare at the cashier when they ask me something that requires an answer.  It's quite embarrassing.  That's why when I read the following passage, I felt so much comfort.  God knows what I need, I just keep trusting Him.