September 2016 Newsletter Volume 2 Issue 2

Chairlady's Note

大家好嗎! Hello Everyone!

Monday, at our first board meeting of the season, it dawned on me that we have put together an amazing Board of Directors and Supervisors! This dynamic group of women have fresh ideas and amazing energy. They have passion for fundraising and friendship, and I cannot wait to see how we will evolve over this next season as we finalize our non-profit application.

As an expat, and indeed as any person, it can be very easy to lose sight of your purpose. For some of us, we have moved away from the jobs and identities of our origin. We may find ourselves in a bit of a doldrum in which we do not know how to escape. From time to time, even those of us who may feel our purpose planted firmly in a religious faith will wander and wonder. I cannot count the times that I have "holed up" at home with a book or tv series and blocked out the world.

In the past, I was so busy fulfilling support roles of parent and teacher and spouse that I didn't need to think about my purpose. My meaning was given to me. After my boys got older, and I found myself far from my family and without a work, I suddenly crashed. "What now?" I asked. But the universe was silent. And I finally came to the conclusion that it was my turn to create my own purpose in life.

This realization often occurs when we go through a major life change. Expats are thrown into constant upheaval as we learn to adjust-it's not for the faint of heart! We self-reflect beyond imagination in those quiet times of transition before we have made new friends or gotten involved in a community. The adventure often has some rough roads even when they look like avenues of marble tile.

Don't spend too much time looking at the gap between your realities. Think about how you can create purpose in your "here and now" by looking at your values, your time, your talent. Then get off the sofa, and go take those baby steps toward the opportunity to try out new purpose. Not all the roads you take will lead you to fulfillment, but you will learn more about yourself in the process. Volunteer and reach out to others. Take a class or teach a class.

The intentional purpose of IWAT is to create a bridge between you and the world. What purpose do you bring to IWAT?

With much love,

Rebecca MacNeal

P.S. Did you notice our logo looks a little different? The 市 character in 台中市(Taichung City) means city. It is being added to our logo to reflect our soon-to-be tax exempt status. It will align us with the City Government and helps us create a small, but meaningful partnership with them. In fact, they will be our guests of honor at our September luncheon! Let's welcome them with open arms! So exciting!

Welcome to the Board of Directors and Supervisors for 2016 - 2017!

These ladies are hard at work to prepare a fun year ahead! Let's give them a big thank you!

Activity Groups-Get Involved!

Looking to get involved in some hobbies or learn some new ones? We have several "unofficial" activity groups that keep members in touch with each other revolving around special interests. Just fill out the survey below and press submit to join in! Click Here!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CLICK LINKS (if available) ON THIS NEWSLETTER TO JOIN IN or JUST EMAIL iwatpresident@gmail.com

September September 7 11am Welcome Lunch (Formal Business Luncheon) September 14 10am-12pm/7pm-9pm Book Club (Exposure) September 21 Mystery Tour! September 28 10am-12pm Coffee Morning

October October 5 10am-12pm/7pm-9pm Book Club (The Girl in the Red Coat)

October 12 11:30m Monthly Luncheon October 19 Tour/Workshop (Baking Fun-TBA) October 26 10am-12pm Hueiming School Coffee Morning

October 29th Compass Festival Bake Sale (TBA)

September Book Club Selection:

Exposure

by Helen Dunmore

(Click book cover for a review)

London, November, 1960: the Cold War is at its height. Spy fever fills the newspapers, and the political establishment knows how and where to bury its secrets. When a highly sensitive file goes missing, Simon Callington is accused of passing information to the Soviets, and arrested. His wife, Lily, suspects that his imprisonment is part of a cover-up, and that more powerful men than Simon will do anything to prevent their own downfall. She knows that she too is in danger, and must fight to protect her children. But what she does not realise is that Simon has hidden vital truths about his past, and may be found guilty of another crime that carries with it an even greater penalty.

October Book Club Selection:

The Girl in the Red Coat

by Kate Hamer

(Click book cover for a review)

Carmel Wakeford becomes separated from her mother at a local children's festival, and is found by a man who claims to be her estranged grandfather. He tells her that her mother has had an accident and that she is to live with him for now. As days become weeks with her new family, 8-year-old Carmel realizes that this man believes she has a special gift...