Landed in Taipei - First day of Quarantine

Life has been really exciting, and over the month of February I managed to get all the financial support that I need and it's been a real blessing to have seen how loved and appreciated I am by my friends and family. So I just want to thank all the people who have contributed to my trip to Taipei!

I was really relieved that nothing had changed in terms of my flights and everything was still on track, even with Covid-19. However, an hour before departing from Johannesburg I was informed that Taiwan had announced that all passengers arriving from Europe and United Arab Emirates need to be self-quarantined for 14 days once they arrive. I had a layover in Dubai for four hours meaning that I needed to go into quarantine once I arrived in Taipei.

So I am writing this from the apartment that was organized for me. It is really close to where we will be staying and is normally used to host people visiting YWAM taipei. The picture is of my view from my bedroom window. I have my own room, bathroom and shower. Currently I have the kitchen, living room and dining room to myself, but later this week I will have a girl move in with me and then I will be sharing the common areas with her. She is doing a different school to what I am doing but it will be really nice to have some company. We will have to wear masks when we are in the same space and stay at least 1m away from each other. So I am enjoying not having to wear a mask right now unless someone comes drop off food.

I will be be staying here until the 30th of March and I will be checked on by the Taiwanese government. I have also been given a form in order to track my temperature and health status for the next 14 days. Three of the eighteen students doing the school of biblical studies are going to have to be in quarantine, including Josef and I.

The staff have been very kind and helpful with the preparations for being in quarantine. They fetched me from the airport and took me to the apartment and showed me around. They gave me a lot of supplies that I will need during the 14 days. I have been given a few basics that I can use to cook some meals, and the staff have offered to buy food and bring it up to my apartment for me. I will also be using Panda Food which is very similar to Uber Eats and get food delivered to my door.

In terms of the course, I will be doing it through Skype, as I have wifi, so that I do not miss any classes. I am really glad about this and as this will keep me busy while I am in isolation.

It has been a pleasant first day and I have spent the day sleeping and getting used to my apartment, and chatting to friends. I am feeling good, my temperature is normal and I am not showing any other symptoms. I can't wait to explore the city that I will call my home for the next 9 months.

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Prayer requests:

- For my general health and well-being, and that I have not contracted Covid-19.

- For a continued sense of peace while I am in quarantine and that I will not feel lonely.

- For safe travels and the well-being of all the other students that will be in Taipei.

- For peace and wisdom for the staff members as they deal with all the changes just before our classes start.

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