~A Message from H. E. Jasmine E. Huggins~ Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis in Taiwan (2010-2022)

Western norms and mores to acceptance of Eastern values and cultures was made easier through the invaluable friendships, curiosity, time and a willingness to open oneself to new experiences.

“Home away from home”, the cliched phrase that connotes feelings of warmth and affinity for a location not readily or necessarily associated with your regular place of abode. However, after almost fifteen years of living in beautiful Taiwan, that phrase for me, is no longer a cliché but rather an emotive fact. Taiwan’s evolution as a vibrant democracy, cautiously welcoming of strangers, is commensurate with the evolution of my feelings towards Taiwan as the years ensued. The strangeness of the language, the music, and in some instances the food (notably stinky tofu) or collectively the culture, when first encountered, is overwhelmingly challenging. Such was the case in December 2007 upon my arrival.

The period of Christmastide when Western cultures recognize and celebrate the joyous Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus and the gathering of family and friends, would not have been the most opportune time for a posting to a country so culturally different. However, over the years I have witnessed and been privileged to enjoy the many events that celebrate this most important Season, an acknowledgment that diversity within the society was being fostered and welcomed. This a small sampling of Taiwan’s progression and its peoples’ embrace of others and other cultures. Moreover, the transition from

By 2022, the powerhouse that is Taiwan, achieved its global recognition and importance, by cementing of old, and cultivating of new friendships, innovating and reimagining obsolete paradigms and shifting its attitude towards nonTaiwanese residents. I have also noted with great admiration that Taiwan and its citizens have strengthened their core values and have risen to the challenges when faced with natural and manmade disasters. There is no perfect society but perfection after all is a goal, not a state, and the complexities of this global environment have been faced by the Taiwanese public with courage, stoicism and resilience. I have seen great strides in so many facets of national life though my interaction and friendships with Taiwanese at all levels and strata of the society and I am constantly amazed at their adjustments to new concepts and optimism for the future. I have been blessed by the many friendships I have made, the memorable experiences I have enjoyed, and as I sit in my home in Virginia reflecting on my years in Taiwan, I feel truly grateful for the time spent, and anticipate with high hopes, an exceptional promising future for this amazing country.

~ See you again, my dear friends ~

Thank you for joining the WTIC family and sharing your culture and friendship with all of us. It’s always difficult and sad to see friends leave but we know our bond is not broken by the distance. All of your contributions to WTIC are what makes our club special and strong. We hope memories of your WTIC sisters will always bring a smile to your face and warm your heart. We will not forget you and hope to see you again!

Mønsted, Patcharee M. — Denmark

It is with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to this wonderful community. My time here has been filled with unforgettable experiences and memories, all thanks to WTIC friends. Your warm welcome, kindness, friendship and support have made my stay in Taiwan truly special, and I am grateful for every moment we shared.

As I embark on a new chapter in my life, I carry with me the memories and lessons learned here. I hope that our paths will cross again soon, and I wish each and every one of you the very best in all your endeavors.

Arely, Gómez Guatemala

I will remember Taiwan and all the lovely members of WTIC. Thank you and best wishes to everyone.

Bautista Guevara, Eny Yamileth Honduras

I want to thank President Jeannie Tien and all the wonderful members of WTIC for the gift of friendship and all the beautiful memories from the WTIC events. Best wishes to everyone and I hope our paths will cross again.

I am grateful for the kindness and generosity that WTIC members have shown me. It was a privilege to spend time in Taipei with the utmost kind people. I hope to see you again in the near future.

Thank you and goodbye to all my friends at WTIC. May you receive more blessings and cheers during the Holiday Season. I hope to see you again.

It was my great honor to volunteer and be an active member of WTIC for four years. I had the pleasure and opportunity to participate in the abundant activities offered by the club, which allowed me to absorb wisdom and experience from the beloved sisters of the club and also to establish lifelong friendships and companions. With wholehearted love, I will bring the positive spirit that WTIC has instilled in me to Sweden. There, I will also diligently serve and strive for the best for my country.

I will treasure all the friendships I made in Taiwan and think of you often. During the last four years, I have enjoyed all the WTIC events and activities; especially playing with the table tennis group. Thank you again for all your friendships and hope to see you in the future!

BRAZIL

International Women’s Club of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul

GERMANY

•International Women’s Club Hamburg e.V. www.iwchh.com

• Anglo-German International Women’s Association e. V www.agiwa-hamburg.de

INDONESIA

Women’s International Club Jakarta www.wic-jakarta.or.id

KOREA

Welcome to Korea International Club www.wkic.or.kr/en/