Hello friends and family,

Travis and I figured it was time to give an update on where we are at with our upcoming transition. I kept waiting for a day where I had some clarity on what the world would look like in May, but alongside all of you I can’t even say what will happen tomorrow.

We have been planning to transition back to the city in which we met (Williston, ND) since last year at this time. Our commitment to YWAM Taipei expires at the end of April and so we had planned to return May 20th, 2020. Before the COVID-19 outbreak in the US, we had purchased plane tickets for that date – including one for my father-in-law, who was planning to come and help us with the move and plane flight home. Obviously so much has changed even in the last few weeks, so we wanted to take some time to answer some of our “Frequently Asked Questions” from friends, families, and supporters to help give you a better picture of where we are, how we are doing, and how you can best pray for us.

How serious is COVID-19 in Taiwan currently?

Taiwan is one of the safest countries in the world to be right now. Taiwan was exposed to the threat of COVID-19 as early as January because of our proximity to China, where the outbreak was just beginning in Wuhan. Because Taiwan has been through something similar back in 2004 with the SARS virus, the government and health officials were quick to respond to rumors of a SARS-like virus spreading in China. Up until about two weeks ago, they had been able to keep the number of cases around 100 with only one death. As students who are studying abroad return home, our case numbers have increased significantly (today there are 355 cases recorded with 5 deaths and 50 released) – but there are significant quarantine measures for the majority that have been caught at the airport. Of the 355 cases, only 51 have been  Taiwanese people are also generally very submissive to government requirements which has minimized community transmission.

Do you plan on leaving Taiwan early?

The most direct answer is we can’t. Last week we applied for Caleb’s American passport and a renewal for Travis’s passport. They estimate both will arrive in five weeks or less. Until we have those passports it is impossible for us to leave. We do not feel the need to make an emergency trip home at this time, as we do not feel “stuck” here – this is where our home and work is at the current moment. To leave here would send us to a place where we have neither of those things arranged yet. But we are watching the news and aware a scenario may cause us to consider if we need to leave before May 20th (most likely related to available flights). Because we are already planning to move, we have been sorting and packing already – which will hopefully benefit us in an emergency situation.

What if you cannot get out of Taiwan?

We are also aware this may be a possibility – it seems each day brings a drastic change we were not prepared for. Once we receive Travis’s passport we can renew our visa through July 19th if we feel we cannot leave before June 1st. We are hoping to decide the first week of May if we need to pursue the visa renewal. We simply do not have enough information to make that decision at this time. Our landlords are aware that our date is variable and we are welcome to stay in our apartment as long as we need.

What is your plan for after your return?

I keep reminding myself that there is not a single person on Earth who’s plans have not been altered by COVID-19. Yes we are concerned about the job market as we return, especially the oil field where we are planning to move. We have a few months expenses saved so we do not feel that our need for a job on Day 1 is a desperate one – however we are hoping Travis will be able to find a job to support our family as soon as possible. We are trusting God as our provider and don’t feel He is asking us to stay in Taiwan past the summer.

How can we pray for the Kleppens?

It’s hard to pray for specifics right now, as we don’t know exactly where we will be in two months or what we will be doing – but please pray for Travis and I that we would be united in hope and prayer. We want to insulate our boys as much as possible from fear and that is no easy task in this time. Also please pray for wisdom as we (attempt to) plan where will be and what we will be doing this next year.

How are the brothers adjusting?

They are doing great. 🙂

What a great time to trust in Jesus.