Greetings from Taiwan!! Yes, I know it's been nearly 3 months since I last updated my blog. I am thoroughly ashamed of myself, so you don't need to say a thing.
A lot has happened since I wrote last (obviously, a lot goes on in 3 months). I have 3 stories this time around that seem worth sharing. One is interesting, one amusing, and one is really quite embarrassing.
I'll start off with interesting. Who doesn't like going to the fair? There are lots of games, food, prizes, and interesting sights. What's not to love? I recently discovered that the city I live in has a perpetual fair...that is it's here every single night. They call it a night market here, but to me it seems like a county fair minus the livestock barns. For 50 NT (New Taiwanese dollars or roughly $1.50 US) you can play games of chance with rings, ping pong balls, fishing poles, air guns, and more things that I have now forgotten. And once you've worked up an appetite playing games of chance and winning useless prizes that you didn't really want anyway, you can move on to the dozens of food stalls for beef kebab-like things or tasty tofu snacks. Then, strengthened and refreshed you are ready to move on to the shopping portion of the extravaganza.
Alright, now your ready for amusing. I had the privilege of attending a wedding here in Kaohsiung the beginning of November. Two people from my church here were getting married; so I got to experience my first English/Chinese bilingual service. The bride was Taiwanese and the groom was Australian. The translator did a wonderful job. She had to translate the entire sermon from English to Chinese and various readings from Chinese to English---not an easy task I'm sure. As I said she did a wonderful job! That is right up until a slight pronunciation problem at the very end. After the ceremony she announced, much to the confusion of everyone present, that it was time for the "bucket toss" and asked all the single ladies to come forward. Of course we all turned to each other in wonder waiting to see what kind of interesting Taiwanese tradition this could be. She repeated her request for all the unmarried women in the room to come to the front for the bucket toss...and it began to slowly dawn on us that this was actually a western tradition. We were meant to come forward for the bouquet toss! The poor lady! Her slip provided us all with a little something to laugh over at the reception. I went forward, but, alas, I didn't catch the "bucket."
Now, the moment you've all been waiting for. The promised embarrassing story. It all started because my mom gave me several of the Betty Crocker microwave desserts. Now, in case you've never had one of these wonderful creations, it's basically single serving size brownie mix that you just add water to and microwave. We don't have a microwave that works in our apartment, so I had the bright idea to go over to my boyfriend's apartment (his name is Charles in case your out of the loop) and use his. The mixing step went great, but the microwave step was a true catastrophe. I put it in, set the microwave to 40 and walked away. The directions said 40 seconds...unfortunately the dial on the microwave meant 40 minutes (yes, I didn't really put a whole lot of critical thinking power into this scenario). A minute or so later Charles and I were startled by a thudding sound as the microwave door was thrown open due to the expanding air inside (air expands drastically when heated). I was dumbstruck at the sight of my dessert en flambes. Truly, it was in flames! It was easily extinguished by a 1/4 cup of water, but it took a good 20 minutes to clear enough smoke out of the apt to breathe correctly. This story sadly proves what my dad has lovingly and truthfully asserted for years now; that I am domestically challenged. Pray for my safety in the kitchen!
Well, that's it this time around. Until next time, I bid you all a fond farewell!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Oops, it's August!
Hello family and friends and total strangers,
I have successfully arrived at the 2 and nearly a 1/2 month marker here in Taiwan. This last Tuesday I lived through my first "typhoon" experience, and it's been raining ever since. It didn't actually hit Kaohsiung; so it was more like a really heavy rainstorm.
This time around I thought I'd share two of my favorite new activities; something for both the adventurous and the not-so-very-adventurous to appreciate. First the adventurous:
My Daily Video Game Adventure. Also known as riding a scooter. First, I compared it to a whole body video game in my own mind. Since then I've heard at least two other people (both guys) compare riding a scooter to playing a video game. One of them actually used that comparison in a sermon he was preaching! I think of it as somewhere between Mario Kart and one of the Star Wars games my brother had. You have to maneuver around various obstacles: pedestrians, other scooters, cars, the garbage truck, bicycles, cardboard... And if dodging weren't enough there are the overpasses, the tunnels, the people who drive the wrong way down your side of the street, and of course the car doors that swing open unexpectedly from cars parked along the right. Add to all this the fact that you have to go slowly and look both ways when the light is green your way! Ahh, I love it! The adrenaline rush, the feeling that I'm mastering some amazing skill...
Ok, now for the less death-defying activity. I call it The Haircut/Spa Experience. I got my hair cut a couple of weeks back and it was amazing. Step 1: establish that you want your hair cut and styled, not dyed or permed (I went with my roommate, Kim, who speaks enough Chinese to make this step easy). Step 2: shampoo and scalp massage. This lasts somewhere between 15 and 20 minutes. Not only is the massage wonderful, but the ambiance is superb. The place I was at had blue lights, fun music, and silvery draping everywhere. Step 3: the actual cut. But not only a haircut! You get a magazine to read and your choice of tea or coffee. I had a very nice iced coffee drink, but I couldn't read the magazine as it was in Chinese. It had nice pictures though. Step 4: work through linguistic confusion. Do you want bangs? Only it took a lot of hand motions to establish what she was asking me, so when I finally figured it out I said sure why not to make it worth the headache. Step 5: time to pay up. All of this pampering for the bargain price of about $18.00 US. So ladies, if your tired of paying that much or more for just the basic cut, style, and maybe a shampoo you should come on over and visit!
Well, there you have it. Two uniquely Taiwanese experiences that I have the opportunity to enjoy. Of course there are many other experiences--but these are two things that I have enjoyed and that make me laugh a little inside, so I thought I'd share them with all of you :)
I have successfully arrived at the 2 and nearly a 1/2 month marker here in Taiwan. This last Tuesday I lived through my first "typhoon" experience, and it's been raining ever since. It didn't actually hit Kaohsiung; so it was more like a really heavy rainstorm.
This time around I thought I'd share two of my favorite new activities; something for both the adventurous and the not-so-very-adventurous to appreciate. First the adventurous:
My Daily Video Game Adventure. Also known as riding a scooter. First, I compared it to a whole body video game in my own mind. Since then I've heard at least two other people (both guys) compare riding a scooter to playing a video game. One of them actually used that comparison in a sermon he was preaching! I think of it as somewhere between Mario Kart and one of the Star Wars games my brother had. You have to maneuver around various obstacles: pedestrians, other scooters, cars, the garbage truck, bicycles, cardboard... And if dodging weren't enough there are the overpasses, the tunnels, the people who drive the wrong way down your side of the street, and of course the car doors that swing open unexpectedly from cars parked along the right. Add to all this the fact that you have to go slowly and look both ways when the light is green your way! Ahh, I love it! The adrenaline rush, the feeling that I'm mastering some amazing skill...
Ok, now for the less death-defying activity. I call it The Haircut/Spa Experience. I got my hair cut a couple of weeks back and it was amazing. Step 1: establish that you want your hair cut and styled, not dyed or permed (I went with my roommate, Kim, who speaks enough Chinese to make this step easy). Step 2: shampoo and scalp massage. This lasts somewhere between 15 and 20 minutes. Not only is the massage wonderful, but the ambiance is superb. The place I was at had blue lights, fun music, and silvery draping everywhere. Step 3: the actual cut. But not only a haircut! You get a magazine to read and your choice of tea or coffee. I had a very nice iced coffee drink, but I couldn't read the magazine as it was in Chinese. It had nice pictures though. Step 4: work through linguistic confusion. Do you want bangs? Only it took a lot of hand motions to establish what she was asking me, so when I finally figured it out I said sure why not to make it worth the headache. Step 5: time to pay up. All of this pampering for the bargain price of about $18.00 US. So ladies, if your tired of paying that much or more for just the basic cut, style, and maybe a shampoo you should come on over and visit!
Well, there you have it. Two uniquely Taiwanese experiences that I have the opportunity to enjoy. Of course there are many other experiences--but these are two things that I have enjoyed and that make me laugh a little inside, so I thought I'd share them with all of you :)
Sunday, June 24, 2007
In Kaohsiung
Hi everyone--
Wow, I've been here 3 weeks already--the time just flies! I really meant to update more often than this. Well, here goes. Since arriving at midnight June 5th, 2007 I have:
Moved into my new apt
Met my roommate, Frankie, who is from the UK
Started teaching English (almost right away)
Eaten a plethora of things I can't recognize
Drunk a lot of green tea concoctions
Met some other OMF partners (not all of them yet)
Gone to "English Church" (its name is Bread of Life)
Gone to the Boat Races on Love River in Kaohsiung
Traveled to Taroko Gorge in Eastern Taiwan
Gone to Lotus Pond in Kaohsiung
Learned to say apple, watermelon, and "to go" (ordering food to go) in Mandarin Chinese
And had 2 scooter riding lessons
Whew! I've done both a lot and not much. My roommate says sometimes it's all you can do to just do one new thing every day. I think she's right. Most of me pictures are up on facebook, so if you want to see more than what I put here you'll have to go there.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
G'bye for now
Woah, I don't think I know how to do pics on a blog! These are all scrambled! :P Not a big surprise knowing me!
Here are a few of the sweet friends I've had the honor of saying farewell to.
It's been a blessed couple of months!
I find myself surrounded by love and support from family and friends as I prepare to leave for Taiwan...
Such a sweet, sad, exciting and scary time. I'm glad I have these dear ones to see me off! It's an exciting celebration (some sad mixed in too); moving on to a new adventure.
These three remain: faith, hope, and love.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
An Easter Thought/Song
Ok, ok, I know. Easter was over a week ago. Still, here's a song that's really had a grip on me since just before Easter right on through to now. It has everything to do with Easter. If you feel like it read the lyrics and if you don't, don't. That's easy, huh?
How Deep the Father's Love for Us
How deep the Father's love for us
how vast beyond all measure
that he should give his only Son
to make a wretch his treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss--
the Father turns his face away
as wounds which mar the Chosen One
bring many sons to glory
Behold the man upon a cross,
my sin upon his shoulders.
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held him there
until it was accomplished.
His dying breath has brought me life--
I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom.
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
his death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from his reward?
I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart--
his wounds have paid my ransom.
by Stewart Townsend
Sometimes I realize just what kind of "wretch" I am (jealous, angry, judgemental, incredibly selfish...) and it is truly impossible to understand the depth of love it would take for God to forfeit his precious Son to make me his own, a daughter of God. For to those who recieve him, to those who believe on his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12). But my adoption was paid for in blood, Jesus' blood. "His wounds have paid my ransom." Why? That is a good question, isn't it? But the result: adoption, life, salvation, glory...the result is so precious!
How Deep the Father's Love for Us
How deep the Father's love for us
how vast beyond all measure
that he should give his only Son
to make a wretch his treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss--
the Father turns his face away
as wounds which mar the Chosen One
bring many sons to glory
Behold the man upon a cross,
my sin upon his shoulders.
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held him there
until it was accomplished.
His dying breath has brought me life--
I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom.
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
his death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from his reward?
I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart--
his wounds have paid my ransom.
by Stewart Townsend
Sometimes I realize just what kind of "wretch" I am (jealous, angry, judgemental, incredibly selfish...) and it is truly impossible to understand the depth of love it would take for God to forfeit his precious Son to make me his own, a daughter of God. For to those who recieve him, to those who believe on his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12). But my adoption was paid for in blood, Jesus' blood. "His wounds have paid my ransom." Why? That is a good question, isn't it? But the result: adoption, life, salvation, glory...the result is so precious!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
I've just discovered a new toy! Let me back up, usually about this time of year I'm lamenting the fact that I live in the land of forever winter (aka Wisconsin) and pining for spring. Right now in Central Wisconsin we have somewhere in the neighborhood of 15-17 inches of snow courtesy of last weekend. However, for today at least I'm not complaining. Why? Because my aunt lent me that new toy I was talking about, a pair of snow shoes!
I've tried them out and have come to the conclusion that snow-shoeing (spelling anybody?) is much more akin to climbing stairs than walking. But the real fun behind this is that we have a field behind the house where the snow has drifted to a height somewhere above my knees; very hard to trudge through, but oh so much fun to trek on top of! It's kind of like being instantly 3 feet taller which in my case is like being 8 feet 7 inches instead of the customary 5' 7". I got to step over a fence that is usually up to my armpit and tower over all the adolescent pine trees. Unfortunately, I have to find some snow shoes for my dog because while I was hiking up top she had to plow her way through behind me in snow higher than she is tall (she's a smallish lab mix). While I was quite tired at the end of a half hour she was completely exhausted!
So, if you've never tried it you should find someone to borrow a pair of snow shoes from. At least if you live in a climate that allows for it!
I've tried them out and have come to the conclusion that snow-shoeing (spelling anybody?) is much more akin to climbing stairs than walking. But the real fun behind this is that we have a field behind the house where the snow has drifted to a height somewhere above my knees; very hard to trudge through, but oh so much fun to trek on top of! It's kind of like being instantly 3 feet taller which in my case is like being 8 feet 7 inches instead of the customary 5' 7". I got to step over a fence that is usually up to my armpit and tower over all the adolescent pine trees. Unfortunately, I have to find some snow shoes for my dog because while I was hiking up top she had to plow her way through behind me in snow higher than she is tall (she's a smallish lab mix). While I was quite tired at the end of a half hour she was completely exhausted!
So, if you've never tried it you should find someone to borrow a pair of snow shoes from. At least if you live in a climate that allows for it!
Friday, February 9, 2007
Second one!
I promise to get better titles for future posts, but since I don't think anyone actually reads my blog yet creativity can wait. Same with the name of my blog...isn't it amazing the lack of creativity that can go into some things? Anyway, since I'm really only writing this b/c one post on a blog that's been up for nearly a month looks really pathetic I guess I'll share something quick and then move on with whatever else I'm doing today. Here's a verse that's been important to me lately. It was in a sermon in my church back in December I think...but it just keeps coming up in my life
Isaiah 41:10
fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Listen to God promise us (those who belong to him) "I will..." strengthen, help, uphold. I don't know about you, but sometimes I let fear take hold and grip me. How precious to know and cling to his strength and help...He has to constantly remind me there is no need for fear in my life. "If God is for us who can be against us?"
If anyone reads this, thanks for listening...and remember if Jesus is your Savior he said that he is with us always, to the end of the age (Matt 28:20b)
Isaiah 41:10
fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Listen to God promise us (those who belong to him) "I will..." strengthen, help, uphold. I don't know about you, but sometimes I let fear take hold and grip me. How precious to know and cling to his strength and help...He has to constantly remind me there is no need for fear in my life. "If God is for us who can be against us?"
If anyone reads this, thanks for listening...and remember if Jesus is your Savior he said that he is with us always, to the end of the age (Matt 28:20b)
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
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