Some things that have been on our heart lately...

Cam and I feel that it is important for our family and friends back home to know what is going on in our lives here in Taiwan. Not only the funny culture differences or exciting stories of our adventures....but also what is on our hearts so that you know how to pray for us.
I know that I can not write about everything God has been putting on our hearts lately. It is hard to put into words what the Spirit of God has been speaking to you or revealing to you. However, I will do my best to adequately share with you some of the areas that we have felt challenged, stretched, or burdened for lately:

1. This year seems to be even BUSIER than last. It has been really hard to figure out the new schedule and how to make it work for us. We have felt a lot of stress in feeling that there is not time for everything. The Lord recently has really spoken to our hearts about this topic. He used PK (our pastor from 12stone- our church in GA). Because the Lord has really revealed himself to us about this topic, I think could write endlessly about it .However, I will leave you with this statement. Cam and I are trying to find peace in Heaven's divine pace for our lives. We are working to make sure that our Father and His Kingdom remain first in our lives. In doing this, we know that the Lord (who loves us and wants what is best for us) will not give us an overload!

2. We firmly believe that God called us to Taiwan to serve His Kingdom through teaching at Morrison Academy. It is hard at times to realize that that is our MINISTRY. When our missionary friends are able to commit SO much time to sharing Gods love, participating in great outreaches, and really investing in locals lives--it is hard to not wonder where we fit into that. There are others times when it is VERY evident that God is using us in our classrooms (in the lives of our students and their families). We ask you to join us in praying for our students and their families. May we be aware of the opportunities that the Spirit brings our way--opportunities to share God's love and grace.
Taiwan is a lost nation. The people of Taiwan are in bondage. This is a link to a video that some missionaries have shot recently that will give you a glimpse into the spiritual state of Taiwan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNrnZov8Dtw

3. This summer, Cam and I worked at a Sports and English Camp with Team Expansion. The Lord REALLY worked in our hearts during our time spent helping with this ministry.
However, I am not writing to share with you about the Lord's work during that week. A fellow missionary, here full time with Team Expansion, also worked at this summer camp. We met him for the first time at this camp. His name is Peter Bennett. This week, Tuesday September 22, Peter was in a very serious accident. When crossing the street Peter was struck by a car (with the impact being mainly on the back of his head). Peter has been in ICU all week. He has a large skull fracture and the news on any brain damage is still unknown. Peter has been making great progress all week! Cam and I do not even know Peter that well....but it is hard to see God's will in situations such as this. However, I know that I have been encouraged to see God save and work miraculous signs in Peter's life this week! I only hope that others will be drawn to our powerful, loving, and saving God through this sad situation! Here is a link to a blog that has been started for people who like to get updates and pray for Peter:

http://prayingforpeter.blogspot.com/

A Day at the Beach....

It is AMAZING what a day at the beach can do for you! Our staff retreat was up at Green Bay again this year.
We left Thursday after our PD day at school at arrived t the beach around 4:00. This picture was taken at about 4:30!
After a few hours of swimming (split between the beach and pool), we enjoyed a nice buffet style dinner as a staff. We then had an enjoyable time of praise and worship together by the pool which was followed by a late night of friendly competition--playing Dutch Blitz.
After sleeping in the next morning, we enjoyed about 6 more hours of beach, sun, and relaxation!
Cam, Elisa, Adrienne, and Ali...enjoying the sounds and views of the beach....or maybe we were just enjoying the relaxation in the sunshine. The sounds of the ocean and the view--yeah, they weren't too good!
Huge tree size logs (as you can see in the back of the dump truck) were still coming in from the latest typhoon. After dodging a jellyfish and trash and these trees...I decided that the pool was calling my name! We spent the rest of the day between sunny chairs with books in hands and the cool refreshing water of a gorgeous resort swimming pool. Oh, and one of our favorite parts of the day was when Kasper finally decided to take a nap, in OUR arms! Gotta love it!
And as I write this---we are SO excited to know that we will be enjoying the beaches of Thailand in just a week!

First trip to the Hospital (for Elisa)

If any of you recall, Cam already posted a rather humorous blog about his first trip to the hospital (last spring). Well...today was my first trip. I have had a rash on my legs for over two weeks now and it just kept getting worse. The itching was just unbearable and nothing seemed to be working. So, with some encouragement from friends, I decided to go to the doctor.
A friend from church helped to get the appointment all set up within minutes, via emails while I was working (thanks Joyce) and Cam subbed for my class in the afternoon during his preps (which actually made it quite easy to leave). A few friends from church volunteered to meet me at the hospital to help with translation...boy am I thankful for them.

No extremely funny tales to tell or things to recollect....just an interesting culture experience.

The hospitals are HUGE!
1. First I had to register (take a number, wait, get my number called, give them my documents).
2. Then we had to find the dermatology section (different floor, different corridor, signs in Chinese)
3. Then we had to take another number & wait for it to be called
4. My number had already been called (because Joyce was amazing and got me the first afternoon appt...but we were late), but apparently if you tell them your there now then they call you back next no matter what....
5. I got called back to see the doctor.
6. I sat down. He asked why are you here? I described my problem "the rash". He asked have you been around any new animals or insects? No...I explained I dont think it is because of anything new. (I have had the same rash all 3 falls in Taiwan and even once while in GA). He said must be an allergic reaction. Here is some medicine. He wrote down 3 different prescriptions. (about 2 mins. total)
7. Then I went to another room (new corridor). Took a number. Waited until it was called. Gave them the doctors paper work. Paid for the visit (which in total....including 3 prescriptions was like 14 US dollars).
8. Then I went to another room. Took another number. Waited until my number was called. Picked up my prescription.

The doctor spoke wonderful English but without Chloe and Kelley there for the rest of it...I would have been completely lost! It is now my hope that my two different ointments and the oral pill I need to take will clear up this pesky rash! New experiences....gotta love them!

Quarter of a Century

So....quarter of a century! That sure does sound old :) I don't feel old though (well maybe sometimes after working out or the fact that we are ALWAYS tired). But, 25 already?? seems a little unreal!

Sunday started unlike most days! Cam woke up at 4:30 am to watch the Michigan football game (I call him crazy but he said he did it so that he wouldnt have to later in the day on my birthday; so that he would have more time for me) How lucky am I? At 7:45 am, I was wakened by singing (in Chinese) with breakfast in hand :) Who wouldn't want to start their day that way?? Shortly after bringing breakfast in, he joined me, and we both ate in bed. He also brought the computer in. I got to spend the next few hours Skyping with family! It was WONDERFUL!
I first was called by my dad, Gloria, Robbie, and grandparents (who were all wearing birthday hats). They then brought out a cake with candles and started singing happy birthday. It was super fun....Even though I didn't get to eat any of my cake :) ...it was definitely great to feel loved and thought of!
Then I got to talk to my mom, Erica, Tatum, and Tyler who again serenaded me with a wonderful rendition of Happy Birthday! It was a gift in and of itself to talk to these busy people!

After spending the morning relaxing, watching the Buckeyes who LOST, and then doing church via podcast (oh 12stone we miss you)....we got ready and headed out for lunch.
Cam treated me to a true Southwestern Grill experience! YUMA! It was heavenly! (definitely not the norm here)
We started with some shredded chicken nachos (Made me really miss Mi Pueblo nachos from back in the IWU days)!
We then had Chicken and Steak Fajitas..... The steak topped with LIME juice was to die for!
We then headed home and relaxed together...catching an episode of Numbers (a new favorite)!
Late afternoon, I was joined by two wonderful friends and we headed to do one of my FAVORITE THINGS in Taiwan....HAIR WASH! The next hour and a half was spent getting a neck, head, and shoulder massage, a WONDERFUL hair wash, a cozy blow dry, and a fun styling! And to top it off...we sat relaxing, chatting, and sipping our blueberry tea!
Then we came home and celebrated with a yummy cake with hot chocolate sauce and ice cream!

My birthday also extended into the next day as we had a party at our place with our small group from church! We are blessed to have such thoughtful and great friends to fellowship with each week. They all made me feel very special and thought of! Wish I had gotten a picture of the whole group...but I managed to miss that moment! Here are a few shots from the evening though!
Flowers, cards, gifts (ones that were extremely thoughtful), singing, games, cheesecake, getting to blow out candles....it was a great night of celebrating! (thanks friends)
And then to top it off...cards and packages keep coming in the mail! Boy do care packages and letters from home have a way of brightening your day!
So...all that to say...I am another year older. Blessed to have the life I do. Excited about 25 and the year to come!

living "green"

We have 4 balconies in our new place. Don't misunderstand me though... one is the laundry "room", one is off the kitchen and holds our 5 5 gallon bottles of drinking water, one is about 1 foot deep, and one is off of our living room. The one off our living room is seen everyday through our sliding glass doors. It is big enough to sit in a chair and read a book on.
But, who would want to?
Well...we both would now (well maybe not right now because it is still REALLY hot...but soon)!

This weekend we decided we would head to the flower market to get some plants and add some living "green" out there!
It was a success....a funny one at that!

Tea in hand and enjoying time together, we leisurely walked the aisle of the flower market (which is a few blocks long by the way). We found LOTS of things we liked. We choose 3 hanging baskets of green plants fairly easily.
However, it was also a goal to get a taller/larger plant to sit in the corner.
We found one we really liked, but tried to barter with the older Chinese woman who was selling it and she just wasn't budging. So following Dave Ramsey's rules...we walked away.
We decided we weren't going to settle and it was ok to leave with what we had.

On our way out...we did stop and look at a few more things. That is when we stumbled upon our "tree". It was cute, but we weren't sure. However, as soon as we showed interest...the young shop owner....was just bound to make a sale. She was extremely friendly and just loved "trying" to chat with us.
We had already used "phone a friend" at a few times trying to communicate with other shop owners along the way. We wanted to make sure when buying the plants that we knew how to take care of them (how much sunlight, how much water, etc).
S0, since we had already used our phone a friend life line...we tried to do this one on our own. With lots of sign language, lots of laughs, and lots of ummss...we were able to figure things out!
This young shop owner just LOVED us. From the get go she put the tree in a bag and set it at the end of her stall saying OK...ok...I love yoU! She also put a beautiful orchid next to it saying wo gei ni (I give you).
The price of the tree was 1200 to begin with. We were NOT going to pay that so she quickly started dropping the price. We started walking away at 1000 and she came after us saying ba bai (800). We still were not sure..that was the price we turned down earlier in the day.
She didnt give up though. With our stalling...she continued to give us hugs, tell us she loved us, and then drop the price to 700.

It was almost too hard to pass up! The friendliness and humor of the experience was just too much! We took it!

Here are a few pictures from the day:
Cam ready to BIKE the tree home in his basket :)

Cam actually rode the whole way home like this...on the busy streets of Taipei! Haha...we are always good for a laugh with the locals.


Our cute "green" balcony! Cam enjoying the finished product! OR at least enjoyed the completion of that project! :) You can see the plants a bit in this picture!