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the sweet note

I mentioned awhile back my birthday ended on a sweet note.  Well . . . here is the sweet note:


I was given birthday flowers. Aren't they beautiful!?!?!

The rose buds kept opening up all week long.  It was so neat.  And, those little "firecracker flowers" (as Ashley called them) were so fun.  I'd never seen anything like them.  Anyone know what they really are called in English?

birthday cakes galore!

One of the benefits of having 8 hours of class on my birthday is that over 140 people sang happy birthday to me!

And . . . three of my classes surprised me with cakes!!

The first class actually used another student from another class to tell me they were in an assembly in another building, and our class would be canceled and I was free to go home.  I walked by their classroom before my class and it really was empty (little did I know they were hidding in the stairwell).  I debated for a moment whether to trust them or not.  I decided they were trustworthy.

I sent a text to one of the students and told her what I expected them to have completed by our next class.  But, about 5 min into class time the three guys in the class came into my office and told me the assembly was over and they were ready for class.  So, we all went back to the classroom.  I was thinking about how amazing these kids were since they were willing to have class even though they actually had a free pass for the final hour of the day. 

When we walked into the classroom, there was a party going on. :)  (Can you see the numbers on the cake?  That's right . . . 18!!!)



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They had transformed the chalkboard into a giant birthday card.



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Another class came back from the break during the second hour of class with a cake . . . and so we had a party too! :)



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Even though my last class wasn't over till 9:00 and I didn't get home till after 9:30, some special friends were waiting for at my neighbor's home with pizza and cake to celebrate with me.  I don't have picture of that cake, but here I am with my neighbor and her daughters. (I don't know if you can tell, but to me, I look SO TIRED.)



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Then the following day, 15 minutes into class, some of the "absent students" came in carrying a cake and singing "Happy Birthday!"  First thing one of them told me after singing was "you can't count me tardy" (apparently, I'm known for being strict about that.)



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Then later during the week of my birthday, a dear friend, Anna, stopped by with a beautiful little cake to help me celebrate my birthday.  She had seen my blog on Monday and thought I needed some cheering up--isn't that so sweet!!



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So, if I had to be in school all day on my birthday, it was nice being surprised so many times! :)  And, I also appreciate the others who through out the week made me feel special too. :)
 

Easter eggs and birthday brownies

Last Saturday, Karen and Christine, my little neighbor friends, came over to dye Easter eggs with me!  It was their first time to do so (that they can remember). 

Julie, a young lady I meet with for worship (photo on left), also joined us for egg dying creativity.

My friends are SO creative.  Just look as some of the fun eggs they made!!

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That same day also happened to be Christine's 11th birthday!!  So, I made her some birthday brownies and used some of the candles I'd brought from America.  (Here birthday cakes only have candles with numbers.)

I've known Christine since she was only two years old.  It's been fun to watch her grow and change . . . she is so full of life and energy.  I love being around her!!

Yay!!  Happy Birthday, Christine!!

an afternoon out and about

This Sunday, some of my former students from my former school came to Tainan for a "graduation trip."  They invited me to join them on their adventures around town.  Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and is full of historic sites. If I have to live in the city, I'm glad it is a city with history. :)

Whenever I see people drinking out of bags, it always amazes me.  Some of my students bought yellow colored sodas in bottles.  The store owner poured their drinks into baggies for them, added staws and tied them off.

Here is a pic of the whole group that came up from Kaohsiung for the day, plus their teacher Kady (my good friend and fellow Tainan-person) and me.

And, one of the highlights of the afternoon . . . . holding a baby!!!  Rio's daugheters came with her on the outing, the oldest one (who is now two) has to be distracted in order to let me hold her or interact with her, but the younger one reached out for me as soon as I joined the group.  Sigh . . . how sweet.  Even though I've not blogged about them in a long time . . . yes, the mommy longings are still strong. :)

a quick visit

Julie, who serves on the same team as I do and is also a tentmaker, came to visit me this week.  Even though our time together was short, it was wonderful to spend time talking and encouraging each other. 

Our Father knows exactly what we need!  Thank God for likeminded friends to fellowship with!! :)

a newborn baby

I got to meet this precious little baby a few weeks ago.  He is the first child of Lydia, one of my college roommates, and her husband.

This little guy wasn't sure he wanted to enter the world.  It was 9 days past his due date, and even after inducing labor he took 27 hours to decide it was time to enter the world. :)

In Taiwan, it is customary for moms to take a month long rest (作月子) after giving birth.  She is confined to one room and does as little as possible--including not bathing (some wash their hair with rubbing alcohol and allow for sponge baths). 

According to what I've been told, the new mom is waited on hand and foot while her main job is to rest, heal, and take care of her little one.  She is excused from all duties and responsibilities.  It is not uncommon to take the month long rest in a special facility just for new mom's, but my friend went back to her childhood home where her mom and sister took care of her.

She eats special foods--including a special "drunken chicken" soup (ie. cooked with rice wine)--and there are several other taboos to avoid and customs to follow during this month long rest.

So, all of that to say, my friend's son was born on January 22, and I got to meet him on February 23.  He was so little and so tiny.  I'd forgotten just how small one month old babies are.

What a blessing!!!  I look forward to watching him grow into a man after God's own heart.

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward" (Psalm 127:3).

blessings on door frames

I know Chinese New Year was two weeks ago, but I've been on vacation since then and am just now getting around to blogging about it.  In past years, I just haven't blogged about Chinese New Year since I couldn't blog in "real time."  But this year, I set a few short autoposts before I took off on vacation (worship, candy, blessing fruits), and for the rest of this week I want to share a little more about some of the customs and traditions that surround this all important holiday. 

So, let's talk today about red papers.  In the first two photos below, you can see one of my bestest friends in the whole wide world and her father pasting red papers around the door to their home and place of business. 

Each year new "spring couplets" (春聯) are posted around the door frames of homes.  They are left up all year--or until they come down on their own accord.  Some get quite weathered and/or faded as the year passes, but they are left till the following year, when they will be replaced by new papers. 

These spring couplets can either be purchased factory made, handmade, made to order (while you watch the guy paint/write), or you can make your own.  The characters on the papers are written in either black or gold ink--but the paper is always, always red.

My friend's grandfather made the single four word "blessing" (not "couplet") that hung on my door when I lived in Kaohsiung.  The video below shows a man writing the words for blessing that was hung on my Taiwanese father's home.

These "spring couplets" aren't simply lines from poems.  They are often "lucky words" or words that tell people how to treat others (kinda like the Chinese version of the "golden rule"). If Christian families in Taiwan want to paste "spring couplets" they will choose verses from Scripture or phrases that proclaim how great God is. 

I'm not sure why, but calling them "spring couplets" doesn't quite capture it all.  There is also usually a third paper that is pasted on the top of the door and is written horizontally. 

In addition to the "couplets," the words "blessing" and "spring" are written on squares of red paper that are at an angle so they look like diamonds. 

And, not always, but commonly, these two words are hung upside down (like the gold character in the photo where the man is looking at couplets that are for sale). 

Why are they upside down?  Glad you asked.  In Chinese when you say "your blessing is upside down" it sounds like you are saying "your blessing has arrived."  It's a homophone thing. 

(One couple has posted many kinds of factory made "spring couplets" into a flickr set.  Worth a quick look if you want to see some of the things that were for sale this past Chinese New Year here in Taiwan.)

Another red thing that gets pasted on both doors and windows throughout Taiwan at this time of year are papers depicting gods.  Perhaps he is (they are) the door god(s), but I don't know.  On the main door of the home, usually five papers get pasted.  Additional "god papers" are then pasted on to every window and every additional door--both inside and outside. 

According to my Taiwanese friends, the Taiwanese believe that by hanging these papers over the doors and windows of their home they are protecting their home from evil spirits.  The papers are part of the baibai table on New Year's Eve, and are pasted up after that.

Is it possible that pasting red papers on door frames once a year has ancient roots in the blood of the lamb and passover??  I don't know, maybe.

I do know, however, that God loves the Taiwanese and wants to bless them like they never been blessed before. 

meeting judy!!

I recently saw Judy for the first time since the accident last summer. 

In some ways, she is still the bubbly, fun-filled girl she has always been, but in other ways fear grips her.

Please join me in praying for Judy.  How I long to see her rescued not just for a longer life on earth but for all of eternity.  How I long to see her set free from the fears that bind her.

secret ingredient in sweet and sour chicken

Remember the neighbor-friend that I'm swapping cooking lessons with? 

Well, last week she taught me how to make sweet and sour chicken.  Wanna know what the secret ingredient is?

That's right: KETCHUP!!! This is what makes it sour!

Oh!  It was so yummy too.

So, if your in the neighborhood, stop by and I can try out my new Chinese cooking abilities on you. Just give me a little heads up, so I can head on over to the grocery store for some ketchup first.  :)

Christmas Day

I spent my Christmas Day evening with this lovely family (their dad is working in China).  They are some of my favorite people in the world.  What a blessing to live so close to them!

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This was my first time to host a "Christmas dinner."  I had fun doing it.  I made Grandma's sweet potato casserole, cherry coke jello, roasted potatoes, and broccoli with cheese.  Oh, yeah and a pumpkin pie too.  Corrina brought over a roasted chicken, salad, and pumpkin soup.  It was all SO yummy!!!

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It was the first time they had ever really celebrated Christmas.  I gave each of the girls a blanket and then a family game set with 10 games inside.  I also gave Corrina some smell goods and coffee with mug.  She asked me incredulously "why do we all get more than one gift?  You spoil us."  I felt like I hadn't given them much at all--it's all perspective.  The girls were SO excited to get Christmas gifts!!

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After we stuffed ourselves and opened gifts, we played Uno Spin and Chinese Checkers.  They had never played with four people before.  If you play Taiwanese style Chinese checkers, only up to 3 people can play. 

Corrina commented how so many American games are suitable for 6-10 players, while so many Taiwanese/Chinese games are limited to two or three players.  She and her girls concluded this is because Americans like to play games as a whole family, but Taiwanese/Chinese people use/used games to encourage critical thinking skills--not as family entertainment.  I think it is a pretty interesting theory/observation.

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Merry Christmas!!
 

snow!!

well . . . not real snow. 

Christine (one of my little neighbors) and I made snowflakes two weeks ago and then covered my living room window with them. 

I just love them!!

pumpkin people

Sometimes on Sunday afternoons, my little neighbors (who really aren't that little anymore), Karen and Christine come over to play games.  But, this last time, we did something different.  We painted faces onto little pumpkins (no, not oranges, pumpkins really--I promise).

This was the first time I've actually seen orange pumpkins here in Taiwan.  Usually they are more of a yellow-green and more gourd-like in shape.

When I found these at the store I actually got a little excited.  But, I also found it quite humorous since I now know where all the pumpkin rejects from the States go to die . . . Taiwan! :) 

They had one kind of pumpkin labeled "large."  The "large" pumpkin could still fit easily into the palm of my hand.  It was about the size of a grapefruit--maybe.  I think the family across from me in the grocery store last week got a kick out of watching me get a kick out of the "large" pumpkins. :)

For more pictures of our pumpkin people, click over to flickr.

www.flickr.com

MIRL-ing

This weekend, before I saw my Japanese friend, I got to MIRL with a fellow Taiwan blogger!!! :)

Just in case you don't know . . . MIRL is an acronym for "Meet In Real Life." (For a history of the origin of this acronym look here and here.)

Charlotte and I met in Hsinchu for lunch on Saturday.  We spent the afternoon talking and getting to know each other better. 

She is the first (and so far only) fellow blogger I've ever MIRL-ed with.  It was a unique experience because on one hand I felt like I needed to say "Hi, my name is Amanda," but on the other hand I felt like she was a long lost kindred spirit.  Feeling both of these at the same time is rather odd. :) 

Nonetheless, I enjoyed our time together, and I assume that the next time we get together it won't be odd at all!! :)

We tried out my xshot (my first time to use it in public), and it's a little tricky.  The first one was TOTALLY washed out, and I look like a turtle in the second one. :) 

If two foreigners together attract a lot of stares . . .then two foreigners together using an xshot attract tons of stares! :)  Some people just stopped to watch our picture taking, and others walked by looking at my camera's screen.  It was fun.

can you read chinese?

I get asked this question A LOT!!

I usually answer with "I can read on about a second grade level--you know basic stuff like signs and menus."

Apparently, my best friend thinks the answer to that question is "YES!"  She sent me a postcard, and it was written completely in Chinese. 

At first, I freaked out.  I was like "WHAT!?!?!  How I am supposed to read this!?!?!  How on earth did she forget that I was American!?!"

Then, after I looked at it a little more carefully it started making sense. The biggest challenge turned out to be that it was in handwriting and not "typed."  Apparently, my best friend knows my reading level right on. 

So, Ellen, what would say my Chinese reading level is?  Thanks for the postcard!!  It made me quite happy to get it.  I miss you and can't wait to see you too!!  And, once again, happy birthday, girly!!!

going to . . . Romania!!

No.  Not me--my former college roommate and her husband, Carrie and John. 

They leave on July 6th for Bacau, Romania for a week long mission trip. 

Would you please join me in praying for them?

Please pray for them in these next few days as they prepare to go that their hearts and minds will rest in Him. 

Pray for safe travel and that jet lag won't be an issue.  Pray for safety and health once in Romania as well.

Pray that as God directs their steps He will change lives . . . change families . . . change a city . . . change a nation . . . change the world.

This is Carrie's 5th time back on a short term trip and John's 3rd time!  Praise the Lord for people willing to use their time, talents, and money to share His Good News with others!!!

They are also about to apply for a Bible training program through their church. The program systematically teaches the Bible, study methods, and how to teach other people in various cultures the same things.

I love Carrie's attitude she says: "We are excited about how God might use us, possibly even overseas in the future. We are not certain about what direction He may be sending us in, but we know that it starts with being equipped. :)"

much ado about gilby

As I've read and visited blogs this past week I have run into so many "blogkitties" in bloggy world.  Don't get me wrong, cats are cute, but come on . . . where are the dogs?

I even read--but don't remember where--that for every picture of a child posted to blogs there are 2.3 cat pictures posted.

I can't do much about the cat to cute kid ratio, but I can help with the question about where are all the dog?

So, without further ado, I offer you a few pics of my own sweet Gilby with his new haircut.

Cute right?

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Here he is (pre-haircut) with Karen and Christine, some friends of mine.

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And, last but not least, here is where I found him a few weeks ago after I finished putting away all the groceries.

Yeah, that's right--inside the newly emptied sack. :)

design styles

When I was in Dallas last summer, I got to stay with both my sister and a good friend from college.  I have always admired both of them for their decorating abilities. 

LeAnn always made our college dorm look cozy and inviting.  Sarah has always had cute rooms and decorations.  Whenever I visit either of them I have to guard my heart from coveting after what they have--both their decorations and their knack for decorating! 

Which is kinda funny since their styles couldn't be more different!!  LeAnn is more homespun cottage with a touch of romantic or country depending on which room you are being hugged by at the moment.  And, I love it.  Her home is so warm and inviting. 

Sarah, on the other hand, uses a more contemporary style with a touch of Tuscan from her beautiful wrought-iron accessories that adorn nearly every room in her new home.  And, I love it too.  Her home is also warm and inviting--just in a different way.

I love that as women, we get to add touches of beauty to the world around us.  I enjoy visiting Sarah and LeAnn's homes to see how they are creating beauty in their living spaces, to see how they are expressing parts of their personalities through decorating the areas around them.

Since I love both of their styles and then have my own style preferences too, it shouldn't be a surprise what the results were to this really fun quiz I took from hgtv.com.  According to their twelve questions, my design style is "eccentric with a touch of sweet and classy."

They say: "for you, it's all about the mix.  Any style is welcome in your world as long as it complements something else.  You're drawn to funky interiors and eye-catching color combinations (think red and blue, orange and turquoise, purple and gold).   You like contrasting patterns and unconventional architecture.  You enjoy furnishings that remind you of your travels mixed with modern pieces and offbeat antiques." I think they hit the nail on the head (except for maybe the color combo thing).

They also suggested for decorating inspiration, I should look at rooms in one of these three styles: eclectic, southwestern, and Mediterranean. Of these three, I like the eclectic best.  Some of the Mediterranean style rooms appeal to me; however, I personally don't care for the southwestern style in my own living space. 

I do, however, like the styles they call contemporary, transitional, and Asian (I wonder why?). Oh, and just for FYI, I really like this Asian style living room.

 [The top photo is my "pre-pink" bedroom; my mom made the curtains for me.  The bottom photo was taken in my living room two years ago (and not much has changed since then).   My mom and I sewed the pillows in Texas, and my students helped me stuff them and stitch them closed here in Taiwan.]

So, what is your decorating style?

found another one!!

I found another baby to love!! 

Actually, this is a baby I've loved on many times before.  His English name is Enoch.  This day though, he was not feeling well.

a benefit of teaching college in taiwan

One of the greatest benefits of teaching college in Taiwan is winter vacation!! 

I turned in grades for the fall semester sometime mid-January, and classes for the spring semester don't start until March first.  So, that means I am right now half way through my eight week winter vacaion. 

Last week, my best friend and I went to Kenting.  We watched the sunset twice on White Sands Beach, enjoyed lots of yummy food, and crossed a mountain on a moped in the rain.  We also dipped our toes into the Pacific Ocean, and even though we were soaking wet we had a picnic on a cliff overlooking the most souhern tip of the island.

Ellen and I had a blast!

More pictures here, and more coming soon.

a pictorial year in the life of

Like last year, I am summing up my entire 2006 in only 12 photos (one for each month). 

For someone who took over 9000 photos in less than one year that is a lot of choices!!  So, picking just 12 is NOT easy to do (in fact it is REALLY HARD)!!  It gets even harder when several important things happen in one month. 

Anywho . . . less yappin' and on to the pictures.

(BTW, each month name below is a link to a calander view of pictures I took that month and uploaded to flickr. Just in case you wanna see more than 12.)

January: Gilby and I visit Kady in TaiNan

Feburary: Ellen and I go to Taipei (world's tallest building is behind us)

March: I spend time with little friends

April: My sister, Sarah, is married

May: Sam Comes to Taiwan

June: Sam and I do some sightseeing

July: After LOTS more sightseeing, and a day of flying, Sam and I get back to Austin.

August: I visit family and friends in Texas, and I have straight hair for three days!!

September: A very good friend has her engagment ceremony.

October: My mission team had a retreat in Kenting

November: I spend time with my students friends

December: Lots of students come to my house (and we get a little silly)!

If you make your own 12-picture collection for 2006, please leave your link below!  I'd love to see your year-in-review in pictures!!

guess who . . .

Guess who fell asleep in my arms again?

That's right . . . Baby Enoch!!  But, now he is one year old!!  What a cutie!!

And, yeah, I still have mommy-longings.   

But, I am delighting in my Savior, for He truly is all I need.  And, I am very thankful He gives me little friends to love on and hold.