A Different Kind of Wednesday

I was up early and spent time with Jesus. But I was feeling tired, so I went back to bed.

Alan went to play tennis and Isaiah went off to work. I went to check on the recycling and went out running for my usual 10K. I was back and after a shower, I had a nice breakfast and started to see if I can get that elusive ticket for the lowest price possible. Nothing... well... not that it's nothing, but I did not find the price that I was hoping to get!

At 12:45, Alan and I took off as we were to judge the singing contest at a university near our house. There were 24 individuals/groups that signed up and the experience was great. 

Since I had to be at the singing contest, I didn't have my usual Bible study or tutoring. A dear friend had a celebration of life service for her father, but I could not make it as it was from 2-4pm. 

The contest finished at 4:10 and Alan dropped me off at home and he took off for school. Tonight is the Soochow Thanksgiving Dinner!

I got home and blogged and checked on my emails and worked on church stuff! We have 10 dates that are in need of a speaker. Someone suggested that I speak... but I don't want to 'hog' the pulpit! So please pray as I wait to see who else the Lord will bring to speak at House of Praise.

Isaiah came home and we had a relaxing evening. Alan came home and brought lots of leftovers.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Birthday Celebration!

I was up early and did head out to run my 10K as I didn't want to experience the heat... 

I was back and Alan had taken off for tennis and got Isaiah up and out.

It's his 27th Birthday. I had bought these kid's snacks for him to take to the office!

I had a breakfast appointment with my wonderful friend, who always treats me to the best restaurants. And today was no different. She also blessed me with the best snacks... and she said: You can give them to Isaiah since it's his birthday today!

When we finished at 11am, I headed to the post office and then to the gas station before getting home. 

I had a nice free afternoon... and took a short nap. We had dinner plans to celebrate Isaiah's birthday! We found a nice burger joint and went over there for dinner. It was a very simple celebration.

He turned 27 today... Wow... and on Friday, it's Abby's birthday! How fast the years have flown by!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Simple Monday

I was up early... and I could tell that the day was going to be quite warm.

I didn't go out for my run until 9am after Alan took off to work and sure enough, it was HOT! I completed my 10k and took a quick shower and had my delicious breakfast!

I took it easy, doing some simple household chores and resting. I went out to the post office to transfer more money into Isaiah's account ... Oh, the guy who is doing the cement work sent some pictures of what the walls look like now.

I could send you 20 more pictures... but you get the idea. This is what we are spending 8200US$ for! It should be finished by Friday. God is good as there has been no rain!!!!

I also looked at ticket prices... Maybe there will be a great deal this week... which I will buy for my trip to Germany and Alan is looking to buy for his trip to the States. Oh... I've also decided that I will splurge on two more pairs of running shoes for my birthday... And so I'm looking for some good "BLACK FRIDAY" sale... 

At 3:15, I headed out to meet up with a friend... just to check in with her to see how she's doing.

And finally, we had FAMILY TIME tonight... yippee!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

 

An Unusually Restful Sunday!

I was up early as Isaiah got in at 4:30... So, he went to bed and I got up.

It was nice and quiet... and I was able to put things away. Alan went to play tennis at 6am and I sat and read. At 8am, I went for a quick walk, going to buy bread and withdrawing money which I will deposit tomorrow. I wanted to hit my step goals, but the walk was too short.

I got home and made myself a nice cup of coffee... and read some more! I took down the clothes and posted a luggage to give away. I also sorted through clothes from our neighbor. I actually found a few pieces that I will keep for myself!

Alan was home at around 11am and Isaiah slept until 1pm!

Since Fenny was down in Kaohsiung, we didn't need to drive. We each took our own scooter. And we didn't need to rush to church as we had started setting up yesterday. Isaiah was drumming and translating. I came home first as Isaiah and Alan had the board meeting.

I can't believe it's the last week of November and Thanksgiving is on Thursday. Isaiah birthday is on Tuesday and Abby's is on Friday! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Shower Prep!

I was up early and after my time with God, I started prepping for the baby shower. Baked two desserts. Made mashed potatoes and rice. Started the crockpot of pork loin. 

Isaiah left to catch the bus to Kaohsiung as he bought a ticket to the TWICE, all girls group, concert. Alan had headed out to play tennis. The weather was great.

I left at 10 for my run... 10K... finished the week with my usual 60 total. I took a quick shower, got the laundry into the washing machine and headed out to pay for the lodging that I had reserved for March and sent more money into Isaiah's account. The cement guy called when I got home... the job is almost finished. I should be meeting up with him next week and pay him the rest of the sum of money. 

Alan and I went early to church to set up and get the food plugged in and then we came home to prep some more as I wanted to make these posters with questions for sharing at the Marriage Builders Event-Baby Shower!

We had five couples and it was a wonderful Thanksgiving Potluck and Baby Shower!

Isaiah lined us and he will be home at 3:30am as he is taking the bus from Kaohsiung.

We watched two episodes of the Rookie and went to bed... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Revisiting Our Goals...

I was up early and did go out for my usual 10K... it was nice and chilly... but I was feeling tired... Still it was great to be out as I saw my usual running friends. 

After a shower, Isaiah took off for work and I went back to take a nap! Alan was home by 10am, which was early as we had lots planned.

We wanted to look over our goals and talk about our travel plans as well as our 7 year plans... We didn't finish on 11/14 as we had lots to get done for the Appreciation Luncheon.

We looked at travel plans and budget:

1. Alan, Isaiah and I will be heading to this little island to swim with the giant turtles during Lunar New Year. February 14-19. We will also spend a few days in Tainan, touring around the old city.

2. Abby's time in Taiwan. We will go on a weekend trip on March 13 to 15.

3. Alan and Isaiah's trip to see the US Open in August-September of 2026. 

4. Alan's trip to the States: most likely August 8th to September 8th.

5. Abby and I are planning on hiking ABC in Nepal. That's still in the planning stage, but perhaps in late March to early April. I want to be back for Resurrection Sunday which will be on April 5th.

6. Finally... my trip to Heidelberg in the first two weeks of May or it might be late April to mid May. 

Our budgets:

600US$ for Lunar New Year for three people

300US$ for March for four people

7,000US$ for Alan's trip to the States and their trip to NYC, including flights and hotels food etc. and US Open tickets

2500US$ for Abby and I to Nepal, flights, hotels, transportation, food, and trekking guide 

4,000US$ for my trip to Germany, flights, hotels, transportation, food, etc.

So, we're looking at about 15,000 or more for 2026! That's 450,000NT$!!!! 

We also looked at 2028... Alan's 70th! We hope the kids will go with us to visit three new places and two old favorites... and to go to the French Open to complete Alan's dream of visiting all the tennis Grand Slam sites! 

Needless to say, it was a very productive planning date.

We also went to Costco and Mega PXMart... but I forgot to buy a baby shower gift... So I did that after I finished tutoring! The second kid didn't show up, which gave me time to run that errand!

I also went and paid for Alan's two tickets... money wasted! And sent more money into Isaiah's account. As soon as he is approved for his loan, he will have to pay the second million as the down payment. And the house should be a done deal by the start of 2026! PRAY!

Daily Lovely Insight:

This was the one that I had suggested, which did not get enough vote. I thought it was short and easy to remember! Oh well...

Seek Him First!

Rested Well...

I was up early and after my time with Jesus, I got going with arranging things in the kitchen, instead of going running... With the cooler weather, I can be more flexible... SO NICE!

Alan and Isaiah took off for work and I had a nice breakfast before heading out to the traditional market to buy some special jello and Chinese Romaine. I was home by 11am and made Nepali rice as I bought some tofu to go with it. YUMMY LUNCH!

I took a nap and then went off running. I wore a jacket and it got hot. It was an easy relaxing run... just 10K.

I got home and the guard handed me two registered letters... unfortunately, Alan got two more tickets: citizen arrest. He didn't signal... while making a turn. 40US$ each! Oh well... 

At 5:15, I went for my massage... YEAH!

And I was home and I had prayer meeting at 9pm for church!

Please keep praying for our church situation.

Daily Lovely Insight:

This was another one of the suggestions for our family verse, but it didn't get enough votes.

Seek Him First!

Cooler Wednesday!

I was up early and did go out for my 10K... and it was much cooler... no rain. Alan went and played tennis. Isaiah took off for work and then I went down to check on the recycling! All done...

I headed back up and had my simple breakfast before taking a nap. I was so tired!

I got up and it was almost time to head out for my Soochow study. I promised one of the students that I'd bring him lunch. So I heated up the shepherd's pie and left! He really enjoyed it! I also had the chocolate muffins... which they all loved!

We had four students and the discussion was great. 

I was on my scooter and the temperature dropped... So, it was quite chilly riding up the hill... The hour went by and I was heading back home. 

The creamy chicken soup was ready and Alan made a salad and we had dinner and watched one episode of the Rookie. We then went over our goals, which we were not able to do on Friday. 

I was so tired that I headed to bed soon afterwards!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Double Studies...

I was up early but did not go out for my run... instead, I went back to bed. Wow... was I tired!

I got things ready to go to my morning Bible study! We had a wonderful discussion and there was an abundance of goodies!

After the study, I stayed to talk about the schedule for next year, trying to encourage our Administrative Assistant and the elder in charge of Human Resources. That finished at 3pm and I went home and went out for my quick 10K. The weather was marvelous... So, again, I think I ran faster than normal.

I then baked for my Soochow Study... brownies with extra chocolate pieces! I was able to take a Power Nap before heading out at 6:15 for my evening study, which I was leading! On the way there, I stopped to pick up some vitamins from a lady in Buy Nothing Taipei. 

It was so good to be back home... Tomorrow is Soochow Study and Tutoring... and I have a free night. Alan and I will use the time to go over our goals and plans for 2026!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

It's Already Mid-November!?!?!?!

I was up, but not as early as I like... the Chargers lost... I had my time with Jesus and went out for my usual 10K.

After getting back, I started to airfry the chicken and make mashed potatoes... I also got out ground beef as I'm going to make shepherd's pie for tomorrow's Bible study.

Alan and Isaiah took off and I tidied up the house before leaving for the post office. I got the 'cash' disbursement from the government... YIPPY. And then I scooter to the MRT Station to go and meet up with a sister for our monthly Prayer & Share Time.

By 2:15 I was heading back home and stopped at the Post Office again to send money into Isaiah's account. I stopped to buy soybean milk and went home to finish cooking and had prayer time with another gal.

Tonight, we had Family Time and voted on our verse for 2026. (Look below) We also bought the ticket for Abby's trip to Taiwan in March: 3/08 to 04/08!

I also had to cook some more... What I made was all finished!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Here was one of the ones that was suggested. I will continue to share the other ones throughout my blog this week!

Seek Him First!

God Sustained Me!

I was up and did not run... as it is Sunday!

After putting away the clothes I washed yesterday, I went back for a short nap and then headed out. I had a few things to buy and then headed to church for the Young Adults Fellowship! We had only five people. We went to a Vietnamese Restaurant for lunch. I was back at church and set up and then had tutoring. At 2:40, I went and paid a bill and then went to get a battery changed. 200NT$ and another great watch!

I was back at church by 3:30 and I was so glad that Isaiah was translating as I was feeling tired. After church, we had the 'meeting' and our pastor is literally 'taking' people from our congregation to establish his own church. It's going to be in the afternoon at the same time. It's going to be not only market place but for families. It's going to be bilingual. He's working on their constitution which I believe will be with his Open Table beliefs... and with his own 'theology'. 

We got home by 8:45 and I had prayer time with a sister.

I blogged and went to bed pretty soon afterwards as the boys will be getting up at 2am for the Chargers game!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Appreciation Luncheon & Basketball Game

I was up not as early as usual... and went out late for my 10K as I wanted to remember to bring things to church. After trimming my hair, I took a quick shower and Alan was home and we were off to church. We got there as the food arrived and helped to set up!

We didn't have as large a crowd as I had expected, so there was plenty of food. The program went fairly well... from 11:30-2pm. Alan and I stayed to clean up and got home by 3:15. I put things away and took a quick 30 minutes nap and we were off to Sam's basketball game. They won! 

We scootered home and it was already 8:30 when we got back. I had a salad after putting things away and getting a load of laundry started! I had all the table cloths to wash!

I was so tired... by 11pm, I could not keep my eyes open... The table cloths were all in the dryer along with the towels... the rest was hung up nicely.

Tomorrow is going to be super packed: Young Adults Fellowship, tutoring... and church... after church, there is going to be another meeting. Please pray!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Rush, Rush, Rush Day!

I was up early and did not feel like going out even though the weather looked fabulous. I was just feeling tired.  But I did go out and ran my 10K and saw most of the 'regulars'.

I was home and after a shower, I said goodbye to Isaiah and went back to sleep! That felt so good.

Alan was home by 10am and we went out... first to Coco... and I bought some steam buns. Then we went to buy plants for the Appreciation Luncheon! Then it was time to drop off the gifts from Nepal. That took a while as we stopped to talk to all the different individuals! 

We got home by 3:30 and I grabbed my tutoring bag and headed out. First I sent over the deposit for our Chinese New Year trip hotel reservation and then go to the student's house by 4:28. They forgot... so the kid didn't show up until 5pm. When that was finished, I was rushing back home, stopping first to get gas.

I got home at 7pm and ate something before heading out to the church at 7:30! 

Isaiah joined us and we got the church set up for tomorrow and had a meeting about the meeting on Sunday evening. Please pray! 

We didn't get home until 10:30!

We were going to sit down and go over our goals today... and that did not happen. Maybe we will have time tomorrow! I hope so...

Daily Lovely Insight:

The Lord seems to be leading me to this verse as my personal verse of focus for 2026. The theme is: In Jesus' Name!

Seek Him First!

Much Needed PR Day!

I was up early and went out and hit my 10K, and saw several familiar faces... it was still warm and no rain.

I was home and after a shower, I messaged people about speaking at HOP. Yes, it's official: our pastor will be leaving by the end of December. In fact, last night he announced that he will not be attending the Eldership Meeting for December. He and his 'team' (made up of HOP members) will be starting their marketplace ministry/church. They are already looking to rent a place, which will need some remodeling to get it ready and perhaps they will launch their first service after Chinese New Year. We have no idea!

Isaiah and Alan took off for work and I set myself up on the sofa with my books and notebook and coffee. I read the next two chapters of Revelation and read through all the verses that I'm considering for next year's personal verse of focus. Alan and I will go over our goals for 2025-2026 tomorrow and we will also be looking at our Couple's Verse as well as our Family Verse. So, when we have our next Family Time, we will discuss and vote!

The morning flew by... and Isaiah and I were messaging each other as he sent over the money for the first lump sum of down payment. He is also trying to get the first time buyer's loan. Please pray! We want to borrow 8 million at the 1.77% interest rate for 30 years or even 40 years. 

I had made an appointment for a massage at 3pm and I brought things to drop off to people!

Abby messaged me as they are taking off to Bangkok on the same flight that I had taken. And then they will relax in Thailand for a few days before going back to Brazil. 

It was nice to be home as I made a great salad dinner with chicken slices!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Read to the End!

I was up early... and went out for my 10K... and it was not a pleasant run. It was so warm. I did several of my old friends and even ran back with our neighbor. Thankfully he was tired! This guy runs fast!

I took a quick shower and baked these delicious muffins! Yes, I had my Soochow Bible study.

I checked the recycling as I have been gone and everything was in fairly good order and the pick up went smoothly. The typhoon was nothing, so everything was back to normal.

By 10am, I was feeling quite tired and decided to take a quick nap before going to the post office to check on the procedure for transferring money. Isaiah and I had been messaging each other all morning.

I left for my Bible study and only two kids showed up... oh well... we had a marvelous time and all the muffins were gone because there were visitors at the church!

I then headed to Mega PX Mart and bought the dryer for the old house. It was on sale and I can delay the delivery until December 5th as the cement work should be finished and Fenny will move in on December 7th. And... they didn't have any in stock, so I had to wait anyhow! PERFECT.

I then went and shopped for milk, vacuum chicken meat, soy bean milk, bleach... and the list went on. I couldn't believe how much I got on my scooter. I arrived home and called Alan to come down to help me. I didn't have tutoring today as I had cancelled thinking I was going to be a judge at a college nearby for their English Singing Competition. It was nice to get the food and go home... and eat a huge salad and watch the Rookie with Alan.

Isaiah came home and he had a meeting at 8pm and Alan and Isaiah had another meeting at 9pm. Isaiah went back to the office.

So.. what happened yesterday? The lady accepted our offer. 10 million NT$... hence transferring the down payment and calling to see what loans we can get. Isaiah will go tomorrow to transfer 30,000US$ and then we will figure out the loan and hopefully the escrow will close by 2/28. Please pray! The lady gave all the furniture and major appliances to Isaiah. So, the only thing he might need is to get some nice curtains and enclose the back balcony so that it would not be so dusty as that's where the laundry will be hung to dry. It might need a hanging rod... I can't remember if there is one...the lady is opening a bakery in Jiangsu province... I think we are to buy from her so that I can pray for her and encourage her. 

Please keep praying for House of Praise... and pray for the whole process of buying the house! We hope to find a bank which lends to first time buyers, giving an excellent interest rate!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Back Home!

I was at the airport... and boarded... and slept pretty much the whole way back.

Customs and Immigration went fast!  I was at the bus counter by 8:45. BUT... the slow bus was at 9am and the fast bus was at 9:30. The schedule was changed due to the typhoon. Both would arrive at the SongShan Airport at 10:30. So, I took the 9am bus: cheaper!

Alan picked me up and we went over to the house to meet the cement guy. We signed the contract and paid half of the total cost! He will start work tomorrow, doing the indoor stuff! YEAH!

We headed home and I started unpacking. We ate a quick lunch at home. I made hamburgers! We had sliced cheese... Annie said I needed protein!

Alan went to the weight room at 3:30 and I headed out for a run at 4pm. Yes, it was sprinkling. And yes, I ran 10K.

We had an appointment at 6pm for Isaiah's offer. It was at the Century 21 Office right near our house! I'll update you in tomorrow's post to keep you all in suspense.

And at 9pm, I had my online study. 

I was so ready for bed when that was finished!

The competition for tomorrow has been cancelled... as well as counseling tomorrow night! I could have stayed another day! Oh well... with this airline, I don't want to make any changes. I wrote a review and I would not fly with them in the future! 

In April, Abby and I are seriously considering going back to Nepal to hike the ABC (Annapurna Base Camp) Trail. We are looking at tickets for her to be in Taipei for 3 weeks from March 14th to April 1st and then we go to Nepal for 7-10 days and she'd be back in Taipei for another 5 days before returning to Brazil. Of course, we are waiting to see if she can get her visa extended for another year... Please pray!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Day of "Travel"

I was up early and the group had decided to hike up to the top of this hill to see the sunrise. But at 4:30, they were still not ready, I headed out on my own. I was waiting for them by running back and forth. And when I hit 5kms and they didn't show up, I started the hike. 

The trail was dark and I really didn't know the way. I just kept praying... and God led me there. As I headed up, I saw two of the members sitting at a bench! YEAH. I wasn't lost! It was my first time to make my way up this hill... and there were no signs to point the way! It was a miracle!

At the top, I led in a short devotional by reading Psalm 108:1-6 and praying together. We took pictures and headed back down. Abby and I had a donut each when we reached the small village. They were only 10cents each and very delicious. I wanted to buy more!

The others didn't get back, so we did not have the key to open the bedroom door. We just sat outside and chatted. When they got back, I went and took a shower. Abby did a load of laundry. We ate breakfast. She went to feed a doggy. I packed. She got the game on (Chargers won)! I purchased extra luggage weight. And I pressed 20kgs for me, which I thought was a mistake. But God knew what He was doing. I also bought extra luggage weight for Abby. I went and dropped off more gifts for our host: the coat I was wearing and a tube of salty toothpaste. (They love salty toothpaste. Colgate makes a special brand for the Nepalis.) Abby took a shower.

At 11am, our taxi arrived. Abby forgot to hang up her clothes, so the driver had to wait just a few minutes. The driver is a brother at the Revival Church in the slum. It was so nice to see his car without all the Hindu decorations! He was a superb driver, but the traffic was bad. We arrived in plenty of time. Abby dropped me off and got back into the taxi. We had talked quite a lot and hopefully, she will be back in March for a visit in Taipei and perhaps we'd come back to Nepal to hike/climb Annapurna Trail!

And at the check in counter, sure enough, they had no record of the extra luggage that I had purchased when I bought the ticket. So, it was not a mistake to have purchased 20kgs. God did another miracle.

Customs and immigration was fast! And there was no free airport WiFi, so I had no way to get a message to Abby or Alan. The flight took off late... and felt extremely long because I was so cold. I gave away almost everything except the clothes I was wearing. I gave my running shoes to Abby, so I was wearing slippers! ha, ha, ha...

I arrived in Bangkok and the transit desk had no one... I waited and waited... but at least the airport had free WiFi.

I was at the gate by 11:45 and got hot water for my cup-o-noodles and coffee... NICE. I finished eating and had my QT. I board at 2:25 and will be back in Taipei hopefully by 8am. There is a typhoon blowing through Taiwan!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Visiting Villages

I was up super early and went out for a walk on my own. I truly enjoyed it. I had a flash light and met some people who actually invited me to join them. But I enjoy walking on my own... and at my own pace!

I was back and everyone was up as we were to be ready by 6:30 for the van to pick us up. But this is Nepal, which meant the van didn't show up until 7:30. There was traffic.

We headed out to several villages and boy, was the driving ... AMAZING! CRAZY AMAZING! Our driver was superb! We arrived at the first village that was about three hours away and went to a house church of about 10 people. They don't have their own land to build their own church. We worshipped and I gave the sermonette. I didn't know until I got there that I'd be sharing. The Lord gave me Isaiah 55:12. They served us lunch with MEAT. So you know they were truly trying to honor us. I walked down to the next field and helped an old lady gather her rice stalks. 

We then went to the second church. This church has a building but with only 6-7 people. The building is now used for After School Care! Just above this church is a super nice church and supposedly some Chinese "Christians" came and started the church. But they are not very welcoming of people. We then drove to another church. But on the way there, there was extensive road walk, with a pile of huge rocks in the way. A bull dozer was called and the rocks were finally cleared. The third church had a group of seven ladies who have been waiting since 11am, thinking we were coming in the morning. Wow... these people are so faithful. 

We had a very fast trip back and Abby and I went to buy 5 more kilos of stuff to bring back to Taiwan. I had purchased 20kilos for my return trip. After yesterday's shopping I think I only purchased 15 kilos of goods. Plus, Abby wanted a few things to give to those who had donated for different activities during this outreach ministry to Cambodia and Thailand and Nepal. So, we went to a small local 'supermarket' and spent about another 10US$.

We came back and they had already gone up for dinner. Abby wasn't hungry but I just had to eat as I love the rice and the spinach! That's what I had. I stuffed myself. I came down and took a shower as I have not had a shower for two days. I can't believe it???

I felt so nice! I will wash my hair tomorrow as I am hoping to go for an early morning run!

I packed and blogged and Abby worked on our testimony video for 11/30. 

I will go to bed early as I have been up early every morning. 

I haven't done my pre-check in nor buy the luggage for Abby!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

 

Saturday Church Services in Kathmandu

I was up super early as we had set a time at 5am to go and walk and pray for a neighbor lady who is struggling with depression. We have to do it early because her husband is abusive and we had to do it under the covert time of darkness.

So, we walked and prayed for over 90 minutes and then we were home as we had to set out at 7am for the Youth Service, which started at 8:30am.

That finished at 9:30 and the next service started at 10am. The people came and the church was filled up. Abby spoke and Pastor Sarah translated. The service finished at 12:15 and we headed out for lunch. We took the local bus and the restaurant that we wanted to go to was closed. So, we went to the Turning Point. It was kind of expensive and we over ordered! We then headed out to the Mega Market which was kind of expensive and more like a K-Mart! But I bought Basmati rice and boxes of tea and other Nepali items. The total was about 60US$! YEAH! We had to stuff everything into our backpack and the bag that I brought. Abby bought bubble milk tea and then we walked to the bus stop. The bus was so packed! And it took over 45 minutes. But the bus stopped 15 minutes from the house! YEAH!

We came back and I started packing and organizing. Tomorrow is a full day in another village ministering. We are also trying to get the testimony together for November 30th. 

What a day... Abby said that I probably have five more kilos so I hope to do a bit more shopping on Monday morning!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

The 7th of November

I was up super early... and had my time with Jesus. I didn't go for a run... in fact, I don't think I'll be running this whole time. The hills here are treacherous... I mean with the cars, taxis, busses, scooter, motorcycles and ditches... NO WAY!

It's the 7th... and God has always given me something special on the 7th of the month... as time for reflection or time to celebrate. And today was no different!

Since it was so early, I went up to the kitchen and boiled some hot water and had coffee... and finished my scone. Delightful. The air was so nice... chilly... and the moon was beautiful.

At 6am, the young man who met up with me at the airport took me on another walk around the neighborhood. We came back by 7:30 and I had a bowl of rice! Jasmine rice! With cauliflower. He then cooked potatoes with onion and tomatoes and masala and we had a huge breakfast. LOCAL STYLE of food! The boys who live here came and had breakfast as well. I then helped with tidying things up and we left at around 9:30 for the bus stop. That was a 20 minute walk away and it was the first stop, so we got seats. By the time we got off, the bus was packed! I MEAN PACKED!

I went to the slum pre-school after looking at the church that we will be going to tomorrow as church service is on Saturday morning. It's also located in the slum, but they have about 100 people! Wow! The kids were so cute... I just played with them. And then we had lunch together: rice with chicken and dal. Then more playing and to my utter surprise, ABBY SHOWED UP! I was so thrilled!

The school finished at 3pm and we hung out. Abby decided to stay for their worship practice and the pastor's wife took me back home on her scooter. No helmet and weaving through the rush hour traffic of Kathmandu! That was an experience. I was holding on so I couldn't film the experience! I don't need to fill it as it is unforgettable. 

I wasn't hungry for dinner, so I moved everything down to Abby's room and blogged. I wanted to take a hot shower, but the gal locked the room, so I still can't get in! I hung around and waited until someone came home! 

Tomorrow will be an early day... as always... Church is at 10am, but it takes about two hours to get there! After church, we hope to go shopping. Sunday is a day out at another village... I think... and Monday I'm heading back to Taipei! CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS??? What a fast trip!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

I've Arrived!

We were at the airport by 5:45 but the counter didn't open until 6:20. And I was the first at the counter as I had done online check-in. The luggage were 45.8 kilos total, but she let me go. The problem came when she clicked my pre-paid luggage on her computer, they disappeared! So... I had to wait while they called the Bangkok Office. I sent Alan down to get Burger King. By the time I finished, he had already finished his dinner. Oh well...

I didn't eat... I didn't buy anything. And I bid Alan goodbye and went through customs and on to my first flight. Nothing was served... and we landed at 12:15am. I had almost 12 hours. So I walked to the next gate and rested.

The next flight was the same. Nothing was served. I was in Kathmandu and paid 30US$ for the 15 day landing visa and got my suitcases and walked out. The guy Abby sent found me and we were in a taxi. The traffic is very much like India. There are no lanes.

We arrived at Pastor Daniel's house and Abby forgot to leave the key to her room. So we had to lug everything up to Pastor Daniel's third floor area. I unpacked and gifted them with all that I brought. The young man took me for a short walk and I hit my steps. We went to a nice cafe for dinner and I was back at Pastor Daniel's. 

I got the WiFi password, hence I am blogging.

It's going to be an early morning tomorrow.

And I must hit the sacks.

Tomorrow's plan: walk and then go to the pre-school that's in the slums. Hang out with the kids and then be back by 1pm when Abby will be here. YIPPY!

Oh... the weather is warm in the day time, but the temperature drops quite a bit at night!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Leaving for Nepal!

I was up early... and went for my 10K... Saw all my usual running buddies.

I was home and took a shower and went down to check on the recycling.

Isaiah took off for work... and it was time for me to make phone calls: the cement waterproofing guy: 165,000NT$. No painting! Then the agent: to make sure he knew clearly that we have made our highest bid.

I went out to meet with a friend who is here... She's a missionary in Japan. And she leaves to go back on the same day that I'm to arrive back to Taipei! The time flew by.

I scooter back home, stopping to get a battery for a watch and a strap changed. I was home finally by 2:40.

I still have a bit of packing to finish up: balancing the weight!

Alan and I took off at 4:30. 

I will stop here... and hopefully blog again tomorrow.

We shall see.

Please keep praying for our church.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Counting Down!

I was not up early... I slept until 5:56AM... and after my quiet time, I didn't head out for my run. Instead I headed out at around 8:30 and I saw Mom's van... It's been a while since I've seen the van... maybe three months already... And later on, a neighbor left a box of clothes for me to donate and she used an adult diaper box and it was the same brand and size as my mom's... It was a day of reminiscing. 

I got home and did not have time for a shower. Instead, I grabbed my stuff and headed to the old house. I had made an appointment with a construction guy to come and look at cement mold water repairs for the old house. Alan met me there and the guy will give us an estimate by this week and if we accept it, work can be started by 11/17. It will most likely take 10-12 days. So things will be finished by the end of the month. 

I scootered home, stopping at the traditional market for a few things to stock up the fridge. I also stopped at the church to clean things as I won't be there this Sunday. I wanted to make sure we had enough snacks for Love Cafe!

I was home and Alan came back at the same time. He went for a workout at the Sports Center. We ate lunch together and I took a short nap before we met up with friends from the States. We took them over to Costco as I wanted to load up the fridge a bit more. 

Isaiah made an appointment with the real estate agent for 5:45 and I had Bible study at 7pm tonight! the Bible study was great! I got home at 10 and had to get the stuff we bought at Costco better organized and things put away. I also had to pack a few more things into the bags. 

Tomorrow is going to be a long day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!