A Day of Bus & Train... and Yes Lots of Walking!

I was up early and had breakfast after my time with Jesus.

It was going to be a day of travel...

We got a taxi to take us to the bus station and the FlexBus was late... and we were worried that we won't catch our train from Zurich to Interlaken Ost.

We barely made it... and the train was very crowded!

The Swiss train had no WiFi... so at 2:45 I used my data and had a call of prayer with House of Praise! Before 2:59 (which was the time that our train was to arrive to Interlaken Ost, Pam and Suz were getting their suitcases as people were getting off. The sign said Interlaken West and I kept asking, "Is Interlaken Ost the same as Interlaken West?" Well... I should have just said "It is not the right station1" But my brain wasn't working... 

Anyhow, we got off one station too early and had to wait for the next train... but we were able to catch our original scheduled train from Interlaken Ost to Lautenbrunnen and we walked to our Chalet Rosa! It's a delightful place... with breakfast each morning. 

The room is so nice... 

After settling down, we got ready to hike as the weather was so splendid!

We hiked for more than 2 hours and had dinner at Hotel Overland. It was kind of expensive and I ordered Oberland Rosti... unfortunately, it was more cheese than potato pancake. Suz ordered curry rice and that was so good. I ate quite a bit of hers as I love basmati rice!

We walked back to our chalet and I noticed a gal reading her Bible. So, I went to talk to her. She lives in Geneva but is originally from Rio de Janiero Brazil. We exchanged our contact information.

Pam and Suz were up in the room already... and after Pam took a bath, I went and had my shower. I will consider doing a load of clothes tomorrow. 

We were all exhausted. 

Tomorrow... I hope to go for a run! It will be the same trail we hiked today!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Tubingen... In A Day!

I was up and did not go for a run... I wanted to go and enjoy the splendid breakfast... BUFFET...

There were five different kinds of yogurt, fresh fruit, 10 different kinds of bread, hot dishes, hard boiled eggs, scrambled eggs... ratatouille (very delicious), bacon, sausage links, meatballs... And a coffee machine that had 10 different choices. They even provided soy bean milk or oat milk! Oh... and three different kinds of juice... And I'm sure I'm forgetting what else... like cheese and cold cuts and salad... Trust me... I ATE A LOT!

We sat and talked and enjoyed our breakfast! We finally left at around 10:30 and did our own walking tour! We hit all the spots and walked and shopped... We had a delightful time... and ended the evening at the best dinner restaurant! It was Stevie's treat for "Mother's Day".

I bought China Oel, more gummy candies, Ritter sports, and saw a pair of shoes at the second hand store: Doghammer... usually 180Euro for sale for 63Euro. The pair was completely brand new and my size. But I don't need a pair of shoes... even though it was in green. I'd spend the money for running shoes, but not for hiking shoes... plus, the arch was just not perfect! Maybe I will regret not buying them... but still... I'm glad I walked away!

We were back at the hotel by 7:30 and started packing... We have an early day tomorrow... Onward to Zurich and then to Lautenbrunnen via Interlaken!

I was able to join the prayer time this afternoon! YEAH!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Moving On...

I was up and did not go for my run... the day looked just marvelous... 

After my time with Jesus, I went down to breakfast... We could sit from 7-10... feasting... I just loved sitting there, looking out to Haupstrasse... the food was just fabulous and no one rushes you...

Pam and I went to the Castle... and walked around. But just before we got to the Castle, we saw a nice souvenir shop and we went in. I saw this simple wooden Christmas ornament that says Heidelberg and had a manger scene. So, after we walked around the castle, we went and bought the souvenirs. I just got that ornament whereas Pam got a few nice items and gifts.

Suz was already back at the hotel and having a cup of tea. I went and walked a bit more before our taxi arrived and we were headed to Haupbahnhof. The taxi was 20Euro... but it was raining... so... the gals thought it wasn't good to take the public transport... 

As we waited at the platform, the train got pushed back again and again... and finally, it said -- CANCELLED!

So, off we went to the information booth and had to re-route. And because of that, I could not join the Heaven's Bible study but I did make it for the prayer time!

We had to change several times and arrived at Tubingen by 5:40! Wow... We took another taxi that was 12Euro to our hotel. 

It was still raining... sprinkling... 

We settled into our room... and we headed off!

We will be in this quaint place for two nights, three days... the weather looks wet... please pray!

But overall, the trip has been most fantastic!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Sunday in Heidelberg... Enchanting... Blessed...

I was up early and enjoyed having my time while the gals slept... But we had an early start as church was at 11:15 and we had a walk...

We had our breakfast in the room and packed up and checked out... 

We walked with our luggage to the Goldener Falke which was about 100 meters away! They let us drop off the luggage right in the restaurant... very safe! And we took off... I had brought my laundry thinking that the laundromat right next to the church would be opened. But it turned out that the supermarkets and the laundromats all closed on Sunday. 

We arrived at the church by 10:50 and it was nice to just sit. The service was one hour and the worship team was a group of young adults.

After the service, we found a Bakerei and bought these delicious sandwiches and ate at a table set up right on the Haupstrasse. Pam used her phone to buy the Nekar River Cruise tickets... 45euro per person. And it started at 2:30. The cruise went about 15 kilometers down and then back, taking about three hours. Drinks were free... and we had nice bread with us to munch on!

After getting off, we walked to our hotel, which was right on the Haupstrasse... VERY VERY NICE... and we get a full on breakfast tomorrow morning from 7-10am. That's going to be so enjoyable!

The room is absolutely fabulous. We opened the windows and can hear the bells from the Holy Ghost Church and a violin player right on the streets below. 

Stevie, Suz's son, wanted to treat us to dinner for our Mother's Day Celebration. We are going to have dinner at a place with table cloth... that means it's going to be super super super NICE! We also want to walk up to the Schloss for an evening view...

I'm so glad we extended our stay in Heidelberg... 

I will go for another run tomorrow morning... and there is no rush as our train is at 13:56.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Funicle & Castle Courtyard...

 I was up early... and did go out for a nice 10K run... Absolutely enjoyable...The path was much nicer with fewer obstacles... I still had some stairs but overall, it was delightful!

I got back and the gals were up... and getting ready. But still... we took our time before taking off at around 11am to take the funicle up to the castle and go inside the courtyard and see a few 'museums' before taking the funicle up to the highest point. The cost of everything was 17euro per person. We didn't get back down until 4pm and had Doner for our "lunch". We ate the whole thing and could not imagine eating more for dinner. We decided to go to the bakery and buy a few desserts for our evening 'meal'. Then we walked back to our hotel room to rest. There were so many tourists around that it was quite crowded... and the weather got really warm.

So... it was nice to be in our room... but we plan to go out again for another walk on the other side of the Nekar River.

We will check out and be in another hotel on Sunday... which includes breakfast for Monday. It's a great treat... as we head to Tubingen on Monday afternoon... it will be our final day in Heidelberg at a fancy hotel with our breakfast at the hotel.

I hope to get another run in on Monday...

So, we did leave at around 6:30 to walk across the Old Bridge and through the Winding Walled Path that comes out on Philosophen Weg and we sat there and talked until we had to go back down as it's difficult to walk down in the dark.

We were back around HaupStrasse and Suz and Pam got Eis (Gelato) but I'm not into sweets... and there are no pomme frites stands... We sat at the ice cream shop and finally walked back to our hotel at around 10pm. The place was still filled with people eating at outdoor cafes...

Walking by the Schloss is always special... no matter what time of day it might be...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Moore Haus & More...

I was not up too early... as I was up a few times with diarrhea... I think I ate too much at dinner time... and I have not had a full slice of pork chop or so many fries... 

So... I had my time with Jesus and did not go for a run even though the weather was so perfect.

At around 9am, we went out for breakfast. I just had some delicious bread and soup... and I bought extra delicious bread that I chewed on throughout the morning.

We then went up to Moore Haus as the lady in charge had time to give us a full tour. To get to Moore Haus, we walked the "Killer Stairs". We had a full two plus hours tour... It was delightful!

We then went to the castle and walked around some more... 

On the way down, we stopped at a gift shop and I bought two magnets. I realized that in all these years, I never had a magnet from Heidelberg. 

We dropped everything off at our hotel room and went out to walk the Haupstrasse... and do more shopping. I bought more Haribo candies... and we stopped at the supermarket as I wanted some sparkling water... it felt great on my tummy!

We found a great garden cafe and stopped to have cake and coffee... and I finally felt good enough to have some coffee... and we're talking about coffee topped with a great huge spoonful of fresh whipped cream. It's not coffee... it's a dessert!

We came back to the hotel room and it was already 4:30pm. I missed the Prayer Time... 

We finally went out to dinner at 8:30... and had Italian food... I had a salad and a baked potato. 

We also bought more dessert to bring back to our room but we were all too full to eat... 

We walked at least 19,000 steps. And we will walk more tomorrow.

The weather has been fantastic!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

One Year...

I did not sleep well... It wasn't the bed... I just tossed and turned... but I still got up before dawn and had my time with Jesus... 

I drank the rest of the carrot juice... had my coffee... ate the bread with cheese... and at around 7:45, I went out to run. I had charted the path... but I couldn't just run without thinking... It was unfamiliar... Yet the weather was fabulous... I warmed up quite quickly... 

The 10K went fast... I was hoping to finish in 63 minutes, but with the few obstacles that I encountered, I couldn't... obstacles such as men cutting the grass and trees... having to go up some stairs... crossing this plank style steel bridge...  

I got back and took a shower and made myself a mug of milk tea (from the packets I brought) and proceeded to finish the second bread with slices of gouda cheese.

I wanted to figure out a way to charge my computer and while waiting for it to charge, I fell asleep... it was fabulous! I napped for two hours. 

When I woke up, I got a message from Pam and Suz. They've arrived and will take the 13:51 train from Frankfurt Airport to Heidelberg Altstadt and I'll be there to meet up with them! 

I blogged for House of Praise. I finished the discussion questions from the Sunday sermon! I checked my emails. It was just a very 'chill' morning... which flew by so fast. I feel that way about this whole year. 

As for Pam and Suz, I think they might want to rest a bit... but we will eat out this evening... and they will most likely sleep early. Tomorrow we will go up to Moore Haus!

I am going to hit publish... even though the day is not done!

Today was to be a day of Reflection... and it is Thursday, which is also my usual PR Day (my Sabbath Rest Day). I didn't get on to write more of my reflection about this year... Perhaps at the end of my trip I will do that... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First

!

I Made It...

I was up early and enjoyed being alone... in what I call the "Upper Room"... 

I went down at 6:30 and had my three in one coffee packet and my breakfast... delicious!

Serge and Nancy came down at around 7:15 and their friend, Hegette, came down around 7:45am. We sat and chatted and the time flew by. 

Serge and Nancy drove me to the local station and I took the 'tram' to Brussels and got on the train to Koln Main Station. I didn't have to rush and at Koln Station, I bought my favorite pretzel rolls and a cheese and veggie sandwich and got on the train. The ride was great... the scenery... the seats... I didn't go and sit in a cart... I just sat at a place with a table. At 2:45 I joined the HOP Prayer time!

The train arrived a bit late but at around 15:52, I was at Heidelberg Haupbanhof. The map said it was a 3.1km walk to Haupstrasse and I decided to walk... why not? It just felt right... the weather had forecast rain, but the sun was peaking through the clouds... and it just felt good to walk. It was a walk down memory lane!

I passed the Aldi Sud... the mall where the Chinese restaurant used to be... the McDonald's... The Kaufhaus (which is no longer there) and the Mueller (that is a great place to buy fizzy vitamins and China Oil). 

I got to Hotel Sudpfanne at around 5pm and checked in. I dumped my stuff and took the items to mail... found the nearest post office and walked over! The package is on its way to the UK. 18.88Euro!

Then I walked to Penny, the Supermarket... passing lots of bookstores... and the churches... and I heard organ music and walked in. I wasn't in any hurry... 

At Penny, I saw Haribo Candies... and so many great desserts... the kind that Alan would love... I decided to get some now... no desserts... just the candies. I also decided that I wasn't going to run but just meander and walk around... I also bought my favorite carrot juice, soybean milk, special German rolls and cheese! YIPPY! 100% carrot juice for 60NT$! That was my dinner!

I slowly walked back to the hotel and made some tea, drank the carrot juice (it was a good size carton) and a glass of soybean milk!

It was still light outside... so I went out again... this time with my jacket. The wind was picking up! I walked to the bridge, took some more pictures and came back to the hotel.

I wanted to sleep early... and wake up early... 

I will go for a run tomorrow morning after my quiet time...

Tonight at 9:33 (which is May 7th, 3:33 Taiwan time) Mom passed away... 

It is a gift that I am here in Heidelberg... Tomorrow will be a reflection day... A whole year has flew by!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Nice and Chilly!

I was up early... and just had a nice relaxing morning. 

We had breakfast together... for me, two eggs, and cheese! And coffee...

Nancy took me to this great park. She sat and sketched while I ran my 10K! It was so nice and chilly... no rain, even though rain was predicted. It was 11 degrees, but the real feel was like 6! Wow...

We came home for lunch and she made a huge salad and steak! Wow... so delicious!

At 4:45, we went out to dinner... Pomme frites mit mayo... it was one of the most famous places in Antwerp!

We walked around the area and that was so nice... and came home at 7:30. I blogged and checked my emails and packed. 

They will take me to the train station and I will head out to Heidelberg tomorrow!

This has been an amazing vacation! And it's only started!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

And I'm Here...

What a day... 

The flight from Beijing to Frankfurt was super crowded... the food was great... I'm not too picky and the flight attendants were all super attentive... I guess that's why they are called Flight Attendants???

I drank lots of coconut water, which was super refreshing. And they had delicious tea. But I did not have any coffee or Coca Cola... For the 'midnight snack' I had a chicken bun. Then for breakfast, I had congee. The mid-flight snack was just chocolate cookies. I took three as they'd be good before a run!  

The fight landed and the airport seemed so huge... I'm thinking: Have I been to this airport before? It was like a maze and not very many restrooms... and no hot water dispensers... I finally found a restroom and then went through customs and got my bag... That was all done very efficiently. 

I tried to ask about the donation box. No one knew where it was located, although they all knew that there was one: somewhere. I found the post... but it doesn't open until 9am. DARN IT!

So I proceeded to find the long distance train ticket counter... wow... it was in an 'office'. And the train ticket to Antwerp was not 'cheap', more than if someone buys it via the internet. I got the ticket for the 8:48 train from Track 7. So, I walked down and stood on the platform. A train came at 8:39 and I got on... and in two minutes, it took off. And I was thinking: something is wrong! I looked at the seats and they showed that they were reserved from one point to another point and the destination point said: Dusseldorf! What? I said out loud: is this train going to Dusseldorf? The passengers all looked and three or four of them actually responded with a nod! In utter shock and disbelief, I said: I need to be going to Brussels!

One lady said: Let me see if I can help! She got on her phone and started typing! "The best thing you can do is take this train and get off at Koln. BUT, this train is going to Koln South. You need to take a "S" train to Koln Main! And then...perhaps you can catch the train to Brussels." She wrote down everything, including the track number and the time. If not, what would be the next train from Koln Main to Brussels! And from Brussels to Antwerp! The worst case scenario: I'd get to Antwerp at 3:34 instead of 12:03! 

Well... I stood all the way to Koln South... and before getting off, I thanked her. I run to catch the S Bahn (train). I took the train one stop to Koln Main. I run to the track... WOW... ICE 316 was late! By 12 minutes! But now, I might not catch the 11:33 from Brussels to Antwerp as the train now is delayed and won't arrive to Brussels until 11:38! The train to Brussels was so packed... The conductor said that if the seat has a green light, it is available. But every seat had a red light! It turned out that several trains were cancelled and the lights were all jumbled! Thus, everything was showing RED! I sat down as the aisle was packed with people. And soon, people came who had the reservation for the seat I was sitting in. I walked down to the next cart... no seat... And I walked down to the next cart: now the lights were changed! GREEN was appearing quite often. I found a seat and sat down and read my Bible and prayed, just giving thanks!

The train arrived in Brussels and I run to Track 11 from Track 5, where the train to Antwerp Central was to be... but it is already 'late'. I looked up at the sign on Track 11: Antwerp Central, 11:33. What??? A train pulled up... I asked several people before just hopping on: Antwerp Central. And they all nodded! I get on... I arrived at Antwerp Central at the original time of my original purchased ticket! 12:03!!!! 

The station looked huge... Again... I'm thinking: was this station like this some four years ago when I came with Isaiah and Abby??? 

Nancy and Serge were there already... and they took me to the coffee shop where I had sparkling water! I was so thirsty!

We drove to their place and I'm amazed! "Is this the place I was at where it was only a shell and nothing much was built up around the area?"

Their place is beautiful! They took out a delicious spread of cheese and cold cuts and we sat and talked and talked and talked. At 2:45 (which was 8:45 Taiwan time), I got on and prayed with those at House of Praise. And after that,  I got a tour of their place and they put me up in their huge guest room with my own bathroom!

I unpacked and then went out for a walk about... I didn't find a running route.

I didn't want dinner... I came back up and changed into my pajamas. I blogged and I went to bed by 7pm.

Wow... what an amazing day!

The Lord did it... He carried me through! 

He can redeem all our mistakes. 

He provides people who are so very helpful on this journey when we take a 'wrong turn' or in my case, hop on a 'wrong train'!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

And I'm Off...

I was up early... and wanted to attend the 9am service. I walked down and paid a few bills on the way to church. The service was quite long... And I sat net to a neighbor from our complex! And her husband was leading worship!

On the way back, I stopped to get fun breakfast breads for Isaiah to bring to work and I was home.

I got online and booked a few of my train tickets. Suz has done most of the tickets... I still need Frankfurt to Antwerp, but I will buy that after I land! I want to find the church donation office and the post office. Then I'll head on the train and most likely be in Antwerp by or before 3pm!

I packed up my stuff, ate lunch, took a shower and hopped on the scooter with Alan. He was going to church for discipleship. He dropped me off at the MRT Station where my mom had her day care center (I thought that was pretty special!) and he took off. I got on the MRT. I then took the bus to Song Shan Airport and bussed to Taoyuan Airport, Terminal 2! The check in counter did not open until 16:10!

I had over an hour! 

Good time to check things...

And after checking in, I went up to the gate! Why not? I wanted to sit and think and blog... and watch the service. I had invited a couple of people to the service... I thought I wasn't leaving until Monday night! God is in control! 

I'm here in Frankfurt! Couldn't send anything in Beijing!

So many came to church... what a miracle! 

The flight from Taipei to Beijing was very nice. But the plane was quite old... I had a whole row of seats... and the food was quite decent!

Four hours in Beijing and I slept and walked around. And at 2am, we boarded. PACKED like sardines...

I'll write more later... but I'm off to donate coats and then take the train to Antwerp.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Getting Ready!

I was up early... even though I went to bed at 1am... and I did go for a run... only 10k... with only 23.63K this whole week... Hopefully, I will be doing more runs when I am in Europe! The weather looks chilly!

I did a load of laundry as it was overflowing... and then went out to tutor! The hour flew by and I was home by 12:40!

I ate a nice salad lunch and then started packing!

I don't want to bring a lot but I have three coats that I want to donate to the homeless in Germany. I had gifts of snacks for Nancy and Serge. I have a gift to mail to someone in the UK. And I'm only bringing in carry on but it weighs a bit, so I will be checking that in! YEAH!

WI made dinner reservation for 5pm and met up with Angel and got my phone!

After dinner, I got home and tried to get everything taken cared of... That was a lot of work.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

It Was... (Fill In the Blank)

I was up early and again... no run...

I had tutoring at 10:30... and that went long!

Alan and Isaiah came to church as I wanted them to drop off the books and the dish dryer. We took off to Mega PX Mart and while they ate, I shopped. I also walked over to Costco and bought stuff. We headed back to church as my scooter was there... and they went home.

I headed to the Grand Hyatt and met up with a dear friend. We hung out until after 11pm. She had the Hyatt Club Lounge Privilege, which meant we could eat a buffet meal on the 22nd floor. I never knew! The meal was delicious... and they had carrot juice! FRESHLY SQUEEZED... I totally enjoyed myself! What a feast.  Oh... I should mention that around 8:39 there was an earthquake. So... I definitely felt the shaking. 

I scootered home and got gas and got home at 11:45. I forgot my cell phone at her hotel... but that's ok. I don't like thinking that I must have my cell phone! And I hope to see her tomorrow... with Alan and Isaiah for dinner!

When I got back, the recycling was an absolute mess... I got that sorted and went up and blogged and checked my emails. 

I'm just two day away from taking off... Wow... 

So... what did you write for the word in the 'fill in the blank'?

I'll give you a hint: I'm exhausted!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Feeling Much Much Better!

I was up and I slept better... the throat was in recovery...

But no run... I didn't want to push my body...

So, it was indeed a day of rest!

I didn't even sit and read. I just rested... I got up and did a few things around the house and went back to bed. I made soup and had bowls and bowls of it... I actually made two pots of soup... I finished the first pot and made a second pot. The first was carrot soup... and the second pot was tomato soup... wow... so delicious! Two different savory soups... 

At 4:30, I went out for a walk... I was hoping to have enough energy to ride out to Costco and do some shopping... but I only walked to the neighborhood mini Carrefour... I did not find the snacks I wanted to bring to Europe... So... I will have to go on Saturday!

The day flew by... all too quickly.

A friend came over at 7pm as I cut her hair... and then prayer time at 8:45.

I blogged, checked emails...

Alan and Isaiah played basketball at Soochow... and tomorrow is a holiday!

I still have tutoring... and the weekend will be a busy one! What else is new?!?!?!?

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Oh No... A Very Sore Throat!

I was up and did not sleep well... I woke up several times as I had a very very sore throat... unusually sore! FLAMING SORE! I took some medicine!

I had a busy day... no run... as I was not feeling well... the throat... the lack of sleep... Please pray for a full recovery!

I went out to run errands and tutored at 11am to 12... and came home for lunch and headed out again for my last Bible study. We had 11 students... It was a wonderful time as we talked about: Who is God? What are His attributes? What's your relationship with God?

I had cancelled my 3:40 tutoring and I'm so glad. My throat was still FLAMING SORE! I went and ran more errands and came home. I ate a small meal and took a nap.

I had tutoring from 6-7pm and came home by 7:30! YEAH...

Prayer time at 8:45 and Family Time at 9pm.

Tomorrow is my REST DAY!

Thank you Jesus!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Morning Bible Study... and Running Errands!

I was up early and went for a short run... I only had time for 8K. I think that's going to be the distance for the next few days until I go to Europe!

I was home and after a quick shower, I was out the door... only to realize that I had forgotten the church key and brought the wrong bank card... 

I scootered back and had to wait to run errands. The only thing I did was to return books and check out one book for Isaiah. I also donated books at the library.

I was going to buy tuna fish sandwiches but the shop was closed... so I only brought tangerines for our Bible study!

We are looking at Psalm 30 and it was a great discussion. Two gals joined online! And there were four of us at church. We again didn't finish until after 1pm! 

I then went to withdraw money and then to the bank to exchange for Euro and pay our credit card bill. I wanted to run a few more errands, but I had to go pee... I stopped to buy soy bean milk and headed home!

Alan was home and having lunch, so I joined him.

Then I decided to take a short nap... the other errands will have to wait!

Tonight I had tutoring... for an hour and then prayer time at 8:45.

I baked and wrote up the shipping forms for the boxes and Alan taped it up. The shipping company will come pick up on Thursday. Friday is Labor Day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Yes... It Was Another Hectic Day!

I was up early... but by the time I went out to run, I only had 35 minutes... I ran only 5K.

I came home and did not take a shower as I had planned to do that at Isaiah's house, in order to test their water pressure.

I got there before 10am and went and dropped off books for donation. YEAH!

I bought two tea eggs and an iced latte and settled myself down at the dining room table and waited. Isaiah messaged me: the guy was downstairs! Wow... it was 10:30 or so!

It took him about an hour to finish... it was really difficult to remove the old ones... after he left, I changed the three outer ones... But a lot of water came out of each filter, so I had to do a mopping of the kitchen floor. 

I changed the shower head and took a shower... short showers... no problem... BUT... if the shower lasted more than three minutes, the water did turn cold! It's not a problem with the shower hose. It's not a problem with the shower head. It's not a problem with the hot water heater... as the other shower is fine. I think it's the way that the piping was done. Oh well... 

I left Isaiah's place at around 1pm and got home at 1:37! WOW...

I put things away and laid down for a Power Nap after I put in a small load of laundry. I brought back the rags that I used to mop up the water... 

When the load was done and hung, I went over to our friend's house and put way a few things and then came back home for prayer time at 4pm!

I was so happy that I had a semi free evening as I wanted to finish packing the boxes!

I also heard from the Evangelistic Sisterhood Lodging called Kanaan! I will be staying there from May 16th to the 19th!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Short Post...

I was up early and after my time with Jesus, I had about 45 minutes to get something started with packing up the boxes to be shipped.

Then I was off to help the gals who are going to go abroad as their oral interview and writing prompts were this morning. And people were still down in Taitung for the Challenge Taiwan competition. Another young man was having his violin try-outs... so lots to be praying for.

The gals did extremely well as we over-prepared and the questions were easy!

I went to church to join Isaiah's Young Adults group and Alan was the only one there with Isaiah. In fact, Alan went early and got the church set up... so nice!

We finished at 12:15 and I made the Love Cafe ready and went home to rest... the hour flew by!

I was back at church and I was praying... And we had a decent crowd even though most of the usual people were absent... God is so good... 

The service was finished at 6pm and people hung around to chat... 

I didn't get home until 8:30 and then started packing... Wow... 

I had prayer time at 9:30 and did more packing of the boxes... 

They are almost finished. But they will be filled... In fact, I have way too much stuff... 

I will have to do some reorganizing to get everything in.

By 11pm, I was so ready for bed... This was going to be a short blog... but ...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Can The Day Get Any Busier?

I was up early and did not go out for my run until 8:42... I could not leave any later!

I ran for an hour and took a quick shower before going to be pick books.. This complex has the best guards. There were three of them who helped to get all the boxes into my car. I got home and parked the car and headed out to tutor. I got there right on time... if not just a few minutes early.

The hour went by quickly and I extended the time just a bit, which meant I had to rush home to pick up all I needed for my next tutoring gig!

I was 15 minutes late as I couldn't find their home!

I again extended my time and didn't finish until 3:37 and I was home by 4pm.

I just sat and ate... 

Alan and I left to drop off things for Angel Lin at the Hyatt and another bag of things for a friend in our neighborhood. We then bought pizza and fried chicken for Alan's dinner.

We got back and I went to Challenge Taiwan Live Stream and at 7:52 caught the finish of the three people from House of Praise! YEAH...226km relay!

I then started to do the pickled carrots and cucumbers and white radishes... and then I put veggies into the crock pot!

I still had so much to get done.

The boxes are not packed... and our dining room table is filled with things that I was sorting. Toiletries to bring on my trip... And I need to check the weather to make sure I am bringing the right clothes...

I have another full day tomorrow...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Another Very Full Date Day!

I was up early... and Alan went to work out while I was still having time with Jesus, so we never talked about all that needed to be done today...

After Isaiah left, I went out for my usual 8K... the weather was great... but I still limited myself to an hour. I so enjoy being out... it was drizzling and windy, but I loved it!

Alan got back early.. YEAH... and he remembered that I wanted to go over to the traditional market right near Isaiah's house. And we decided to play it by ear to see how much we can get done before I had to go and tutor.

So... off we went to the traditional market... and I got so much for about 10US$! He went and bought lunch and CoCo... He picked me up as I could not carry about 15 kilos of veggies and fruits! Such bounty! We went to Isaiah's house, but we couldn't find parking. So Alan went up... and then we switched. While I was at the house, Alan decided to go and park the car at pay parking... He came up as we needed two people to test the hot water heater!

We finished all the little jobs at around 1:30 and then headed to Soochow to pick up Isaiah's rain coat... and then we went to pick up items to pack for the box. We were home around 3pm and Alan ate his lunch box and I decided to take a Power Nap! I had eaten like 10 tangerines in the car!

I headed out in the rain and tutoring went fairly well... I then went to drop off the cards that Abby had written to thank people. She should have gotten these done earlier and dropped them off herself!

I was finally home at 8pm. I checked the recycling and cleaned that area up and came home to make soup. Alan ate the duck soup as I forgot to put a sign on it...

Prayer time at 8:45... 

It's going to be a very busy weekend... A group of church friends headed down to Taitung for the Challenge Taiwan Triathlon! I joined it and ran the marathon part of the relay... four kids from our church have major exams this weekend... and I have tutoring tomorrow and Young Adults Fellowship on Sunday plus tutoring and I will be sharing the message... Please pray... It's the weekend before I leave... and this week is going to be packed!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Very Full Day!

I was up... and went out for a run... just 8K... 

After sending Isaiah and Alan off, I was on the phone: order boxes for the Philippines, checking on Isaiah's water filter system and hot water heater... and then I rushed off as I had tutoring at 10:30!

That hour flew by and and I went to have lunch with a dear sister, the one who always treats me to the most spectacular meals... And for lunch, we had DUCK!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow... And of course, she always gives me all the leftovers.

I then went to Taiwan Cell to purchase 'buffet data' for my trip to Europe. I splurged and paid 100US$ for 15 days of unlimited data. This way, I can check for maps or information when I'm out and about. 

I had made an appointment for a massage for 3:30 and I arrived a bit early! YEAH! Those 90 minutes were so relaxing! I walked out of there refreshed!

Tutoring started at 5:15 instead of 5:30 as we had a lot to do this evening. I tried to cram and prep these gals for their oral interview and written entrance exam on Sunday. When I got home, the mom sent me a message: the girls would like to have one more session! WOW! They felt it really helped... so we're looking at Saturday!

I ate some soup from lunch... so delicious... and then it was prayer time...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Midterm Study!

I was up but not early enough and thus, I did not get a run in... This is what happened:

It was too hot by 8am... and so I decided to bake and go buy more veggies and fruit. Oh... I found lantern fruit or cape gooseberry. They are very delicious. I also took a nap...

I had study at 1:10 and the pineapple cake turned out extremely well.

After the study, I had tutoring and that hour went by fast.

When that was finished, I decided to go to the park... maybe for a walk... and I lined my Wednesday 6pm tutee... "We're not having class tonight, are we?" The Mom replied: Why not? I answered: because I thought you switched to Saturday morning. "Oh no, I wanted two days a week!" 

So, I rushed home, picked up my teaching box and headed off. I was home by 7:35 and I didn't want to go out for a run even though the weather had cooled down. I sat and ate a salad and prayer time started at 8:45!

We had Family Time at 9pm.

And by 11, I was so ready for bed!

Tomorrow is another full day of tutoring! I did make a reservation for a massage at 3'30 with Ms. Hsieh!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Truly Rested!

I was up and after Isaiah took off, I went for a run... and yes, I tried to stick to one hour only... 

I was home and after a quick shower, I got my coffee and my books and read and rested... And I fell asleep and Alan came home from his workout and it was already 1:17! WOW...

We had lunch together and I turned on the WiFi to look at train schedule. I can now get a senior discount, I think, but things aren't so cheap nowadays! Anyhow... I didn't buy anything... 

At 5pm, I had prayer time... and then at 6:30, I headed off to my Tuesday evening Bible study. It was so good to see everyone.

I joined the 8:45 prayer time... and rode home at 9:10. 

It was nice to get home... I decided to start baking so that I won't have to do it tomorrow!

Again the day flew by...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Change...

I was up but not too early... And after my time with Jesus, I started to cook as I wanted to make tamale chicken. 

I went out for my run but the sun was out in full blast... so, what's the change? I've decided to just run an hour... if I make 9k, great... if not... that's ok... when I go to Germany, I'll give myself more time to run... the weather is going to be much cooler... unlike Taipei now!

I was home and Isaiah called to ask about the gas meter... I had to rush as I was set to meet up with a sister at 11am at church. I was 15 minutes late!

Then at 1:30, I went to drop off sheets and pillowcases to the person who is now staying at our old house and two water filter replacements. And then I headed to tutoring... 

That hour flew by and when I got home, there were five bags of nice bedding to sort through... wow... 

Another friend came over to chat... and then we had Prayer Time in person at 8pm and online Bible study at 9pm. I stayed at church and did the online Bible study... 

I guess my days have not slowed down! Tomorrow... for sure... I am going to have my PR Day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!