A Very Sad Day!

I know I have to do it, but it was a very sad day!

I got things ready... and I did go for a run... 

Alan drove and we went and picked Mom up at 12:30. She thought I was Abby!

Again she looked groggy and I did find out that they gave her a sedative. She was too active. But by the middle of the drive, she was talking, talking, talking. 

When we got to the place, we first went to a nearby park as my siblings wanted to talk to Mom. I had to use Isaiah's data to get the iPad hooked up. Then I repacked everything and got her some socks. She was more excited about getting out of the car than to talk to Eddie. But when we got to the old folks home, she thought we were home.  She talked for a long time with Annie. And she had a short conversation with James. She ate dinner there and we stayed until after she finished dinner. They got her ready for bed... It was very sad to say good bye. I will go back on Thursday!

And yes, I think I do a couple of surprise visits to see how she is doing! 

The most difficult thing is that most of the elderly there are not really going to be sociable, not like at the day care center. Now, the director said that he will send her to the day care center, so that's where I hope she will make some new friends. I will keep you posted. Please do keep her in your prayers!

We had to stay and eat dinner in Ilan as it was a holiday weekend and the traffic control was still being enforced -- 3 person in a car until 9pm. We got back by 10:30... the traffic was bad even with that rule!

Abby was heading back from Taichung and also hit traffic. She didn't get back until 11:40. And she broke her phone because she brought it on a ride and it fell out. At least we have Apple Care, so she will have to bring it in... The cost of fixing it will be greatly reduced, but not free!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Like the message from church yesterday, sometimes, God takes us on an undesirable path... and in those difficult places, He has promised to be with us. I will have to overcome my fear of driving as I go to Ilan! And I trust the director... so I pray that he will be a man of his word and do his best for my mom. I also learned that the cost of the facility does not include any paper goods, such as tissues, wipes, diapers, etc. So, on Thursday, I'm going to go and decorate Mom's bed and clean and bring all the paper goods! I also have to provide the medical gloves... I will also try to contact a church in the area and see if they are willing to pick my mom up for church on Sundays! That would be a miracle!

Seek Him First!

A Restful Sunday!

I cleaned up Mom's room and got her things ready!

We rode our scooter to church and I walked around as it's the Prayer Walk next week! I wanted to get a feel of the area! And it was very rewarding!

The service was great!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Here are the 7 Highlights:

Pastor James

Will You Give Me A Drink?

John 4:1-26

Review: 

What do you want?

Who are you?

How can this be?

 

1. All people have a story behind their story.
2. Do we have a “Samaria” in our lives?
3. A Disciple will have to go down some undesirable paths.
4. Jesus had to go through Samaria, even though He broke so many taboos!
5. Through Samaria, the Disciples had a new perspective looking at others and saw that Faith is about experience, relationship and lifestyle, not traditions, rituals and doctrine.
6. The vast difference between Jacob’s Well and Jesus’ Well – Jesus’ well is a gift of God, living, eternal and transforms lives.
7. Church is filled with Samaritan Woman Issues; let’s not avoid issues, but let the Holy Spirit use our lives to help people draw to Jesus!

Seek Him First!

Another Busy Day!

Abby left this morning to catch the bus to Taichung. Alan dropped her off... She missed the 7:50 bus because they were waiting in the wrong area... but they caught the next one at 8:30. By then the traffic was really bad. They didn't get to Taichung until after 12noon.

I had to rush off to tutor. And then I went to buy white out refills and got a hair trim... I bought a coupon!

Once I got home, I started putting things away and doing a load of laundry. By 4pm, we were out the door to pick up the PCR test result. The line was longer than usual! We then drove to church to drop off containers and then dropped off donation. Our car is clean again!

We came home and before going for a run, I started on organizing Mom's stuff. I am sad... I know the facility will not care for her as well as I do... But the task has become overwhelming! I must accept that!

The rest of the evening was very nice... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

The news was filled with Covid... now it is filled with the crisis between Russia and Ukraine! 

Isaiah 42:1-4

I just want to post this again! God is the one who will establish justice!

Seek Him First!

PCR & Health Check-up... Crazy Day!

Alan was such a big help... He went to pick Mom up at Daoshen while I went to YangMing Hospital to get the PCR and Health Check-up paid and registered. Alan arrived with Mom just in time.We got the PCR done... but it was almost a 'failed' test because Mom would not stay still and kept trying to pull it out. Both of the nurses helped me to keep her still. Then we wheeled her to get her health check-up. The hearing test... no... the eye test... no... and she would not answer the doctor's questions. But we got the x-ray and the blood test. And Daoshen will do the stool and urine samples.

We dropped her off and came back home as I had to edit.

I barely finished that and I took the car to pick up more stuff. The car was completely packed.

I came back and rested instead of going for a run! I was just exhausted!

Tonight I went for a walk to get errands done and then we had Family Time. It was a short time... but it was nice to catch up! We couldn't do it at another time because Abby is going on a trip as this is a long weekend. She's going with church friends to Taichung! And she got her hair done!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Read this from J.I. Packer:

"Only when your reading of the Written Word feeds into your relationship with the Living Word does the Bible operate as the channel of light and life that God means it to be!"

The Word of God must affect us... and draw us closer in our love relationship with God!

Seek Him First!

Cooking, Resting, Running...

It's still nice and cold...

With people coming over, I cooked and prep.

A sister came over at 11am to share and pray!

Then I went for a run... yes, it's still cold!

I also packed a box to go to the Philippines! YEAH!

Abby had only one class and then basketball practice.

Alan was at school all day.

We checked about flights for Abby... She will mostly likely go to England and then to the States and then back to London... I will most likely meet her in London and we will travel to Europe and hopefully Isaiah will join us, too!

The prices are so expensive!

In the evening, people were here for dinner and a meeting and then I had prayer time with another sister in the evening!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I took time to prepare for the upcoming prayer walk and the Lord really used Isaiah 42:1-13 to again speak to my heart! He is a God of JUSTICE!

Seek Him First!

Taking Time to Rest!

My frozen shoulder is getting better... 70% mobility, minimum pain... unless I move it a certain way!

I did go for a run in the cold and rain... The weather report says that by March 1st, the temperature will start increasing... and no rain... WAHHHHHHH... I think the summer will be upon us all too soon!

I ran errands as I needed a few groceries for a dinner tomorrow night. The overseers and a possible pastoral couple candidate will be coming over to our house for dinner! I always start early!

I had tutoring tonight... and an old student messaged me... she needs help with a major history project. So I will be tutoring her on Saturday morning!

I also edited Isaiah's job applications and looked at flights! I don't think I can go to the States as I can only have about three weeks with no one on the island, in case of any kind of emergency at the Long Term Care Center. So, I will most likely book just to go to England and travel around Europe. And maybe during Chinese New Year I'll make a trip to the States! Quarantine should be minimized by then!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I worked on my Proverbs and my Psalms studies today! Psalm 91 was so encouraging! 

Psalm 91:14-16 --

Seek Him First!

The Bed Is Available!

What a morning of receiving calls... several calls... quite miraculous!

One place in ShiZhi but it didn't look great. I was going to scooter over to look. But then I received another call... a place in Ilan has a sudden opening! The director sounded super nice. They run a day care program and are willing to transport Mom to the day care program as long as I am willing to pay for the cost of the transportation. The pictures he sent looked so nice. The rooms are clean and lots of windows! I decided YES. I will take it!

Then it was madness--- scrambling to get another physical exam and PCR test! I had to book both! Another 250US$! I will pick Mom up on Friday and get her to get these tests done! It's going to be very interesting. 

Then I will drop her off and I will need to get things ready. On Saturday at 4pm, I have to go and pick up the test results and on Monday, pick Mom up and drive to Ilan!

The cost for her stay at Daoshen will be about 1300US$. And the monthly cost for Evergreen will be about 1200US$ per month, plus any 'extra' expenses. We shall see. I do plan to go and visit at least once a month. We like that area... And it's a fast drive, if we don't go on a holiday weekend. 

I tutored from 4-5pm and then had Bible study from 7-9pm. Abby had basketball practice and then she took off for tutoring. No class for her. Alan was at school all day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

If you read my entry yesterday, you might have sense the discouragement, calling so many places and getting nothing... 

And then today... God worked through prayer... I knew God would provide the best place for Mom... I just wanted her to stay at Daoshen as that would mean less 'hassle' for me. But the LORD had other plans. This place is farther... but I like the fact that she can still go to a day care program, perhaps with singing and dancing. I also hope that she will continue to sing songs from God's Word. I will talk to the director there and find out! Please pray that there will be people who like her enjoy talking! I will keep you posted. Please keep praying!

Seek Him First!

Cold & Wet... And Joyous!

 It was a wet and cold day... but very productive!

A bit discouraging as I tried to call more places... the waiting list is long every where... I don't think I can find a place for her to go to by March 1st! The place that has a bed but not suitable called and I told her, "No thanks!" Last year in April I said No Thanks to Daoshen. I really regretted it... Hindsight is 20/20!

Without Mom here, we do two loads a week of laundry! That's it. Meal planning and meal time are so much easier.  I went out for a run in the cold... and raining... weather... Totally great!

Prayer time at 4pm. Counseling at 7:30. Another session at 9:30. In between I got to talk to Isaiah about his job application. 

My left shoulder was bothering me quite a bit today... Please keep praying!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Yes, it was quite discouraging looking at a list of 211 nursing homes and after calling about 10% of them, there was nothing available! The cost starts at about 1,000US$ and goes up to 2,000US$. Sure, it's still better than being in the States, but I've discovered that it's a lucrative business, running these nursing homes! 48 beds, charging 1000US$ a month... can you imagine?!?!?!

I trust God to know what's best for Mom... 

Two friends are helping me to look... And here in Taiwan, it's all about connections... perhaps one of them will have a connection to a place and BOOM... a bed becomes available!

I walk by faith, not by sight! SO, I choose to rejoice, even when nothing is available... even when I do know what we will do this summer... even when... 

Seek Him First!

Serendipious Sunday!

Abby and I drove over to drop off meds and vitamins to Daoshen. And again, we only handed everything to them through a window. Then we got our Chinese breakfast!

Amy, the helper, was going to come, but she wasn't feeling well. The temperature had dropped... which I love... and it was raining. 

We went off to church a bit early so that we can try rearranging the chairs to fit in more people. Due to Covid, social distancing is still in place. And no eating allowed... 

After church, we just sat in the lobby and had our dinner box and then headed over to Shihlin as it was the last night of the Lantern Festival 'exhibition'. 

We had so much fun! Yes, it was cold. Yes, it was wet. But they had a water show and a mini concert. And booth with. lots of free stuff... with the weather being so cold, it wasn't so crowded. We didn't get back until 10:15 and had Family Time! Isaiah was already home from church and was wondering where we were at!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Here are the seven highlights from this Sunday sermon:

The Smart Idiot: How can it be?

John 3:1-15

Feb. 20, 2022

1. When coming to God, we don’t need to be so smart.
2. What is one of your moments of truth? When something you thought was impossible became true/possible. Today? This week? This month? This year?
3. We are limited in our decision making by what we consider possible and even though we as Christians believe that “all things are possible”, but we often don’t make decisions in light of that truth.
4. Faith is a decision!
5. A certain identity is required to enter the Kingdom of God.
6. Are we living in the “natural” (self-willed ruled by others and the world) or are we born of the “Spirit” (God directed by the foundation of God’s Word in repentance and obedience)?
7. Be a Kindergartener with a curious heart and come to Jesus with our questions!

Seek Him First!

Scooter and Car -- Both Had Battery Issues! Both Fixed!

Yes, Alan picked up the car... and Abby picked up her scooter!

It was raining and cold... and it seems as if it is going to get colder tomorrow!

I went and visited one place that has a bed available, but that place was awful! I looked through the window and saw 7 elderly women, in their wheelchair, with a tray, eating lunch in front of the TV. No interaction. Some were dressed poorly. Some didn't have their false teeth in. The place was dark and the rooms looked cramped. It was nothing like Daoshen where Mom is at. But Daoshen called and confirmed that there is no bed available for long term. I have until 2/28 to find another place. Please pray! I want to transfer her directly from Daoshen to a nice long term care facility. 

We had the HOP Servants' Meeting at 3:30 and the Appreciation Dinner at 6:30. Abby and I did not go to the dinner as we came home. I talked to Isaiah and Abby tutored at 8pm.

Daily Lovely Insight:

I thought for sure the LORD was going to open up a bed at Daoshen... So, I was truly a bit disappointed when they called... God knows the best place for my Mom... and He has it all worked out! I'm praying that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven... 

It was strange that Abby's scooter and our car both had battery problem this week... 

God kept leading me back to the invitation He gives to "Come"... To lay my burdens down... To give thanks... To trust!

Seek Him First!

What A Fantastic Friday!

Despite all the things that went wrong, I give thanks!

Abby's scooter was not yet fixed.

The car battery died!

So, our original plans were changed. Alan picked up the jump start battery and we got the car started. We drove it around for about an hour and then dropped it off at Toyota.

I was cooking for our dinner get together... white sloppy joes, baked corn pudding, Mexican salad and dessert! 

We rode there on our scooter and arrived right on time!

What fun to hang out with friends! And the food was scrumptious!

We didn't get home until almost 11pm.

Daily Lovely Insight:

The Wisdom Books of the Old Testaments:

Psalm -- how to pray

Proverbs -- how to live

Ecc. -- how to enjoy

Job -- how to suffer

Song of Solomon -- how to love

And in the New Testament, the book of James is consider the book of wisdom and all five of these areas are covered in the five chapters of James!

Check it out!

How amazing!

Seek Him First!

Western Vegetarian 5-star Restaurant!

I was treated to the most amazing vegetarian 5-star restaurant... The beet salad with carmelized walnuts sprinkled with feta cheese was outstanding... Of course, the total cost was almost 70US$... So, it won't be a place I frequent, but still... 

Then I rode around to check on Abby's scooter and then went to Carrefour to buy a few ingredients as I'm making different dishes for a potluck dinner tomorrow. I got a recipe for a corn pudding dish and I'm also making a salad. Abby and I wanted to try to make donuts. (Those did not work!) I also had ingredients to add to the Costco frozen pizza.

In the evening, I had to tutor! Then we made sweet rice dumplings... YUMMY!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Before our trip to Taitung, I was searching for my 'covid passport'. And I had no recollection of where I put it. We finally downloaded an e-file. The weeks before the vacation were just so packed... care for my mom at Daoshen so that we could go on the trip and then the need to get a PCR test for her, the washer disaster, the messy house... Well, today, I finally had time to drop off socks I wanted to give to a dear sister. She lined me and said, "Thanks for the socks, but why did you give me your covid passport?" Ha, ha, ha... it was in that bag... and then I remembered: We were going to drop off the socks before going to a restaurant and the government had just issued an increase of 'restriction': dining in might need the passport! I had put the passport inside! 

I am grateful...God helped me put the house back in order, and in such an unexpected way, He 'found' the passport for me! Not to mention, blessing me with a special red envelope and a delicious meal at a vegetarian restaurant! All in one day!

Seek Him First!

Final Things Put Away... Cleaning...

Yes, I'm finished... and now, I'm just cleaning... mopping the floor finally... I can see the floor.

I did go for a run and then met up with a sister... and dinner! 

FUN!

The day went by rather quickly!

Abby joined us for dinner and then her scooter wouldn't start... I'll have to find out how to get it working again tomorrow.

Daily Lovely Insight:

What story is the above picture about?

How does it apply to your life?

Seek Him First!

Bible Study... Elusive Nap Taken!

This morning our Bible study group went over to the new house of one of our members. The house is out in Linkou... A bit of a drive. With my frozen shoulder, I couldn't do it, but Ariel, another gal from the group, drove!

The house is beautiful!

We had a fabulous time!

I got back and instead of going for a run, I took the elusive nap! So refreshing!

Then I tutored from 4-5pm.

Daily Lovely Insight:

I read a beautiful poem today as part of the Stream in the Desert Devotional:

Dear Restless Heart by Edith Willis Linn

Seek Him First!

The Power of Prayer!

Thank you to all who have been praying for me!

In my opinion, miraculously, the pain has diminished greatly... I am not taking pain killers and yet, I was able to 'operate'... I actually drove the car and rode the scooter. I could not do that yesterday. I can also type with two hands; another task which I could not do yesterday.

I went for a run!

I went and donated blood!

I dropped off batteries and bags at Carrefour for recycling!

I shopped at Costco! Yes, I did!

I mailed off a package for Isaiah!

Oh yes... Alan and Abby watched the Super Bowl! And according to Alan, it was an exciting game...

For dinner, I made burgers! They were a big hit! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Today was nice and chilly... I felt so blessed to be out there, running... My arm was feeling better and with the house 'cleaned', I was feeling so relaxed... Rejoice always... Give thanks in everything... 

Seek Him First!

Living with Pain & I'm the One Arm Bandit

I can't believe how painful this is getting...

I'm asking God to be merciful... I can't take care of Mom with a frozen shoulder... So either God will bring healing or He is going yo allow my mom to stay longer!

I tried to rest as I could not do much. We did a load of clothes... I like my old washer better.

Church was great. Abby led worship.

This evening we had Family Time.

I am not writing much because I'm typing with one hand.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Our identity defines what our mission focus is... And don't get faith and religion mixed up!

John the Baptist clearly knew his identity when asked the question: Who are you?

Seek Him First!

NOOOO... Frozen Shoulder!

 I have felt it coming for about four months now... With changing the sheet and bedding... I had herniated discs and my left shoulder had started to feel that weird pain when I lift it... 

Sure enough, last night, it started to become very bad. By this morning, it was in PAIN! By mid afternoon, I took a pain pill and slept... Abby got a hot water bottle and we were using it as a hot compress. It was very helpful!

Well... everything is cleaned... I just have a pile of things to give away. So, hopefully, there will be people who will want the stuff or I will cart it over for donation. 

I did not go for a run!

Before heading out to a friend's house, we dropped by the church to bring over a couple of containers and the push sweeper. At our friend's house, we watched King Richard and played mahjong. He ordered pizza and we brought dessert and fried zucchini. We didn't get home until after 12 midnight. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

I can't believe how one shoulder can cause so much pain!

I don't know how long this is going to last, but it is another reason why I'm asking the LORD to make that bed available for my mom to stay longer. Actually, I am afraid that when a bed becomes available, they might not be so willing to take her. That means I will have to look for another place and Mom will be at the bottom of the list. Daoshen is the only place where Mom was listed as #1 on the waiting list! 

I'm trusting the LORD to provide... daily strength... and all I need!

Seek Him First!

Yes, the Task is Not Yet Completed!

I love rising early... After my time with Jesus, I started organizing and cleaning again!

By 10:30, it was getting warm and I headed out for a run! A bit too hot... 

Completed 11km and took a quick shower to get back with the task.

By 1:30, I went out to run errands! 

And yes, upon returning, I continued! I think another seven hours would do it... So, I will be finished by Sunday!

I did go and get a hair spa treatment and then went to Carrefour to buy bleach and dinner!

It's nice not having Mom as I don't have to rush home!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

The Process Continues...

I enjoy getting up early and having a more relaxed and extended time with Jesus.

After that, I started the sorting and cleaning. We put the extra piece in our dining room table. I really like it. I went out again to run a few errands and then tutored from 1:30 to almost 4pm. Then I went back to cleaning again... 

We ordered burgers from a special burger place. They taste like In N Out, but they are very expensive! Abby went and bought fries and onion rings from the supermarket and I fried them up in the airfryer. What a YUMMY dinner!

This evening, we didn't do any cleaning... we watched No Way Home, the latest Spiderman movie! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Jesus wept... Jesus felt hurt, but he never let the hurtful things 'move' him from following and doing God's will. It thought that was a very wonderful reminder. While being accused, he was able to remain silent. What a stunning way to respond to rudeness or accusations!

Seek Him First!

The Washer Has Arrived! The House Is Still In Disarray!

The washer didn't arrive until 4pm!

The morning was a busy one... The sorting through things takes a long time! We are trying to make the area more spacious. That means there are many things to give away! We have one less metal shelf back there... So, the disarray is normal... 

I had to tutor from 1:30-3:30 and then met up and gave a small carry on of things away to an Indonesia student! I met her at the MRT Station and then ran a few errands before heading home!

The washer looks very nice... We have to try a load... But to put the house back in order will take at least another 36 hours! Yes, you read that correctly! All the dusting and cleaning and sorting and organizing... So, I'm not going to kill myself... I'm going to do this slowly over the course of the entire next week... and I'm praying that Mom will be able to stay longer... Because right now, you can't walk into her room. I put everything in there so that the living room and dining room and kitchen look 'clean'! 

I didn't even go for a run... And still no time for a nap!!!!!!!!! That elusive nap... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

So So So Nice!

I had a lot to do, but just to wake up and know I won't have to face doing a load of bedding from Mom's room was freeing... I got up at 6:33... and had a long extended time with God... no need to hurry... 

Then I took the car and ran errands -- laundry at the laundromat, library to pick up library book, Kingstone for a pen refill, then back to pick up the finished laundry. I brought it home to hang up and dry. Then someone called about my opinion for international school in Taipei. When I hung up, Alan and Abby were home. But we missed the Whirlpool guy. He was calling on Alan's cell phone, but he usually doesn't answer his calls. So, by the time I called him back, he didn't load the washer in the truck and was already off to do the delivery. We will get our washer tomorrow!

After a quick lunch, I headed out to pick up things from my friend who I've been helping. The car was not completely packed, but I got a good load of things to give away! I finally headed out for my 11k run. Again, no need to hurry... I didn't need to be back by 5:13 for "Mom Duty". Abby had tutoring and Alan fixed the shelves so that it would be ready for the back. He did a fantastic job!

I had Bible study in the evening via Zoom!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Psalm 90:17

This verse stirred me... God's favor to rest upon me... And for God to establish the work of my hands!

Seek Him First!

So NICE!

I can't describe how it feels... 

Alan and I were up early... He went to play tennis and I went to spend time with Jesus... No rush... Just to sit... 

Then I started clearing things so that we have a better walking path and room on the table to eat. I went for a run and Alan and Abby came home. When I got back, Alan had removed the door to the balcony and we were almost ready to get the washer down into the lobby as someone wants it. She can order the part and wait! 

When that was done, I went to Daoshen to drop off the vitamins and pills for the next 14 days! And I was told that Mom was doing her nasty habits... They all looked at me and thought I must be a super hero to have handle the mess for as long as I did! They kept telling me -- Ni Tai Bong La... Ni Hao Hao Shio Shi! (You are incredible. You need to have a good rest!) I asked that if a bed does become available, please consider my mom! But honestly, I don't think the two nurses want to take my mom in! One of them said, "I thought it was just eight days!" I could tell that she was the one who has been in charge of my mom and has had to do most of the work! I patted her and said, "I totally understand!" So please pray! They had had to wash several loads of laundry!

I came back and bought fruit, paid bills, and mailed two letters!

The evening was ... RELAXING! Abby was babysitting! I decided to take a nap while Alan watched a movie on Netflix!

Daily Lovely Insight:

"Be still", "Stand still", "Sit still" -- those phrases are said when God is going to do something on behalf of the difficulties we are facing.

I read that and can really relate! I need to remember that!

Seek Him First!

Back to Taipei!

We had a smooth drive back... So fast!

Alan did a run and went to the spa... then we went to TouCheng Old Street Breakfast Shop! The breakfast was absolutely delicious. We had no idea that there was a run in Taipei for eggs, so all the shelves were out of eggs! We should have brought some from Ilan!

We left at 11:15 and got back by 12noon! What a miracle!

We unpacked and I called Daoshen and begged them to let my mom stay until 2/21! They called me back by 2pm and said, "YES!" What a miracle!

We went to church at the new facility! And the new speaker, James Yu.

We had a fantastic service! A few glitches, but overall, it went well!

We talked with Isaiah! Watched NCIS and then had Family Time at 10pm.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Knowledge is taught... Passion is caught!

And if we love and are excited, we can't help but to tell others.

Andrew found his brother and said, "Come and see... the MESSIAH!" How was he so sure that Jesus was the Messiah? What happened in those few short hours of staying with Jesus?

Seek Him First!

Toucheng!

I still got up early even though we didn't sleep until 2:20. I wanted to spend time with Jesus... 

Then I sat down and started reading a book that they had on the coffee table. We were all in a relaxing mode! We decided to go for a workout and a spa shower then head out. I went out for a run. And while I was running, I literally ran into an old student from Ming Chuan. I had ran past her and I thought, "That looks like Jane!" I decided to run back around to take another look. She on the other hand saw me run by and thought, "That looks like Lovely!" So, she walked to the next corner, hoping to intercept me! And we 'ran' into each other at the next intersection! I came back and told Alan, and we decided to hang out with her for part of the afternoon and learn to play Petunque. She coaches that sport now at MCU. Before going to play, we had gone through the Old Street of Toucheng, bought special snacks, and ate at a Mexican Cantina. 

Yu-Chuan then invited us out to dinner... Ramen... and very delicious. She insisted on paying for the meal. We then went to her B&B that she bought along with 6 other friends. It's absolutely beautiful. One of her friends has a whale watching business. So, in March, we hope to come and do that! Again, she wants to 'treat' us to the whale watching!

We went back to the 6-star place that we're staying at and watched NCIS and talked to Isaiah. We packed up as we will need to head back tomorrow.

Daily Lovely Insight:

I am amazed at how the LORD brings about divine appointments... To see this student after almost 10 years. I taught her when I first came back to Taiwan. I remember the class as I had to teach all the soccer players and they had such poor English and learning attitude. But after one year, we came together and they all improved so much! Now, she is an associated professor and working to become a full professor at MCU. Still she calls me 'teacher' with great respect. As we talked over dinner, I will have to visit several of her classmates... one has a restaurant in Kenting, while another has a restaurant in Taipei. I believe the LORD will have more divine appointments for me in the near future!

Seek Him First!

What A Drive!

It was difficult to say good-bye... The time went by too fast!

We drove to Aaron and Jean's farm. What a blessing to see what the LORD has done at their place! They have chickens and veggies and fruit trees... And their house is beautiful!

We then started the drive up to TouCheng. We stopped at several places... but the stinky tofu line was too long... the line at the onion cake place was too long... We finally settled on a dinner box, bubble milk tea, and fried stuff! YUMMY!

Then the drive was horrendous... Alan did a great job! 

We stopped to get gas and had to go to the bathroom as we didn't know how long it was before we'd get there! It was like a parking lot... the GPS just kept moving arrival time back... 

We finally got to our friend's place (at 12:00am) and the place was spectacular! Stunning... the view... Abby wants to stay here for a week! She says it's better than a 6-star hotel!

Daily Lovely Insight:

God knits people's heart together... no matter the distance or the time between visits, prayer connects us! There is comfort knowing that our Faithful God will carry us through every season of our lives.

Seek Him First!

Did I Skip A Day?

I was trying to post every day while I am here... but we are having so much fun that I don't even have time to sit and write... 

Today, I did go for a run... and came back to homemade breakfast!

They made pancakes with blueberries and apple slices and bananas... then it was Chinese style breakfast with fried eggs and Hong Kong dimsum radish cakes plus mantao! Pumpkin homemade mantao!

Lunch and dinner are just as fabulous... Very amazing!

We drove to Taitung City and the traffic was bad... Not fun!

But we bought one box of custard apples and I'm going to buy two more boxes to give as gift! THey are so yummy! I want to support the local farmers. Taitung has changed so much... So many people are buying land and building... It's not a quiet place anymore... And like Taipei, it's no longer affordable!In the evening, Brian and Nancy had guests dropping by... 

Tomorrow we take off to Ilan! 

Daily Lovey Insight:

Nadab and Abihu... read that story... disobedience... an act of not seeing God as sacred... 

Seek Him First!

Taitong!

We are finally here... at Brian and Nancy's place... and we finally get to meet Aslan... 

I won't write much... 

But we are having a great time!

Daily Lovely Insight:

The drive down was so beautiful.

God makes all things beautiful!

Seek Him First!