Funeral Celebration & More...

I was up early... and went for my 10K as I knew I wouldn't have time otherwise... I overdressed... I was back and got Mom up and out. I didn't have time to take a shower right after I got home... I think that was a mistake as I started to feel the start of a sore throat.

Alan was home and I cut his hair. He wanted to watch the game which started at 9am. I took a shower and we were on the road to the memorial service. We got there three minutes before 11am. The service started at 11:30.

When that was finished, we went to our old house. We had a radiator heater to drop off for our great fixer guy to look at and Alan went to our old house and moved the office chair to the recycling!

We then went and got him lunch and finally got home at 3pm. I immediately went to take a nap. I could have slept for the whole afternoon, but I had to tutor. They were both there. It was a very long two hours... very long... the kids had to be motivated to get working... so I had to use my voice quite a bit. One kid sat on the sofa while we worked. I was at the dining room table, asking him questions about his assignments. I was finished at 6:33 and riding home in that cold weather was a bit tiring.

I made soup and drank some and laid down. I fell asleep and got up to get Mom to bed. Alan was at the dining room table with her! 

I wrapped gifts and got things ready for the big party tomorrow night. Isaiah and I are the hosts... I went to bed to rest... it's going to be a long day tomorrow!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Chilly Sabbath!

I was up and went back to bed after my time in the 'study'. I love the early morning hour!

I got Mom up and out and proceeded to sit and read... in bed. LUXURIOUS!

At 12:30, I went out for my run after eating half of a PB&J sandwich with coffee... YUMMY!

The run was nice... cold and drizzling.

I was home and took a quick hot shower and then made dinner for tonight. 

At 2:45, I left for my massage... LUXURIOUS!

On the way home, I went and bought diapers and dropped off the money for the boxes to the Philippines.

I made it back minutes before Mom got home!

The Israeli couscous and lamb and veggies came out so delicious. I had two bowls!

My tutoring cancelled and I had a free night after Mom went to bed. I found an old TV show: Mannix. Anyone remember that show? And I watched one episode.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Double Meetings Wednesday!

I was up early! Instead of going for a run, I baked chocolate chips cookies for the Complex Meeting tonight. It was a great use of time... I got Mom up and out and cleaned out the recycling and had just minutes to spare as I had an annual evaluation for my Mom at the Day Care Center at 9:30. I had my list of questions and suggestions. That meeting lasted until 11:15. Mom is still at Level 7. Level 8 is the highest. To get to that level, the person is pretty much bedridden or recovering from open heart surgery.

I scootered over to Brooks and they had fantastic news... 5 pairs of Caldera 6... and I bought one pair of 7... after the discount... 11,788NT$, less than 400US$. Each pair was less than 2000NT$, which was my annual set budget! I took two pairs and the rest will be delivered. That worked out well as I had no way to carry that many pairs...

Alan went over to drop off goodies for donation which are being shipped to the Philippines!

After a quick lunch and setting everything for Mom's dinner, I went out for my 10k. It was chilly and a bit windy... I was glad to be home and in the shower.

I had tutoring at 4:30 and I left a bit early to pick up some snacks that I had ordered!

Tutoring went well and I was home. After putting Mom to bed, I headed down for the final complex meeting. That went well... of course, it was still two and a half hours... but it's finished!

Alan had a meeting at 9:30... Please pray... May God be glorified. The meeting was related to House of Praise. 

Tomorrow is my SABBATH. I reserved a 90 minute massage! YIPPY!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Bible Study & Brooks Sale!

I was up early... and decided not to go for a run as I'd be rushed. Instead, I put in a load of laundry and got Mom up. She was coughing, so after giving her some bread, I also gave her some phlegm dissolvent syrup. It's prescription strength!

After she left, I got everything together and headed to my Bible study as I needed to reheat the dish and set up. We had only 5 ladies with one person online. Three of the sisters couldn't make it!

When it was finished, I didn't have to rush... that was nice. I cleaned up and locked up and headed to the Brooks running shoes bi-annual sale! They only had one pair of the style that I like in my size. They are going to see what else they can find. I will go back tomorrow. If I buy three pairs, I get an additional 30% off!

I was home and Alan and I worked on changing a plug as we had to move a piece of furniture to get to the socket. Then I went for a run while he took apart the top bunk and he moved it over to the old house! YIPPY!

I completed my usual 10k and was home to get Mom's dinner ready!

Tonight was Family Time and an online meeting... plus more issues with the complex... over the hanging of lights in the garden area... AIYO!

Tomorrow morning, I have to go for the annual evaluation for Mom and in the evening I will have my last complex meeting!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

No Tutoring... But Still Busy!

I was up early...As the boys were watching the game. So, the WiFi was on and after my time in the study, I called Abby and had a very nice long chat.

After Mom left, I got to cleaning... OK... so... our dear friend at church... her father passed away... so, she has this nice bed... electric... like a medical bed. Everyone wants me to have it... And to have it... I have to get the bunk beds to our old house. I have to reorganize the room... AIYO!!!! But everyone thinks it will be better for my back.

So... that's what's going on.

I went for a run and went to WGE to run 1k on the dreadmill at top speed... just to see if I can boost my VO2MAX. It was still at 48. I will try again another time... I only ran for 6 minutes... and I started on 10 and went to 11 and then to 12.

I went over to the old house... I had to clear out the stuff from the bedroom and give away two desks. one guy said he was coming, but he flaked. So, I reposted it! And the elderly couple has so much stuff... now it's everywhere. I'll be so happy when they move out!

I left at 4pm as I had to get home to get Mom's dinner ready. And I forgot to take out the chicken for our Bible study meal that I'm making for tomorrow.

The time flew by and Mom was back. 

Tonight... I had a free night... AHHHHHH....

By the way, the Chargers lost!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Relaxing Sunday!

I was up early as we have friends from HOP doing the first race that I've ever joined some 14 years ago. They were also running the half! I ran my first in 2010... I think it was also December 15th! Weird to think about. This year, the half started at 7am and they finished in 2:30 or so... Not bad... 

I then took down the clothes and tidied up the house and went to pick up the snacks that I had ordered before getting Mom out of bed!

She had her oatmeal and I gave her some coffee... Well... just before leaving for church, I smelled something. YUP!!!!!!!!!!!!

We were at church and helped with set up. I was sharing from Psalm 23:1-3. I truly enjoyed message prep! It's like teaching... I just love it!

We were home by 8pm and I got Mom to bed and put everything away! We got lots of dinner boxes as there were many people who did not come to church today. It was a very small crowd. A lot of people seem to be sick... And I got a message from my student. She had to cancel. She's also sick! So, no tutoring tomorrow... YIPPY!

The evening passed so fast... I had prayer time with a sister and headed to bed early. The week looks to be a busy one! Maybe more students will cancel... ha, ha, ha... 

Lovely Daily Insight:

Here are some images of our Shepherd:

He is our Gentle Shepherd as well as our Protective Shepherd! 

Remember that!

Seek Him First!

A Peaceful Saturday

I was up and went out for 12k and I hit 40! It was very chilly... which I love!

Then I was home and put the lamb leg into the oven, set for 7 hours. Four hours at 150 and the last three hours at 120. When I switch the temperature, I also put some veggies in to cook: carrots, pumpkins, potatoes.

I then headed out to this coffee shop that was going out of business. I got bags of creamer and syrup-- not for free! I was home and got Mom up and showered and eating!

Alan went over to the old house and broke down the desk so that it's ready for pickup on Monday. We are trying to get rid of things and get our old house 'restored'!

Isaiah went to church after coaching tennis. He was helping with the young adults event tonight.

The helper came at 5pm and we took off, picking up friends on the way.

The group for the dinner was small. We had a simple gift exchange. We didn't get home until about 11pm!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

The Temperature Is Dropping!

I was up early and went out for my run after Mom went to the Day Care Center! But I only had about 70 minutes, so it was a short run... I won't be hitting 50 or even 40 this week.

I was back and so was Alan. I took a quick shower and we were off in the car.

I had things to pick up... and then to drop off. After dropping off the juicer, we were in an area that had lots of little restaurants. We found a fabulous one and had a delicious lunch!

By the time that we finished, we both were already feeling tired. So, homeward bound... and nap time! I could have slept for a long time... but I had tutoring.

So, I got everything for Mom ready and took off.

Alan was home for Mom.

Tutoring went well and I was scootering back and the temperature had definitely dropped!

Alan took off for a special dinner, and after putting Mom to bed, I took off as well!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Lovely's Year In Review!

Yes... it's my personal newsletter... And I would lump this year as one of the three most difficult years of the seven years (by March 2025) since Mom moved to Taiwan!

But let me give you the 'Highlights':

In January, I ran 63.3 and got first in my age category!

In April, I did a full marathon as the last leg for the Challenge Taiwan Triathlon held in Taidong!

In June, Abby was home for 17 days... What a great time. We had our Family Pictures done!

In August & October/November, I taught a TOEFL class and a special project class for two different schools.

So, what made this year so difficult?

Being the Head Board Member of this complex and letting the other members change or sway my decisions. I should have stuck to my guns and insisted on keeping our original Management Company. The other board members had other ideas which made this year absolutely HORRIBLE!

Having renters who were detached from reality and hoarders... One has moved and two more will move by the middle of January 2025! The monthly cleaning became bi-monthly! I was already doing cleaning of poop, pee and diaper at home. I didn't need to be pulling double duty. I realized that I don't have the gift like Mother Theresa. 

Wanting to travel but not able to due to the care of my Mom, who was very unpredictable in her state of dementia. She was having three days a month of 'active state', but towards the middle of this year, it became two to three days a week.

The truth of the verse Romans 12:12 lifted and strengthened me. God led and taught me to rejoice in hope, persevere in suffering and constant in prayer!

What about 2025?

I won't be the head of the board!

The renters are moving out!

I will share only 7 times at HOP. I will continue to tutor 7 students, but no more! And my theme for this year is: Simplify and Glorify. This year's verse is from Mark 4:39!

Prayer Requests:

Connect to God daily! Follow Him!

Serve at HOP! Glorify Him!

Teach! Honor Him!

Run! Rejoice in Him!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Today was splendid! I am intentional about slowing down on my Sabbath. I went for a 9k run. My back is feeling so much better! After a quick shower, it was Mom Care. I put the belt on caring for Mom now! When she left and I had tidied things up, I sat on the couch and read! I finished another book by Max Lucado! At 11:30, I went out to run a few errands. And then after lunch, I went out to Marathon World, an annual Expo at the Soccer Stadium. It started today! I was home for Mom Care and this evening, I had to tutor! Alan and Isaiah worked and played basketball!

Seek Him First!

Slow-paced Wednesday

I was up early and felt so good about having time to rest...and hoping to go for a short run, which I did, but not until 10:10! I ran 8K and made it in 54 minutes. I couldn't believe it. My legs felt great!

I took a quick shower and started the meal planning! We had plenty of food in the fridge, so I made a big tub of salad. I got Mom's food ready as well. 

I had tutoring at 4:30 and again at 7:30, so it was a busy afternoon and evening.

It's always a rush as I get home and have to get Mom to bed before my evening tutoring starts.

Isaiah was home as Fenny is on a business trip in India. Otherwise, they go out for dinner on Wednesday night. He used the time to make my birthday card... 

Last night just when we had ended our Family Time, Abby told us to pray as a staff member fell off the roof! Please remember to pray for M who is in critical but stable condition. 

We also found out a dear sister at HOP lost her father yesterday. He was 96 years old!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Daily Improvements...

 I was up and after my time with God, I started the dinner in the crock pot. And it was amazingly delicious. I put in two vacuum packs of chicken, two potatoes, three carrots, one onion and I made this sauce to pour over it. And I let it cook for about 7 hours... Wow... 

I then rested before going out for a longer walk/trot. It was great! Of course, I wasn't going very fast.

I then rode my scooter to run a few errands: get gas for my scooter, and lemon juice at Carrefour. I headed home as Alan and I went out together to buy a leg of lamb for the dinner on Saturday evening. I found several recipes and I'm very excited to try... The process of marinating will start on Thursday night!

A friend came over at 5pm to look at dinner dishes and serving platters. She is having a big family dinner and will be cooking up a storm. 

Alan went down to pick Mom up! And I had her dinner ready!

Tonight we had Family Time!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

I'm Moving... VERY SLOWLY!

I was up and the sleep was great... 

After my time with the LORD, I could not run... 

I got Mom up and out and called Ms. Hsieh and went for 60 minutes... It helped to relax my back muscles. Then I had made an appointment for my hair to be trimmed... and the coupon included a wash and simple conditioning for 11US$. She was very nice and trimmed and trimmed and trimmed, not touching my hair in the front. Perfect!

I then scootered home, stopping at Costco on the way home. No egg nog... But I bought things for the Saturday dinner/gift exchange and I bought chicken as I am planning to make a dish at home. They had cookie dough on sale so I bought one of those... YIPPY! Next week is my last Complex Meeting and I'm planning to bake the cookies. Easy! And I'm sure very delicious!

I was home by 2pm and ate a simple lunch! A sister came over at 3:45 for our monthly prayer and sharing time. 

Mom was home and I had dinner ready.

Alan and Isaiah were home.

I got Mom to bed and I put in a load of wash and I had my Revelation study at 9pm.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Mom Bea, I thought you'd enjoy reading this quote!

Seek Him First!

Disc Herniated!

Yes, it's true... and it's not good...

I was up and got my Mom EARLY as I didn't deal with the poop situation last night... 

Well... while getting dressed after my time with God, I felt it. I should have slowed down... but my legs buckled and I felt it 'slipped'...

I put on the back brace, and took a pain killer, but I felt my whole back tightening up.

I worked to get Mom up and into the shower... and I had to do her cleaning. That was hard... I trimmed her hair, cut her nails... but not her toe nails... It was just too much.

While she ate, I sat and worked on my talk. I finished! YEAH!

We went off to church at 2pm. We had to leave earlier as moving was very slow for me and we didn't have Isaiah. Trying to get Mom to listen and follow instructions is not happening these days... 

We were at church and others were early... Wow... so I had help setting up! I didn't have to translate. That was good... I helped with cleaning up... again, moving very slowly...

I got Mom to bed and took two Advils. Isaiah was home and he put the massager on me... that felt so good!

This week, the weather looks so great... but I'm not sure if I will be running... WAHHHHHH... Please pray. I also have the daily care of my Mom!!!!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Oh, can you hear the angels' song, that rang so sweet and clear

When heaven's light and music fell, and mercy found us here?
"Glory in the highest, and on the earth be peace
Glory to God, " the angels sing

He came to tell the Father's love, His goodness and His grace
To show the brightness of His smile, the glory of His face
So, "Glory in the highest, and on the earth be peace
Glory to God, " Your children sing

His name shall be called
Wonderful, Counselor
Mighty God, Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace for all eternity, oh oh
His name shall be

He came to lift the weary ones, give peace and perfect rest
To take away our burdens and, to give a glorious gift
So, "Glory in the highest, and on the earth be peace
Glory to God, " the world will sing

His name shall be called
Wonderful, Counselor
Mighty God, Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace, for all eternity, oh oh
His name shall be
Wonderful, Counselor
Mighty God, Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace for all eternity, oh oh
His name shall be

One name above all others
One name that came to save us
Oh sing, "His name is, His name is Jesus"
(His name, sing His name!)
One name above all others
One name that came to save us
Oh sing, "His name is, His name is Jesus"

His name shall be called
Wonderful, Counselor
Mighty God, Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace for all eternity, oh oh
His name shall be, oh oh

His name shall be

We will be singing this song at our Christmas Eve Service!

Seek Him First!

Alan's Newsletter/Update!

I was up early and went out and I hit my 63.37... ha, ha, ha... I was trying for 63.36...

Then I worked on my talk and headed out to buy veggies... 

Isaiah took off to meet up with his co-workers as some of them are taking the bus to Ilan!

Alan went and played tennis.

I got Mom up and eating... and worked on my talk some more...

At 3pm, the helper came. We had been invited to a get-together with my co-workers from Ming Chuan... Yes, for every dinner or get together, I'm still on their invite list... It was a very casual Christmas event... The food was so fabulous.

Unfortunately, when we came home as I walked in the door of our house, I smelled the most foul odor... I walked into Mom's room and saw the mess... She had undone her gloves and proceeded with her bad habit... I cleaned what I could and will have to wait until tomorrow to strip everything! That's the problem with taking the time off and having a helper... you never know what kind of mess you'll find upon returning home!

Here is Alan's 2024 Highlights:

Traveling for five weeks during Chinese New Year—Three weeks in the States and two weeks in Brazil. Being with my daughter and seeing the ministry at Hope Mountain. Attending church with Abigail. Playing beach tennis. Meeting various supporters and staff of the ministry there. Helping out with coaching their sports 'teams'. 

Teaching at Soochow University – ICEE Week and being able to teach Speech and Debate classes. Not having to teach Night School. 

Being a part of EMAW, Every Man A Warrior, at House of Praise: Friday group at 5:30am. Isaiah attends the Saturday morning group at 7am. 

Traveling for twelve weeks during my summer vacation to the States and Brazil – Visiting two major cities in Brazil, Rio De Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Seeing the other campus of Hope in Campinas, near Sao Paul. Staying at one of the YWAM bases in Sao Paulo.  Attending three San Diego Padres games and going to the Chargers’ Opening Game against Las Vegas at the new SoFi Stadium. That was a real treat!

Joining a 12.5K run with Isaiah – It was a Nanshan sponsored run! I actually finished faster than Isaiah. The time limit was 100 minutes and I finished in 95 minutes! My goal was to jog non-stop, even though I had issues with my right hip. I told Lovely afterwards: NO MORE RUNS FOR ME! I won’t be signing up for another race, no matter what the distance!

Prayer Requests for 2025: 

Pray for my trip during Chinese New Year to the States. I won’t be going to Brazil! 

Pray for what the Lord is going to lead me to do in relation to summer 2025.  

Pray for wisdom as I witness to my students and handle issues with students who are struggling with depression. 

Pray for the expansion of the EMAW groups.

Pray for my role as an Elder at HOP.

My Bible Verse for 2025:

Pro 19:21  Many plans are in a man's heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand.

Pray that I will be a better listener when it comes to making any plans!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Repeat of Last Friday!

 I was up early and even though I was feeling tired, I went out for my 10k. I'm trying to reach 63.3K this week... ha, ha, ha... 

I got Mom up and out and then went to WGE for a shower.

Isaiah, Alan and I went to Burger King again, and of course, we first stopped at Coco for Alan's drinks. After lunch, we headed home as Isaiah had an appointment to get a haircut. I had tutoring. They were there. The two hours went by quite quickly and I was back on my scooter, heading home.

I had a salad for dinner and worked on my talk after Mom went to bed.

Isaiah had another dinner engagement with his co-workers and then he will be traveling to Ilan with them for the weekend. Unfortunately, he won't even make it to church!

Daily Lovely Insight:

The amazing gift of Emmanuel... 

Seek Him First!

Time for Sabbath

I was up early and went out for my 10k. It started chilly but ended up hot...

I got Mom up and out and then took down the clothes and put everything away. I then sat and read... 

I was going to work on my talk, but decided to do that this evening. This way I can spend the morning to observe my Sabbath. I made a fresh pot of coffee and had two cups... 

At 1:30, I left to pay three bills and get a massage. YIPPY!

On the way there, I also bought romaine lettuce and apples and Greek yogurt. 

I was home by 4:55 and got Mom's dinner ready. And I also drank a nice bowl of soup... so yummy!

After Mom went to bed, I worked on my talk... Alan and Isaiah were playing basketball, so I had th house to myself. I was thinking about going to Costco, but decided against it... And it was a wise decision.

Daily Lovely Insight:

This is so cute... I hope you can watch it...

watch

Seek Him First!

Fun Wednesday...

I was up and out... I didn't want to chance running later as I actually got sunburned the other day.

After Mom left, it was the recycling... 

And then I was up back home to eat a nice breakfast. The morning flew by... and it was time for me to head out to Soochow as the church has a rummage sale and I always support it. I give my Bible study students 100NT$ each and they have to spend and post pictures of what they bought. I also spend money... I bought a lot... shampoo, body wash, hand soap, kitchen wipes... they even had a bag of adult diapers... I bought those too... ha, ha, ha... I spent all the cash I had... 

I rode back home, stopping at WGE for my shower and a quick workout. Alan had a meeting and then went and dropped off a plastic storage unit for a friend... 

I rested for 20 minutes before heading out to tutor... Today, 4:30 and again at 7:30pm.

Isaiah had dinner out with his co-workers.

Overall, it was a fun day... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

I never get tired of this verse...

Seek Him First!

Soochow Study Finished for 2024...

It was a full-filling day...

I was up early and went out for my 10k.

Then I went to supervise the cleaning lady before going to take a shower and helping with Mom. After she took off, I headed to church. I wanted to set up and get the food in the little oven to heat it up. I had a lot to bring... 

The study went well and we had such an abundance of food... 

That ended late, but I was still able to get to Soochow by 1:01. I set up and we had five students... two didn't show up. It was our last time for this semester and we did a few Christmas games and I ended by inviting the kids to consider taking a step of faith in giving their lives to Jesus.

I was home by 4:10 as I didn't stop at WGE. I had too much stuff... and I was tired.

I cleaned up and laid down and soon Mom was home... 

It was a very short Power Nap!

Tonight we had Family Time!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Much Needed Catch-Up Monday!

I was up early as the boys were up at 2am to watch the game... The Chargers won... but it was pretty close!

I didn't go out to run, thinking it would be cool... Boy was I wrong?!?!?!

I decided to get out the Christmas decor before getting Mom up...

What do I mean by Christmas decor?

One strand of tinsel

One strand of lights

One small ceramic Christmas tree

Three small manger scenes and one larger one

THAT'S IT!

I love the simplicity and beauty of Christmas... 

After Mom left, I decorated and then worked on calling the social worker for Mom's evaluation that's coming up. The good news: I can start using the services even though the evaluation won't be until December 18th. YEAH! Then I took the time to sew Mom's pants... the elastic needed redoing... 

Finally at 11:08, I went out for my 10k. It was so blaring hot. My legs melted... I dragged myself home and took a shower. Forget going to WGE.

I had errands to run... Alan's candy canes to pick up, bills to pay, books to return, worksheet to copy off, eggs to buy. I got home and started making the carrot raisin bread for the Soochow Bible Study tomorrow. Very yummy! And I also made soy bean milk for my coffee... Again, very yummy!

Mom was back... and I had her dinner ready.

Tonight I had prayer time with two sisters... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

I love listening to Christmas music... and reading the Christmas passages.

Seek Him First!

Soochow 24hr Ultra and Others Things

I was up early and then went to Soochow to see the runners... Just astounding... To run for 24 hours around a 440 track and at such speed... The three runners, two men and one lady, were averaging 11-12k per hour, for 24 hours!

I went to WGE and then went and bought bread before coming home for Mom Care.

We left early for church because we had to pick up the guitar. Isaiah was leading worship and I was translating.

The service went well and we dropped off Fenny before coming home. I got Mom to bed and then I had two prayer appointments. 

What does this week look like? You already know the answer...

Oh... Abby has arrived safely back in Brazil... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Well... We've voted and the Family Verse has been decided... starting January 1st, 2025, I'll end with this verse:

Seek Him First!

 

End of November... Already!

I was up early and went out for my run as I had much to do this morning before getting Mom up.

I ran my 10 and hit 60K... yeah! I went to WGE for a quick shower and did only one machine and then I was scootering to Yang Ming Hospital to pick up Mom's medicine and prescription for the following two months. She doesn't really take any medication... only what is necessary to keep her 'asleep'... I waited for 20 minutes and then finally just knocked and asked the nurse if I needed to wait any longer as I'm only here to pick up the meds. 

On the way home, I stopped at Soochow to look at the 24hr ultra runners. Yes, they are going around and around and around for 24 hours! Camille Herron is here and there are runners from Japan, Australia, Ukraine and Malaysia. I will go again tomorrow.

I was home and got Mom up and eating her breakfast while I organized her clothes and did another load of clothes. 

Abby was in Houston so we sent messages back and forth before she got on her next flight! 

Isaiah went out with Fenny to celebrate his birthday... they are eating, eating, eating... Korean BBQ and then Afternoon Tea!

Alan went for a massage... 

I stayed home with Mom... 

After Mom went to bed, Alan and I drove to church to drop things off... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First

!

No Black Friday Here!

I was up and went back to sleep... I was so tired...

I started a load of laundry and got Mom up and out. Then I hung up the clothes and went out for my usual 10K. It was warm even though the temperature was below 20.

I was home and Isaiah had taken the day off. We all went to Burger King for lunch and we also dropped off things at Soochow as they will have a Christmas Rummage Sale next week.

We were home and I had tutoring at 4:30.

This evening after Mom went to bed, we headed off to a friend's house for dinner.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Read verses 4-5... God is amazing...

Seek Him First!

Happy Birthday, Abby!

I was up and out... and yes, I got back and got Mom up and out... 

After a quick shower, I went to drop off the donation and then scootered to Banqiao. I got there by 11:00, super early. I sat in the lobby and ate my sandwich.

Class went well... and I scootered to the old house, stopping to get a nice bowl of soup!

I cleaned and sorted and a friend came to look at the place. It's too far for her. That's ok... God knows.

I was scootering back home as Mom was due home. I popped her dinner in and rushed downstairs.

Now... for Abby's Update:

    I’ve been in Brazil for a year and 8 months and 2 weeks. Wonderful things have happened this year including meeting new friends from church, joining different ministries, and also going for a visit to Taiwan! 

 

    I want to start out by praising God for everything He has done and will do. Indeed, He is a faithful Father. As I was reading last year’s recap, I noticed that God answered a lot of my prayers. 

 

    Here are some highlights, updates and prayer requests:

 

    The first highlight would be that my dad was able to visit me twice this year! Which missionary get to have their dad visit them not once, but twice in one year? I’m very blessed. My dad has really become a source of encouragement for me as he was literally one call away from many rough times. I believe God really used my dad to speak into my life. My mom has always understood me and would also be there to disciple and love me. But because my dad had visited me twice, he understands first-hand what I’m going through. I cannot be morethankful for my parents’ support and love. Every time I think of my family, I get teary eyed. In Proverbs 20:7, “The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.” I keep sharing this with others how my parents have set a righteous and blameless examples for me and my brother. And all I have and all I am now is just living under the blessings of my parents’ faithfulness to our Creator. And I thank God for this. 

 

    The second highlight would be being able to connect with more young adults and form a bond with them. Earlier this year, through a friend, I was able to meet another friend which of course led me to meeting lots of other people. If you follow my blogs, you will see the great friends God provided for me. This made me feel like God was using these friends to take care of me. “Oil and perfume makes the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.” Proverbs 27:9

   

   So far, I’ve been able to help out with our adult cell group and girls cell group. I’ve been able to help out with our new church with the worship team and the multi-media team. My priority has been to help Bella with her school. So that has had many ups and downs but God is good. I’m still learning as to how to be a learning coach for her. But by God’s grace, He has helped me and taught me to rely on Him. I’m still a part of the girls volleyball team which has been good. My dog has been doing well. He is as old as I’ve been in Brazil. So he is very special to me. 

    

Prayer Requests:

My Portuguese to continue to improve. 

My life direction. It’s a weird feeling because I usually know quite clearly what my goals are. I do sense that changes are coming. 

My ministry. I want to continue to serve as the Spirit leads.

My relationships with others. I don’t want to pull away from others due to the feeling that I don’t belong. I know that’s a lie.

Hope Unlimited. In November we were in the States, speaking at many churches. Pray for wise leaderships, abundant donations and God’s continued provision. 

    

    Thank you all for your love, support, and prayers. Prayer makes a big difference. God bless you all!!!

Oh... for this year, I want to choose Philippians 4:4-7 as my personal verse!

___________________________________________________________________________

Daily Lovely Insight:

I finished my subbing out in Banqiao... And I'm quite tired tonight... but I had tutoring at 7:30... Isaiah went to the Imagine Dragon Concert. Alan had basketball tonight... God indeed is the source of my strength!

Seek Him First!