Happy Anniversary

So, technically, it wasn't our anniversary, but like I have been told so many times, its the thought that counts! Our anniversary is April 23, but unfortunately, due to testing, that date was unavailable for a personal day. So we settled for today, April 10.

Nineteen years, four children, and two continents... Hmmmm, how to spend the day?

Carl had a plan.

During my first trip in Taiwan, I became acquainted with a place called The Shacks. I was reunited again the summer of 1993.  Greasy but stupendous food- especially the sweet and sour pork. Two decades later its still around.

So unbeknownst to me, Carl located The Shack (there's only one now where before there were several) on google, memorized the directions  (trust me, you don't drive in Taiwan and read directions all at the same time), and successfully maneuvered our scooter through the streets of Taichung.

The following pictures are not for the faint of heart- especially if you work for the US department of health. But the food is yummy!

The Shack

The prep area.

The view from my seat!

Delicious! Delicious!

Cute pup whose bed was next to our table.

After our yummy lunch, we drove to Fridays where we devoured a delectable dessert! Stuffed and satisfied, we headed out of town. A friend had told us about a great hiking trail, so our goal was to find it and hike it. In the process, we made a new "friend"-- a very large, long-toothed, ferocious looking, fast running canine. We made its acquaintance on a secluded, winding narrow mountain road. He must have been lonely because he was determined to meet us....or maybe he just wanted the meat of us? Luckily, the road straightened out just in time for Carl to gun the engine and pull away before my leg became an anniversary dinner.

Yikes! Does knowing this make it any safer? 

We had several trails to choose from and finally decided on one that was considered an easy hike and child friendly. The sign was wrong. The original path  had been washed away, a new path created-- not easy and not child friendly at all!

As the sun began slipping down toward the horizon, we quickly realized this was not a good spot to be caught at after dark. With little sunlight left, we turned around and rushed back to the scooter. 

 I am so glad that God brought Carl and I together. His plan for our lives has been and will continue being better and more amazing than I could have ever imagine. Can't wait to see His plan for the twentieth year of our marriage!