Welcome 2014

Happy New Year!

Yes, my wishes are late. but heartfelt, nevertheless. I pray that the first days of 2014 have rejuvenated and energized your spirit. May this be a year filled with love, joy, and faith.

We ushered in the new year in one of my favorite places- Hualien. And with some of my favorite people- the Bettinger and Heebner families!

For four days, we ate, we played, we fellowshiped, we traveled, we enjoyed. Below are pictures from our time together. I realize I post a lot of ocean and mountain pictures. If you are tired of these, consider yourself warned.

A tea shop with the perfect name!

We drove 2 and 1/2 hours to visit a place called Monkey Bridge. Here throughout the day, monkeys living in the surrounding mountains, gather in hopes of a handout. Sometimes as many as 30 monkeys can be observed close up and personal. After driving and stopping far more than the alotted 150 minutes, we arrived to only be served a major disappointment. Greeting us, instead of those beloved mammals, was a man with a long stick and strong words. "Go back, get in your cars," he said. "The monkeys have rabies. Many have died and the others have become aggressive. People have been bit. Leave quickly!" Naturally, that was the English version of what he said!

Rabies have just come to Taiwan. How sad! The fellow below rambled up the road. As quickly as Carl could snap his picture, the man chased the monkey back up into the seclusion of the woods and hills.

New Year's day was spent barbecuing on a nearby beach. Our gang was joined by fellow OMS missionary families- the Williamsons and Dinnages. A great start to 2014!

Thank you for sticking with me this past year! I appreciate all those who take the time to read and hopefully enjoy this blog! Have a great 2014!