I made an unofficial midyear new year's resolution.
Is that allowed?
Well, even if its not, I did.
During these past two years, weekends were basically "catch up and prepare for the week ahead" days. I would spend as much time in my classroom on Saturday and Sunday as I did during the week.
But not this year. At some point this past summer, I remembered something about Sunday being a day of rest. And boy, do I need rest. So I decided to reclaim Sunday as a non-work day.
I have endeavored to maintain that status through out the first 14 weeks of this school year.
I must say God knew what He was doing when He wrote that commandment!
Carl and I have two types of Sundays- Shalu Sundays and non-Shalu Sundays.
Today is a non-Shalu.
I am relaxing.
Last Sunday was a Shalu Sunday, but not our typical.
The day began at 9am when we picked up our friend and wonderful translator, Sharon. We then headed off into the foothills of the Taiwanese mountains.
At one of the numerous multi-purpose 7-11 stores (I really need to do a blog about 7-11 one of these days), we met the rest of our friends. Today was more about ministering to some of the families active in the group.
Carpooling to a mountain region national park, we parked the cars and headed into God's creation.
Hiking a short way, we claimed a scenic area for praise and worship. Carl then shared a short devotional.
We also visited one of the hot springs, partaking of its warming offerings.
We have no pictures from this part of the adventure because:
1. My camera is not waterproof.
2. We were required, both men and women, to wear bathing caps.
Enough said.
Think of a large hot tub. No bigger. No think even bigger. Its like being in a hot tub with 50 to 60 of your closest friends.
At this point the light was fading and darkness approaching. Sunday evening darkness always leads to Monday morning blues. My mind switched from tourist to teacher.
On our way back into civilization, we stopped at a restaurant which served traditional Hakka dishes. At a table large enough to seat all 16 of us, we feasted on rice and various delicious dishes. My favorite was the sweet and sour fish.
It was a long day, chocked full of new and interesting adventures.
Today is a non-Shalu.
I am relaxing.
Last Sunday was a Shalu Sunday, but not our typical.
The day began at 9am when we picked up our friend and wonderful translator, Sharon. We then headed off into the foothills of the Taiwanese mountains.
At one of the numerous multi-purpose 7-11 stores (I really need to do a blog about 7-11 one of these days), we met the rest of our friends. Today was more about ministering to some of the families active in the group.
Carpooling to a mountain region national park, we parked the cars and headed into God's creation.
Hiking a short way, we claimed a scenic area for praise and worship. Carl then shared a short devotional.
After we ate a Chinese style picnic lunch of flower sushi, steamed vegetable buns, and oolong tea, we continued our hike.
The view was beautiful, the companionship priceless.
We came across this temple, out in the middle of no where, quietly tucked in among the lush vegetation.
The setting was gorgeous. Three large boulders formed the walls.
Evidently, however, the little temple had identity problems. While the symbols were those of Taoism, the statues and music in the background were of Buddhism.
Evidently, however, the little temple had identity problems. While the symbols were those of Taoism, the statues and music in the background were of Buddhism.
While we were standing there, this gentleman paused during his hike to "bai bai" (worship).
The rest of our family Shula day were spent in Gouguan. This town is well known for its hot springs. Our first adventure involved soaking our feet in a shallow pool where tiny fish gently feasted on the dead skin.
It tickled.
The rest of our family Shula day were spent in Gouguan. This town is well known for its hot springs. Our first adventure involved soaking our feet in a shallow pool where tiny fish gently feasted on the dead skin.
It tickled.
We have no pictures from this part of the adventure because:
1. My camera is not waterproof.
2. We were required, both men and women, to wear bathing caps.
Enough said.
Think of a large hot tub. No bigger. No think even bigger. Its like being in a hot tub with 50 to 60 of your closest friends.
At this point the light was fading and darkness approaching. Sunday evening darkness always leads to Monday morning blues. My mind switched from tourist to teacher.
On our way back into civilization, we stopped at a restaurant which served traditional Hakka dishes. At a table large enough to seat all 16 of us, we feasted on rice and various delicious dishes. My favorite was the sweet and sour fish.
It was a long day, chocked full of new and interesting adventures.
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