Friends and Coworkers

And, yes, another goodbye.

Although, this one is not the result of graduation.

It is also not, a long term goodbye, just a brief, see you in five months, goodbye.

I have been friends with Don and Marla for a long time. They were just finishing up language school when I first arrived in Taiwan twenty some years ago.

The friendship strengthened despite the distance between Ohio and Taiwan. 

Since our arrival, we have enjoyed many meals, vacations, and laughter.

Recently, we gathered along with Anna, Michael, and several other former coworkers to wish Don and Marla safe travels as they returned to USA for a shortened time of home service. Besides helping their youngest son get settled into a new life in California, they will be visiting supporting churches, including our home church, Faith Worship Center in London, Ohio. 

During our afternoon and evening of fellowship, we visited a tea shop where we enjoyed delicious traditional tea. 

Made in the traditional Chinese tea pot, the experience is quite different than having tea with a friend in America.

Tea cups are small and frequently refilled. I have no idea how much I drank, because Michael kept  my cup full no matter how much I drank. Unlike American tea, this tea is not sweetened. 

Small dishes of plums, peanuts, and pineapple cake were served, also. Michael's kids preferred the mass produced tea sold at a nearby convenient store!

Upon leaving the tea shop, we travelled to the other side of town to enjoy a meal with several other former coworkers of Don and Marla's. 

We basically took over this small restaurant, eating and fellowshipping for hours. While we knew most of these precious brothers and sisters in Christ, a few were knew to us. It was a joy to catch up with some and meet others for the first time.

In case you wondered.... I had a delicious meal. The main dish was a stew of mushrooms and tofu. The sides included stir-fried cabbage, some greens, steamed egg whites, and the customary white rice. Carl, of course, disapproved of my meatless dish. I, on-the-other-hand, found it delicious and fulfilling. 

I wish every goodbye could be this tasty!