Merry Christmas

As darkness descends over Taiwan,  Christmas 2016 draws to a close. Just in time for Christmas to begin in Ohio.

My thoughts are of Christmas' past.  

Coffee percolating.

Cinnamon roll aromas wafting from the oven.

Presents.

Many of my favorite and most remembered memories are wrapped and sprinkled with holiday traditions; traditions such as caroling, Christmas eve cantatas, candle light services.

As parents, Carl and I blended traditions from our childhoods into new traditions for our family. Traditions are the skeleton onto which Christmas is built.

Many of those traditions were altered when we moved to Taiwan. A new structure was needed in which to hang our celebrations and festivities. 

Once again, time has moved on, ever changing and rearranging.

Instead of six, we are three.

But the show must go on.

A Taiwan Christmas tradition, created to fill the gap of missing friends and family, was to get out of town. Every Christmas finds us spending some time in Kenting. Kenting is special because it is the beach town. While being  hot and crowded in the summer, it is not in December.

If we are lucky, the weather gives us at least one nice day at the beach.

This view will never grow old!

This year we were EXTREMELY lucky.

We not only got two days of warmth, but three! Not bad for December. Each day was bright and sunny, if not  bit windy at times. The temperature in the mid 80's, making sitting on the beach with an occasional dip in the water, very enjoyable! 

The "haunting "dog was haunting Carl!

Witch's Hat- once climbable, but now off limits!

Our days were filled with sun, friends, and food!

Ocean Blue- Thai food.

Noodle shop

Arriving home, we jumped right back into Christmas mode: shopping, baking, and wrapping!

Meanwhile back in Ohio, Nick, Ben, and Abbi were being reintroduced to Christmas- American style.

Too grown up! 

Off to Christmas eve services with my sister and her family.

All by himself!

Early Christmas morning, we joined my family's traditional Christmas eve gathering via the internet. While hugs and kisses were not possible, it was the next best thing.

Our Taiwan Christmas traditions continued on as normal, but in a much smaller fashion.

The internet will once again be employed to join Nick, Ben, and Abbi at Carl's dad house Christmas afternoon. This, of course, will require another early morning skype call.

But, that's ok. Its a sacrifice I am willing to take!

A new tradition in the making!

Merry Christmas!

Busy Busy Busy

No matter where you live, this season just seems to be filled with a never ending list of things to get done.

You would think living in a country where Christmas is not a national holiday, December would be more relaxed and laid back.

Not!

Of course, working and living on an American school might be the reason for the busyness this time of year.

But, I am not complaining. Being busy helps me not miss these three quite as much.

Both Nick and Ben have safely arrived in Ohio. Friday morning, they went to pick up Abbi at Ashland. While I am sad that they are not on a plane to sunny, warm Taiwan, my heart is content that they are together, not only with each other, but also friends and family. 

This week found me walking my first 5K!

 I was going to run/walk a 3K,  but I didn't get out of a meeting early enough to change into the appropriate clothing. Wanting to support our 3 - 5th girls after school running club,  I showed up anyways and walked. Somehow my 3K became a 5K!

That evening, my muscles complained about the change of plans!

A favorite moment of this week was Friday morning. In an effort to share a treasured holiday tradition; I took my class caroling. Luckily, the weather somewhat cooperated. The mercury took a slight plunge, so the wearing of hats, scarves, and mittens were actually welcomed instead of endured!

After students were dismissed Friday, our staff enjoyed a lunch of grilled hamburgers and African sausage. Our superintendent and his wife, the director of Human Services, prepared a meal for all the staff and their families that evening. 

While my stomach was happy by Friday evening, the rest of me was quite exhausted. So when a scooter ride was proposed Saturday morning, I was willing and eager to comply!

Out of the city and up into the hills!

I can't think of a better way to relax and rewind after a busy week.

Please remember to pray for all the Christmas outreaches that will take place around the world this week. Many will hear about the gift of salvation for the very first time. It is my prayer that the eyes of their hearts will be open to the truth and love of Jesus.

Will you join me in that prayer?

Ho! Ho! Ho....Hum

Well. Here we are.

December 11.

Christmas is a mere two weeks away.

I have to be honest. I am having trouble feeling excited about Christmas this year.

While everyone around me is happily putting up their tree and decorations, I am slogging through holiday ups and downs.

In years past, when asked what she wanted for Christmas, my precious mother-in-law would answer without hesitation... 

"All I want is my kids home for Christmas!"

At that time in my life, it was impossible for me to totally comprehend the depth of her request.

This year I can honestly say, "I get it."

The little tree in my classroom

Last Saturday, I unpacked the dismantled Christmas tree. This is a job I haven't had to tackle since Abbi was old enough to organize her brothers. Together, they would sort the branches, eventually attaching them to the center post. Under their young hands, the tree would be transformed from a mangled heap of green into a regal Christmas tree. Afterwards, Abbi would take upon herself to carefully run the lights up and down the branches. 

I was going to ask Jacob to help me, but he was cleaning his room. I wasn't about to end that miracle, so I proceeded on my own. 

Sunday afternoon, I took out the strands of light and began attaching and arranging. With only the bottom third covered, my forward progress stopped. None of the remaining strands worked. 

In America, a quick trip to Walmart would easily remedy the situation. 

Not so here in Taiwan. A 100 light strand costs the equivalent of 30 American dollars.

Obviously, I needed to change my way of stringing the lights on in order to make the lights that did work cover the tree. So off the tree came the lights. Fortunately, a coworker shared a couple extra strands of light with me. 

The tree in the school atrium.

A wave of emotion threatened to surface as I lifted Nick, Ben, and Abbi's ornament boxes from the tree box. Each year, they hang their personal ornaments on the tree. Not so this year.

Only Jacob's ornaments will grace our tree this year.

Many of my coworkers' college children will be arriving throughout this week. I am so happy that their loved ones will be coming home for the holiday season. But, I must admit, I am a bit  jealous. 

While Carl, Jacob, and I will be celebrating Christ's birth here in Taiwan, Nick, Ben, and Abbi will be together in Ohio with our families. I guess this is what they call growing up. 

And about those ornaments? I decided to take some from Nick's and Ben's boxes and hang them up myself. Via modern technology, Abbi was able to choose a few from her box and helped me decide which branches they should hang on.  

Our tree finally completed.

I am so thankful for the technology that allows me share a tiny slice of tradition with my daughter.

It is the same technology that will allow me to be a part of their Christmas even though we are half a world apart. 

All this gives me a new respect for the missionaries who served before the internet existed. Only letters, cards, and brief phone calls allowed them connections with their families. I am only now beginning to understand the commitment and dedication it must have required.

So, as Christmas approaches, please take time to say a prayer for a missionary. It is during this season that the sacrifices they and their families have made are the most evident.

Thank you for supporting us through your thoughts and prayers!