Signs

It' s December.

I don't need a huge imagination to know what that looks like in America. 

This morning as we were eating breakfast, I pulled up one of those Christmasy play lists. It naturally was accompanied by wintery Christmas scenes. I felt a pang of homesickness. The softly falling snow. The brightly shining strands of Christmas lights. The immensely huge village center Christmas tree. I almost booked myself a flight to Ohio.

But, common sense, of course, kicked in.

Living in a country where Christmas is NOT a national holiday can be quite disconcerting.

My first year, I had a seasoned missionary give me some advice concerning the Christmas holiday. She told me to LIE. 

What?

No, not LIE.

L-Y-E

Lower Your Expectations.

It's just not the same.

Christmas is such a big part of American culture.

I've been told that at one point Taiwanese Christians asked for Christmas to become a national holiday. The government considered, but quickly realized if they made a national holiday for the birthday of the Christians' God, then all the other gods' followers would want their god's birthday to be a national holiday as well.

So, unlike America, Christmas is truly a religious holiday.

That being said....

It's December....

And it's beginning to look like Christmas even here in my little corner of the world.

The first sign appeared almost magically. It was the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. This tree was not there when I walked through the atrium on my way to my classroom. By lunch time, there it was! Perhaps the school employed some elves.

Then came this display, perhaps the most Christmasy thing I have seen while living here! Thanks to Hola, an asian version of Bed, Bath, and Beyond.  Next weekend is the school's second annual Christmas Bazaar and Hola wanted to get a head start! It makes me feel like I'm in an American mall doing some last minute shopping.

Saturday, I paused from lesson planning to set out my beloved snowman collection, a sure sign that I am getting into the holiday spirit. This will be the only "snow" I experience this December.

Another sure sign of the things to come was the first Sunday of Advent this morning at church. Done in English, with Chinese subtitles, I love that three nationalities were represented.

Not to be out done by the school's huge tree, I set up this little thing in my classroom this afternoon. Tomorrow each student will get to hang an ornament. Many of their families do not celebrate Christmas, so this will be a treat!

And in anticipation of all the Dingi family being together this Christmas, the stockings were hung. 

No fireplaces in our apartments, so the kitchen island has to do.

The most festive sign however is outside.

That's our building and for the first time in the three years we have lived on campus, everyone in our tower has decorated their balcony! It's a beautiful sight. I will add that balconies are much easier to string lights onto than a two story roof. And no hats, mittens, or coats were required in the process.

And, yes. That is the moon. How nice of it to be at the right place at the right time!

Christmas is coming.

Very few in Taiwan understand the significance,

But, that's why we are here!

Merry Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving

As normal, Thanksgiving was not normal.

Thanksgiving, for me, began last Monday at our annual K2 Thanksgiving Feast. 

We believe firmly in the division of labor.

First grade parents decorate.

Second grade parents serve the food.

And because, we let the Kindergartners and their families eat first, they do the clean up! 

That evening, I partook in my second Thanksgiving Feast. We were once again joined the Stacey Dorm as they celebrated with traditional Thanksgiving meal. 

As always, Penny's decorating talent amazes me!

This was much more tasty and inviting than the "feast" from earlier in the day. Even though the cooks are not American, they did a good job on some of the traditional classics: roasted turkey, green bean casserole, stuffing, rolls, and mashed potatoes with gravy.

 Thanksgiving Day was not spent with our biological family members, but rather with our mission family- an extended family of the heart!

Every year, we gather  for several days to worship and fellowship together.

This year, we traveled four hours to the southern tip of the island. We stayed at a resort consisting of little cabins. The location was restful and serene, nestled in the foothills, with the ocean just a short drive away. Our little cabin came to us with an added bonus- a four legged one.

Early Thanksgiving morning, before sunrise, I heard Jacob moving in the room. It sounded like he was looking for something in the dark. After a few minutes, I asked him what he was doing. He was in bed, he sleepily replied. Uh oh! 

At five am, Carl and Jake successfully isolated the little guy in the bathroom. Unfortunately, there was a gap between the edge of the floor drain and the floor where we couldn't het to him. So, we shut the door. As Carl went back to sleep, Jake and I listened as that little fellow did everything he could to escape. 

Later that morning, he stayed hidden as we showered and prepared for the day. That afternoon, we moved to another cabin, hopefully mouseless.

 Since our options for a Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving Day were very limited, our retreat organizers settled on Smokey Joes, a western restaurant. I chose smoked chicken spinach ravioli. Not Thanksgivingish, but certainly delicious! Carl's meal was even less traditional- chorizo served over rice. Jake had a hamburger!

After our meal, the teens asked to visit the go cart track..

It was here I realized that perhaps Taiwan lawmakers were very wise to make 18 the legal age to drive in Taiwan! 

 Of course, a trip to Kenting isn't complete with out a hiking adventure. (Don't worry Nick, Abbi, and Ben. We didn't make Jake do the same old hike. This was a new one!)

It was a great time of resting and reconnecting.

And as you can see in the above picture, an adventure in breaking the traditional Thanksgiving food options!

Thanksgiving isn't about the food you eat, or where you are, or what you do. It is all about the attitude of your heart. Despite the fact, that I missed Nick, Ben, and Abbi, as well as the rest of our families, there was plenty to be thankful for....

I am thankful for the opportunity to get out of the city.

I am thankful for the time spent with Carl and Jacob.

I am thankful for my OMS sisters and brothers in Christ.

I am thankful Mickey, the cabin mouse, didn't climb into bed with me!

Love Never Fails

It's been a hard week.

There's no way to sugar coat it. Sometimes life just stinks.

Sharon, one of our dorm parents, lost her battle with cancer Friday afternoon. 

Her involvement with our community began as a student. She later returned as an employee. Always joyful, always positive. She was a person everyone enjoyed being with. I loved to sit near her during soccer or volleyball games, because she cheered loudly and often  shouted out encouragement to the athletes on both sides of the net or field. I'm not an outward shouter, but often she shouted out what I was thinking. Thanks, Sharon!

Her earthly departure has left an immense hole in our community. Her circle of influence reached past the students in her dorm. Family, friends, coworkers, students have all been touched by her life.

However, our tears of sadness are not for her.

She is healed.

She is in the presence of God.

It is for her husband and three sons that our hearts break.

Unlike most occupations, being a dorm parent is a partnership that is an extension of a healthy marriage relationship. Their home. Their work. All wrapped up together. Her husband, not only lost his wife, but the other half of his ministry, 

My heart was heavy with sadness Friday evening. 

Early Saturday, Carl received a message from Nick and Ben. They were four hours into a thirteen hour drive from Oklahoma to Ohio. They were to join Abbi and spend Thanksgiving with my mom and sister's family, but the car was experiencing transmission problems. Their current location was in the middle of no where and night was just around the corner. Should they push on or should they turn around?

Carl made the call. 

So they turned around.

My heart sunk just a little bit more.

Now, I know they are grown up boys, and are very capable of taking care of themselves, but they are still my kids. Nick had not seen Abbi or his grandparents (my mom, Carl's dad) since last Christmas. The last two Thanksgivings, Ben stayed in the dorm. Turkey potpie being his Thanksgiving meal. The frustration of driving ten hours and having no satisfaction of arriving. The worry of the cost to get it fixed.

It just makes me sad.

But, God is, and always will be in control.

He wasn't surprised, or caught off guard.

He knew.

We may not know why certain things happen, but God does. He knows the past, the present, and the future. We do not. His word promises that he works things for the good to those who love him.

God has a plan.

Just because we don't see it or understand does not mean it doesn't exist.

I remembered this as we sang this morning in church.

Higher than the mountains I face.

Stronger than the power of the grave.

Constant through the trial and change.

One thing remains.

This one thing remains.

Your love never fails, never gives up.

Never runs out on me.

Please pray for the McGill family. 

Please pray for the college MKs and international students far from their families this holiday season.

Please pray for those who do not have the hope, joy, and peace of a relationship with the Creator God through Jesus Christ, His son.

Because without him, you truly have nothing.

Jake's Turn

 Nick never did it.

But, Ben did, and then a year later was  Abbi's turn.

And now, two years later, finally came Jacob's turn.

What is  it?

The Junior Carnival!

Every year, in the month of November, the junior class takes on an enormous task that tests their leadership, cooperation, and building skills.

It begins the year before, when as sophomores, they 

clean up after the festivities.

A theme is discussed, tossed around, and eventually voted upon. This theme is a matter of extreme secrecy. Jacob's class voted to make their junior carnival theme State Fair.

The entrance to this year's Junior Carnival.

With just a class sponsor and some additional adult support, they plan, design, advertise, build, and carry out a carnival like event with games, activities, and food. Where else in Taiwan could you buy cotton candy, caramel apples, and a funnel cake?

Can you find Jake?

I can say with great confidence it is by far the highlight for most of the elementary students. The great thing is the evening is open to the community as well. Families and students from the surrounding community come to taste some American food and experience a window into American culture.

Juniors get all day Friday to set up and prepare which only adds to the elementary students' excitement.

Which is great, because the more attendees, the merrier and, more importantly, the greater the profit. With the earnings, the class will treat the senior class with a Junior Senior Banquet, buy a gift for the graduating seniors, finance their own senior trip, and give a gift to the school upon their own graduation. That's a lot of motivation to make their carnival the best that it can be!

Game booths provide fun for all ages.

Some of my students enjoy a rickshaw ride through the State Fair.

I had to find alternate routes to our various specials. If my students had seen this......

To hype up the event, as well as announce the theme, a video is usually written, directed and produced by a group of juniors. Jacob thought he would be a part of that, but when he was tapped to lead the group designing, building, and carrying out the popular haunted house, he changed his focus from tech to good old fashion hammer and nails.

An older house on the darker side of campus thought often to be haunted by many students provided the perfect avenue to "build" a haunted house. Once again, totally student lead, they dug in and spent hours planning and creating. Carl provided expertise in the tool area, as well as keeping an eye on safety.

Jake's team took their project to the next level by creating a younger kid "not too scary" version. They spent many weekends and after school hours perfecting their contribution.

On the evening of the carnival, I was up to my elbows in caramel apples so I didn't get to experience the finished project, but I heard that between 200 and 300 people screamed their way through the darkest house on the campus. As a mom, I was proud of Jacob taking on such a huge challenge.

A zip line and obstacle course tested their bravery and fitness.

Keeping to the theme, a pie contest was held.

In the past five junior carnivals, fireworks have been the finale to the evening. This year was no different.

A huge crane held up this fireworks sign. It stayed lit for several minutes.

This was probably the best fireworks display I have seen here in Taiwan. That's saying a lot since fireworks are extremely popular and not regulated to one holiday. 

I was so tired by 9pm after teaching all day and standing at a food booth all evening, I almost went home. If I had I would have missed one of the best parts of this year's Junior Carnival!

Awesome Fireworks Display


While I am sad that Nick never got to be part of this experience, I am glad that Ben, Abbi, and Jake did. Not all learning is confined to a classroom. 

Disclaimer: My phone battery died early in the evening, so I "borrowed" most of these pictures from FB friends.If a picture looks familiar to you- THANK YOU!

Halloween in Taiwan

Goblins, ghosts, witches, super heroes, and princesses.

Last week in America, the much anticipated holiday of Halloween was celebrated.

For adults, it's the chance to don a costume and have a little fun. For mommies and daddies, it's the opportunity to dress up their little angels and pirates.

For most kids, it's all about the candy.

While living in America, our family celebrated autumn and harvest, more than Halloween in itself. The reasons are multiple and varied, but that is not the reason for this narrative.

I will just add, for those who do not know the culture in which we now live, ghosts (ancestors) are perceived as powerful entities that are pivotal to one's security and success in life. An entire month is devoted to appeasing these ghosts so they will not "haunt" or make your life miserable. This appeasement includes burning money and other representations of  items needed or wanted in the after life, the setting out food on tables, and various other sacrifices. For most Taiwanese, the thought of ghosts are not entertaining or fun. 

I was first introduced to this during my original six months of living in Taiwan back in the 1990s..Let's just say it left quite an impression on this young adult.

Halloween, however,  is mostly a fun part of American culture.

It is not here in Taiwan.

In recent years, it has begun to make more of an appearance. I have seen some stores begin to carry a small selection of costumes, as well as spooky decorations.

I unexpectantly, saw this sign the week before Halloween outside a Thai restaurant.

While we love living in Taiwan, we do miss some aspects of American culture, as do most expats. Its just natural to miss what you grew up with. For me, fall in Ohio and Christmas time are the two times of the year I feel that tug the most: changing leaves, pumpkins, cider, football, bonfires, and of course, the various traditions of Christmas. 

All that to say, Americans living in in an non American culture will sometimes adapt traditions because it creates a connection- culturally, as well as emotionally. Kinda like curling up with a warm, fuzzy blanket on a cold, dreary winter day.

It comforts. 

For example, pumpkins are not readily found, and if they are, the price tag is high. So carving pumpkins is not an easily accomplished task. Unless, of course you are a creative problem solver.

These carved pumpkins are the mastermind of high school students from the dorm Carl substitutes in once a week. Never crossed my mind to substitute the inexpensive yellow watermelon.

Or how about this one?

This was created by a first year Morrison community member. I think maybe adaptability is high on the list for expat wannabes!

Another tradition our K2 classes have carried out for several years is the Storybook Character Day. This gives the teachers a chance to provide a little bit of fun and creativity while teaching and assessing  language arts benchmarks. My students were giving oral book reports on their character's picture book. The report and parade was the culmination of a reading unit on fiction story elements.

To be an effective educator, a teacher always needs to be prepared to demonstrate expected outcomes!

Meet Viola Swamp, the alter ego of a very kind and loving teacher from the picture book Miss Nelson Is Back.

She only existed about an hour before the makeup and wig became intolerable!

She did stick around for the parent loved character parade.

 Our wonderful librarians always join in the fun!  

Our parade began in the upper hallway where the third, fourth, and fifth graders applauded for their younger counterparts.Then on through the library....

down to the atrium...

and into the front office!

While traditions can not always be recreated in a different culture, they can be adapted!

Not a Teacher

 My job.

My ministry.

My life.

I work where I live.

I live where I work.

My  every day job is my ministry.

Everything is conveniently wrapped up all together.

But, Carl's life isn't packaged up quite so neatly.

He works for the school part time. He orders the textbooks and online access for all three campuses. He is the facility coordinator for the Taichung campus, and he is a substitute dorm parent working one evening a week. By the end of this month, coaching basketball will be added to that list.

I must add that he is also the main shopper, chef, and cleaner of our household.

That's a lot on one plate.

I definitely could not do what I do if it wasn't for Carl.

But somehow, he finds the time and energy to add several ministry opportunities to his busy schedule.

In the past, Carl has worked with our friends in Shalu teaching both Bible studies and English classes. As God began closing the door on that particular ministry, He has opened several other doors in which Carl has stepped through.

And while Carl is not a trained teacher, God has used his willingness to step out in faith. 

For the last two years, Carl has taught both moderate and advanced level English classes at a local company. It is an IT company, so naturally Carl feels quite at home in this environment.

While these lessons are not meant to be evangelistic, it is amazing how many times he has been asked to share his testimony, or explain a concept from a Biblical viewpoint. Topics that seem unlikely as a jumping off point for a spiritual conversation, lead to  God's love, wisdom, peace, and joy being shared.

Most recently, our bilingual church began an English class as a way to reach out to the surrounding community. Carl felt led to volunteer as a teacher.

One class at a time,

lives are being impacted for the sake of Christ.

 Please pray for these classes and their students. 

A prior student from the IT company has began attending our church. She is curious and wants to know more.

Another student is a self-proclaimed atheist, yet asks the most interesting questions allowing God's word to be spread.

Every Friday and Saturday afternoon, Carl is sowing, planting, and watering.

God doesn't need the most talented and biblically trained to go out and be His hands and feet. He just needs the willing. He is still looking for those willing to say- "Yes. Lord".

Whose Idea Was This?

Have you ever had an idea and everything went just as you had planned?

And as a result, all those involved had a great time?

Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away, I had an idea.

This little tale I am spinning needs a dose of reality.

Last week, while contemplating of beginning of fall break, I had an inspirational thought.

(Inspirational might be a little bit too strong of a word.)

Jake has been wanting to go up to Hehuanshan to take nighttime photos. At 11,207 feet, it is not the highest mountain in Taiwan, but it is the most accessible. Without stopping, we can be there in three hours. While not a long trip from our home in Taichung, the last part of the drive is arduous. Full of switchbacks, hairpin curves, and narrowness, its a road best driven in dry, clear daylight. 

So here is where my slightly wacky, yet adventurous idea came in. Why not leave early afternoon, drive up, and arrive around sunset? Jake could take his night sky pictures and Carl could enjoy looking through his telescope. When we got tired, our big eight person passenger van would   adequately accommodate as our "tent". Then at 5:56 the next morning, I would be at the right location for an amazing sunrise. 

My partners agreed to this plan. The following afternoon, we packed the van with extra clothes, blankets, pillows, and food. And flashlights, of course.

Everything was going according to my plan.

We stopped for an early supper at the Purple House.

If I ever owned a restaurant, I would want it to be like this place. First of all, it is built onto the side of a mountain. I know it has at least three levels, because that's how far down we went before we finally found people!

 The name of the place says it all. Purple was everywhere!

This was our table. Inside was a mosaic with different colored pebbles, beads, and painted wood discs. It was very summery except for the small collection of brown leaves scattered throughout.

It was quite an eclectic collection of this and that, but oddly, it all worked together to create a relaxing peaceful dining atmosphere.

Naturally, the menu was all in Chinese, but between Carl, Jacob, and the owner who spoke a little English, we were able to order three dishes. 

After our last meal in civilization, we continued. As we neared the top, the clouds began to descend into the valleys. I was delighted when Jake sighted a rainbow nestled between two peaks.

The closer we got to the top, the colder it got. When we left our apartment, the temperature was somewhere in the nineties. Last time we were in this area in October, the temperatures had been in the fifties, so we packed sweatshirts and long pants. I actually was ready for a break from the extraordinarily hot temperatures we had been experiencing.

Soon after, we reached the peak, but visibility was nonexistent due to the clouds. 

We hiked up to one of our favorite places,  but even the closest peak was shrouded in grayness. The wind briefly opened a window for Jacob to see the highest peak and the old ski lodge and youth hostel where Carl and I had stayed several years ago. 

And much to my surprise, and dismay, it was much colder than I had anticipated.

This was the coldest temperature we had experienced in a long time. For my American friends that's about 47 degrees Fahrenheit. So within the space of an afternoon, we dropped almost 50 degrees! 

I wasn't really worried about  not being able to see the stars. It was normal for the mountain to be overtaken by the clouds, but I expected them to roll away and during the night lift, revealing the majestic night sky. That is what has happened on each of our previous trips. 

We checked out several of the parking options and settled in to wait out the clouds.  Did I mention it was cold? Did I mention how the wind whipped through the mountain? At times during the night, the van was rocking in the wind. 

 We had chairs. We had all the necessary items to brew nice, hot cups of tea, but none of us had any desire to leave the relative warmth of the van. At one point, we braved the cold, wind, and moisture for a quick walk to the bathrooms, but other than that, we NEVER left the van.

And even though we were on the top of a secluded mountain, we were rarely alone. All throughout the night cars and scooters kept pulling into the parking lot. Some stayed for a while. Others did not.

Our most interesting visitors were  group of college age guys. I had just awoken from a little catnap when they pulled into the parking lot on scooters. Even though they could clearly see our van, they assumed they were the only humans in the vicinity. After several minutes of shouting and laughing, they climbed the steps to the lookout platform.  The next thing we knew, two of them has disrobed all the way down to their birthday suits! Fortunately, I was in the back of the van and couldn't see. Did I mention how bitterly cold it was? What in the world were they thinking?

After more loud raucous laughing and picture taking, they descended back to the parking lot. As they were leaving one's headlights illuminated Carl in the front seat. It was at this point the group suddenly realized, our van had a front row seat to their shenanigans and it wasn't empty.

Another loud group arrived at 3am. This group, however, left their clothes on.

Our other visitors were the semi trucks. I was shocked at the sight of the first. I didn't even think it was possible for a truck that size to travel on this road. Often the road goes down to one lane. During the day, cars pass each other with only inches to spare. But with the darkness, tourists leave and the truckers take advantage of the direct route. All night and from both directions these eighteen wheelers came.

We began noticing that the trucks coming from the east side of the island always stopped at the same spot just past the entrance of the parking lot. We wondered if they were checking their brakes before beginning the downhill journey. Or if perhaps they just thought that was a good place to rest a moment. Some trucks sat there idling for ten or fifteen minutes, while others paused for a minute or two. After observing this several times, we realized they always left after a truck passed them from the west side of the island.  From that stopping point, they could see the headlights of other trucks ascending. That stretch in particular is very steep and windy, often collapsing into one lane.  The drivers were waiting for other trucks to reach the peak before beginning their descent.

 and civilization.

Being of small nature, I was able to stretch out and actually slept many hours. Each time I woke up I had two distinct thoughts. Has the fog lifted yet and whose idea was this anyways? Fortunately for me, I would quickly drift back to sleep. I am afraid Carl didn't fare quite as well. With each passing truck, and visitor, the lights and sound would awake him. The front driver seat also wasn't air tight. All night he could feel cold air blowing in from somewhere.

By 5 am, the parking lot was beginning to fill again. Obviously every one was coming in anticipation of a sunrise. But the clouds never lifted, the wind kept blowing, and occasional bursts of rain had dampened everything. There wasn't going to be any stars, no moon, and certainly no sunrise.

We left the parking lot at 5:56, about the time the sun was expected to make its grand entrance. Navigating the now wet roads and limited visibility, Carl pointed us back to civilization, and hopefully warmer and drier weather. It wasn't far away. Fifteen minutes later we were able able to see the surrounding peaks. The cold bitterness dissolved into a mere coolness.

So after sitting in the car for twelve hours, all we got was a little entertainment, a little sleep, and a small taste of winter.

No stars.

No moon.

No sunrise.

Whose idea was this, anyways?