tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807131756811600732024-03-22T07:52:54.662+08:00Amanda's Musings"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
- Jesus, Mark 2:17Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-9203413936122019292009-06-03T09:57:00.002+08:002009-06-03T10:07:19.126+08:00The Wonderful World of JetlagSo I am back in Taiwan. It is a bit surreal to be honest. But I know I am really back because I am going to bed at 8pm and waking up at 6am - this is not natural for me. I feel like I just came back where I left off last July when I left. It has been great to see my colleagues and the students. Lots of hugs and catching up. In a few days I will see the seniors graduate, which will be special because this was the class that I became the closest too. Many students will be staying over the summer to take courses, which I will teach one with my good friend Fiona. We will be teaching World Lit. II. I am excited because this will give me even more teaching experience.<br />Well, I am off to the grocery store for the first time and prepared to get myself readjusted to the food selections here.<br /><br />Will write more soon especially when I am not falling asleep at the computer!<br /><br />- AmandaAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-2841192089280999462008-11-14T12:07:00.012+08:002008-11-14T12:18:26.280+08:00Dearly Beloved...Last weekend my oldest cousin Kate got married. The wedding was extremely beautiful and the reception was so much fun. Lots of good food and crazy dancing. I have never seen my uncle get down the way he did - people tend to reveal new sides to them when they dance! Overall it was a great weekend. I spoke in the wedding - well, I read 1 John 4:7-12. These verses are special to me. I love the part where it says that we did not love God first but He loved us and showed His love by sending His Son as an atoning sacrifice. For some reason the words atoning sacrifice have permanently stuck in my mind and cut deep into my heart. I will let you know what the Holy Spirit does with this. Here are some pictures of the wedding...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KrljnsOF7AJPS1YXEFHd5phVVpFIbLr2Es52W10p1liH1Ku-Qg338KOduG2Wojvp6Zs9sDQzYwKyEdr6Lq7OZZdhekoMFsWmlCjzXWXVKE_cHyTKRrzObf-y8P-5b8IZ24PaBGDROLMj/s1600-h/100_2789.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268361839247492162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KrljnsOF7AJPS1YXEFHd5phVVpFIbLr2Es52W10p1liH1Ku-Qg338KOduG2Wojvp6Zs9sDQzYwKyEdr6Lq7OZZdhekoMFsWmlCjzXWXVKE_cHyTKRrzObf-y8P-5b8IZ24PaBGDROLMj/s320/100_2789.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvF4_KiC5RWKR0JsRxxMAElISaPLQkLZGZUFJ-_HijuQ0WKW3jVY_mymjSU0_YTeRvuT-SDYH4OmvDaaPEqvQ1QLWilnBEsNhZQESXF_3R3jhzugo20xVoFskD-_h1N_HHAYUf5xofN9I/s1600-h/100_2788.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268361624367854146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvF4_KiC5RWKR0JsRxxMAElISaPLQkLZGZUFJ-_HijuQ0WKW3jVY_mymjSU0_YTeRvuT-SDYH4OmvDaaPEqvQ1QLWilnBEsNhZQESXF_3R3jhzugo20xVoFskD-_h1N_HHAYUf5xofN9I/s320/100_2788.JPG" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268361550946474290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQB7WEHyLK5z_dTC5IibuVIMISMGrESEDMIi1Juo7MCZbaRGJJoGzo_uwWh2fvY2cRXhYPmG9Fe8dInLeUMyBJUzh3zSOfzdopuGEYFyRJI37NARf8ypzu03cZdXKsi8rbPs_NxBOmGRJ/s320/100_2787.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268361423891085106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4kWI4TUF2vlmTGhhS8z9qv9d4wea5nwBCAWjeWEJKLrUlhUNkWwlpr1atcXBapQGUcdjitD90jMyzZQdvxDhhVpxuwS0U_SyB20pVBlQ7pRqRIiq2jF5B3cxN-yDbo8f6Nfn3YSSX-3t/s320/100_2784.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268361320747431442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhacgHIDq85idN9fbs179-raRJWWbb9isHTUKk3ADq1gU1lqMF9_oiLW0ylZzQI_MyDPY5Td1-FiZT-ZQhs7lrX-z0LQTiUZpKqcjdZ3FDC7kro_RyTEQ9TGCCwKH6aXeEnFg9ryjWtTw/s320/100_2777.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268361196494219378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_5pgxUjKda_nIw7rZd3ppFd9ZOA0cN-ZEF59Infp9PVSdKSVq7ei_7oIcGv4aErv133AtKrPaii6V3kkVdgoWTn2FHnHMV48xc3ixyXP0LwNe1S1EuMe_uhK4_W_jl52fqepeA83nNOJ/s320/100_2773.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268360942848658098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrx045_dT05Q6zmnp4tjw7kTQGVSQx_6aQQU85md9P82fDEdLiFwcMrZ50qPwVdXV1IXqhhEPSmW5ba8pjtUs3tv_fj5eAqPcJ9HQqwd9kc9BPaVUKVNAjnWqgj0AIe8O1Yg_EagU7Oyrk/s320/100_2750.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268360847231604546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_1h8zNtiFOQExFNwKhsgXqCZ-bhc2YycHEuqYleduBJa8M_Yf2soMYzxqwgCayStITNx1pe8gF_pj101QpLshodX2ixs6QhqTdplOFFWsZ7Fcji3R0IYgSEBawCSirLopG3AFasVnnj3/s320/100_2769.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><p>The weekend was a blast. Hanging out with family that I have not seen in over a year. Dancing and eating good food plus sneaking in some golf with my dad - bliss on earth!</p><p>Until next time - oh so soon...</p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-75482660374417893942008-11-14T11:41:00.010+08:002008-11-14T12:06:16.638+08:00So I have not kept this blog up-to-date, whoops! With Graduate School, moving, and transitioning the months have flown by. Here is a brief summary of life now. I am living in Atlanta, have a new (used) car, and am making new friends in the Atl. Between getting back from Taiwan and going to graduate school my family and I took a trip to Italy. We had never taken a big, foreign, family vacation and it was a lot of fun. Plus my youngest sister, Suz, celebrated her 21st birthday on the trip - I was envious! Here are some pictures of the Lewis family adventure to Rome and Florence. <div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268358269800540642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbi6FaqJ3VbYgoUziy3h13WGTA241TcowsuBuNqFjykidJ_Zuex-ukKZVoeKdezDVWTqEMjlWRrl6nwMDjvAXbjKu4EqSqLTpSLBr7G7v3ePQDriqvmorr0oacgOBfnGXO8pDX9a85tiz/s320/100_2551.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kP-YzAaMWZCvk1UFlRA4z9IuyXRatXCmrDCDEGaa0AIP5LwbLtDXPVuNGRxi8EEomv7lgFIfnXnmJQTF2P8b2IfEhsWl5DJ6DWtWoqR7llSrnDQSxwVWCW9m00slsMy025aJN7-OsKLk/s1600-h/100_2488.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268358150881158738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kP-YzAaMWZCvk1UFlRA4z9IuyXRatXCmrDCDEGaa0AIP5LwbLtDXPVuNGRxi8EEomv7lgFIfnXnmJQTF2P8b2IfEhsWl5DJ6DWtWoqR7llSrnDQSxwVWCW9m00slsMy025aJN7-OsKLk/s320/100_2488.JPG" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268357974716484242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ88t9D2N0Z0KL_N6MMHhr-eEJcwLOvp5RcKmGJE5ZtcvBbpCV-T5V0etajMlfCxLnboa-VZX7WCJv8-HfkPpUJMjaSqQlE7Hr_xUv9PLsw6Z5hKlAi30GE-Als-YG_V8tzr7g_a-jDY57/s320/100_2703.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268357828751041538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2H0LGYS0g0ZFYYC474V6LpbbfbL1VIk_9NXrpjZCsWWLLkUAvSZRRcvM8sWmD6tdDDv8zVJR5IJSL6qlmqY05S0TODBCzX8frDb8LvDUnzlhADBR5P-l5shQTVj-odzKCf52EyP3JERqW/s320/100_2525.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268357710759555090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJVKMTUqSe7dmne1GPPROZ9G8UaCFPM45IfABHYU8N-LKWzwjRlb7qDlSS3Vkj_e6L2AORC-2vDCWWq6Z22a5IKOUpoJPgZh0yuMBgVfGYK3WclVrAlD4HEqCWi0t2KWwOalwSHiFof0M/s320/100_2460.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268357563023624050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmyJM8v8qHW4T5fuFy09SMvKb5PRNgoGY_P6Ckj_68xLeTrXcCVBAoX9UAAy5ZyYIFpmvACROHepvdae4idt4sYAbYUgp1-5mer-vDsYPfsgCw4SkGbOdZ27h1HTsz1XEZKaU2y5Kdu_E/s320/100_2442.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268357418279177874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHW5AjiHIU6uvyOuM7gHUW0XdNnMMHAMaGFQ3PjkoTqL-NCC74aLxu5qwyCoM-X6NGmWvPe6v_Ixn6hVum4pXE5zeVABmIFMYy8ABeWmdDA-j5LcC4mGxl2BasgzvLLTxnx5GHFIWBOqII/s320/100_2421.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268359062224280962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJHkz7SrftS54ZJSrWCc-iORISUMtgJirQVoqX11KQicg1UfB-DihtVhrwa-vUbP-02rMAkdYNj7L1oIE2xfFEzombj6QAsr249px3bEHw9Zmgo-4PlrsGcke20_9jFqd37fxglxKDKeY/s320/100_2486.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div>As the pictures show we had a fabulous time. It was an intense trip, full of new sights and lots of history. Ironically enough I am now taking a class on Mediterranean History! God has a sense of humor. </div><div>Until next time... which will be sooner than last!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-33262737453889564762008-07-14T03:33:00.005+08:002008-07-14T03:46:43.811+08:00The LakeYesterday I went to one of my favorite places... the lake. There is a lake close to where I grew up and I have so many memories of swimming, skiing, and playing with friends. It is so relaxing and calm there. I needed some good R&R after jetlag. My family and I plus Suzanne's beau, Tracey, went swimming and enjoyed a boat ride as the sun was setting. It was a great opportunity to catch up with my family and spend some time in communion with the Lord. I actually fell asleep praying! I fell asleep in my Father's arms, what a comforting image. <div><div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222585662888532178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlE7sgn-e25ouPfYDThGWxCVhkMC0HJxNpwicmHAx5JRNQ9OVjg23JJyW0_2WnP81z_yXiCkoQ9pmsH9Q2XPcNvX9_sB7VAuRomRaHhHTMBLotaQy8j2rF4j-Pt330fs-q-ZkLB-ZbEe3L/s320/100_2372.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222586431124368242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRxmEHab-P2Vy3tUj6VPaAWh4vS9X7FmKpHgcr6EVUehfqdjNybbZDbaY4puMWgs3Gx3vfLwDEbkQJg0l5GN1LJiRp7IM6Pv7M4_aK6rpGlK5OnTTwhnEW5ALCym-fiUyPju2d1CpP8DV/s320/100_2379.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222587056052453186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4E9P4eUmJhnrzLeD8k493V_BhSgSjJaN0CNs1oXEBYU13CEEupZEmtPmCpJZ9A6or1pSF8EtVc6j8s0K-x7tiWJe_ck2n0OF8-Fke4Fuv8o2QDhsyDMloXDid5xUDt1rg_jpWx9lXOZ3M/s320/100_2380.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div></div></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-680057078305158972008-07-12T22:04:00.007+08:002008-07-12T22:30:09.317+08:00ReunionI ended my 30 hour plus journey home with a great welcome home present. My entire family was waiting for me with signs and balloons in hand. I was so tired but so glad to see them. Too tired to cry. We had a Lewis family hug right in the middle of the airport. My sister Missy said, "Now are family is complete again." To be missed does make me feel loved. Here are some pictures and just to warn you I don't look my best. After spending almost 20 hours on airplanes and another 10 hours in airports waiting for airplanes I looked ragged.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222129684780150306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRW-yhQ1z-A4UAX-0C0Sp18y6vr5pFVNsGPBwja2IKZS7tzfBqLvzOOXdyYNiykgcU6tgNfU3Z0ULg4CAfrbUZOmUAX8RMTot1D3YUd6lB-WlhXBGiugFUJTF99VwjldVQVBno3HOMfOS/s320/DSCN0441.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222130461235505154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sT0R3yYbuiWYiiXfdFa8I1rYFt5bsIsZQ-TsU4likXIbzyqMZzQ2_3mikGSVB3zzkyEUm4pKne7CIdWMoa0jEy4BOZZSnwIKZ2d-VkNfgTU_wlDX-iN6m39BMvvugAf1SLdlSpaONZTT/s320/DSCN0442.JPG" border="0" />I got home way early Tuesday morning (2am) and so it has been about 5 days since I have been home. I feel as though I have just been thrown out of a time warp or something. I am having to catch up with people's lives and with many changes that have happened in our home and in the city. I began driving again for the first time in 10 months and stuck to the small less trafficky roads for a few days to get my driving legs back. It took a little time to feel comfortable driving again. Yesterday I drove on a main road for the first time and I did well. The big challenge will be driving on the interstate next week!<br /><br />Jetlag is really a monster - I find myself falling asleep around 8pm and waking up at 5 or 6, which if you know me well I do not normally wake up without an alarm at 6am it's more like 9 or 10am. However, I feel better each day.<br /><br />When I got home I had the priviledge to meet Missy's dog Emmie for the first time. She is adorable. She looks like a mop head. She is so low to the ground and her fur is so long that I could use her to clean the floor! She is so floppy and playful. I love her. She took to me really well. I haven't been around a puppy in a while so it is really fun.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222134252087605506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPEioMJ1g0-JCejqv58miB1zmPAczP86juA7x15qmUkuXZwse_cobXLFJmAGoihVFQJpWpyXpDsLsH8brB3xUa5KmgH5P8PXYiQGElJ_k9_zug4CafK0szycS1Ne48zmbgWccN2ZtjW9W/s320/DSCN0360.JPG" border="0" />Well, I am off to enjoy a day reading, swimming, and spending time with my family. We are having barbeque chicken - a food that I have missed dearly all this year. Oh and by the way I had my first avocado after 10 months and it ROCKED. I missed that food so much. It is funny the things that I found myself missing in Taiwan.</div><p>Until next time...</p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-16361658145109901332008-07-06T22:40:00.003+08:002008-07-07T00:03:15.412+08:00Last night in TaipeiWell, this will be the last post I write from Taiwan. I leave tomorrow morning for my long trek home to Augusta, Ga. I am excited to see all of my family and the dogs and cats. I know there will be many subtle and big changes that have happened that I will have to get used to. I know that I have changed here but cannot verbalize thoses changes. As I reflect on my time here the biggest thing that God has taught me and is continuing to remind me is that it is important to make time to just be in His presence to let Him Father me. When I allow myself to just be in God's presence He fills me with the truths and promises of his glory and then the Holy Spirit can use me to reflect His grace and mercy. Basically: My life's is not about me. I just want to enjoy each moment, even the boring ones, in God's presence for He is my most constant companion. He desires me to dwell in Him and I ask for prayers as I make the transition home that I would continue to rely on God's promises even when the temptations to doubt loom large. I will try to take some pictures of my reunion with my family. I can't believe that I will be seeing them in less a day.<br /><br />Tzi Jian...Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-91932633494543102132008-07-05T19:14:00.005+08:002008-07-05T19:31:42.448+08:00How much is the puppy in the window?As I and my friends walk down to Zhuwei - the city nearby - we have to pass a pet store. The store has four cages with small and extremely cute puppies in them. The puppies are usually asleep when we pass them going down the hill and wired when we make our way back to the college. It is always a surprise to see which ones have sold and or if another puppy has been added to the mix. All of the are precious and there are many times where the thought of taking one of them home has crossed my mind. I have taken some photos instead. The owners of the pet shop are very nice and graciously let me take pictures. <div><div><div>Here are some of the little puppies that are in the window right now - I hope they find a good home soon:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219490213436053970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wqbFBlBeD2Oe_MzPOUerZf4C43dwleriEjhHXVswaFT9EDddfFeOtxuHsq566-CMrGe6Fhm_NPGV7oN1Rx1eP_CMV7XjrBi4dj_wDU8UnX-So80O7M6_Y41QJHUbDiulabP-ptWlHUwv/s320/100_2319.JPG" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219489817864609074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KqLxNKw9PUuPSmuu2lNydQmUSKImlJIkw9mH4jcLQOt6RkTaJ4oxZR1HI5pXWmMuSwP5zkTpJ480zwbNhNXOZBqXl2ptWnBJF5MVtK9hcecdM7BK6dn2frlaiabgWEqAHypCLIFnUHHQ/s320/100_2318.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219490694639989010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAML9Mx0cG3pAfb83oc8GwEVdBfm9tpPuckJf09NcvxsmZRTBc2KjJAW5ciQvM0w5c_Nv3_02J3MgHYA6iX75z5p7ZQTX2aiCCXB-JhRtBOc6MhEDF4NqJfUnzz1KUOyLbSK3cVggjqt2/s320/100_2322.JPG" border="0" /></div></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-13741723029121624162008-07-05T13:59:00.011+08:002008-07-05T19:37:17.310+08:00Soaking up some last minute fun<div>Many people have taken me out to dinner or lunch the last couple of days to say goodbye. Yesterday, Barbara, May, Judy, and I went to an incredibly unique restaurant. To me the outside looked a bit like a sand castle. Creativity abounded - from the design of the chairs to the bowls and plates. We had a great time laughing and eating great food. As a going away gift Barbara gave me a little Starbucks "bearista" bear that is dressed up in the official Starbucks work outfit. Even though I am not a huge "stuffed animal" fan this one is special because I was a Barista at Starbucks only a year ago. </div><div>The loving response from people as I leave Taiwan has been overwhelming. Most people ask me if I will ever come back to Taiwan. I have decided to respond like this: if the Lord gives me an opportunity and opens a door for me to come back (either long or short term) I will be on the first plane. </div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Here are some pictures of our time at the Dime Boat Restaurant:</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219484841727792594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBeQGKizTm9Tf2U3zIr5aEPJPWzeiUyN8wyYuqkQjtphOP38Jnlifzw8iMX8ghSQty7EtCSXI0RTlzygLhRwNEFMubJ-PBEFIkdv28E3ljnm8FXyugtLEWeC0fXhNcXFlzQ1xTTtCjImz/s320/100_2362.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219484682120908898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmWlLRTaIe2AabxGO7OkqIo_j9VJA0sDEjtVPkBVht7x_48Q1QrWIeh1KaSM7155KyOPixMMQdMsnKYCqffBeeGwcEfO2csIqRWoXnJITqNUBbfWNmT_a2eCix0uFZfKouGTvjW1sZq6X/s320/100_2352.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219483449041436930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEaItKmUaVuhuBiGGUFcgIxQTEhnb3l61FQf3PTEbV-CE5YuqpZERcY-tqlQmRCYJasCCict1CeqHFl905MrswqGKcv0X7oi6ip9BSDmxfSlu_A3lmpiPnCVtAGEVenSWkFrKEbjdDqAT/s320/100_2336.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219481177669447426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieghjGQrzSdXuuHtY-iOCL8jEIijvdA8bc6L7YgsSEr4bxLCHWnmFWgEh0UOfEyCi8DsMwn8M4wMQwqnkMHWsEjKkOyj_wB2oTBSQQYBMHNJqEEZgrCSyTPimXEX9Vrc0V0juA0cuZoAbY/s320/100_2343.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219482920602729266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBRh-3ImSFI16Bf86blr1rwrrZuGmaRsOwz1ncGVWMepB6aFihjYppL-Q57X4JKHxqkLY-AO231Ux3BnGTa79gzTlrLuR8oVO-kA47kfVQDCICbcyQt99O9O3b6zmUTjUdp31HYdLxjyN/s320/100_2347.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219482572995596434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3J64JunLX64bTQapfiO7sveUUMy1aGec8RdBj8FV6emB-2VMFW056m-35sfXQK8eyeJuLosV64U24Q37wsN0ol09LfiDgIMRpsrkpJ5xtqgX5rhoI9MGwjGmA2BHBkWi4GjNtTBTsaENK/s320/100_2329.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219483121466335122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROrjloPuaDWGZEQgMKWDzLn42efHgJ1Fa9lcFh6YCxwuJGkTdNzWls24x1ZVc_mWBRUhQv0yBqS1H8Nugdb_-wg-4BrXzykNNdpkivwYrf56MQhBcgMaoKXTMkmXvylkBxsKfwatilgie/s320/100_2349.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219483298393539410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sVNbVxdswJKqa_M3iR6DGnRuZi2g39FJayZSklnL4aw6_cFve5-MYb9r-IED5McRuXQH9BDiWObqRF6RW-TvNH8waWlqJrLUvZsNgYNSwcQgbFRwz2Kt0_hpJ7TnQvAPk692IMoocFUX/s320/100_2332.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><p>It is hard for me to believe that by this time next week I will on the other side of the world. Less than two days left... Emotionally I am numb - it will hit me in a few weeks. I am ready to see my family and enjoy some time with them before I head off to graduate school.</p><p>FYI: I will write a few more times before I leave and I will keep the blog updated this summer...</p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-56447731917056555132008-07-03T11:31:00.003+08:002008-07-03T12:01:24.030+08:00Little EmmieSo I have been hearing many fun stories about my sister's little puppy Emmie. She sounds like a handful. As Missy says, "she never meets a stranger." People love her and even my parent's hyper, dominant yet lovable papyllon, Toby, likes her. Well, I received some pictures of beloved Emmie after her first hair cut. Apparently the bow did not last very long!!! I can't wait to meet this character of a dog. Kudos to her for fitting right into our crazy family.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218629941801375122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZTvnVZAvLvJkl9PIgHSPaQheZLVDzGcfPFxUFtTxb5p19S2aGR_EeBmuAyB8iJQMkwo7j1WLhSD7ZnfQ7V3fCVkpPolryJVWZ7C9BPZ-cSgnZiN6UUyUnz9ztMHdy_pX8-cZd7EfZ39e/s320/emmie.jpg" border="0" />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-91515849011019761492008-06-30T17:47:00.007+08:002008-06-30T17:55:43.444+08:00English Department Barbecue in PicturesLast week I said goodbye to many friends - colleagues and students. Here are some pictures of our English Department Barbecue where the team gave me a book of Taiwan and all signed it. I had a great time eating grilled barbeque chicken (the first in 10 months!!!) and fellowshipping with everyone.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217609741786977874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMvOtFgp1FPFg6hHQePLgSy82N3cJsykIk4stwvdftXigmlI2pE0zA9qUR-3IqPEfu9lboeOcnhx1ugb1Qt5Zp9_mWixIeMAs1E70kelKdkUYtNhHfL0r1rbxmHm5bz4jAtaEWUxu4Jjq/s320/100_2263.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217610119668264226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrWw-DWxZZVSC4A5wUmDiaasMj8Jp24zWrKVAHPumFPxrtJfnCPZmv8lzjW0eRAssoY3eh3zzJqBCRgyvYFzVO9N9b-xfSoS1_sgB9UA_6-Gse3Xc6ULACBr0rbYtjCzbgcDDD3ascVjt/s320/100_2265.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217610288288579650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOMDAHnUzMZE4VWYyaenvN6OksvsbqYIF5XlWZcf8CHMnN-sanMvGNGY_nxxl62vwiTfg2NUjHcTmQukfGecfPz5a4v4IwYCHlvL7NXiBIxTeS8GMNmXQYrcplFGo1qx0vrUt7_BNjhAl/s320/100_2267.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217610501836477810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYkhc1ZTJq6Rseg2RqAO10XURyM4y_rMNTIG7Ap4ujw4eszC4fxW4ZV-JKKTuEqzBm3zIKr0R0IAevejNY2HtHnZPAwkb_WkQLMuXPwQoUVQIEvs022BPyaYoyFkeHpVIeRkgAXVWzaC9/s320/100_2266.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217610685619065330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4RFmKTMhStu1jJMG7vxXIuQn8XCJ0zFJrOOjKYVeJPNSf09qxYW_rrxWd4MyF0q_yxvWQPDIP2BeU8f3wGMF9sdVczM4dCp0fOu01WC9Oo5Qrq6v934OXj7mu_qVXkzhaaBWtUePuEPw/s320/100_2270.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>It was a bunch of fun. A great way to say goodbye.</p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-90787420761794537232008-06-30T17:44:00.002+08:002008-06-30T17:47:11.191+08:00The Greatest Gift...Today I mustered up the courage to ask Helen, one of the Chinese staff at the college, where I could buy a Taiwanese flag. She did one better - she gave me one that the college uses. I am fit to be tied. Not only do I now have my own Taiwanese flag but it is one from Christ's College. Thank you so much Helen and Kevin for this gift - it is so meaningful. Because this just happened I have no picture but I will be sure to add one when I take one.<br />So excited...Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-80665036652054225522008-06-30T17:22:00.009+08:002008-06-30T17:43:05.351+08:00KentingSo last week I went on a short vacation. Kenting is on the southern coast of Taiwan. The little town has a vibrant street market at night and beautiful views of the ocean and bays. In one day we saw the Taiwan Strait, the Bashi Strait, and the Pacific Ocean. The waves were strong and I loved just listening to the constant roar of the ocean. My friend Fiona and I went all over the area enjoying different sights. We did a little hiking, lots of motorcycle riding and hours of chilling at Starbucks. One funny (not so funny for my body) thing that happened was that I got sunburned really bad on one small area of my legs - I wore shorts and didn't think about putting sunscreen on my legs so a hand-size area of my thighs got "fried." It's pretty funny now that's not as painful because you can see exactly how I rode on the cycle!! Fiona got a nice looking watch tan and sunglass tan - which I gave her the fun nickname of goggle eyes!<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div>All in all it was a great time of chilling, enjoying the beauty of this country, and escaping the busyness of life.</div><div>Here are some pictures...</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217604648094541794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhFWmhoUYz9J4HOzyAsMsCuZMj7r1yjxba5dgJfpviLTUKLMFXJdGkC2l_rfPdraWhWEGSFaPs_diAwuEr8euGsNLtr_5B8KyZJovF3eniVfQ1rVuM-hJhRej7o9wMFG9zSthCDxNSXjT/s320/100_2281.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217604932690998642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6kpzge7y1JiQIE1up85C8RFjbSiXORE3r6I5pZFa-Q65RvEE9cAmYBm264DIw1691MnxDp1vn3My2GysRckKbgkgkiQqnOz6c_T5I4HML5hptggizX5xenrortMOCil_oWPSx9DVwKIn/s320/100_2284.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217605209974509794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSutEWahfni95HB3OcEJ1NNu-P1G-dyqnLT_ZJzj9JmdpzT199F_ICeBrUnLmIHljSPbQfshdn70mrpkSuQ9s85iQSYEUhVdX3MnCbbsxkVhlsJLW19Dncf7J_fs2kCTfYdkc_S7-fqc2N/s320/100_2303.JPG" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217605522977169122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJ6Pf0P8HsteDElBhMeplTtvklarUd5iYXTAOQVYEZecGPhqy3XU7uscChRqKc6ZSos8Tu-pgX5fbcDMjHclBthIktVqgh1XPD031P8EeUYrHWYaZoNF9_vBK_KSDbO9hePDNxkQlyz5M/s320/100_2309.JPG" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217605878866682466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeOLTNNu6OK-f0ZxRpiPDE84fITzUEM0hWuusFOEDkfasvGIm4JPbpzf16sQ2cBviT60BLHDejPZsj9Q6PSMwDD3yprZ6YLZCn0Ku3IfzupdxraPoGQtyDP9hfo4dGn_XPUk2Aw95OqtN/s320/100_2310.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217606121925277138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaY_kYiOuaHvqFIkHqICaA0ZAmnThzOtppdVKS4i9KawzImvkk-PZpRVt4EgdNceymJnX1PyvElJWt-vk31c7sQFHoBf2GJbsM_841n8pPzNWv4VnPHT-ejf-SyBCyPP7POz_DwEZNeWrb/s320/100_2282.JPG" border="0" />My mom and I have to see the ocean at least once a year - it is just a must. This trip was my "ocean experience" this year. It was unique and fun. </p><p>Now I am back in Taipei and packing away. 7 days and counting until I go home.</p><p>Until next time...</p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-32117081528499942832008-06-27T20:24:00.003+08:002008-06-27T21:01:39.283+08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheERMmtlx80P_tIM6fbLL9Wno1_rhearXCD3vzAos7pFHf-RucJ_MdQ76yKrKfo6qyGo_IOpwLSp4qp0i8TOAp7oxuqaQRtGPytn-LU8a0M5V2jBPf87YH_1tKJ2nvPuPx_Akb2PvRP2qq/s1600-h/100_2277.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216538961174835282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheERMmtlx80P_tIM6fbLL9Wno1_rhearXCD3vzAos7pFHf-RucJ_MdQ76yKrKfo6qyGo_IOpwLSp4qp0i8TOAp7oxuqaQRtGPytn-LU8a0M5V2jBPf87YH_1tKJ2nvPuPx_Akb2PvRP2qq/s320/100_2277.JPG" border="0" /></a> So this me living it up at Kenting - the southern tip of Taiwan. The waves were turquoise and big. The sand was beautiful and the water clear. We rode a motorcycle all over and saw great views of the ocean. It was great to hear the waves and let the water rush over my toes. I am back now in Taipei and trying to enjoy my last week in the country. <br /><br />Until next time...<br /><div></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-41602223309853015462008-06-17T15:02:00.008+08:002008-06-17T15:51:36.360+08:00Crazy crazy CRAZYLife is so hectic right now I can't see straight. So I am not going to be posting anything elaborate but I wanted to share a song that sums up how I am feeling right now. All the activities and things that I am doing are great but just happening all at once.<br /><div><div><br /><div><div><div><div><div>Time Takes a Toll on us</div><div>By: Bebo Norman</div><br /><br /><div><em>Have I become a soul so numb</em></div><div><em>All too familiar</em></div><div><em>Words of gold have all grown cold</em></div><div><em>Over and overI need to see you in the sunrise</em></div><div><em>Time takes its toll on us</em></div><div><em>And it tries its best just to steal our love</em></div><div><em>And we bend and we break but we don't give up</em></div><div><em>Time takes its toll on us</em></div><div><em>From the start you touched my heart</em></div><div><em>And turned it in to something more</em></div><div><em>Beautiful, you're beautiful</em></div><div><em>So why does it have to be so hard</em></div><div><em>To see you in the sunrise</em></div><div><em>Time takes, time takes away</em></div><div><em>Love remains, love remains</em></div><br /><div>Here are just a few pictures of the week:</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212743945288650306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlY5Z8jP8_eJ7h7bYukc8wSUkN99FKcDBHHNNaj37uHz0T5kIQNNysTw59pjhSV8S4BGsTwz-1Al3gXy9ewcFDghHwtpBB7aPHDWmcjrUOmzS2T_tuV3JE5s4IAINRnjf6P2rWOffk_kLA/s320/100_2167.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212744199561714162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4LNjEB-xdet_vEr55iKazQor2sfSsuHK-1yLbPBs4Zq4ySSUztYdMP9qVv9F7j3UWIYsYvEHwprNRqvjYeIkAO1CEyNo21-JFTAHeKzylhOiWDAklJdHO_hdBtM33VK2iUzqz1Q8mXpm/s320/100_2173.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212744829945534962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrXQIA-5YaHovHINNVDNAosHOLcUlQtxW-aQEiCBN87ZjkW-DMKseiWOecSUf3Xdytpx1CZSYlaYKliYfCk64_PGX-0oqOAA_S5TY5L2Mos-p79AlGJ8_xdaceMtaUMRH7L3WabwosaHv/s320/100_2191.JPG" border="0" />Mrs. Barbara and Dr. David White (MTW team members) celebrated their 50th anniversary. We had a party for them at the school on Friday. It was fun - I made a powerpoint of many pictures throughout their fifty years of marriage as a surprise gift. It was a fun project.<br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212753261188184242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdtmrbLEVY5sxRpzCHSiAvR77zhcUOtmwve61b-j8RJ7TmnrL3ho1xjmrKZVmfS9_fCXfPzAkOIFkd4wTZRvPJkg9NgdWeQMrHlq3zQVDaBIv7QYjEQdUfNvgTzDC_2utBpuLye2sF6_Z/s320/100_2247.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212751882736984306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGa0STTa9gTjkIcsWxOR0fFFEDY1DpkvyUSbkgo-pBiazqF8BSsa0CClaflC6r77MInro2EM8VJ4vfc6GN3K9um1ANmNx-KpGmRgunuDS4LJNlrmCllvo4pWfznrdvZ1vb9BKLMH96NSJP/s320/100_2209.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212751718156945426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvLUBoqbZb_FgNKl4qi2KZSzU5orY3D8hOUmgACu28415WMZJCL0f2b8mhpyIYO-LjamPiqKW-m-2VW3BDrGIWQnrFaCibNtMMiwnpL1VAal7Z-A6vPQ-Nmv3lPJklSa6UECZp30vRZod/s320/100_2205.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212754625829849202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-FMDepLgLxcGmmFuaQRTCxG1DC7vz0PcXyYZJO7VcGsbwBZBLw3v_yM3dX_vlpZBj9Ia8HjTDFD-PogSwpmkOpV5CTb7gCBItgffZp1tJu6c0fxmpowRferfeRwt2T005u4Vo_oGBegt/s320/100_2254.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Well, I will write more soon. Right now I am too pooped!</p><p>Until next time...</p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-24455981214636534052008-06-12T21:27:00.002+08:002008-06-12T21:34:44.485+08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepNACBB0huB3XPs9dgX5-Py5vh3BskaAnCYL8IOB3ba8ptPfkmSiUIul4rFTeOUjZLzIwRjT1PlUVFynJZF9mMHkTT1_r8NPj5lvmiZ9hTasZqB83Ao3LrtJpBoBl07EGAZ6ZMmmPOLmz/s1600-h/Danshui+river.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210986995188448034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepNACBB0huB3XPs9dgX5-Py5vh3BskaAnCYL8IOB3ba8ptPfkmSiUIul4rFTeOUjZLzIwRjT1PlUVFynJZF9mMHkTT1_r8NPj5lvmiZ9hTasZqB83Ao3LrtJpBoBl07EGAZ6ZMmmPOLmz/s320/Danshui+river.jpg" border="0" /></a>I love this picture: it is just a snapshot of life here. We are taking time to talk and walk and look at the beautiful Danshui River. The girl on the left is a student named Kiddy and on the right is Becky White - both of these people have been special to me this year. I will miss them dearly and miss our walks on the river. Just wanted to give you a glimpse of my "normal" life here.<br /><br />Unitl next time...<br /><div></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-43768124637863440992008-06-12T02:04:00.003+08:002008-06-12T02:13:25.561+08:00Ever since coming to Taiwan I have wanted to buy a Taiwanese flag. I have searched high and low, deep and wide, in big and small stores - nothing, nada, no flag. However, all over the highways and around the city are hundreds of flags. But I can not find one - I think it is a conspiracy. So since my time in Taiwan is coming to an end and it looks like I will not be buying my own Taiwanese flag I decided to take a picture of me draped in one. And I was ever so tempted to pull that stake out of the ground and end the flag search right then and there. But there were too many people around and I figured it wasn't a big enough issue to risk deportation! But man I really want a flag... <div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210688321584990722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2fE3hCEl9JST-WZcKOesm2NCIRD7oaB43u2XICa4ixqOOIXGJ-zpwotiVapl2bWTsDg1SIumCzT0E48q-UX7bH17S0yOoMilfOsmxb8J410f8y_HdXFS0yC7Hd3hXnvRzY20v15ceJuF/s320/100_2159.JPG" border="0" />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-15125361081154701212008-06-12T01:39:00.003+08:002008-06-12T02:04:07.602+08:00My favorite Phoebe<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qBTn6FhVzG8jcOrUPd5b0RMuilKsBW6lV1f2bfHnSTUGf0LJqL9Pjd6DDtrZfI2bsvHdhTtQFUfT1HK6qbB3cYs3Ex9PLpVLVShoyzjKoOzHvzv6f8-iWFdz0RoUfR5uLzMyfZLEocKU/s1600-h/100_2022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210686052586444434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qBTn6FhVzG8jcOrUPd5b0RMuilKsBW6lV1f2bfHnSTUGf0LJqL9Pjd6DDtrZfI2bsvHdhTtQFUfT1HK6qbB3cYs3Ex9PLpVLVShoyzjKoOzHvzv6f8-iWFdz0RoUfR5uLzMyfZLEocKU/s320/100_2022.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div> This is one of the most adorable little girls I know. She is two and although we literally cannot communicate (that language thing you know) we have become friends. She is a happy little girl and I can see how she has really changed and grown from a clingy, scared baby to a bold, happy, passionate, social two-year old. Her laugh and smile just melt me. I have had the priviledge of babysitting her once, which I was a bit intimidated about because of the language barrier, but it was great. We had so much fun. I will dearly miss little Phoebe and I hope she will miss "jie jie Amanda" which is what she calls me and it means big sister Amanda. <div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210682133826321378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bnaKgyf0zk5QYDfrSdqBt82LHGKEnzrggkp8NVMS4CHpnnBDxy2iRnncXnsaMpQU57Nj3hxVzpll-3vb3g92sGEEesmZqEanr7qvnQb4wpzqhLA3hHaeyF6viMTT-akDkpNX4zSLiO_o/s320/100_2105.JPG" border="0" /></div></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-13541873020726839142008-06-12T00:57:00.006+08:002008-06-12T01:37:28.370+08:00Graduation Time - the first of the goodbyes<div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210671316886081762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yKN5Hdd1__ln68dmKOtNt2yjh4VzjlgEAxbC-Cg5-WBmPvzoCaSszwRy7dddjoDnSkek684jjTDBA9OForR_VskhfkazvsaA2VuLEAiONAUmoEAOO1AtxZiMGi9Ds7MgJn1uWXLHcP0H/s320/100_2151.JPG" border="0" />The seniors had their graduation ceremony on Saturday and it was so much fun seeing the senior English majors walk on stage. I have gotten to know many of them and helped them get through their classes so graduation was not just merely watching people complete a degree but seeing students that I had encouraged, helped, cheered on, listened to, and shared the gospel with end one part of their lives and begin a new chapter. At Christ's College, graduation occurs two weeks before the undergraduates finish. So this was the first of many goodbye experiences. I will dearly miss the seniors and hope to keep in touch with some of them. Even more, I pray that God will use what He has taught them to glorify and further His kingdom.</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210673332185372642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSVLWGZ9tFrJdgCoQ4jqZq775DgAos4dwSOaJuh1A_IIH91nq68Qyc90stfCgWFfHNfO95-qVduai3ABCJqNb9hvjJwyrmx2wMXAjjBBLpl5WiZJTBEJD2vFfO6p05An6jVqndCxcpdkx/s320/100_2147.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210674967505833682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAhTusH0b6K01JcIZRffx8hlXULAAjdfGSlDO5bNFuy4sROrfFcnkVYlC54W0x6Ad0uH2uzqIUx1jmKchj2NYSTMdMUpGzkpD875D-4bQ7XQIVh5oyNXxNhkHBvVyWX8zN6zMJzk54LOk/s320/100_2146.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210678368487772274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5PFPebxPOSLy12MkDxhMre4VLytnK-trnQehzexueAKhET9nPTxpdEQWgB5wQMsK4kKQHoXDBN6fgnET4kOEzcyeBOpIfI1EWeiYt9ZGlyvZwbLcYdUmeddLIVvPtv-JXCXe_kCcnr1Bj/s320/100_2157.JPG" border="0" />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-67938898093429339392008-06-11T20:24:00.006+08:002008-06-12T00:54:36.647+08:00Senior Banquet<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVpoGFDspta_aT46xHzBt60wwNwSzXBrahRwdmSHHTlTo6egwsNi0kYH-JouMoiOVba8nF9mLUtvtNLhuaowtd2FdDKoC6i4_ywTNMPoFjafRKTYqfETo09yuRIfOW3EAIpi0JLynlJuv/s1600-h/100_2121.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210668348303711474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVpoGFDspta_aT46xHzBt60wwNwSzXBrahRwdmSHHTlTo6egwsNi0kYH-JouMoiOVba8nF9mLUtvtNLhuaowtd2FdDKoC6i4_ywTNMPoFjafRKTYqfETo09yuRIfOW3EAIpi0JLynlJuv/s320/100_2121.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Last week the seniors hosted a Teacher Appreciation Dinner to celebrate their last days as students at Christ's College. It was basically a feast with lots and lots of picture taking. I was excited to get invited since I have gotten to know many of the senior English majors and it was a formal event so I got all dressed up. For those that think they know me well, surprisingly I do like to wear dresses and dress up but I don't do it often because pants and shorts are more comfortable for every day attire. People make such a big deal when I wear a dress and usually it drives me nuts but this time I just thanked everyone when I got compliments. Better to get compliments than the other option!<br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210662303020519026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3D0ywK2JhP1XWFLBlU4fZQUHZk2fFKecwN_-zft4rWcVYXWQOGzs3gKLc094PnbLRDfmu7m-bKsQZZNiff505RdagvckfU0UQq67zRSchwnzNO9yrnW7_VDgAm6qi-RYmmtHTObBZ5Dl/s320/100_2096.JPG" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210664676518576930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjei8ZidfN5Py1OGZbzpUGjIDHL49s_2Dqd5QkvVx5B1i-ORFSjKWkqRK30ZQShRr_o__UAi1QDL4OLPzY4dekzUMZDR7r2OMV6Z8n4NgOxtot4H08URPSggXe-1C1Qdo-alefXy9l18J/s320/100_2099.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210665826563604082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XQkDFc7dLz9pDTkzovt_hVGO6_xkq1rkju1wI-gTPoM5DES15QF-VFg-32CHx25132lKRr8gfPZ-KriijcgdN5akCZ5hZGfouA_J0xZcvMvaTxIlqOLGDvRZZZ5fYAlsYyb54arYiNZ9/s320/100_2111.JPG" border="0" /></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-12085163524050962222008-05-27T14:21:00.003+08:002008-05-27T15:30:21.307+08:00True Worship: What is it?<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204956408030273250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="204" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYV2HZx43I2P6_LZcmycY6yvSL2RL16AIdCfucVpQz_osPX0CDEP9t1iCImlWzaYF9_P1e0P2rrgxSZNFIqK_UPU7iRaMd0S32dNqPpVJpJb99wonGJCxas1yp1GkVhSExj6hblGl548q/s320/worship.jpg" width="275" border="0" /><br /><div><div>The semester is coming to an end and there are only about four Monday night devotions left. So the last theme that I am talking about is worship. Last night I shared Romans 12:1-2 which talks about presenting our lives as living sacrificies, holy, and pleasing to God as our act of worship. Worship is a lifestyle. Not something I just do in church, or chapel, or when I pray. It is an action and it is the way I live. I used the example of an alarm clock. I set my alarm clock to get up in the morning and turn it off when I get up. But worship is not like that - it is not something I turn on or put on during certain times of the week and then turn off during other times. In order to push my point I stood in the middle of the room and said "worship is not just something we do in chapel or in devotions (and I jumped to one side) and then when we stop praying or walk out of chapel we are done worshipping and can do whatever we want like drink a lot or be too physical with our boyfriends or talk bad about friends or etc. (and I jumped to another side of the room - it was a small jump)" Many of the Christian students have a hard time realizing that they can not compartamentalize their life and give God parts of it and be their own god over other parts of it. The beautifual and yet despairing part of this is that we can't worship God without Jesus. Jesus gave us the ability to be able to worship him and I ended with the hope that when we discover the grace of God joy flows forth from our actions which is true worship. The Holy Spirit was speaking to my heart as well. So I am excited about how the Spirit will speak to all of us as we explore the theme of worship.</div></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-38267519075752884782008-05-27T14:09:00.003+08:002008-05-27T15:34:13.328+08:00Hungry Mosquitos<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIz2IHI1t8RTFy4VgCC26H96COoj4SNVVGx6JIlvXmqWkrxZVYJKINIat7N5vLbi_hdB4Wi6NyUzdkxsCQ2b1XvleR1SxpMi_Qc1B-b4x1h0kdt-hYe3Q7CQ65B2ueGBct779ly2siu_o/s1600-h/mosquito.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204957614916083442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIz2IHI1t8RTFy4VgCC26H96COoj4SNVVGx6JIlvXmqWkrxZVYJKINIat7N5vLbi_hdB4Wi6NyUzdkxsCQ2b1XvleR1SxpMi_Qc1B-b4x1h0kdt-hYe3Q7CQ65B2ueGBct779ly2siu_o/s320/mosquito.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div>So it has been about twenty days since I posted something - whoops! How time flies and speaking of flying... Taiwan is filled with little flying vermit that seem attracted to my body like a child is to a sweet, sugary popsicle. The mosquitos are out in full force right now. Most of the time when I trek out into town I am drenched in repellent. You can probably smell me a mile away even above the stench (that I am still not used to) of the stinky tofu. These mosquitos are quite smart and peculiar, they seem to prefer biting my left leg and arm. I think they are left-handed mosquitos. Which, although I hate mosquitos with a passion I must respect their left-handedness since I too am a left-hander myself. However, I wish that they would attack the right-handed population and leave their own kind alone. I have a theory that mosquitos were created after the fall of man. I just hope some of me is left by the time I am ready to leave Taiwan because the mosquitos are feasting.</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-62372245384102385012008-05-09T16:12:00.005+08:002008-05-09T16:17:28.657+08:00More Painting Pictures...Painted more Wednesday night... I am sick of the color yellow!!! We are almost done but not quite.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198288392754344226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNC1WTP2cL7hAeNZaIhoBgOahU5GMuxQrxAi_SCcnaK7guXXn6tpDBZ-g6E2hWRPHr-EfCSA8sTq6V7mgloLj3jRqha4Jk-qhvle_d1IrQAimHAj5tUevOKIBj64utIvcg7jkbRjkCWbf/s320/100_2093.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198288646157414706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDVq0qAHeWwAX-JRdpBGYo12Kxe-mXTPrEL6-fVcxGkwrhxItT5p2_lunEwQdxJyjfNr3yUXk3HN7jjdcr7jmRUkeqOdzdID9ehyphenhyphenlGYcKxMklF_pD9DitAdG0E-HrObY5wnm4XPu2UTGF/s320/100_2094.jpg" border="0" />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-40482838007539097572008-05-08T22:49:00.010+08:002008-05-10T01:28:03.608+08:00"Little Rabbit in the Woods..."Every Monday night I troop up to the second floor of the girls dorm and make a fool out of myself in front of about forty girls. Dorm devotions happen every week night (except Friday night) and on Monday night some of the girls have a corporate devotion time. I am in charge of coming up with a game or fun thing, then we sing a few songs, then I give a devotional and try to make it simple and biblical. The format reminds me a lot of my middle and highschool youth group days and I have taken some ideas from my favorite memories of youth group. These girls have definitely received a dose of American culture this year for now they know the Hokey Pokey (which embarrassingly enough our President saw me through the dorm window teaching the students and will never let me live it down), the Cha-Cha, Telephone, and Simon Says (and many more). I also have taught them some of my favorite silly songs. My favorite being "Little Rabbit in the Woods." If you have not had the priviledge of hearing and participating in this song then I must enlighten you. The song has simple hand motions and the words go like this...<br /><br />Little Rabbit in the Woods<br />Little man by the window stood<br />Saw a rabbit hopping by<br />Knocking at his door<br />"Help me, Help me, Help me" he said<br />"For the hunter will shoot me dead"<br />"Come little rabbit come inside<br />Safely to abide."<br /><br />I taught the girls the hand motions but even better we sing the song three times. First in a normal voice with normal-sized hand motions. Then we do the teeny tiny version with a wee rabbit and wee hand motions. Then we do the GIGANTIC version and the rabbit is enormous and we use very low voices and jump around. It is great fun. I think the girls enjoy watching me make a fool of myself most of all. But it does really break the "icey" feel and helps everyone relax. I truly have probably lost all of my dignity here but oh well - that's what ministry and missions is about, dying to self!<br />Here are some pictures of our latest time singing the Rabbit song...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198285274608087314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zr1cPUyYZjQb3oEIuWuvxAOrdjFFYLDQtci52QGv5Q1ZEFmbDZipUBe8lmdzkro6KJNCwCeDqpjwNB14RKKaFrZExT83G1CMOHS0HN5P3MOpQ7kyXVddYpEk8BKluZz_cHpgw3ULLCUA/s320/100_2084.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198280167891972306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkg_fiPeSfevv8Ak24dW4mls_0C1i_4D9uOhrQbBj9qMHKPU_Cz1LNwqqzDtIJC97Niu4v3t6rcyo_VnQktJAh-cy1cAETY3OHROevYbyFRoXwxSIi8qBdObYb2NiXhZdVcDizIPyNSzM/s320/100_2082.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198280451359813858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmByW2x4RBxsLxrcZb1wKfrgPJy43gq5fdyvp0mahk5BaXnJDUjS9-5CX3Z6BcyXnfSmEXp6HMAL51WnvgHG1NfA9k0D8UqtfOUrs3LYgScVyx6vEQN1xmPAday2wWcJ1xYt4khe9aOr1l/s320/100_2085.jpg" border="0" />This past Monday night I decided to get some of the girls involved and did a small drama. There was no talking just movement. The theme for last few devotions has been light - Jesus is the light of the world, having Jesus' light in your life, etc. As I have been preparing these devotions I realized how much the image of light is in the Bible. So the drama went like this: five girls stood shoulder to shoulder with unlit candles. The person representing Jesus comes and lights the first person's candle and she starts singing "This Little Light of Mine." Then she lights the person's candle beside her and so on until all candles are lit and all the girls are singing. Then the person representing Satan (that would be me, which was funny because I had on a pink shirt) told each person why they did not deserve to represent Jesus and made them afraid to be "a light to the world." Then they would blowout their candle. I get to the last person who, with the person representing Jesus, sing the song with such fervor make the person representing Satan (me) so frustrated she leaves. Then the girl with the lit candle lights her neighbor's candle until they all are lit again and singing the song again. I explained the skit beforehand with a huge emphasis that no one can lose their salvation and in the skit when the girls blow out their candles it does not symbolize losing one's salvation. However, sometimes Christians become afraid and feel unworthy of representing Jesus in the world because they see all of their sin and failures. I tried to encourage them that as Christians our righteousness is not based on us but on all Jesus did and is. So we do not have to hide our light or cower when we are tempted to be discouraged. I used much simpler language and I hope they understood. My prayer is that God will work in all of these girls heart's and plant seeds and break down walls. Here are some pictures of our skit:<br /><br /><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198284664722731250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4zRtRXQI90BQGTzqOjA18GhSACTOzEBkNtSji4KyyX20mgkf7hopvT7tyWM_p1xweoZF0e6H_6xjdcDvYYzszcZO6Ej5AcaN7cQU7KbZyTRRlRSd14FWLLNAQl7MiCRGCWBi3PmcZSe7/s320/100_2088.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198284926715736322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWICVHv_-6fNELo0Zd0HUPeRRvncNXY5iS2XycctN-OlDqVUh9dRvwLR7wmIL2PvpVdK4MeyUyI3ar0RvoBqAqSk5r1MU3w7vE15cB__cpIHcsCXWlmeCD7eNzVYZpjE80jCcuLVj1wEfQ/s320/100_2091.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div>So, now it is Friday and I am already trying to figure out what to do about this upcoming week - it never ends! I am afraid that my creative juices will become stagnant at some point but I always seem to think of something (mostly with my colleague's help - Mrs. Lyle, who helps out during these devotions times too, she is a great help.</div><div></div><div>Well, until next time...</div></div></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-69646127950856536572008-05-06T18:49:00.003+08:002008-05-06T18:58:42.600+08:00Major AchievementSo today I was very proud of myself. I ordered take out from my favorite Chinese restaurant (The seafood restaurant, talked about in a prior post) by myself in Chinese. Ok, so I did not speak in complete sentences but used enough words so that the cook and the waitress could understand me. When you live in a foreign country it is important to know the phrase for "take out." Anyway, I was pretty thrilled. Having no opportunity for language learning in Chinese I just simply don't know much. Students and teachers who are fluent just do the talking when we are out. But today I marched down, in the down pouring rain mind you, and ordered my food. So yes it's the only dish I know how to say in Chinese and I am sure my tones were extremely off (hint the owner of the restaurant had a huge smile on his face as I tried to communicate) but I got the food, it was great, and I spoke Chinese (even if it was only a few words!) So I thought that I would share this achievement with all of those who have been or lived in a foreign country and understand what it is like to try and speak a different language.<br /><br />Until next time...Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480713175681160073.post-2659349195995587922008-05-05T17:32:00.002+08:002008-05-05T17:36:42.876+08:00Cats know best<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuEPu3FzaoC2A-D1ZgiqpvnXcgwoYkg169HjzaTNyyjnGFEb1lSTJwWfTeEGZhsqM2gR0bCA6AWtCx6bdpBQaERULIAbNSnIARYMgF2wim3gMI_2XW9mswHAR2UjwdEqkEEHlvmLxIeuN/s1600-h/tired+kitty.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196824619285744274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="280" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuEPu3FzaoC2A-D1ZgiqpvnXcgwoYkg169HjzaTNyyjnGFEb1lSTJwWfTeEGZhsqM2gR0bCA6AWtCx6bdpBQaERULIAbNSnIARYMgF2wim3gMI_2XW9mswHAR2UjwdEqkEEHlvmLxIeuN/s320/tired+kitty.jpg" width="363" border="0" /></a><br /><div>After an afternoon full of grading, researching, and helping students with their grammar with badminton and bible teaching scheduled at night, I completely understand this picture. Life is good but tired I continue to be.</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07167628308213062486noreply@blogger.com0