Amanda's Musings

The Wonderful World of Jetlag

2009-06-03T09:57:00.002+08:00

So 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.
Well, I am off to the grocery store for the first time and prepared to get myself readjusted to the food selections here.

Will write more soon especially when I am not falling asleep at the computer!

- Amanda

Dearly Beloved...

2008-11-14T12:07:00.012+08:00

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...

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!

Until next time - oh so soon...

2008-11-14T11:41:00.010+08:00

So 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.

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.

Until next time... which will be sooner than last!

The Lake

2008-07-14T03:33:00.005+08:00

Yesterday 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.

Reunion

2008-07-12T22:04:00.007+08:00

I 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Until next time...

Last night in Taipei

2008-07-06T22:40:00.003+08:00

Well, 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.

Tzi Jian...

How much is the puppy in the window?

2008-07-05T19:14:00.005+08:00

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.

Here are some of the little puppies that are in the window right now - I hope they find a good home soon:

Soaking up some last minute fun

2008-07-05T13:59:00.011+08:00

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.

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.

Here are some pictures of our time at the Dime Boat Restaurant:

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.

FYI: I will write a few more times before I leave and I will keep the blog updated this summer...

Little Emmie

2008-07-03T11:31:00.003+08:00

So 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.

English Department Barbecue in Pictures

2008-06-30T17:47:00.007+08:00

Last 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.

It was a bunch of fun. A great way to say goodbye.

The Greatest Gift...

2008-06-30T17:44:00.002+08:00

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.
So excited...

Kenting

2008-06-30T17:22:00.009+08:00

So 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!

All in all it was a great time of chilling, enjoying the beauty of this country, and escaping the busyness of life.

Here are some pictures...

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.

Now I am back in Taipei and packing away. 7 days and counting until I go home.

Until next time...

2008-06-27T20:24:00.003+08:00

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.

Until next time...

Crazy crazy CRAZY

2008-06-17T15:02:00.008+08:00

Life 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.

Time Takes a Toll on us

By: Bebo Norman

Have I become a soul so numb

All too familiar

Words of gold have all grown cold

Over and overI need to see you in the sunrise

Time takes its toll on us

And it tries its best just to steal our love

And we bend and we break but we don't give up

Time takes its toll on us

From the start you touched my heart

And turned it in to something more

Beautiful, you're beautiful

So why does it have to be so hard

To see you in the sunrise

Time takes, time takes away

Love remains, love remains

Here are just a few pictures of the week:

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.

Well, I will write more soon. Right now I am too pooped!

Until next time...

2008-06-12T21:27:00.002+08:00

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.

Unitl next time...

2008-06-12T02:04:00.003+08:00

Ever 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...

My favorite Phoebe

2008-06-12T01:39:00.003+08:00

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.

Graduation Time - the first of the goodbyes

2008-06-12T00:57:00.006+08:00

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.

Senior Banquet

2008-06-11T20:24:00.006+08:00

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!

True Worship: What is it?

2008-05-27T14:21:00.003+08:00

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.

Hungry Mosquitos

2008-05-27T14:09:00.003+08:00

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.

More Painting Pictures...

2008-05-09T16:12:00.005+08:00

Painted more Wednesday night... I am sick of the color yellow!!! We are almost done but not quite.

"Little Rabbit in the Woods..."

2008-05-08T22:49:00.010+08:00

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...

Little Rabbit in the Woods
Little man by the window stood
Saw a rabbit hopping by
Knocking at his door
"Help me, Help me, Help me" he said
"For the hunter will shoot me dead"
"Come little rabbit come inside
Safely to abide."

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!
Here are some pictures of our latest time singing the Rabbit song...

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:

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.

Well, until next time...

Major Achievement

2008-05-06T18:49:00.003+08:00

So 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.

Until next time...

Cats know best

2008-05-05T17:32:00.002+08:00

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.

Attempting to Teach...

2008-05-04T19:34:00.007+08:00

I have had many opportunities to teach this semester. One of my favorite experiences has been teaching some lectures, using powerpoint, about British History to the Senior English Majors. I have been giving them brief surveys of the history of Britain so they can understand the authors that they are reading. Recently I gave a presentation on C.S. Lewis. There is so much information on him and I did not feel I did justice to his life story. I only touched the tip of the iceburg. It was very interesting and I found lots and lots of pictures. Here is one of my favorite:

The students are now reading the "Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe." I reread it and it has been fun to read it again. Every time I read the book I discover something new. It is a treat. During my presentation I shared some of my favorite C.S. Lewis quotes and I thought I would share them with all of you as well...

“Once a King or Queen in Narnia, always a King or Queen.” - The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

“Failures are finger posts on the road to achievement.”

“God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.”

There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, "All right, then, have it your way."

“You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body.”

Before I sign off I have to mention the fact that the great C.S. and I share the same last name! I do feel a measure of pride to carry on the great Lewis legacy! I can allow myself to at least dream that there is some distant (however far off) familial relation somewhere in our family trees!

Until next time...

I am aunt!!

2008-04-30T14:07:00.003+08:00

Ok so no, there is not a new baby in the Lewis family. Well there is but not a human baby. Missy just adopted a puppy - Emmie Anne Lewis. She is precious and a tiny ball of fur. I can't wait to get home and play with my new "niece." You have to know that in the Lewis family dogs and cats are family and treated no different than people (I know, a little weird.) Here is a picture of Emmie and her momma.

Prayer Retreat

2008-04-29T15:20:00.010+08:00

What better to do than return to Taipei and be a part of a prayer retreat the next day. The day after I got back from Thailand the English Department had a prayer retreat. The retreat only lasted for a day but it was great fellowship and a good time of prayer and brainstorming. Many of the teacher's children came along, which is always a delight to play and see the little ones. Also we had lunch at a steak restaurant run by a Christian lady. I enjoyed the fellowship with the other teachers, we do not have much time to talk, dream, and just get to know each other. The prayer was refreshing and the corporate worship was enjoyable. That night we had a painting party with some of the students and tried to finish painting one floor of the girl's dorm. We did not quite finish but almost 20 girls helped us paint but they had a great time and we had got a lot done.

Pictures from the retreat:

After the retreat I put on my painting clothes, grabbed a brush, and joined the paint party in the girls dorm. Although many of the students were celebrating the end of midterms we still had a good turnout. We got a lot painted and now the floor is almost complete. Pictures of the painting...

Thursday was a long day but it was fun and rewarding. I was pretty sore the next day after painting for almost 5 hours straight! It was worth it. The halls no longer have that hospital feel to them. Now school is back in session. I am teaching, tudoring, doing devotions, and hanging out with students again. School ends June 19th so I really want to enjoy the last month or so of my time here.

Well until next time...

The Land of Smiles

2008-04-26T15:35:00.011+08:00

My trip to Thailand was fun, restful, and an adventure. I find that flying by myself is always an adventure. My flight was delayed two and a half hours because of technical problems. I did not mind because I would rather fly on a safe airplane. I got to Bangkok at 2 am and did not arrive at my friend's house until after 3. Other than that I had a great time meeting people, eating different foods, trying to speak Thai, and catching up with my friend Melanie. She and her friends took me to ride a river boat and see this enormous reclining Budha made of pure gold. I went to a nice mall one day and ate Mexican food for the first time in almost 9 months. I read three books and slept a lot. I also had the chance to see the MTW Thailand team in action. They have many different ministries going on and it was a priviledge to be a very small part of them during a short time. I also met Melanie's neighbors and ate at their shop. They have a little girl (about 5 years old) and a teenager who love to hang out with Melanie and her roommates. I enjoyed them. They ate with us and told us that we were wimps because we couldn't handle spicy food - that would be me!!!
I have a few pictures...

Now I am back at Christ's College. We had a prayer retreat the day after I returned. We also picked up our paint brushes once again and tried to finish painting one of the girl's dorm floors. Almost 20 girls came to help and it was a lot of fun. The halls are looking good.

Much has been going on here. Midterms just ended so I am experiencing one of the "joys" of teaching - grading. Not my favorite part let me tell you. Today I did get the opportunity to give a power point lecture on C.S. Lewis to the senior English Majors who are in the process of reading "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe." I had so much fun finding pictures, rereading the book, and sharing my passion of Lewis' writing and life. So grading balances out with being able to connect faith and learning in the classroom.

Hope everyone is doing well

Until next time...

Thailand...

2008-04-19T15:21:00.002+08:00

I am taking a short break and am in Bangkok, Thailand. I am visiting missionary friends for about 5 days. I had a whirlwind of a flight to get here - delayed 2 hours, immigration took an hour and then the ride to their home took about another hour. So we got to their home at about 2 am. So I slept late and haven't seen much of the city yet but Melanie (my friend) took me around the little town they live in and we met some of her Thai friends. I ate Thai stir fry and a Thai smoothie - really good and got money exchanged. There are many similarities between Thailand and Taiwan so it has not been extremely difficult to adjust. The language is beautiful and so is the writing - it looks a bit like Arabic. It is nice to have a breather from Chinese and life in Taiwan but I know by the time I fly back I will miss it dearly and be ready to see the students again.
I haven't taken any pictures yet but I plan to so I will update my blog with Thailand pictures soon.

Cloudy Days...

2008-04-16T13:54:00.005+08:00

Blue skies smilin' at me... nothing but blue skies... So we painted Becky White's (MTW missionary teacher) ceiling with clouds. It was already blue so we just finished it adding it with clouds. We put sponges on poles and dabbed the ceiling. I started helping paint clouds but once I painted a very square cloud I was kindly put as picture taker and master foreman - I told the others where clouds needed to be painted by looking up at ceiling in a prostrate position. It was fun - I have never done anything like it. Here are some pictures...

I like to paint especially being creative with it. Next week we are going to finish painting one floor of the girls' dorm. Many girls have signed up to help so hopefully it will be a good time of fellowship as well as painting. I will make sure and take pictures and let you all know how it goes.

Until next time...

Daily Walks on the River

2008-04-16T13:45:00.005+08:00

After a busy day of helping students, proofreading, talking Chinglish, and ministering to students I head with some of the teachers and sometimes some students down the hill to Juwei to walk along the river. We usually walk while the sun is setting and it is beautiful. It is a great break and respite to separate the afternoon and night activities. We see tons of dogs ranging from huge sheep dogs to itty bitty shitzus and puffy cocoa poodle type dogs. I love the dogs because I miss my parent's zoo of animals (4 dogs and 2 cats!). The dogs run around and try to dodge all of the bikes. Great entertainment! Here are some pictures...

Ok, so these pictures are when the tide is out so the beauty of the river is not as evident. But believe me it's great.
Until next time...

Yum!

2008-04-09T22:41:00.010+08:00

So I would have to say that my favorite restaurant to eat in Taiwan is the little hole-in-the-wall next to the college. The English faculty has dubbed it the "Seafood" restaurant, which I think is pretty funny because we never eat seafood there. It is great. There are only two waitresses, so we have gotten to know them pretty well and it is family owned. My favorite dish is Chinese eggplant and pork with rice. Oh and there is this tofu soup like dish that is great as well. The Chinese name for it is something like soft skin tofu. I eat there at least once a week or more. The place is tiny and most of the time noisy and full of Taiwanese people relaxing and communing over good food after a hard day's work. I have a few pictures of me and some of our team eating at the seafood place. I will dearly miss this food and the people when I leave.

This is a whole fish - head, eyes, everything - cooked in a pan. So, yes they serve seafood but we tend to stick to land dishes.

So I give a shout out to the wonderful people at the seafood place and I can't wait to eat there again - which will be very soon.

Until next time...

Sheep

2008-04-07T15:20:00.003+08:00

Growing up I never had a fascination with stuffed animals or had a favorite kind of animal. Well, now that I am twenty five that is changing. This year I have seen how God uses the picture of the shepherd and sheep all throughout the Bible. I am His sheep. Sheep are needy, dependent, and yes let's be frank pretty stupid animals but they are precious to the shepherd. We also have a shepherd who thinks we are more valuable than we think of ourselves.

I received a stuffed sheep for Easter and although she is a bit plump and does not have a smile unless I contort her face she is soft and a great reminder that God will and is taking care of me more than I can see or know.

Picture of the sheep - I haven't named her yet so if anyone has any ideas please let me know.

I hope she makes you smile!
Until next time...

My Battle with mosquitos

2008-04-07T13:10:00.006+08:00

When you think of places that might have huge, pesky, blood sucking mosquitos I personally think of places like the Amazon in Brazil or the Congo or Kenya in Africa. Well, I found out this week that we can add Taiwan to this list. I live on the 5th floor of an apartment building and my bedroom is enclosed by a indoor porch and STILL these darn mosquitos find their way into my ear at 1am. So I did something I did not expect to do here. I got a mosquito net and shimmied it up to the ceiling with duck tape and a draw string from my sweat pants! It has only fallen once in four nights and now I think I have gotten it secure so it hopefully will not fall again. I have found one or two mosquitos in my room, which I chase around until I can kill them, but they don't make it to my ears or body when I am sleeping. All that to say I am sleeping itch and bothersome free for the first time in a while. So whoever came up with the idea of the mosquito net - bless you.

Here is a picture of my net. It truly feels like I am camping every night. I actually like it - the canopy feeling. The net is big enough that I don't feel suffocated.

So as I am here battling the mosquitos my family is preparing for the upcoming Masters golf tournament that starts this week. I am truly wanting to be there. I love the Masters and will miss spending time at the course with my family - it's a tradition that I truly cherish.

Until next time...

Brownies, movies, and more...

2008-04-02T14:27:00.005+08:00

Sleeping late, eating gluten-free brownies, and watching good movies. Isn't that what Spring Break is all about? I enjoyed making gluten-free brownies last night. For all that do not know I cannot eat wheat so I usually cannot eat cakes, brownies, cookies, etc. A kind friend sent some special brownie mix to me and I used it last night. I made brownie cup cakes and I am ashamed to say that they are almost gone now. In my defense I did give many to friends so that they could try a gluten-free brownie for the first time. Look, I only get stuff like this once a year or so (I don't feel bad!) Special little things make life so sweet don't they.

Spring break plans - go see a play with students, read, grade papers, and spend time communing with the Lord. There are some students staying on campus so I hope to spend some time with them.

I would like to make a shout out to my lovely famiy especially my mom for helping me get some things done in the states that I can't do since I am an ocean and the whole U.S. apart from Augusta GA. Mom, I appreciate your help and could not plan for my future if you were not willing to sacrifice your time and effort for me. Thank you.

Well, Until next time...

Easter

2008-03-31T14:30:00.005+08:00

Easter came early this year. We wanted to do something for the students to help them celebrate Easter. What better way than coloring eggs? This also gave many of the teachers opportunities to share the Gospel. There were about 20 students that came to the White's house (a MTW missionary couple) to color eggs. Most of these students are extremely creative and so the eggs that they decorated were colorful and artistic. Most of the students had never done this before so it was fun to watch them get into coloring Easter eggs. Here are some pictures...

Easter felt very different this year. It is not celebrated like it is in other countries. I did attend a Good Friday service which helped me to prepare for Easter. I was reminded about how Christ triumphed over death even on the cross.

I hope your Easter was a sweet celebration with our Savior.

Until next time...

2008-03-31T13:35:00.002+08:00

At Christ's College each room is supposed to have a evening devotion during each night of the week. Many rooms ask me to give a devotion. So Tuesday nights have become "Amanda gives room devotion night." The picture above is of room 711 - I have gotten to know some of these girls over the past few months. Some of these girls have opened up to me and allowed me to become friends with them. I also started a bible study last week about making Jesus at Home in Your Heart and six girls attended. The study is a short one because I want to keep the students interested. The first day went well.
Spring Break starts on Wednesday which will give everyone here a few days to relax. I ask that you all would continue to pray that I can continue to get to know students. Sometimes it can get lonely here but I know that this is part of the Christian life. God uses the lonely times to draw me to himself - and I want him to do that now.
Until next time...

An Adventure to the Mountains

2008-03-27T19:15:00.007+08:00

There is a beautiful mountain in Taipei called Yangmingshan. I had the opportunity to spend time on the mountain top. I rode on a motorscooter up to the top with Becky White - another MTW missionary and teacher at Christ's College. We spent the afternoon riding up the windy roads I had not ridden on the back of a motorscooter for that long at one time and so I was a bit sore afterwards. But the ride was so much fun. I like motorscooters!!

When we reached the mountain we enjoyed picnicing and watching the water buffalo. During the early part of the 20th century the Japanese brought water buffalo up to the mountain. Why? Not sure but it's pretty cool to see huge buffalo on a mountainside and they are used to people so it's a good relationship!

The landscape was beautiful and we were able to hike around the mountain. Even though the city was 30 minutes away I felt that we were in a different country. It was a great time to relax, read, hike, and get away for an afternoon. Here is a picture of the water buffalo...

So this is a real water buffalo and I was about 5 feet from it. He was very focused on eating as you can see. But it did make me want to break out into one of my favorite Veggie Tales songs... "Oh, everyone has a water buffalo, mine is fast but yours is slow. Oh where'd we get them I don't know but everyone has a water buffalo ooooooooh."

Well, as the warmer weather and spring time sweeps into Taipei I know more water buffalo will be out among the mountainsides looking for good snacking spots.

Until next time...

Long Overdue...

2008-03-26T16:03:00.012+08:00

Where do I begin? The past month and a half has flown by and every time something fun and interesting happens I find myself writing a post on my blog in my mind. They are brilliant and well written yet they never seem to get from my mind onto the computer! I have no excuses but I am going to try catch everyone up over the next few days.

During the first few weeks of classes I was Ms. Lewis. I taught (all by myself) a literature class full of budding freshmen. I had a lot of fun teaching. Half of the time I felt like I was back at home with my sisters playing school but this was "for real." I am also a teaching assistant for a couple of teachers and so I am not only the coordinator for the Writing Center but also teaching. So life is busy but I am really enjoying it. I am also having the opportunity to give some history lectures on British History in a British Literature class for senior English majors. I feel that I am in my "prime" when I am lecturing. Being in the classroom gives me a way to interact in the students lives more. I am meeting more students and trying to use the classroom as a doorway for ministry.

I have also had some opportunities to hang out with students. During the first week of the semester some of the freshmen that I was teaching invited me to go to an amusement park in Tapei. I rode a fairis wheel for the first time - that was a bit crazy! We also rode bumper cars which I had not done in years. The freshmen are so full of energy and young compared to the juniors and seniors. I had a blast spending the day with them and trying to communicate with them as they used their electronic dictionaries!!! Below are some pictures of our adventure to the fair.

I will publish more posts soon about more of my adventures and outings during the past few weeks. I ask that you all will pray that I will have more opportunities to get to know students and the energy, desire, and boldness to initiate conversations with students that God puts in my life. I need guidance!

Until next time (which will be soon!)

Celebrating Chinese New Year

2008-02-10T12:53:00.000+08:00

Happy Chinese New Year!!!

I celebrated my first official Chinese New Year last week. On New Year's Eve night I was invited to the Head of the English Department's home (one floor below my apartment) for hotpot and other traditional Chinese foods. I really like hotpot - which for you all that do not know it is just a pot of chicken broth and you can put all sorts of things in it. Usually a person puts cabbage, spinach, mollusks, shrimp, thin cuts of lamb or beef, tofu and other vegetables in the pot and let it come to a boil. It is so good over sticky rice. We also had turnip cakes, sweet and sour fish, and some dishes that tasted great but I have no idea what they are called. The fellowship was great and I enjoyed the family-like atmosphere of the celebration. After we watched a movie my good friend, Becky White, and I hopped back up to the 5th floor and waited until midnight. We had a great view of the fireworks exploding over the Danshui River. Let me tell you the fireworks have not stopped since. It is now Sunday and since Tuesday night they have been booming every single night until the early hours of the morning. It's pretty wild - these people take their fireworks extremely serious.

On New Year's Day one of the Christ's College alumni who I met the first week I was in Taipei, Maple, came to visit. Becky, Maple, and I went to Taipei 101 and shopped in the mall area - they have the biggest and best English bookstore in the city. Then we went to Chili's and met another graduate. It was fun but so cold and rainy. It has rained almost every day for the past 3 weeks. I am ready for some sunshine.

On the day after New Year's the tradition is that the married women visit their mother's homes. One of the Chinese professors invited us to have the meal at her mother's home in Taoyuen. It was truly a traditional Chinese meal. There was a whole fish platter, a whole chicken cooked in a pot with broth - he was good I just had to get past looking at the head part! , and there was jellyfish (which by the way was pretty good). After we ate and visited, we went to a pottery museum that is close to their home. The little town is called Inga and the museum looked like a huge loft apartment. All in all I had a great time getting out of Taipei and going to the country. I really enjoyed being a part of a traditional family celebration at New Year's.

Winter break continues for another two weeks. Many of the stores and restaurants are closed until Tuesday for the New Year. I am hunkered down in my apartment, watching good movies with friends, and using this time to reflect and commune with God. I am getting ready for the spring semester to begin and to bring with it some warmer weather. The campus is quite silent and lonely without the students - I miss them.

Well, Happy New Year and until next time...

Teaching in Tainan

2008-01-27T15:21:00.000+08:00

For the past week I have been teaching crazy middle schoolers in the south of Taiwan, called Tainan, how to learn English. During my time in Taiwan I have been able to rule out many jobs that I would not like to pursue as a career. First, I do not have any ambition to be an actress on television (or on any medium.) And now I have learned that I really do not have any desire to be a middle school teacher especially teaching English as a Second Language. Oh my goodness - you know being able to communicate to the students in their language is an important asset to teaching - I learned that this week!

My students are mostly boys, around 7th grade (12-13 years old). They like to run around, yell, hit, and do everything but what I tell them! When I was a teenager and would misbehave my mom would always tell me, "wait until you have children and they act like you are." Well mom, I didn't have to wait until my own children - I have experienced 60 times the chaos I caused you and dad this week! I truly appreciate the patience and perseverance of parents more.

I am trying to teach my students English vocabulary and I am using many different activities to do this. They are working on a drama to perform at the end of the camp. Each group will also perform a tv commercial that I wrote for them. Heaven help us all if the groups that perform on stage actually get through their little performances and don't fall apart in stage fright. I don't think they actually realize what they are going to have to do although I have tried to enforce the fact that they will be performing. Also I am teaching all levels of students about eating at a restaurant and playing jeopardy with them. I have played jeopardy seven times already and will play it 5 more times before the camp is through. I have had my fill of "Sports for 200...." for years now.

All in all the experience has been good. I have learned a lot about teaching and more importantly about controlling a classroom of crazy students. A little controlled chaos is okay. However, I am ready to go back to Taipei, sleep in my own bed and start my Chinese New Year vacation.

Chinese New Year starts February 6th and I will let you all know how it goes. I am just ready to not be around over 300 talkative, energetic, rambunctuous preteens!!!

Until next time,

Saying Goodbyes...

2008-01-13T04:59:00.000+08:00

Friday morning I said goodbye to my dear friend and fellow intern Lori. Lori came to Taipei just a few weeks after I did. We have travelled, laughed, cried, shared, and prayed together during our time in Taiwan. To say that I will miss her dearly is putting it lightly. It is amazing how God puts the right people in my life at the perfect time and He did this with Lori. I saw God use her in many of the lives of the students and impact my own life as well. Even though I have only known her for a mere four months we have experienced a lot of unique moments together. I will miss her laugh, her deep thoughts, and her silliness. However, I know that the Lord is leading both of us toward His perfect plan in the future. Right now for me that is staying in Taipei and for her that is going back home to Charleston, S.C. Well, I just want to shout out to Lori. Thank you for being a loyal and loving friend - for reflecting the love of Jesus to me and to the students of Christ College. God has used you to "till the soil" and "plant seeds" in the hearts of many here. I miss you already.
One amazing answer to prayer happened as we dropped Lori off at the airport. She was flying standby and there was no room for her on the plane. We were about to leave and take her back to the college and come back the next day when one of the airport service women told us that there was an extra seat - she had only twenty minutes to make it to the plane. She did and got to fly first-class! Man, God is so good.
I ask that you would pray for me as I adjust to the change of not having Lori here. It will be different. God has provided many other friends and spiritual guides for me here but I will miss Lori. I also need guidance on now being in charge of the English Dorm and other activities that Lori was helping with. Pray for Christ's College and the faculty and staff as we labor to share the Gospel with a student body who really needs Jesus. Only 2% of the population (of 23 million) in Taiwan say they are Christians. I can feel the spiritual warfare here. Please pray that I will not try to fight in self-sufficiency but in utter dependency on Jesus.
- Until next time

My new career... as a tv actor!

2008-01-06T14:45:00.000+08:00

I had no idea that I would have so many different and interesting opportunities to experience new things here in Taiwan. Recently, I was asked by a alumni of Christ's College (the school where I am serving) to help film some English scripts for an English class that she is teaching. So for two Saturdays I went downtown and filmed 14 different English scripts for Taiwanese university students. This was my first time (and probably last!) time as a "professional actress." I mean we did the whole thing - hair, make-up, the green room, the "cut", there was a director, producer - it was the real thing.

I now have a deep respect for real and aspiring actors because it is incredibly tough and tiring. I had fun getting to know new people and spending time with another MTW missionary that I don't see often. The bad thing - this program will air on Taiwan television long after I leave. It will be on for many years - Yikes!

Here are some pictures of production. You get to see me in curlers and fully coated in make-up. Also we acted in a green room and they created virtual scenes. So on the television we saw the set but in actuality we were acting in a lime green room!

Well, the experience was unique and definitely memorable.
Until next time...

Merry Christmas

2007-12-26T19:08:00.000+08:00

Hope everyone had a great Christmas. I can say that this Christmas was very different and memorable than most holidays. Christmas is not celebrated in Taiwan so it was like any other day. I went to church with the Lyle's and Lori up to Yanmingshan to a small stone chapel. It was a beautiful service and then we mingled with the Taiwan International Church members and ate good food. I actually tried eating a kiwi with its skin on for the first time (I know this sounds gross but it was quite tasty!)

Even though I celebreated Christmas thousands of miles away from home it did not affect the meaning of Christmas. Preparing devotions every week about Christmas and talking with students about Jesus has actually helped prepare my heart for worshipping and thanking Jesus for what He did that lowly night. I was reminded in the homily on Christmas eve that when Jesus came to earth God was on earth in flesh. As John 1:14 says "No one has ever seen God but God the one and only who was at the Father's side has made Him known." That verse is one of my favorites because it sums up the Gospel and the incredible mystery and awe of our faith. Thinking about Christ's birth and the way it happened and who He was sends my mind and soul up to the "clouds of mystery" so fast I just have to rest in the faith that the Holy Spirit provides. This love that God has for us is overpowering and incredible. Right now during this holiday season I just want to rest and relax in these truths - I am loved no matter how much I fail. I am valued, sung over, and a part of the kingdom of God. Wow!

I got to see my entire family on the webcam and we opened presents. I miss them so much but it was good to see their faces and hear their voices. I got so many great gifts and cards from so many people this year. Thank you all for your love and support. The students also got into making cards and giving gifts. I received a cake, many cards, and pictures from students expressing their love and thanks. I am really beginning to become attached to some of these students. God is answering my prayer which is that I would begin to love them as He loves them.

Here are some pictures of Christmas dinner at the Lyle's (MTW missionaries) the church, and the fellowship afterwards.

Well, right now I am at Taroko Gorge spending some time enjoying Taiwan's incredible mountains and gorges. The Gorge is on the North Eastern part of Taiwan so we took a four hour train ride and a one hour bus ride to get to the gorge. We saw the Pacific ocean on our way and then incredible mountain ranges. Taiwan's landscape is so diverse. We arrived yesterday and are staying until Friday. Lori and I went on a walk through the gorge today. It is soooo beautiful and the pictures do not capture the magnitude of the landscape. Here are a few pictures.

So right now I am listening to the water fall outside my window in a very nice hotel in the middle of nature. This has been a good time of refreshment after a very busy few weeks. I hope everyone has a relaxing New Years and until next time...

Christmas Goings

2007-12-23T18:01:00.000+08:00

Well, the last few weeks have been busy but fun. There have been a lot of Christmas activities going on at the school. Even though Taiwan does not officially celebrate Christmas the festivities are in the air. Since Christ's College is a Christian school Christmas is celebrated. We did many things for the students. Also I experienced a very unique type of Christmas caroling here: Many of the guys (students) sang carols outside of the teacher's apartment building (where I live on the 5th floor) and the teachers threw candy and other things at them. They had umbrellas turned upside down to catch the candy! Only in Taiwan!

For the month of December during Monday Devotions for the English Dorm we have been introducing the meaning of advent and the advent wreath. This past Monday I introduced the Christ candle and gave an invitation to become a Christian. I tried to simply and biblically share the Gospel story and then I invited any of the girls that wanted to, to pray silently after me to accept Jesus. I also prayed for us who are Christians for stronger faith and dependence on Him. Please pray that if any of the girls did become Christians that they would talk to a mature Christian about their decision and I ask you all to pray that God would plant seeds in the hearts of the these girls and soften their hearts in order to see their need for a relationship with Him.

Here are some pictures of the students Christmas Caroling, the English Dorm Christmas Party, Christmas Chapel, and other pictures of Christmas.

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!
Until Next Time...

It's a small world...

2007-12-23T17:44:00.000+08:00

I have had two experiences recently that truly make this world feel small. One day I was shopping for clothes at a import/export store and found a jacket made by "Augusta Sportswear." I did a double take. It couldn't be, how did a jacket from the small clothing manufactuar in Augusta, GA (where my dad used to work many years ago) end up on an island literally across the world! And out of all the clothes in the store I saw it (and the store was huge!) Pretty cool experience.

Then just a couple of days ago a student named Veronica, Lori, and I were on the metro and we were talking. A guy came up to me - and I immediately knew he was an American - and asked where I got my Geogia Southern sweatshirt from. I told him that one of my sisters was an alum and another still there studying. He had grown up in Statesboro and was an alum and his father teaches physics at the university. If anyone knows anything about Statesboro it's a fairly small town and Southern isn't a huge school compared to other state schools. We were both pretty blown away by the situation. I was so surprised and couldn't wait to tell my sisters.

Although, I do feel far away from home I experience situations like these that remind me that we do live in a small world and who knows who or what I will encounter here! For example, I have met at least two Taiwanese that have visited and spent time in Aiken, South Carolina and in Augusta, Georgia (where and close to where I grew up). Pretty neat considered Taiwan's population is 23 million people.

Well, until next time...

Christmas is Coming... Even in Taiwan!

2007-12-07T23:38:00.000+08:00

Even though it is a mild 70 degrees here and no chance of snow the Christmas season is in the air. This week I invited some girls to help decorate my apartment. It turned into a Christmas song singing, laughing, and fun time. I taught them how to cut pieces of red and green paper and staple them together in rings and then we put them all over the walls. We also put up lights and a small Christmas tree. Which now thanks to my great parents has a few wrapped presents under it.

I had a lot of fun just sitting back and watching the girls soak themselves up into the activities. They loved it. Of course when I turned off the lights and turned on the Christmas lights everyone oooed and awed. I told them that this is how we get ready for celebrating the coming of Jesus. He is that important to us. I have been thinking about the meaning of Christmas a lot this week. And I think that I am realizing that one of the reasons to celebrate Christmas is to remember and look forward to God's promise that Jesus will return again in his full glory.

Here are some funny pictures of our little "decorating Amanda's apartment party"

I hope all of you have a Blessed Advent Season as we all prepare to celebrate Christmas.

Until next time...

Excursion to Lai Sai

2007-11-28T21:25:00.000+08:00

This past Saturday I got up at the crack of dawn and headed down to the middle of Taiwan to a rural town called Lai Sai. Lai Sai was one of the town's that was hit very hard by an intense earthquake a few years ago. The rebuilding is still going on. The needs are great in this town and the group that I went with goes quarterly to visit, pray, and love the people and children of the town.

Since I cannot speak Taiwanese I helped with the children's program. We taught them the Christmas story in English. We helped them with crafts and games and just played with them. I made some great little friends. My favorite part was watching and helping them with the craft. Each child got a picture of a manger scene and as the story was told they put stickers of the characters on the picture. Almost all of the kids (even the boys) were so focused on putting each sticker in the perfect place. The were really enamoured with the project. I got a kick out of seeing their delight in such a simple thing.

Here are some pictures of the trip.

I enjoyed playing with the children and seeing a different side of Taiwan. The area of Lai Sai is rural and a much poorer area than Taipei.

Until next time...

Thanksgiving - Taiwanese style

2007-11-26T16:52:00.000+08:00

So this was my first Thanksgiving away from family. I definitely got a bit more homesick during the holiday. The staff and faculty of the school celebrated the holiday with a big meal together. We had American dishes and Chinese dishes. There was turkey, stuffing, vegetables and then we also had tofu, noodles and Chinese food. We didn't have mashed potatoes or green beans so that was a bit disappointing but the food was good and different. This will be a Thanksgiving I truly will not forget. We had great fellowship and sung songs and worshipped on the third floor of the cafeteria. The view was incredible. I wanted to take this time and jot down a few things that I am thankful for:

1) God's love for me - to the point of sending Jesus for us, He is so faithful and I am not

2) His Word

3) My family - who I miss soooo much right now

4) The chance to come to Taipei and work at Christ's College

5) The ability to read, write, and think

6) Friends - Lori, the MTW Taipei team, and the many people I have met in Taipei

7) The apartment that I am living in
8) The people supporting me by prayers and financial support

9) English and the ability to read and write (which I have taken forgranted until the past three years)

There are so many more...

Here are some pictures from the Thanksgiving meal.

All in all it was a lot of fun. I had a great time and ate a lot.

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving too.

Until next time...

Busy, Busy, Busy

2007-11-26T14:23:00.000+08:00

There has been so much going on lately. So many activities and experiences. I had an unexpected adventure to Hong Kong last week. Lori's visa expired and she was unable to get it renewed. She had to leave the country for a few days in order to get her visa renewed. Since it was midterms I was the only person who had time to go with her. So I reluctantly (yeah right) agreed to go with Lori to Hong Kong for a few days. We had a blast. It was so much fun. I did not think that I would be able to visit Hong Kong. We spent two days and two nights. We went to the peak and saw the city from an amazing view. We also took the ferry and sailed across the harbor to Hong Kong City from Kowloon (where we stayed). Hong Kong is a lot different than Taipei - it is more international, a lot more people speak English and there are many more different ethnicities represented. I did not feel like a minority. The buildings are extremely tall and huge. The architecture is really incredible. The adventure was fun - we just roamed throughout the city for an entire day and I got to know Lori better. Here are some pictures of the trip.

We went to a lot of places and discovered some fun places in Hong Kong.

We returned safely and Lori got her visa renewed without any problems. So the trip was a successful one - we had fun and got the visa renewed.

Until next time...

Lost in Translation

2007-11-11T15:54:00.000+08:00

There is a movie called Lost in Translation and I have never seen it but I can definitely relate to the literal meaning of being "Lost in Translation." Most of the students and faculty cannot speak very good English and I speak the equivalent to a toddler's level of Chinese. So sometimes when I really want to tell someone something I try to find a person that knows both languages to be our translator. This can be quite comical sometimes and I have one story to share of how sounds and words have totally different meanings in different languages.

In the English Department there is a lady who cleans the offices and the room that I work in. She is always cheerful when I see her and works really hard. One day I really wanted to tell her that I appreciated her hard work and help. I figured that she didn't get much encouragement. However, I knew if I was to communicate this affectively I would need a translator because she speaks no English. (Although, when she sees me she usually starts speaking Chinese so fast that I sometimes doubt if she realy knows that I know no Chinese. I mean I don't look Chinese and everytime she waits for me to answer her I say "I don't speak Chinese" in English and make the shrug gesture! Somehow I don't think it is registering.) So I found one of the English professors that speaks great English and is a national Chinese. Her name is Sherry. So I told Sherry, "Can you tell Grace that I truly appreciate her hard work and the way she helps us so much." Grace (the "cleaning lady") said something to Sherry which made Sherry burst out laughing. As they were chattering and laughing in Chinese I felt a bit embarrassed. Had I offended Grace? Had I said something culturally inapproprate (which is always a fear of mine.) So I jumped in and said, "Sherry what is going on, what is so funny?" Well, apparently the word "appreciate" in English sounds like the Mandarin Chinese word for "leather shoes". When Grace heard me say appreciate she thought that I was going to give her leather shoes. (Just thinking about this makes me laugh). I started laughing and said "I don't even own leather shoes." I did offer her my Nikes but she declined! It was really funny. After we stopped laughing Sherry did finally translate my statement about thanking Grace for her attitude and services.

Sometimes being illiterate and having the speaking and understanding ability of a toddler gets wearying. However, I feel like I can either laugh or cry in situations where the language barrier becomes frustrating and tiring.

Until the next funny story (which I am sure will not be long)....

Getting lost...

2007-11-10T02:50:00.000+08:00

Funny story...
So Lori and I went to the grocery store today with the Lyle's (A missionary couple). We have been to this store probably five or six times. We even went once for ourselves. I must pause for a moment and tell you that the store is three stories tall and the escalator ramp thingies are hard to figure out as we discovered today. So the Lyle's finished shopping before we did and then they went to eat at the McDonald's on the third floor while we finished. We checked out and then tried to remember where the McD's was. Well, I thought it was down on the first floor but turns out that was wrong and we realized it was on the third floor. Problem was there was no way to get back up to the third floor since our cart was full of paid groceries and the escalator ramp thingies did not go up to the other floors from the first floor (whoever's bright idea was that did not get enough sleep the night before). So we decided the only way to get back up was to make the scary step of trying to talk to someone. We proceeded to go back into the store and the little lady at the door stopped us b/c of our cart full of paid items. Finally after some sign language and perplexed looks she realized that we needed some help and got us a worker to literally escort us to the top floor through the entire store. It was pretty funny and slightly embarrassing (I think more the for the guy than us). Well there you go, how many times will I experience getting lost and confused in a three story grocery store that I have shopped at for two months!! ONLY IN TAIWAN!

- Amanda

San Yi

2007-11-05T16:16:00.001+08:00

Last weekend I joined a group of MTW missionaries on a trip to a town named San Yi to visit a fellow MTW missionary, Brenda. We traveled for two hours by train to the town. The train ride was fun. We went through towns and country sides. Then Brenda took us around San Yi. We had a great Hakka meal. The Hakka people are a regional people of China that live in San Yi. The food is different than the food in Taipei. I had thick rice noodles and they were great. Then we walked around the town and there were lots of interesting things to see like....

1) a little pig with toenails painted pink

2) lots of colorful pinwheels

3) An abandoned train station turned into a museum

4) A bridge broken up twice by two different major earthquakes in the span of 3 decades - it is thus called the Broken Broken Bridge

5) Tea fields on the mountains that look over the little town - we there as the sunset it was cool.

6) Lots and lots of wooden things - idols, carvings, just about anything you can think of I saw it carved out of wood trying to be sold.

7) I also had the priviledge of trying a molasses lolly pop with a dried, sour prune inside. It was really sour and mentioning sour you haven't experienced a truly sour taste until you try some of the sour dried fruit here - whew it makes your entire mouth twist and shout.

On Sunday we went to church at the church that Brenda helped plant and that she ministers in. She is an evangelist. The church service was great even though the entire service was in Chinese. Brenda helped translate the sermon enough that we could understand. The speaker talked about forgiveness and how it is not a feeling but a decision. I must say in my mind, "that person who hurt me does not owe me." This whole topic of forgiveness keeps coming up and I think God is trying to remind me of something incredibly important. If I don't forgive others then I am breaking the bridge that connects me to Him because He forgave me exponentially greater than the sins committed against me by other people.

All in all it was a great trip.

Here are some pictures - including the pig with the pink toe nails (I couldn't help myself - I don't see this kind of pig everyday!)

The family that makes and sells beautiful wood carvings. The woman's name is Lotus - she is a friend of Brenda's. We had tea with them and met all of their pets - their two dogs and their pet bird named dou dou who ate out of my fingers.

Thoughts...

2007-11-01T20:10:00.000+08:00

These past few weeks have been busy and full of opportunities to meet and get to know students. I will highlight a few that stick in my mind.
One of the students named Boris, who travels about an hour each way to get to school, is incredibly eager to improve his English. When he sees me he usually comes to me with a question like "Amanda, when do I use the word that in a sentence?" All to say that I am having to quickly improve my knowledge at English grammar. Evenmore, Boris comes once a week to get one-on-one tudoring and extra help with his school work. This past week we got into a deep discussion about his faith. He shared some things he was wrestling with about his faith and how the Lord's love is so mysterious. I just listened as this guy expressed his longing to know our God more and more. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to walk along students such as Boris as God molds them into more like Jesus.
Another cool experience is that I had the chance to teach two weeks ago. My first time teaching! I was a bit nervous but I have to say that it was really fun. I am growing attached to the students in these classes. I am helping with the English Pronunciation Classes which consists of the students who have a lot of trouble learning English. I love it. I am getting to know some of the students and they are really a delight like Esther, who every time she sees me has a great big smile on her face and makes sure to get my attention. Or Ray, who seems like a "tough" guy that would not want anything to do with learning pronunciation but is really coming out of his shell and is trying more and more.
So this month has been a time of cultivating and developing relationships with the students and making more friends.

Until next time...

Saturday Jaunt

2007-10-21T20:07:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday Lori and I ventured out on our own to explore the city. We went to the Chiang-Kia Chek Memorial Hall, the National Theatre, and the National Concert Hall which were all in one big square and there was also a small park. We had a blast. There were lots of students practicing cheers/dances in the square and tents with people selling things. The students were excited to see us English speakers and we took some fun pictures with them. Here are a few pictures of our outing.

One of the best aspects of this little trip was that Lori and I found the place on our own and didn't get lost (okay we did have a bit of trouble finding the tram to get home but I don't count that as getting lost). It was fun exploring the city and learning a bit about the people, the history, and the culture. We went to a handi-craft market and saw all sorts of Chinese crafts. We visited the Chang Kia-Shek Museum which is pretty much all of Kai-Shek's stuff on display. I kept thinking "man this guy was so powerful and had so much but now what does it matter he is gone and all that is left is a musuem housing all of his stuff." I kept thinking of the verse "Where your treasure is there will your heart be also."

It was a fun time. I really enjoyed having Lori around to share it with.

Also, this past week we learned a new silly song that I have to share (from another missionary I have to add). I couldn't stop laughing - partly because I was so tired (you know how you can get when something is even more funny than it really is when you are tired).

A different version of Mary had a Little Lamb:

Mary had a little Lamb

Her Father shot it dead

Mary took the lamb to school

Between two pieces of bread

This song is crazy, oh so crazy

I am going crazy just singing this song

Well I have many more posts to add to catch up on all of my experiences.

I will write more soon.

Until then...

The Haircut

2007-10-21T15:16:00.000+08:00

I was in dire need of a haircut - only one problem: I have only gotten my hair cut by two people in my entire life and they both spoke good Southern English! Well, I had a faith experience a few weeks ago. I went with another missionary to the hairstylist that she uses. It was an experience - and to my delight a good one. First, the "hair guy" shampooed and massaged my head for like thirty minutes or more (not exaggerating). Then he washed my hair and gave me some kind of eye wash treatment that felt good and weird at the same time. Then came the moment of truth: the actual haircut. The girl was really good and the other missionary (Becky) told her in good Chinese how I wanted my cut. I was relieved. All this to say that I realized through this somewhat silly experience that God does care about the small things in life. I really was nervous about this and it was a huge comfort zone breaking experience for me.

About everything I do here is a culturally different experience for me. I am constantly having to try and do new things and to trust in God. My value and my worth comes from Him alone in His love through Jesus Christ not through how well I know Chinese or how well I am adjusting to this unique culture or how many or few cultural mistakes I make.

Hanging out in Zhue-wei (pronounced ju-way)

2007-10-19T23:28:00.000+08:00

Friday Lori and I had lunch "down the mountain" in Zhue-wei which is the town that Christ's College is in. We had fun. We ate at Mos Burger - I had a rice burger with rice as the buns and the filling was filled with vegetables and chicken.

Here are a bunch of pictures:

I having a blast exploring this unique culture. I had a great weekend and will post a blog about my adventure to the Chiang-Kie Chek Memorial Hall soon.

Until next time...

A Tribute to Mom

2007-10-19T10:09:00.001+08:00

So this week I have been experiencing a minimal amount of homesickness. When I was shopping at a store one day I came upon this sign that reminds me that my mom is the bomb diggity!!! The store is the Betty Store and sells all sorts of things. Here is a picture of the store sign and Mom, I love you lots and it is great to have something to remind me of you here in Taipei.

This week...

2007-10-19T07:56:00.000+08:00

So a lot has gone on this week that I would like to update and share.

Writing Center: The W.C. is really starting to get going. I had at least twenty students come this week so far to get help on various homework assignments from writing to pronunciation in English. I really enjoy working with students one-on-one. A few students have weekly appointments so we are working on developing their English skills and I can already see an improvement. Since they have to speak English to me it forces them to practice.

English Dorm: May, Grace, Lori, and I (the leaders of the English dorm) have started a Monday Night devotion night for the Enlgish dorm. The English dorm is compromised of 42 girls who live on the same hall and strive to speak English (in reality it is harder than on paper). We had our first activity this Wed. and only three people showed up so we are going back to the drawing board. Please pray for the girls, for us leaders, and for ideas on how we can unify the group and get them involved and excited about being a part of the English Dorm.

Discipleship Class: This week I had the opportunity to lead the Discipleship Class in a worship song - Be To Our God. It was the first time in almost a year that I have played the guitar and led music. I truly enjoyed it and plan to play more. Also, with the D-class I lead a small group of 5 girls on Monday nights and we talk about the concepts taught in the class. I struggle sometimes in leading this group b/c they do not talk much and I have to speak in simple words and sometimes that is difficult. However, I believe the pressure is on the Lord to take my willingness and efforts and cultivate the seeds He plants into the hearts of Erika, Ivy, Cynthia, Mei-Ying, and Tina.

Some fun things I did this week:

I led my first evening devotion for room 808. I talked about the amazing and intimate love of God and what that means for us. I shared a part of my testimony in college when I couldn't play soccer b/c I was hurt for most of the four years. Looking back I realize God wasn't punishing me He was loving me b/c He was helping me realize that I had been putting my worth and value in soccer - something that is not dependable instead of resting in the life I have through Jesus. We had a fun time. I hope the girls understood. One of the girls spoke very good English and interpreted some of the words. Pray that the Lord will bring these students to know Him and to more closer communion and growth in Him.

Picture of night devotions:

On Monday Night we had a team dinner at our team leader's house. It was great. I enjoyed not cooking! One of the team members, Jim Gray, is a great chef and he made salmon with vegetables in a butter sauce. I enjoyed the fellowship.

I wanted to list some funny things that I have experienced in Taiwan and that sound silly having grown up in America:

"I spent 100 dollars on dinner, that was cheap." - I still have to think about this for a minute, the exchange rate is 30 to 1 so 30 NT dollars is one US dollar so 100 NT dollars is 3 bucks. I spent 30NT on a meal once which is basically a dollar US - and it was good. I will miss that when I get back.

Having no garbage disposal, so having to collect my food trash in a plastic bag that I keep in the refrigerator until it is full and then treking across campus and dumping it in a large container.

The elevator/classical music that almost every grocery store plays. I feel like I am at a concert hall or a funeral sometimes.

All of the motor scooters that are everywhere - and seeing how many people can fit on one - I have seen four people on one little scooter.

The haircut styles are sooooooo funny. It is hard not to laugh out loud while talking to some of the students with "expressive" hairstyles.

The types of food here never gets dull. I am always discovering a different and unique food. I did not know that their were so many ways of preparing squid for instance.

There is never a dull moment here. Lots of laughter and learning.

Until next time...

A true Cultural Experience

2007-10-13T09:36:00.000+08:00

Last week Lori and I ventured off to have lunch by ourselves with no one to help us order. I had to call one of the students to order me something that did not have wheat in it. Lori just pointed to one of the pictures that looked good. To our surprise when the food came! Let's just say it was a bit different than the picture. There were two medium-sized squid on the platter. That truly looked as if just moments before they had been swimming in the ocean. Most people in Taiwan really like them - I can't get over the "how they look" factor. So we placed them on a plate and took lots of pictures of them to show everyone!!! How polite we are. Just to say everytime we go out is an experience.

Pictures of the lovely squid:

Prayer Requests and Challenges

2007-10-11T14:30:00.000+08:00

I would like to describe some of the prayer requests that I have as I am working and doing ministry in Taiwan at Christ's College.
1. The school is in a transition year. The Ministry of Education of Taiwan is evaluating the school and in order for the college to get its approval many things have to happen. This approval is important for accredidation and getting new students to come to the college. However, the fear among a lot of the staff and faculty is that being under the MOE will put pressure on the school for having a faith-based curriculum and for having things like chapel, devotions, and other required spiritual elements. Wisdom and trusting in God's hand in this situation are needed.
2. The president of the school is retiring so a search committee is being formed to select another president. This is a crucial decision. The school is in a crucial time and needs good leadership and with a strong vision of Christ's College.
3. Lori and I have encountered some hard situations as we are trying to get to know the students. There are some rules being broken and we have to report the students when we see them breaking the few major rules. I have had to confront a few students and I fear that this will compromise our friendships that are just starting. This is a shame based culture so I feel I need to be very careful about how I handle these situations. Telling the truth in love is really hard. Lori and I are in an awkward situation because we are not teachers and we want to be the students friends however, we are also on staff. We walk a fine line which is hard to stay on. Please pray for patience and wisdom and God's hand in this situation.
4. Language barrier: I have set-up some times with national Taiwanese for some Chinese lessons. I really want to be able to at least converse in basic Chinese with people. I know that when I show an effort in speaking Chinese it really breaks down a wall between me and the other person. I can't really explain it.
5. The Writing Center: Some days there are so many students that I am overwhelmed and some days no one comes. This is a hard problem.
6. Opportunities to teach: I may have the opportunity to teach next semester and I am torn about this. Part of me is excited and wants to do it and part of me is scared to death because I have no experience and have taken no "how to teach" classes.

These describe some of the challenges as well as prayer concerns that I am experiencing right now.

Thanks to everyone who is praying and for all the support.

Until next time...

The Night Market

2007-10-11T10:23:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was Taiwan's national day. On 10/10 the country celebrates its independence from... who, I am not sure, since China is still officially over Taiwan. But anyway, it's an excuse to have a day off from work and have some fun. Some students took us to the Shilin night market. We tried all sorts of different foods like, Japanese rice balls, pai deng soup (it is a Chinese medicinal soup that is supposed to make you stronger) basically, it is a bunch of little pork chops in a broth that tastes like cinammon (not bad). I also tried stinky tofu. I had made up my mind that I was not going to try it but peer pressure got the best of me and I tasted it. I should have stuck with my first instinct. To be polite to most of the Tiawanese people who like the stuff it just was not for me. It smelled horrific and tasted like it smelled.

Here are some pictures of are trip. The students I went with were great. All in all it was a blast.

I had a great time. Taiwan is so different - the smells, the food, the people, almost everything is a new experience. I am excited that the students are gaining courage and inviting us to do things with them. I am enjoying getting to know them. I hope some opportunities to share the Gospel will blossom out of spending time with them and helping them with their studies.

Until next time...

Surviving a typhoon...

2007-10-11T09:23:00.000+08:00

Last weekend a massive category 5 typhoon swept through Taiwan. A typhoon is just another name for a hurricane. The winds picked up to about 160 mph and it rained for literally 48 hours straight. There was some flooding in my apartment and the wind sounded really fierce but the buildings here are made of pure concrete to endure typhoons. This being an island people can't just flee the storm like many do in the US when a hurricane hits. So there was not too much damage just a lot of leaves and branches strewn everywhere.

Well, I was a bit concerned seeing that this was my first typhoon experience but some of the students came over and we had a movie and sushi making party. So while the storm raged outside we were having fun in my little apartment. It was a great time of fellowship and getting to know some of the girls. We watched the movie Dreamer - about a girl and her horse and they all really liked it. Then they taught me and Lori how to make sushi. Here is a video of the storm and some pictures of our little party.

The video does not do justice to the storm but it might give you an idea.
Some pictures of our sushi party.

The girls gave me a lesson on how to make sushi. I think I did pretty good. No one died or got sick!

Here a picture of the aftermath of the lovely typhoon.

All in all it was an adventure and an experience I will never forget. However, one typhoon is enough for me.

Until next time...

Opportunities

2007-10-05T10:30:00.000+08:00

This week has been full of opportunities to meet with students. On Tuesday night the discipleship small group that I am leading met for the first time. I began the time by sharing some photos of myself, my family, and the US. They really liked that and I think it broke the ice a little. Then we dove head first into the material. The time went better than I expected, the girls spoke a good bit and answered questions. Sometimes I had to coach them along but they were not as shy as I thought they would be. Many of the girls are new in the faith or not Christians at all. There was an opportunity to share the meaning of Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension and I gave a simple example. At the college I have to keep my food garbage in a container until I am ready to dump it. It gets smelly and gross. Sin is like this garbage - it is gross and smelly rebellion toward God. But I can come to God in faith He takes my sin (garbage) and in return I get the pure sweet smelling righteousness of Jesus. I think they understood. Throughout the entire time I was praying that God would fill in the blanks due to the language barrier. I am encouraged about this group.

Yesterday, I went with Kiddy and Mei-Ying to lunch across the street from the college. It was a lot of fun to get off campus and spend some time getting to know these two students. Kiddy is an energetic junior whose family lives in China. She is one of the few that stays on campus during the weekend so I hope to spend some time hanging out with her during the semester. Her English is very good and unlike many of the students she is not afraid to try and speak English. Mei-Ying is an older part-time student who was a math teacher and is taking time off to learn English. She is a sweet girl who has a great smile. I feel like the Lord is burdening my heart toward particular students and she is one of them. She is very interested about why I am here and in learning more about God. The meal was a great fellowship time.

Well, the Writing Center has not had many students. I have only helped a few students and faculty this week. Please pray that God would give me and the Head of the English Dept (Scott) wisdom on when to open the center and how to get students to come. Please also pray that the Lord would give me patience, inspiration, and new ideas to help students. I don't want to be overbearing but I know I can't just wait for students to come to me either - this is a hard balance to figure out.

This weekend I hope to romp about Taipei a bit and get more acquainted with this huge city.

Until next time...

Taipei 101

2007-10-01T14:54:00.000+08:00

On Saturday Lori, Judy, and I went to the world's tallest functioning building. Very soon a building in Dubai will beat the tower in Taipei but not yet. The building looks like Chinese take out boxes stacked on top of each other. Here is a picture of the outside of the building.

We went up to the top and the building has the world's fastest elevator - 37 seconds to get to the 87ish floor. It was such a cross-cultural experience because in the elevator going up there were people excitedly speaking English, Chinese, Taiwanese, French, Dutch (or German I couldn't quite figure it out), and maybe one more language. It was really funny. The elevator ride was so smooth.

These are some pictures I took from the top of the tower. We got there in time to see the sunset and to see the city at night. It was a fun experience.

Today... I had the chance to ride on a motorcycle for the first time. It was an experience I have to say. A lot of people drive motorcycles (equivalent to mopeheads in the states) here. I held on tight.

Right now as I discover more about this land and its incredible people I am holding onto the truth and promise that "I am the Lord's." I do not need to fear for God is with me (Isaiah 43). Tomorrow is the first time that the small group that I am leading meets. I am a bit nervous about this but the pressure is on the Lord. He can do all His Holy will.

Until next time...

School days...

2007-09-29T13:09:00.000+08:00

Well the first week of school is finished. The students are all back on campus and activities are beginning to start. This semester I will be in charge of starting a writing center which will be in existence to help students with their writing, English speaking, research, or any homework help that they need with their English classes. For the past few days I have cleaned and rearranged furniture to get the room ready for next week's official opening. I am concerned that students will not come but that pressure is on the Lord. I just have to be willing to serve Him and He will give me the wisdom of how to run His center. Pray that I will be able to be patient with the students that know little English and some that have learning disabilities. I truly want to love and encourage these students. Many of them have grown up in families and in schools where they received little encouragement and love. First and foremost I want to somehow communicate that God loves them and they are precious in His sight. There are ways to do this even without words and that is what I want to do.

This week has been full of ups and downs. Trying to think of ways to meet students who are extremely shy and afraid to make mistakes with their limited English. Lori (another intern) and I are brainstorming ideas for activities. Lori lives in the girls dorm and has already had visitors to her room and she is making friends. I am having a little more difficulty because I do not live in the dorm and the students will probably see me more as a teacher than as a friend. I really don't want this but I will see how it goes.

Last night the student council had some activities for the freshman. They did skits and introduced all of the different clubs. There was dancing and lots of loud American music. The funniest skit was when two senior guys dressed up in girl's cheerleading uniforms and did a full out routine dance. It was really well done and hilarious. These students love to have fun and be silly. This morning the freshmen are playing games and getting to know each other better. Tomorrow they are going to the beach for a picnic and some fun.

Next week I will start working during the official hours of the writing center and begin to try and start relationships with some girls. I also am leading a discipleship group on Tuesday nights and that begins this coming week. This is also a prayer request. I will write more about this later on.

Until next time...

Rainbow Sightings...

2007-09-29T13:04:00.000+08:00

Last weekend we went hiking around campus and saw two different rainbows. The geography here is incredible. There are mountains on one side then the city sits in the valley and the Danshui river borders the other side. Rainbows are frequent sights.

2007-09-29T12:54:00.000+08:00

I have been living in Taipei for almost two and a half weeks now and there are some things that are extremely different. Living here is helping me realize that I take for granted simple things like...
1) A garbage disposal - I have to keep all the food scraps in a bag and then dump them in a designated area on campus (yuk is right). I also have to sort my other garbage for recycling. Trying to figure out what goes where is a bit tricky.

2) The ability to read, write, and communicate. I feel like a toddler when I go anywhere or try to talk to the students. It's funny because a lot of them just start spatting off in Chinese and I just say I don't speak Chinese and I need to figure out how to say this in Chinese not just in English! And trying to live here is even harder than in other places like Europe or Africa where although I would not know the language I could at least try and read the alphabet because they use romanized letters. In Taiwan there are the lovely Chinese characters which I have no idea how to decipher.

Those are just two of many things that I realize that I have been taking for granted. Living here as helped me to see that I need to thank the Lord for the simple things.

Funny

2007-09-23T14:34:00.000+08:00

These are some funny signs that I found as we were walking through Taipei on Saturday.

I don't know if you can read this one but it says "changs for a better day" instead of changes. There are a lot of signs and sayings on notebooks and buildings that translated into English do not make a whole lot of sense or are just plain funny like the one below.

Yikes! Glad I don't drive here!

Culturally exhausted...

2007-09-23T14:09:00.000+08:00

We returned on Wed. night from Malaysia and Friday was the first day of classes. Chapel convocation was also on Friday and the teachers (including me) were introduced to the student body. We had to sit on the stage in front of all of the students. During the service I kept looking at the students thinking I was where they were only a few years ago. Being at Covenant I went to many convocations at the beginning of the new year and watched all of the teachers on stage and now I am the on sitting on stage. It felt a bit weird.

Later on in the day I helped two sections of a beginning level English class. The students did not know much English and I am there to help them practice pronouncing English sounds and words. The sounds in English are much different than the sounds and tones in Chinese. For example, the o and r sounds in the word Lord are extremely hard to pronounce for a Chinese student. I hope that these times helping students with their English and writing will blossom into friendships and opportunities to disciple and encourage them.

As the heading of this entry says I am exhausted from being bombarded with so many new and different things in the culture. I feel like a little child because I am unable to communicate, I don't know my way around the area very well, and the simplest things are difficult like taking the garbage out (I have to separate my garbage out into three or four different piles and then take it to different bins around campus.) Being in culture shock helps me see my need for Jesus and His righteousness now not just in the future. Many times during each day I must utterly depend on God because things are truly out of my control. So this time is good and faith building but tiring. As one friend told me just recently "Amanda treat yourself gently." Many of you that know me well know that I can be extremely demanding and hard on myself and others. I ask that you would pray that I may be gentle in spirit on myself and others as I learn to live in Taipei and at Christ's College.

A Week in Malaysia

2007-09-20T14:02:00.001+08:00

Last night we returned from our conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia also known as just KL. The retreat was great on many levels and also challenging in many ways. There is so much to write about and I just don't know where to start. So I here I go...

Well, the hotel was located next to the largest mosque in Malaysia and I think it might be the largest mosque in Southeast Asia anyway it is big. It is called the blue mosque. I had mixed feelings when some friends and I walked around it. The building is incredible in an architectural way - the dome is huge and has beautiful caligraphy on it. However, my heart wept and I felt angry because of what the mosque represents. I have come to learn in my few years on earth that the enemy uses things that are beautiful and pleasing to the eye and seem that they will do no harm to attack us. This is true in my own life. Most of the time, idols and things that turn into addictions and sins do not appear dangerous or harmful. Anyway, it was an eye opening experience to visit a country where Islam is the official religion. In Malaysia other religions are allowed and celebrated but Islam is the official religion. For some reason that I can not explain my heart felt compassion for the Malay people. The Lord is doing great things through our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ in KL and other parts of Malaysia and Indonesia. Here is a picture of the mosque and the gate surrounding the mosque. We were able to go in the grounds but not in the buildings main area. There are many rules that a person has to follow in order to enter the mosque.

The conference itself was encouraging. I met many MTW missionaries that I did not know and learned about church plants and projects that are going on in many parts of the Asia and Pacific Area. I was also able to see some old friends - some from college and some from trainings that I have gone to over the past few years. The fellowship was encouraging. Here are some pictures of friends and the fellowship times.

These are some Taiwan team members: Becky, Judy, and Brenda.

Hanging out with some old friends: Dana and Melanie of the Thailand team.

These are a few things that I took away from the conference: I am weak and not able to do ministry on my own and I need God who is strong. I am a lousy Christian, a lousy sister, a lousy daughter, and a lousy friend BUT God loves me, God loves me, God loves me, God loves me and this is most demonstrated in Jesus Christ. I may rest NOW and in the future in His love. Those who are with us (Christians) are greater than those who are with them - meaning if God is for me then who can be against me and win, even Satan is under God's dominion - this is encouraging when I feel battered by fear, worry, and the past. The last truth that really hit home for me this week was God loves me because He loves me not because of what I do or what I look like or even how filthy my heart is. He chose me and loves me because He is God - Wow, and you also can rest in this truth.

One day we had as a time to explore the area and a group of us went to a forest in KL to explore the natural settings of Malaysia. The hike was long and it took about five hours to hike up and down the entire thing and get lost a few times! We also found this amazing tea house as we finished our hike. It had just opened a few weeks before and it was a good place to have refreshment. I really enjoyed this time.

This is bamboo and it was so thick in diameter. Really neat stuff.

Yes that is us in a giant tree root and we are being swallowed by it!

My birthday was on Sunday during the conference and I am not sure who told my friends that it was my birthday but they found out and had a little surprise party for me. I felt loved and it was fun. There was a Starbucks near our hotel that had free internet access and good coffee (as many of you know!) and they surprised me there. It was fun.

From right to left: Dana, me, Melanie, Bonnie, Matt, and Mary Bell in front.

All in all it was fun but now I have spent 7 days in Taiwan and 7 days in Malaysia so I feel a bit exhausted from all the travel and cultural transition. I find myself trying to remember everything I learned from the first week about living in Taiwan. School starts tomorrow with convocation and I will be introduced with all of the teachers so that the students will know who I am. I have been helping in the dorm this morning and all the students seem excited about seeing their friends (honestly most of them were speaking Chinese so it seemed like they were excited!) I on the other hand am nervous and it seems like everything that I heard last week at the conference just escaped my mind this morning as I began to think of starting the school year and the work that God has planned for me this year. My faith is being challenged. I am trying to take each hour, each moment as it comes because there are so many new things to learn and new people to meet. Please pray that I will be bold and interact in the culture and with the students even though it might mean making cultural mistakes. My tendency is to hold back in fear of embarassment. I am trying to cling to many of the "fear not" statements in the Bible right now.

Well, until next time...

Exploring Taipei City...

2007-09-08T20:07:00.000+08:00

The last few days have been a whirlwind. I have seen, tasted, smelled, and experienced many new things. Thursday night some of the team took me to the night market in Jinjuan and we had bing. Bing is a dessert that is a mix between ice cream and shaved ice. Ann Lyle (one of the MTW missionaries) and I split a mango bing which had fresh mango on it. It was really good. Here is a picture of Ann and I at the bing shop.

The night market was crowded with people and vendors. But I was told that it is 100 times more crowded on the weekends - that is hard to believe. The vendors were selling all sorts of foods like stinky tofu which smells like fermented wet socks and no I don't plan to try it. I am willing to try almost anything but I draw the line with tofu that is black, wreaks and has furry hair. I hope to go to the night markets again and explore more as I live in Taipei.

Today I went with Mable (a graduate from Christ's College) to Danshui (a suburb of Taipei city and close to Christ's College) and we walked along the streets. There were lots and lots of people and stores and vendors. I saw octopus on a stick and lots of different colored egges. One of the delicacies on these streets are fish balls - fish wrapped in pastry and then boiled in water. I just took in all the smells today but I do plan on trying some of the food once my body has time to transition. Here are some pictures I took during our little trip.

So far I am enjoying my time here. The MTW team has been welcoming and encouraging. Tonight we had a meal with many of the team members. Mable cooked us some sweet potato leaves, rice and meat. It was very good. All of the American professors live on campus and close to one another so I don't think I will have a problem with loneliness because there will be at least one person to hang out with.

Well, as I get ready to go to bed most of you are just waking up and getting ready for your day. I hope that it is a great one.

Until next time...

Taiwan!!!

2007-09-06T17:02:00.000+08:00

I arrived in Taipei at 6pmish on Tuesday night. It was so weird because of a few things. One, the flight from San Francisco to Taipei was 12 hours and during the entire flight there was daylight. Two, I really did "lose" an entire day of life because I left at 1:45pm on Monday and arrived at 6pm on Tuesday - that was mind boggling. I sat next to a Tiawenese guy who is studying for his PhD in Maryland for electrical engineering and was returning home for a few weeks to see his family. We talked about culture and he was very friendly. I did not sleep at all on the plane (I usually don't) and so I am still trying to recover from jetlag.

As of right now I have been here for 2 full days and I am already discovering some unique things about Taiwan. For example where else in the world do they sell green asparagus juice. See picture below.

Also, the way the trash is picked up is interesting. The garbage truck drives around playing music similar to the icecream truck in the US and people wait on the side of the street for it to come by and then they toss their trash into the back of the truck. It is quite a site! There are lots and lots of motor scooters and many people go to work on them. So women are wearing helmets and driving scooters wearing really nice work clothes and high heels - I find it a bit humorous.

I sent an email out asking for prayer about getting my Resident permit. Good news. The process was simple and I even received my passport back! God is good. Another prayer request is that the school is going through an accredidation process with the Taiwan government and it is a difficult and strenuous process on the faculty and staff. Also the staff is concerned that this will affect the way the school teaches and proclaims the Gospel in the future. Please pray that the process will go smoothly and that the school will be able to uphold its faith-based teachings.

I have had a busy few days here. I have been out to eat twice and am learning how to use chopsticks. My hand hurts! The food is quite good. Lots of rice and different meats. Tofu, chicken and cury, sweet and sour chicken and fish. Very good and I can eat a good bit of it. I am helping the English staff prepare for the upcoming semester. So I have been cleaning and organizing. The writing center is going to be setup in the English department and I am starting to get that room ready for students.

Right now I feel overwhelmed but in a good way. The culture is very different and there are so many new things to take in. So many new people to meet and things to do. Tonight I am going to the night market for the first time in Taipei city. I hope to take some pictures and will post them soon.

Until next time...

Last Night in the US

2007-09-03T08:59:00.000+08:00

Well, today was a big day. I said goodbye to my car and my family dogs and cats. My parents and I have decided to sell my car and save the money to purchase another car when I get back. My Saturn station wagon - "wags" was my first car and the only car I have driven long term. Reality hit that I am really leaving for a long time when I cleaned out the glove compartment and all the crevices in the car. Then I said goodbye to our dogs - Piper, Toby, and Sprinkles. I cried. Our dogs are like a part of the family. The dogs have been my pals this year. I hope they remember me when I come back.
My parents and I drove to Atlanta and met my two sisters. We ate at the Cheese Cake Factory and had a fun time - my family is loud and funny. So we did have a good time. Now we are at a hotel close to the airport. My flight leaves at 7:45am tomorrow - bright and early.
Please pray that my flights and travel go smoothly and well.
Thanks all,
Amanda

Final Weekend...

2007-09-01T10:53:00.000+08:00

I am coming up on my final weekend in the states. Mom and I are going to the lake tomorrow to swim and cook and enjoy one more summer day before I leave. I am tired. I have run so many errands and I surely hope that I have not forgotten anything important. I will let you know about that!!! I figured out that my flight time in the air to Taipei will be in total 24 hours. Yikes! I bought a book from Barnes today called the "Kite Runner" and if it is good I might just finish it on the plane. A shout out to my friend Maggie Rountree for suggesting the book.

Well, my flight takes off at 7:30am in Atlanta so mom and dad and I are going to the great ATL on Sunday afternoon. My sisters are meeting us and we are going to have a last family meal before I leave. Then after hopefully a good night's rest I will board the plane for San Fran. In San Fran I hope to see my college friend Buzzy and then board a plane for Taipei.
I have a funny and love/hate relationship with airplanes and flying. I like airports and I like driving people to the airport (I know strange) but I do not like flying. The concept of a huge piece of flying metal in the air that could fall any moment just doesn't appeal to me. I don't freak out but flying isn't my favorite mode of transportation.

Well, I am off to bed gotta say a few more goodbyes tomorrow and run some more beloved errands.

Reflections...

2007-08-26T02:23:00.000+08:00

Life is getting a bit hectic and crazy as I scramble around and try to get everything done before I leave. Last weekend I attended the Missions Conference at First Presbyterian Church at Fort Oglethorpe, GA. The conference was encouraging and a good experience as I head off to the field. The speakers reminded my heart of the refuge and rest that the Gospel of grace offers because I no longer have to strive to prove myself. One missionary said "God doesn't demand us to do anything that His holiness does not already provide for us." What a promise. All of the rich blessings in Christ Jesus are mine to grasp including forgiveness. I can be honest with God and not afraid of His judgement or guilt because when He looks at me He sees Jesus' righteousness. I want these truths to provide me with peace and comfort as I go to a forgein land with a different culture. The next year seems a bit daunting to me because I feel so unprepared. My faith is weak. Yet it is a comfort to realize that when I board the plane God will not wave goodbye but He will get on the plane with me. He will not leave nor forsake me no matter how I feel or what I encounter in Taiwan. I do not want to forget that.

The church body at First Presbyterian was gracious, warming, and extremely kind. They are prayer warriors and it is incredibly encouraging to know that people are praying for me and for God's work at Christ's College.

I also had the opportunity to visit Chattanooga while I was at the conference. I stayed with my friend Harriet Bond. We had a good time catching up and praying for one another. I also was able to go and see Covenant College - my alma mater. The campus is changing dramatically with new building projects and lots of change. I had fun seeing my professors and Coach Duble, my soccer coach. I also saw some of my teammates that were freshmen when I was a senior and now they are seniors - wow how time flies!

Now, I have 9 days to get everything ready and in order before I leave. I am trying to cram in doctor's appointments, meetings with friends to say goodbye, and time with family. I am a bit overwhelmed but also finding time to enjoy each moment.

Two things that God has put on my heart: Do I enjoy Him? Why do I struggle with anxiety and worry so much? I will let you know what I discover about myself and my heart as I wrestle with these questions.

Until next time,

Amanda

Joy in Sorrow

2007-08-10T12:09:00.000+08:00

My family and I have encountered sorrow at the passing of my grandmother who we lovingly called "Mama Lou." She died Friday, August 3, 2007 at 79 yrs. old. I have been numb this entire week and only able to cry a few times. I already miss her. She was a good friend. I could always count her to do things with me like go to a classical concert or a play or a market. I will miss her wave, her smile, the way she answered the telephone, and her stories. I loved her stories since I was little.

My soul is in mourning more over the permanence of death. She is in heaven and I praise God for that but I miss her. I have been clinging to the hymn "Be Still my Soul" especially the third verse. What joy and what comfort to know that our God understands death, has tasted death, has defeated death, and knows what it is like to lose a friend to death. I mourn the loss of very special woman - a sinful saint and child of God. I am not alone - God beckons me to come and hide my tears in His bosom. He welcomes my laments and my sorrow. In the cross, in the tears of Jesus are my comfort because death is not the end but just the beginning. Jesus faced death, cried out to God and was rejected so that when I cry out to Him I am received and so that when Mama Lou entered into death she was received into eternity. I desire my sorrow and my tears to produce joy. I want Mama Lou's death to somehow bring glory to God. May God be glorified.

"Be Still, My Soul"
by Catharina von Schlegel

1. Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

In every change He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, Friend

Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

2. Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake

To guide the future as He has the past.

Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;

All now mysterious shall be bright at last.

Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know

His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

3. Be still, my soul, though dearest friends depart

And all is darkened in the vale of tears;

Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,

Who comes to soothe thy sorrows and thy fears.

Be still, my soul; thy Jesus can repay

From His own fulness all He takes away.

4. Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on

When we shall be forever with the Lord,

When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,

Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.

Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,

All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Harry Potter and more....

2007-07-27T05:33:00.000+08:00

So I am a Harry Potter fan as are about a trillion other peole. I decided that I wanted to read all the books over so that the details would be fresh when I read the seventh book. I started on book #3 and am now reading #5 - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I can't wait to read the seventh book. My sister and mom have already finished it and said it was really good. But I don't want anyone to spoil it for me.

I enjoy stories and fiction. My favorite books are the Chronicles of Narnia because I love imagining about different worlds. I view Harry Potter as fiction and a story about a boy growing up and we (the readers) get to tag along on the wild ride through all of his adventures. My favorite character (well that is a hard choice) is probably Hermoine. I like her wit, intellect, and yet the fact that although she is smart she is cunning and adventurous. If she was a real person I would like to be her friend!!!! (I know I am weird!)

This week while I am reading Harry Potter, working, and doing all sorts of things to prepare for my trip. I met with a man named Mr. Chou who is from Taiwan and we had dinner together. He told me all sorts of things about Taiwan. It was really helpful to talk to a native of Taiwan to get a national perspective. He told what to eat and how to greet people. He also gave me a lesson on how to use chop sticks!!! Meeting and talking to him made me even more excited and ready to go to Taiwan. I have about two and a half weeks left of work and a little over a month left before I fly to Taiwan. So time is moving, slowly but surely. Before I know it I will be living in Taiwan. I want to enjoy my time in Augusta and not anticipate things too much.

I found these incredible pictures of Taiwan...

I am trying to enter into communion with God more. I tend to go through my day and forget about communicating with Him and reading His Word. God forgives my disobedient and defiance but yearns to have me in His presence and worshiping Him. I want to experience what it is to be completely human on earth and that is when I am worshipping God and glorifying Him. Pray that the Holy Spirit will transform me and give me the want to want to pray, praise, glorify Him, and read His Word.

- Until Next Time,

Amanda

Birthdays in July

2007-07-25T13:46:00.000+08:00

In my family we celebrate two very important birthdays in July. Today was my sister Suz's birthday - the big 20. Earlier this month my month had a birthday. She is getting wiser and wiser in her years!!! I want to shout out to both of them. I love you all both, thanks for your support, love, and encouragement over the years. Here are some pictures of us celebrating ...

Footage of Samantha Brown...

2007-07-21T09:46:00.000+08:00

What a job. Floating down a river, relaxing, and getting paid all at the same time. All I can say is I somehow overlooked this major when I was in college!

My Dream Job...

2007-07-21T07:57:00.000+08:00

If I could be anything in the world I would love to have the life of Samantha Brown.

She has the best job. She hosts many travel tv shows where she explores different cities and areas of the world. Many of her shows are called Passports to.... like Passport to Europe and Passport to Latin America. Plus, she stays in the most luxurious places and meets all sorts of incredible people. I want to be Samantha Brown but I would call my show Amanda's Amazing Adventures in (wherever I happen to go to that week)....

Well, I hope she is having fun. I sure am jealous but I will get a taste of her life this coming year.

Trip to the "Holy City"

2007-07-20T09:21:00.000+08:00

No, I did not travel to Jerusalem or Rome but to Charleston, South Carolina which is, to my surprise, known as the holy city of the United States due to the many churches in the downtown area. This past Tuesday and Wednesday my mom and I packed our bags and headed to the lovely South Carolina coast for a two trip to Charleston. It was loads of fun. I wanted to visit Charleston before I went to Taiwan because it is such an interesting and historical city.

We did not have much time but we did do some fun things. On Tuesday night we went on a ghost and dungeon tour through the historic district of Charleston. The dungeon was built in the early 1700s. It was fascinating and boggling to try and fathom that people were imprisoned in this dark building 300 years ago. One reason I love history so much is that for me it never gets boring. The old buildings and artifacts tell the stories of the people that once dwelled and lived long ago. Gives me goose bumps - I know I am a nerd but a proud history nerd at that! Here is one picture of me quite frightened in the dungeon during the tour.

Mom and I also went shopping and during our venture and we found some potential available men for me to consider in the future!! Here are some pics.... Mom was sweet on the first fellow.

On Wednesday, we went to a plantation in Charleston called the Drayton House. The plantation is preserved and kept just as it might have been in the 1700's. The house has no furniture in it and contains most of the original wood and brick. It was hot and my mom, who loves AC, could not comprehend how people lived without beloved air conditioning. We decided that the person who invented this lovely machine needs a humongous gold star - we salute you. Some pictures of Drayton Hall.

All in all I had a lot of fun. I wish we could have stayed longer but it was a blast. I enjoyed spending some quality time with my mom. It will probably be the last time we have one on one time before I leave.

Life is getting more hectic by the minute. Missy, my middle sister, is making the all so stressful but exciting transition into the real working world. She is moving next week to Atlanta and will start teaching 4th grade this fall. Suzanne, my youngest sister, heads back to college a few weeks after that. Then I will celebrate my birthday a month early and say goodbye to my Target buddies. Then I have two weeks to get ready to head to Taipei. I have mixed emotions about the next year. I am utterly excited yet also in awe and shaking in my boots. I confess that I have been distant from the Lord lately and this is because I tend to get in the habit of getting so caught up in life that I forget that I belong to the Creator and that He is in control. I need to take time to converse with Him and read His word but most of the time I end up just relying on myself to get through the day and then it turns into weeks and months. Pray that the Holy Spirit allows my soul to become restless and broken so that I will prioritize my relationship with God at the top and not just when I need Him or when it is convenient.

Until next time,
Amanda

Hooray, Hooray!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-07-10T00:47:00.000+08:00

Got a call from the Taiwan consulate and........ (drum roll please)

MY VISA HAS BEEN APPROVED!!!

HIP HIP HOORAY

Thanks to all that have prayed for this process and for me as I waited and dealt with all the stress related to this process. God is faithful and good. Last night I prayed a bold prayer that He would make the visa come in time if it was His will and then out loud I yelled "Lord you can do anything make it come this week if you so desire it." Wow. God is good.

- Amanda

On the flip side of vacation

2007-07-10T00:08:00.000+08:00

Hey all....

Last week I joined my extended family at the beach in North Carolina. When I was little we would spend at least one week every summer at the beach with my relatives. I have many fond memories of swimming in the ocean and catching waves, of fishing with my uncle, and playing all sorts of make believe games with my cousins. We have many family traditions at the beach. One, in my opinion is quite humorous, is that we go to the fisherman's peir and eat breakfast. Now you have to picture this peir - it is pretty weathered and rustic. The women that serve the food at the peir have been their for what seems like forever. But if we miss eating at the peir during the week the vacation is not complete.

It was a great week. I got lots of rest. Worked on my tan - now I look the normal shade of white and not the pasty ghostlike white that I had acquired from working under flurescent lights. We had a cottage on the beach front and so the view was incredible. I love closing my eyes and listening to the waves crash.

It was hard to go back to work to say the least. I plan to put my two weeks notice in August 1st. I am so ready. Target has treated me well but I am starting to feel the "senioritis" bug. You know when you were a senior in highschool or college and all you wanted was "freedom" and you were ready to plunge into the next part of the journey of life. That is how I am feeling right now.

- Amanda

Fake pretzels, pink crocs, and more

2007-06-28T08:07:00.000+08:00

"Laughter is inner jogging" - Norman Cousins

Without laughter life would be as bland and boring as a hot fudge Sunday without the hot fudge. A funny moment happened at work last week. I was covering a girl's lunch break at Food Avenue - the concession area at Target. I thought I knew how to do most of the basic stuff like make the pizzas and get the popcorn. Well, the first guest asked for a pretzel and there is a case of pretzels displaying the different flavors and I thought I could open it and just give one to her - like the cookie case. So I tried pulling different ways and the case would not budge. The woman - who really wanted her pretzel - started trying to pry the thing open. Finally I went and got my coworker from Starbucks. I said - "Jenny how do you open this blasted pretzel case." Her face lit up and she just started cackling with laughter. I found out (after Jenny recovered) that the case was full of fake plastic pretzels. The real ones were in the back and I had to prepare them. Well, the company did a good job because I and the guest thought they were real! It was really funny. I was laughing, the guest was laughing, and Jenny had to go in the back and catch her breath. So all this to say be careful of the fake pretzels.

Another fun thing that I have discovered in the last year are crocs. They rock. Mine are not a usual color though. They are pink. If you know anything about me I am not a pink person. I think these crocs are the only piece of clothing/footwear that I own that is pink. They make me laugh and smile everytime I put them on. Sometimes when I am getting ready for church I will have a skirt and nice blouse on and then still have my crocs on my feet!!! Quite comical. I know one of these days I am going to forget to switch them before I leave. I will be sure to document that story!

For Father's Day my sisters thought it would be funny to get my dad the biggest tv remote they could find. This thing is huge. It is "lost" proof. My dad seems to always misplace the remote so we are hoping this will be the remedy. When he opened the gift he just started laughing and then said his famous "oh girls..." Silliness is something that my sisters bring to our family. Silliness is infectious and helps in times when stress surrounds me - like now with working and trying to get ready to leave for Taiwan in two months.

I will end this fun filled post with one of my favorite "silly songs." We used to sing this song on youth retreats. It is called Fried Ham.
Fried Ham, Fried Ham, Cheese and Bologna
And after the macaroni we'll have onions
Pickles and pretzels and then will have some more....
Fried ham, fried ham, fried ham.
Second verse same as the first, football accent getting worse.
(each verse comes with it's own fun-filled accent.)

Until next time -
Amanda

Weekend at the Lake...

2007-06-25T09:40:00.000+08:00

My family and I spent the weekend at the lake - it is only a short drive from our home just 15 minutes across the state line in South Carolina. Yet I always feel I am miles from reality when I am there. It was the first time that just our family spent time together at the lake without guests. We had fun. Lots of laughter, swimming, singing, and more laugher. I have finally mastered the three sixty on the jet ski and I had a blast making waves and almost flippig the thing over. I used to be scared of the crazy machine but now I am branching out.

Some lake pics...

So I need prayer because I am having trouble trusting God with things that I can not control. I am in the middle of trying to get my visa to go to Taiwan and I am encountering some red tape, language barriers, and all the fun that goes with trying to get a resident visa. Sadly, I am freaking out at times. I just want it to be over but I know that this is just another way that God will show me that He is taking care of me. His will will be done and it will be perfect - even if it does not go as I want it to go. Please pray that I can trust Him while waiting. Waiting is so hard.

Until next time -
Amanda

The many sides of my life...

2007-06-20T08:38:00.000+08:00

For the past seven months I have worked at Target. I have worked many different jobs but I enjoy working in the Starbucks and a barista and as a pharmacy tech. Here is a picture of my in my full Barista gala.

Right now I am reading "From Fear to Freedom becoming sons and daughters of God" by Rose Marie Miller. The thesis of the book is about allowing God to strip off our orphan attitude and help us to embrace our status as His children. The book is an autobiography of her journey of discovery of the incredible truths of the Gospel. The book has challenged me and sparked a lot of introspection and thinking about what fears and idols prevent from truly believing that God's love will NEVER change and that He is really for me. I mean I know in my mind the Christian truths but I confess my heart is hard and prefers self-reliance rather than trusting in God. Self-reliance is the enemy because I do not look to God for strength and love. Self-reliance minimizes the power of Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and ascension. I desperately want the Holy Spirit to transform my heart and free me from the idols of pride, seeking approval from others, and fear of trusting so that I may be surprised by His grace every moment of my life. Now at work and as I interact with my family and in Taiwan I desire to be a beggar leading other beggars to find the "bread of life."

I had an experience today working at Starbucks that made me realize how much I am addicted to the approval of others. The District Manager came today and criticized the way I labeled her cup and greeted guests. Yet she didn't see the other twenty or thirty guests that I had great conversations with. She happened to come in the store when their was a long line. She makes me really nervous. Anyway the entire rest of my shift I couldn't shake off her criticisms. They rocked the core of my being. I couldn't just take her comments as things I needed to work on but my thoughts began to descend into how unworthy I am as a person type thinking. I recognized this quickly and continually asked God to help me because I needed Him to remind me of the truth. I am addicted to approval. If I do something good and receive praise then I feel good about myself and believe I am worthy of love. Yet if I receive criticism I fall apart internally. I am standing on shifting sand not on the rock that never fails.

I have been described as an "unusual" person. I do not find that offensive at all. I actually like it. I am not normal (and as a reality check for everyone out their no one is normal!) One thing about me that is a bit unique is that I have celiac disease. Celiac is an autoimmune illness where the immune system malfunctions. If I eat a protein called gluten (found in wheat, rye, and barley) I will get sick. I don't break out in hives or anything but get major stomach aches and my lovely bowels get all bent out of shape (let your imagination run wild!) The question I often get asked is so what can you eat? I can eat all fruits and vegetables and plain meats. I have to be careful with processed foods and sauces such as soy and broths. I have lived with this for four years now and so it is getting easier. Here are some items that I just bought at the organic food area of Kroger...

Although I can't go to the International House of Pancakes and delve on their delicious breakfast I am creative and still enjoy food. My family and friends are supportive and helpful. I will keep you posted on how this might pose obstacles in Taiwan. They eat a lot of rice (which I can eat) so I am thinking it will be okay.

I just sent my Visa to the consulate yesterday so pray, pray, pray that I can get it back in time. They already called today while I was at work so I am nervous that I forgot something important. Honestly, this has already been a hard process. So much red tape and it is hard to communicate to the Chinese people at the consulate because of the language and cultural barrier. This whole process is really rocking my faith that God is taking care of this and cares about this.

Here are some pictures I found of the Chinese people in Taiwan. I am praying that God would start to burden my heart for these people and the students that I will be in contact with.

I am signing off for now - until next time.

- Amanda

My fam...

2007-06-18T08:43:00.000+08:00

I want to introduce all of you to my family. My mom loves milkshakes, dogs and cats, and laughter. My dad enjoys golf, a good suspense movie, and just chillin. I am the oldest of three girls. My sister Missy just graduated college and is pursuing to be an elementary education career. Suzanne, my other sister, is still in college and wants to become a nurse. They just came home for the summer and I am looking forward to hanging out with them and having some fun before I leave. But my family includes many non-humans. There are three dogs and two cats that roam around at our abode. Toby and Piper are Papyions and want one on one attention all the time. They are like little two year olds but they are sweet and fun. Sprinkles is our mixed terrier and he is a bit skidish but he is a part of our family. He has a bark that will scare anyone out of their mind. Then comes our cats. Smokey is like a finicky old man and Lily is our only female pet. She is a small black cat that looks innocent but is a huntress at heart. She brings many "presents" to our front door. Here are some pics of my family...

2007-06-17T11:07:00.000+08:00

Hey all!!!
I am setting up a blog so I can keep everyone uptodate on my trip to Taipei, Taiwan. I leave September 3rd which is less than three months from now. For those that do not know I am going to Taipei to teach and develop relationships with the students at Christ's College. The school was started in the 1950's by some American missionaries and now is run by national Taiwanese Christians. I will be working with the English department, mainly heading a writing center for students who need help with formal research papers, teaching conversational English, and developing relationships with the Chinese students, praying that God will allow for opportunities to disciple and be discipled. I want to list some FAQ's that people often ask me about my life now.

What are you doing right now as you wait to go to Taiwan?
I am currently living in Augusta, Georgia at my parents house and working at Target. I am gaining good work experience because they have allowed me to train in many different positions such as pharmacy tech, starbucks barista, and cash office staffer.

Weren't you going to Spain? What happened?
Yes. I was planning and raising support to go to Madrid, Spain for two years to do mission work. However, it had taken over two years to raise funds and I was still short a sufficient amount. After much prayer and counsel I decided to look into other fields. The opportunity in Taipei became available and I feel that it is a good fit.

Have you raised all your support that you need and do you have to raise everything that you will need for the year that you will be going?
I have raised all of the monthly and one time support that I will need to live and work in Taipei for a year. I needed to raise all of the money necessary to pay for everything that I will need and do in Taipei.

Why are you going to Taiwan on the mission field and not trying to pursue a career?
Many people wonder why I did not pursue a masters degree right after college or a stable job that would begin a career. Since a young teenager I have had a passion for world missions. As God has transformed my own heart and allowed me to see my perpetual need for Jesus and God's love I want the Gospel message to seep through my life in everything I do. I want to pursue a teaching career at the college level as well as gain experience in cross cultural missions. I do not think that these past three years have been a "waste" or dead time but time for God to prepare me for the future. I have met incredible people as I have raised support and worked at First Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga (2006) and at Target in Augusta. My time in Taiwan will be short but will be part of my life experience that God will use to transform me and remind me that I am His child.

How can I support you now?
Pray, pray, pray. I constantly forget who I belong to and the good news of the Gospel. I struggle with legalism and wanting to supplement the work of Jesus with my own works. I forget about the sweet drippings of grace. Pray for my soul and that God would remind me that I can't mess up His work because I am not that powerful or important!!! He wants to use me but doesn't need me. He loves me because He chooses to and wants to although I do not deserve it. I want to live out these truths daily. Pray for Christ's College and the upcoming school year. Pray for the students and the professors, for unity in Christ, and for the entire country of Taiwan.
If you would like to support me financially I would greatly appreciate it. Even though I have already reached my financial goals all support is welcome. You may email me at amandaintaiwan@gmail.com if you are interested.

Well, goodbye for now but I will be sharing my thoughts with you all soon.
- Amanda