Some of these thoughts are pondering that have been percolating for a while but brought to the surface with the Memorial Service for Lloyd Colborne. Each of his children and grandchildren had written a note to Pastor Dean so he could incorporate it into the eulogy. Unfortunately I cannot recall them. When asked why he thought God called him so directly Lloyd had said "so my family could know Him" I trust that strikes a chord with many of us!! Lloyd has 1 wife, 2 sons, 2 daughter in laws, 4 grandchildren and one grandchild, oh and a couple grandchildren in law (if there is such a label) I don't know if all have accepted Christ but I know many have! THAT'S QUITE A MARK FOR US TO HOLD BEFORE US
I know there are times I have failed my wife and children. I also know there are times I have succeeded. So how do I go from here? What do I do for Melissa? What do I do for Jay? What do I do for Julie? What do I do for Alex? What do I do for Gaby? What do I do for Colleen? What do I do for YOU? HELP ME, TELL ME. Some days I think I know, some days I find out I didn't! Some days I find out I was wrong! Some days I can't undo the wrong...........
I keep looking for answers or ways to fix my mistakes.............................some days I can't no matter how hard I try.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Keep you eyes on your fries!
Today's sermon focused on Psalm 37 concluding with thoughts on living life with expectancy. We all have expectations but that is different than living with an expectancy of what God will do in and through our lives.
Each of us have expectations of ourselves and those in our lives and fortunately for most of us these do not adversely affect relationships. I know I have expectations for my children even now that they are adults in their 30's. I also now suspect those expectations have not always been the supportive undergirding I have hoped for. Am I being hard on myself, no, just pondering.
Each of us have expectations of ourselves and those in our lives and fortunately for most of us these do not adversely affect relationships. I know I have expectations for my children even now that they are adults in their 30's. I also now suspect those expectations have not always been the supportive undergirding I have hoped for. Am I being hard on myself, no, just pondering.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Another week of life
Some working, some playing, some helping others that bordered on play and work.
As with most weeks a mixture !
Lloyd Colborne passing at the age of 88. I have not known him well but the last several years I have known him as a prayer warrior praying consistently for leaders and regular folk daily, weekly or whatever they needed. Some in simple support and others in times of crisis or significant events.
A facebook chat with one of my aunts who is dealing with separation from her son too. We have covenanted to pray for each other's sons understanding. I think she has had more catastrophic events on her trail but that does not make the separation pain any less for either of us. I do know that we each have said we would do anything to renew the connection if we only knew what to do to bring change.
Farmer's Market was a GONG SHOW for us. I'm sure it was a very successful day for most with twice as many people as we have seen! Parking was impossible within 3 blocks or 45 minutes but I enjoyed watching people as I drove around........ Of course that meant Colleen's expectations were DASHED AND SMASHED especially after I called her cellphone 4 times and it was on silent mode, argh. Hear me fume and try to be lovingly calm? I failed! She still loves me but like was not at the top of her list.
Tomorrow is Church BBQ day and in a few weeks we will get the fall season kicked off. WOW FALL STARTUP!?
Now to finish a couple electrical jobs I'm doing and get to some houses in PA that need smoke detectors........
As with most weeks a mixture !
Lloyd Colborne passing at the age of 88. I have not known him well but the last several years I have known him as a prayer warrior praying consistently for leaders and regular folk daily, weekly or whatever they needed. Some in simple support and others in times of crisis or significant events.
A facebook chat with one of my aunts who is dealing with separation from her son too. We have covenanted to pray for each other's sons understanding. I think she has had more catastrophic events on her trail but that does not make the separation pain any less for either of us. I do know that we each have said we would do anything to renew the connection if we only knew what to do to bring change.
Farmer's Market was a GONG SHOW for us. I'm sure it was a very successful day for most with twice as many people as we have seen! Parking was impossible within 3 blocks or 45 minutes but I enjoyed watching people as I drove around........ Of course that meant Colleen's expectations were DASHED AND SMASHED especially after I called her cellphone 4 times and it was on silent mode, argh. Hear me fume and try to be lovingly calm? I failed! She still loves me but like was not at the top of her list.
Tomorrow is Church BBQ day and in a few weeks we will get the fall season kicked off. WOW FALL STARTUP!?
Now to finish a couple electrical jobs I'm doing and get to some houses in PA that need smoke detectors........
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Does Facebook membership displace blogging?
it sure has for me.......or maybe I am in a place where I am not as filled with words of angst. Maybe Facebook allows the brief spurts of thought and wit a release so the blog urgency takes longer to build. Kind of like being on a liquid diet!!!! HA HA
Melissa has only had moderate impact from the typhoon that has devastated many areas of Taiwan. Although she has had a few days without water due to system shutdowns. I suspect the amount of debris and silt overload filtration systems but we will never get a clear explanation............you can't say systems are inadequate, can you!
I survived the 2 day yard sale at Colleen's Moms' house in PA, Wendell and Odette did a gargantuan job preparing for it. Josh and Cordell and Yvonne have helped tremendously too. We sold EVERYTHING that was ready for the decision. EVEN THE OLD DEEP FREEZE! Only the floor area of the 2 upstairs bedrooms is left. Now for a few kitchen cupboards and the bedrooms........................you can only process so much at a time and keep processing!
Oh, please keep praying for insight and open hearts and minds regarding Jay & Julie. We don't know what to do and Jay has expressly asked me to 'respect his privacy and not come there uninvited' hmmmm, argh, SIGH, whimper..............
Melissa has only had moderate impact from the typhoon that has devastated many areas of Taiwan. Although she has had a few days without water due to system shutdowns. I suspect the amount of debris and silt overload filtration systems but we will never get a clear explanation............you can't say systems are inadequate, can you!
I survived the 2 day yard sale at Colleen's Moms' house in PA, Wendell and Odette did a gargantuan job preparing for it. Josh and Cordell and Yvonne have helped tremendously too. We sold EVERYTHING that was ready for the decision. EVEN THE OLD DEEP FREEZE! Only the floor area of the 2 upstairs bedrooms is left. Now for a few kitchen cupboards and the bedrooms........................you can only process so much at a time and keep processing!
Oh, please keep praying for insight and open hearts and minds regarding Jay & Julie. We don't know what to do and Jay has expressly asked me to 'respect his privacy and not come there uninvited' hmmmm, argh, SIGH, whimper..............
Friday, July 24, 2009
Finally third warm day in a row!
I am NOT COMPLAINING. we don't get overheated.........but it does make it a bit tricky to plan outdoor play!
Colleen is working 3 days a week back at Birks so that means we have to get up early once in a while. We had a nice time in Crosby ND last weekend to celebrate my and Louise Aalund's birthdays. And had a MARVELOUS dinner with Susan, Suhky and Nicole in Regina on the way back. We sure enjoy travelling in the PT and it's decent on gas too.
My electrical work is flowing fairly smoothly but I now realize I need to formalize more things like liability and worker's comp insurance! I think I'm going to have to up my rates just to keep even!
Oh and not a lot of angst filled pondering even though we have not seen or heard from Jay & Julie except an occasional FB comment they leave for a mutual friend. Please pray for wisdom and peace.
Colleen is working 3 days a week back at Birks so that means we have to get up early once in a while. We had a nice time in Crosby ND last weekend to celebrate my and Louise Aalund's birthdays. And had a MARVELOUS dinner with Susan, Suhky and Nicole in Regina on the way back. We sure enjoy travelling in the PT and it's decent on gas too.
My electrical work is flowing fairly smoothly but I now realize I need to formalize more things like liability and worker's comp insurance! I think I'm going to have to up my rates just to keep even!
Oh and not a lot of angst filled pondering even though we have not seen or heard from Jay & Julie except an occasional FB comment they leave for a mutual friend. Please pray for wisdom and peace.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Yes, still around just not getting to the BLOG
I knew it had been a while but 3 weeks! Life seems ordinary, but let's see.....getting myself going doing some electrical contracting while trying to not get too busy either. Getting Colleen's mom along the path of setting up her apartment at Riverside Terrace will be an ADVENTURE with many dimensions, hopefully I can keep my mouth quiet and face properly tuned!
Still now word on Melissa's permanent residency, just one more place to demonstrate patience. the next 2 weeks she will be very busy with the World Games. I'm sure there will be some good stories from it.
My current electrical job is a basement suite with some existing walls. Working with my hands and arms inside them makes it look like I was attacked by a cat!
Today we were greeted with 8 degrees and promise of rain.........................my feet are cold! I refuse socks!
Still now word on Melissa's permanent residency, just one more place to demonstrate patience. the next 2 weeks she will be very busy with the World Games. I'm sure there will be some good stories from it.
My current electrical job is a basement suite with some existing walls. Working with my hands and arms inside them makes it look like I was attacked by a cat!
Today we were greeted with 8 degrees and promise of rain.........................my feet are cold! I refuse socks!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Another Tuesday, another emotion
Well my blogging hasn't been very frequent lately.....................Colleen and I went to The Soloist with Robert Downey Jr., Jamie Foxx ( not WITH, you know what I mean). Very Good! The character portrayals were good. But MAN, or as my cousins might say DANG IT, I didn't need the thought processing that the relationships, homelessness and mental health are generating! Whew! It consumes most of my emotional margin!!! I thought I had more margin............. Oh well it tires me enough I will sleep soundly tonight!
I went past the point of The Soloist being based on a book and saw the misguided cleaning up of an area populated by Homeless people, homeless being portrayed as having major mental health issues and the care/attention needed in relationships. Of course I can reign myself in enough to see the dynamics of the primary relationship as the purpose and nature of it evolves, enjoy the music and acting. I particularly liked the scene where Jamie is listening to the Orchestra practise and it switched to a swirling and pulsing of light colours to match the music! Kind of like that thing that happens when I am in the bright sun and kick back, close my eyes relax and let my brain register what happens. COOL
Well this has let my emotional margin refresh a bit.............................only a bit though. I'll need a couple days to get back to my tough exterior. Ok, not so tough but at least stronger.
I went past the point of The Soloist being based on a book and saw the misguided cleaning up of an area populated by Homeless people, homeless being portrayed as having major mental health issues and the care/attention needed in relationships. Of course I can reign myself in enough to see the dynamics of the primary relationship as the purpose and nature of it evolves, enjoy the music and acting. I particularly liked the scene where Jamie is listening to the Orchestra practise and it switched to a swirling and pulsing of light colours to match the music! Kind of like that thing that happens when I am in the bright sun and kick back, close my eyes relax and let my brain register what happens. COOL
Well this has let my emotional margin refresh a bit.............................only a bit though. I'll need a couple days to get back to my tough exterior. Ok, not so tough but at least stronger.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Pondering ...........................
Tell me....why is it so easy to share joyful news but I protect the dissapointing stuff?
Monday, June 15, 2009
Melissa made the Taipei Times!
http://www.taipeitimes.com/images/2009/06/16/TT-980616-P04-IB.pdf
And here's her diplomatic comment at http://accesskaohsiung.blogspot.com/2009/06/taipei-times-article.html:
Taipei Times article
Check out today's (6/16) "Community Compass" in Taipei Times:http://www.taipeitimes.com/images/2009/06/16/TT-980616-P04-IB.pdfI think the article was well written, but maybe lays more blame on Kaohsiung City Government than they are actually responsible for. Unfortunately, a project at the bureau took the i-center building out of their hands and it was the management company that would not get the center re-opened. Different vision led to a lot of confusion and broken relationships. We had a good run of about 2 years initially about 4 years ago but was at a standstill for over a year.I'm excited about the possibilities of developing International Friendship House and the benefit it can be to the foreign community of Kaohsiung City and area.Thanks for all your support!Check out http://internationalfriendshiphouse.blogspot.com for more information about upcoming activities.
Posted by Access Kaohsiung Community Services/ International Friendship House
And here's her diplomatic comment at http://accesskaohsiung.blogspot.com/2009/06/taipei-times-article.html:
Taipei Times article
Check out today's (6/16) "Community Compass" in Taipei Times:http://www.taipeitimes.com/images/2009/06/16/TT-980616-P04-IB.pdfI think the article was well written, but maybe lays more blame on Kaohsiung City Government than they are actually responsible for. Unfortunately, a project at the bureau took the i-center building out of their hands and it was the management company that would not get the center re-opened. Different vision led to a lot of confusion and broken relationships. We had a good run of about 2 years initially about 4 years ago but was at a standstill for over a year.I'm excited about the possibilities of developing International Friendship House and the benefit it can be to the foreign community of Kaohsiung City and area.Thanks for all your support!Check out http://internationalfriendshiphouse.blogspot.com for more information about upcoming activities.
Posted by Access Kaohsiung Community Services/ International Friendship House
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Tuesday June 9, 2009
Well I think it's been a pretty ordinary week.
I got to help Ryan and Allison with floor tiles again, attend a 90th BD tea, do Zou, church floors and hopefully learn a few things. Colleen and I even got some wall tiles glued on! It only took about 7 years! Now to cut 2 to size and grout them all in a few days.
We are still baffled by what to do regarding contacting Jay and Julie so I guess our DO is waiting for God to direct us, them or others.
Now if we could get more that 1 day out of 10 above 15 degrees.........................................
I got to help Ryan and Allison with floor tiles again, attend a 90th BD tea, do Zou, church floors and hopefully learn a few things. Colleen and I even got some wall tiles glued on! It only took about 7 years! Now to cut 2 to size and grout them all in a few days.
We are still baffled by what to do regarding contacting Jay and Julie so I guess our DO is waiting for God to direct us, them or others.
Now if we could get more that 1 day out of 10 above 15 degrees.........................................
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
It's TUESDAY
looks special but it isn't. Well every day should be seen as special. It is so easy to get into the ordinary of each day so I am trying to see the special of each day. Varied success................
We are still managing our attitude with temperatures that struggle to stay above 15 for more than 2 days in a row. Some plants are in the ground and don't seem to have suffered from last nights temperatures near freezing.
We get to chat with Melissa almost every day and usually twice. She got a new 'do'. She is going to get a better background one soon for her World Games volunteer shot and wanted to post a picture............well, this isn't her new do but us in Pinang, Malaysia last Christmas!
This is at the base of the train up the mountain, as usual, we got there late enough in the day the remaining trips were booked so we didn't ride it!
It will be a few more days before we get flowers like this in Saskatoon.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Ah, Canadian Pizza
Hmmm Kernel corn is a staple on pizza in Taiwan. I DON'T miss it. Online ordering from Pizza 73 rocks. I don't think we will reorder the chicken melt but the Grand Slam was great!
A relaxing day of breakfast, puttering at yardwork, pruning, relocating bricks and ordering pizza. I expect Zou is doing well without me on my week off.
This has been a funeral week. Wednesday was Ken Crocker, an extended family member, Thursday was Ralph Hill, a friend, and tomorrow is David Ochitwa, a slightly more extended family member.
Life is an interesting deal isn't it?
A relaxing day of breakfast, puttering at yardwork, pruning, relocating bricks and ordering pizza. I expect Zou is doing well without me on my week off.
This has been a funeral week. Wednesday was Ken Crocker, an extended family member, Thursday was Ralph Hill, a friend, and tomorrow is David Ochitwa, a slightly more extended family member.
Life is an interesting deal isn't it?
Monday, May 25, 2009
My First Zamboni driving
Well it wasn't REALLY a Zamboni even though many call it one. I spent about 2 hours riding on a floor scrubber at church today. Not the joy riding type some of you have tried, this one has a real seat on it! It's neat how it vacuums the water before it spreads all over the floor. Yep I am easily enthralled some days.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
I think I need to blog more....my own health
We've been 'home' for a month and a half now and today is about the 5th day above 15 degrees!! We've had a colder Spring than Winter!
I've found it a particular challenge to have a good attitude. Oh, I can wear the right mask most of the time but am really conflicted with temperature effects on my muscles and the realization that I will need to work part time to afford our lifestyle of travelling. If only I had made a different pension plan choice in 2000 c'est la vie. But then we probably wouldn't have had the 2 major stock market sags since then. You know me 'the loser' HA HA , yeah right.....not really!
There are SO MANY changes.....and realizations.
I have now been away from the University for 1 year! The past year
My motivation for children and youth continues but I think the ministry activity is changing. I am being drawn toward more conversation with adults. Pray for clarity.
How to get myself motivated to do electrical contracting? It's hard to go out and even do yard work when it's mid afternoon before we get double digit temperatures! Pray for my diligence.
The last year has held TEFL correspondence classes WHEW, 5,000 km driving to Kansas and Vancouver Island YEAH, 5 months experimenting in Kaohsiung YIPPEE, NOT going to work everyday HMM, starting to learn what to do DUH, learning about each other in this new schedule HMM. Pray for our insight and wisdom.
This retirement thing is every bit as hard as many say it will be. Just ask Colleen! Pray for patience and caring.
I've found it a particular challenge to have a good attitude. Oh, I can wear the right mask most of the time but am really conflicted with temperature effects on my muscles and the realization that I will need to work part time to afford our lifestyle of travelling. If only I had made a different pension plan choice in 2000 c'est la vie. But then we probably wouldn't have had the 2 major stock market sags since then. You know me 'the loser' HA HA , yeah right.....not really!
There are SO MANY changes.....and realizations.
I have now been away from the University for 1 year! The past year
My motivation for children and youth continues but I think the ministry activity is changing. I am being drawn toward more conversation with adults. Pray for clarity.
How to get myself motivated to do electrical contracting? It's hard to go out and even do yard work when it's mid afternoon before we get double digit temperatures! Pray for my diligence.
The last year has held TEFL correspondence classes WHEW, 5,000 km driving to Kansas and Vancouver Island YEAH, 5 months experimenting in Kaohsiung YIPPEE, NOT going to work everyday HMM, starting to learn what to do DUH, learning about each other in this new schedule HMM. Pray for our insight and wisdom.
This retirement thing is every bit as hard as many say it will be. Just ask Colleen! Pray for patience and caring.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Hmmm, what to say and share
Well, I'm not as eloquent as Carla Burlando nor as creative as Heather Lu. Sometimes as inspired as Sherry Brophy but seldom as inspirational as Glenn Teal. Surely not as busy as Chris and Nevada McKenzie or Melissa! And I think I feel as tired as new mothers like Karen Robertson, Andrea Pankhurst, Andrea Hudson, Amanda Sowden and the ones I forgot........
We had another 21 degree day, I think only the 4th one since we got back a month ago. It's too bad Linda and Carrie looked for a wedding dress on that windy and COLD Saturday! I finished cultivating most of the front flower bed and dug a 14 inch deep trench to put coroplast between it and the grass to stop the quack grass invasion. It worked on the first 8 feet the last few years so this is the year to do the remainder. I think the first pieces were 24 inches deep, I'm not that energetic or committed now! 12 inches SHOULD stop the roots! Lest you think Colleen just lounged, she stained more of the fence and then cleaned her arms and feet!
We had our first barbecue this evening. I didn't even singe myself! Baked potato, salad and steak. yum yum!
Saturday I saw a young friend at the Farmer's Market, our conversation lifted my heart yet at the same time created a profound sadness at the lack of relationship with Jay and Julie. My mind is a curious thing! Please keep praying and those of you that Jay accepts as Facebook friends thank you for reaching out to him. He changed his settings so I can no longer see his page and photos, only his profile photo which currently is a REAL CUTE closeup of Alex.
The return to Saskatoon has renewed thoughts and considerations about part time work and ministry involvement. As we move though the next year our income structure and level will change dramatically so I guess I better get a couple appointments made tomorrow so those things can be settled before we return to Kaohsiung in December. WE ARE SNOWBIRDS! We sure can live less expensively in Kaohsiung than Florida or Arizona! Mind you we have to fly as long as it would take to drive to either of them!
I thank all our friends and family for your support as we have embarked on this life change. The excitement, love and support you have shared with us has been a tremendous affirmation.
We had another 21 degree day, I think only the 4th one since we got back a month ago. It's too bad Linda and Carrie looked for a wedding dress on that windy and COLD Saturday! I finished cultivating most of the front flower bed and dug a 14 inch deep trench to put coroplast between it and the grass to stop the quack grass invasion. It worked on the first 8 feet the last few years so this is the year to do the remainder. I think the first pieces were 24 inches deep, I'm not that energetic or committed now! 12 inches SHOULD stop the roots! Lest you think Colleen just lounged, she stained more of the fence and then cleaned her arms and feet!
We had our first barbecue this evening. I didn't even singe myself! Baked potato, salad and steak. yum yum!
Saturday I saw a young friend at the Farmer's Market, our conversation lifted my heart yet at the same time created a profound sadness at the lack of relationship with Jay and Julie. My mind is a curious thing! Please keep praying and those of you that Jay accepts as Facebook friends thank you for reaching out to him. He changed his settings so I can no longer see his page and photos, only his profile photo which currently is a REAL CUTE closeup of Alex.
The return to Saskatoon has renewed thoughts and considerations about part time work and ministry involvement. As we move though the next year our income structure and level will change dramatically so I guess I better get a couple appointments made tomorrow so those things can be settled before we return to Kaohsiung in December. WE ARE SNOWBIRDS! We sure can live less expensively in Kaohsiung than Florida or Arizona! Mind you we have to fly as long as it would take to drive to either of them!
I thank all our friends and family for your support as we have embarked on this life change. The excitement, love and support you have shared with us has been a tremendous affirmation.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Another week another journey
Well we've been back just over 2 weeks and life seems pretty ordinary again. I'm still waiting for more that one day in a row above 10 degrees! We've finally loosened some of that 20 degree temperature drop muscle lock!
The week didn't bring many surprises...no news from Jay & Julie, regular life stuff, Farmers Market, good message at church about social involvement, Colleen's Mom visiting for a day or so, Dave & Gerrie's 40th Anniversary (YEP 40!), Annual Dr exam (passed again), Tea. Life is good, well ok there are a few exceptions.........
Remember pray for your children.
Pray for you parents.
Pray for your relationships.
The week didn't bring many surprises...no news from Jay & Julie, regular life stuff, Farmers Market, good message at church about social involvement, Colleen's Mom visiting for a day or so, Dave & Gerrie's 40th Anniversary (YEP 40!), Annual Dr exam (passed again), Tea. Life is good, well ok there are a few exceptions.........
Remember pray for your children.
Pray for you parents.
Pray for your relationships.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
PLEASE KEEP PRAYING
Today we got discouraging information from Jay. It stirs such a wide range of emotions and thoughts that I don't know what to write and NOT write. Please pray for our hearts to remain soft and for an abiding peace.
I don't know what to ask for on Jay, Julie, Alex and Gaby's behalf. I guess that love will be expressed to them and opportunity for reconciliation will emerge.
Gabriella will be 1 on April 29th. Praise God for her health as she was a few weeks premature. I have seen her twice and Colleen has once. I know that many grandparents have little contact but their children usually live more than 45 minutes away. [big sigh]
Life is good even though it has pains!
I gave the lawns their spring brush cut today. Strange doing that in temperatures cooler than my winter days were. I know, suck it up. The rest of you are overjoyed it is this warm. This afternoon it was only 5 degrees colder here than Kaohsiung and now that it is their day and our night there is a 24 degree differential. Sure better than the 50 degrees in January! That's the big Celsius degrees not those itty bitty American ones!
I don't know what to ask for on Jay, Julie, Alex and Gaby's behalf. I guess that love will be expressed to them and opportunity for reconciliation will emerge.
Gabriella will be 1 on April 29th. Praise God for her health as she was a few weeks premature. I have seen her twice and Colleen has once. I know that many grandparents have little contact but their children usually live more than 45 minutes away. [big sigh]
Life is good even though it has pains!
I gave the lawns their spring brush cut today. Strange doing that in temperatures cooler than my winter days were. I know, suck it up. The rest of you are overjoyed it is this warm. This afternoon it was only 5 degrees colder here than Kaohsiung and now that it is their day and our night there is a 24 degree differential. Sure better than the 50 degrees in January! That's the big Celsius degrees not those itty bitty American ones!
Monday, April 20, 2009
one small photo update
Gaby waking from a nap. Click the photo to go to the larger image on Jay's Twitter page.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Canada seems to slow my blogging
We have been back almost 3 full days! Yeah I know it's been about 2 weeks since my last post though. Facebook carries some of the blame but I just get busy and forget that there are people I need to keep up to date.
The last week in Kaohsiung had a few hectic days as we packed things for storage at Melissa's but clothes for living and travelling. We left some clothes there for next year! Ok, no fat or thin jokes!! I keep thinking the greatest thing about the trip is that it is repeatable. I was reluctant to say this is our new plan for each year but now IT IS as long as God continues to provide guidance and freedom. If Melissa moves from Kaohsiung (no hint or plans to) then we will test that location. WE ARE BLESSED SUPREMELY to be able to be able to afford such a dramatic life change. I don't only mean afford financially but to also have family and friends that support us in this decision. We will always have a guest room for your visits!
In the midst of the angst and pain of the severed relationship with Jay & Julie God has provided this respite. Please continue to pray for our peace, strength and wisdom. And pray for Jay and Julie also. I don't know how to express it but our God KNOWS! Words cannot comfort we simply endure and ask for God's comforting presence.
I think future years we will stay and endure part of the winter because this coming back and being cold is worthy of several adjectives that are commonly used but I refrain! My body is tense from the cold, where is a good massage when you need it? Even my blood pressure is up! Or maybe it is the adjustment to the travel and time zones, hmmm.
As we have returned we have learned of another marriage that is in separation. PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL MARRIED PEOPLE YOU KNOW! Relationships are just that and MUST be worked at continually. Start right now! It requires a daily investment in each other. Sure there are times when our work, play, children or other things pressure us and make it hard to invest in someone else but we MUST every day or we WILL FAIL! Failure in marriage has so many unseen costs so please take this as encouragement not admonition. Investing in others is easy for me but I know it isn't for everybody. practise, Practise, PRACTISE.
Peace
The last week in Kaohsiung had a few hectic days as we packed things for storage at Melissa's but clothes for living and travelling. We left some clothes there for next year! Ok, no fat or thin jokes!! I keep thinking the greatest thing about the trip is that it is repeatable. I was reluctant to say this is our new plan for each year but now IT IS as long as God continues to provide guidance and freedom. If Melissa moves from Kaohsiung (no hint or plans to) then we will test that location. WE ARE BLESSED SUPREMELY to be able to be able to afford such a dramatic life change. I don't only mean afford financially but to also have family and friends that support us in this decision. We will always have a guest room for your visits!
In the midst of the angst and pain of the severed relationship with Jay & Julie God has provided this respite. Please continue to pray for our peace, strength and wisdom. And pray for Jay and Julie also. I don't know how to express it but our God KNOWS! Words cannot comfort we simply endure and ask for God's comforting presence.
I think future years we will stay and endure part of the winter because this coming back and being cold is worthy of several adjectives that are commonly used but I refrain! My body is tense from the cold, where is a good massage when you need it? Even my blood pressure is up! Or maybe it is the adjustment to the travel and time zones, hmmm.
As we have returned we have learned of another marriage that is in separation. PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL MARRIED PEOPLE YOU KNOW! Relationships are just that and MUST be worked at continually. Start right now! It requires a daily investment in each other. Sure there are times when our work, play, children or other things pressure us and make it hard to invest in someone else but we MUST every day or we WILL FAIL! Failure in marriage has so many unseen costs so please take this as encouragement not admonition. Investing in others is easy for me but I know it isn't for everybody. practise, Practise, PRACTISE.
Peace
Friday, April 03, 2009
Wild Youth Goup found in Taiwan
Well it only took 5 months for me to get to the youth program.
In 2 weeks I'll be back at Zou. Here's a few pictures from tonight.
Here the object was to capture the other teams balls while defending your own. See the hula hoops with the balls? The empty ones formed the territory boundary. My game. It didn't work as well as it does at Zou. Not enough space, too many balls, I don't really know.
This one is like password. Each team of 2 tries to guess the word written on the white board in 2 minutes. Interesting since some words given by North American leaders are TOTALLY UNKNOWN by Taiwanese kids!
Oh and they sing and listen to a message too. And you can see there's food. The kid here ate almost the whole time like only a teenager can!
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