No not that kind of regular, I mean ordinary. No teaching and got up when we felt like it.
Colleen made french toast and I made coffee for breakfast then we video chatted with Doug and Judy for a while. They will be here in a couple months! Melissa checked on our Christmas flights to Malaysia then we met her for lunch at the dumpling restaurant near her place.
A pretty usual day until we walked back to her place and moved beds and furnishings for an hour and a half! Her place, IFH, will soon be revitalized and so will she. Melissa carries many responsibilities and the volume spreads her abilities a bit too thin at times. (so a father thinks)
Tomorrow looks to be a similar day less the furniture moving. We need to go to the Post Office to send some cards and hopefully the leisurely strolling and exploring today was going to hold.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
4th Thanksgiving dinner!
We had 2 American Thanksgiving dinners today! The one last Sunday adds to our Canadian dinner we hosted before leaving Saskatoon to make 4. Each had its unique character. Loving family relationships, caring church family relationships and my new work family. The 3 Taiwan meals were good and had a few unfamiliar dishes. Sorry, I don't know the English name for those I was brave enough to try!
We are just marvelling that we have been in our apartment only one week! We're getting used to cable TV, we have CNN and a few English language movie channels all we have to do is filter the Chinese subtitles and commercials. I bet most of you filter the commercials at home! I believe we are the last generation that will be able to function without speaking capability in 2 and probably 3 or 4 languages. English may well become the most common crossover language but North American supremacy and dominance will fade.
There is so much to tell but it quickly becomes the everyday! Today Melissa drove us 2 or 3 places knowing exactly where to go in a city where most people describe a store or location as such and such a place next to such and such a place. Streets are organized, well most major ones are but many minor ones have developed from being small streets or lanes to business streets that now need explanations. On the way home tonight we used the freeway which Melissa is fairly familiar with but when she said "NOW I DON'T KNOW WHERE THIS IS " after she took the exit and turned right. Within 5 minutes we were back to somewhere Melissa knew. She now knows how to get to the backside of the MRT station! My girl the explorer!
There sure are a lot of stairs here! Sure there are lots of escalators and elevators but not everywhere. The school owner's house we were at tonight is in a beautiful development we could consider gated townhouses, well sort of. Quite similar to North America sizes but with 4 floors a LOT of stairs. Beautiful grounds just east of Chengching lake. Lovely walkways and winding stairs.
I'm off to Gangshan again tomorrow to sub for a friend of Melissa's so he can spend the day with his parents before they return to South Africa Monday night. Working alternate weeks could get habit forming. I start my 5 1/2 week stretch on Dec 4th. We will take a few days around Christmas and visit Lana Gummeson in Malaysia. I may be enjoying the teaching a bit too much, well at least enough that I feel confident making it through the December weeks is feasible and maybe comfortable. I have a new found appreciation for the HOURS teachers spend on their feet!
Well construction noise starts at 8 AM and tomorrow I teach from 2-9:15 so the yawns mean bedtime. The morning after we moved in the started replacing utility services and sidewalks on our street. They work fast here so they may well be done by week's end!
We are just marvelling that we have been in our apartment only one week! We're getting used to cable TV, we have CNN and a few English language movie channels all we have to do is filter the Chinese subtitles and commercials. I bet most of you filter the commercials at home! I believe we are the last generation that will be able to function without speaking capability in 2 and probably 3 or 4 languages. English may well become the most common crossover language but North American supremacy and dominance will fade.
There is so much to tell but it quickly becomes the everyday! Today Melissa drove us 2 or 3 places knowing exactly where to go in a city where most people describe a store or location as such and such a place next to such and such a place. Streets are organized, well most major ones are but many minor ones have developed from being small streets or lanes to business streets that now need explanations. On the way home tonight we used the freeway which Melissa is fairly familiar with but when she said "NOW I DON'T KNOW WHERE THIS IS " after she took the exit and turned right. Within 5 minutes we were back to somewhere Melissa knew. She now knows how to get to the backside of the MRT station! My girl the explorer!
There sure are a lot of stairs here! Sure there are lots of escalators and elevators but not everywhere. The school owner's house we were at tonight is in a beautiful development we could consider gated townhouses, well sort of. Quite similar to North America sizes but with 4 floors a LOT of stairs. Beautiful grounds just east of Chengching lake. Lovely walkways and winding stairs.
I'm off to Gangshan again tomorrow to sub for a friend of Melissa's so he can spend the day with his parents before they return to South Africa Monday night. Working alternate weeks could get habit forming. I start my 5 1/2 week stretch on Dec 4th. We will take a few days around Christmas and visit Lana Gummeson in Malaysia. I may be enjoying the teaching a bit too much, well at least enough that I feel confident making it through the December weeks is feasible and maybe comfortable. I have a new found appreciation for the HOURS teachers spend on their feet!
Well construction noise starts at 8 AM and tomorrow I teach from 2-9:15 so the yawns mean bedtime. The morning after we moved in the started replacing utility services and sidewalks on our street. They work fast here so they may well be done by week's end!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
We've been here 2 weeks!
It seems so natural and yet so foreign!
I finished the week of subbing I was not expecting but enjoyed it and was not as tired as Melissa thought I would be and we are settled in our new apartment. Colleen made a supper of steak, baked potato and cooked carrots to celebrate both! She just needs to find the store with recognizable salt in a reasonable quantity. We had dinner at TGIFriday's to celebrate a friend of Melissa's birthday. Just one more thing we can't do in Saskatoon.
I taught classes of 11, 6, 7, 9, 5, 2 kids for a total of 28 hours this week from 2-9:15 most days; it sure was a mind and body shift to have free time at the beginning rather than the end of the day! We are about a 6 minute walk from the train and MRT, 20 minute ride to my school, and then a 20 minute walk to the school (or a 5 minute taxi ride (about $4 CDN)). The train is about 80 cents cdn each way! I walked a couple days and then the owner loaned me a scooter to go from the train to the school. 21 degrees feels nice in shorts but very chilly zipping along on a scooter. I won't be able to take the taxi because I forgot and left the handwritten card in my shirt pocket and the sweat made the ink absorb into the paper. At least it wasn't into my shirt!
We've made a few independent outings and at least 1/4 have resulted in EXCESSIVE, UNNECESSARY walking due to wrong turns and poor bearings. We will get better oriented in the next week, after all there are only a few places to get mixed up!
Tomorrow is Church again, Melissa is on for Worship team so we will be there in under 10 hours. Wow It's our third Sunday! Now we can start to listen for God's guidance for our involvement here. We have a Thanksgiving dinner at the school's owners tomorrow evening so this will be our second American Thanksgiving dinner here. We are truly thankful for all of God's blessings , here and in North America.
Please leave comments and ask any questions. And those occasional 'anonymous' commenters, please add your names to your comment so we can better appreciate your interest and caring for us.
I finished the week of subbing I was not expecting but enjoyed it and was not as tired as Melissa thought I would be and we are settled in our new apartment. Colleen made a supper of steak, baked potato and cooked carrots to celebrate both! She just needs to find the store with recognizable salt in a reasonable quantity. We had dinner at TGIFriday's to celebrate a friend of Melissa's birthday. Just one more thing we can't do in Saskatoon.
I taught classes of 11, 6, 7, 9, 5, 2 kids for a total of 28 hours this week from 2-9:15 most days; it sure was a mind and body shift to have free time at the beginning rather than the end of the day! We are about a 6 minute walk from the train and MRT, 20 minute ride to my school, and then a 20 minute walk to the school (or a 5 minute taxi ride (about $4 CDN)). The train is about 80 cents cdn each way! I walked a couple days and then the owner loaned me a scooter to go from the train to the school. 21 degrees feels nice in shorts but very chilly zipping along on a scooter. I won't be able to take the taxi because I forgot and left the handwritten card in my shirt pocket and the sweat made the ink absorb into the paper. At least it wasn't into my shirt!
We've made a few independent outings and at least 1/4 have resulted in EXCESSIVE, UNNECESSARY walking due to wrong turns and poor bearings. We will get better oriented in the next week, after all there are only a few places to get mixed up!
Tomorrow is Church again, Melissa is on for Worship team so we will be there in under 10 hours. Wow It's our third Sunday! Now we can start to listen for God's guidance for our involvement here. We have a Thanksgiving dinner at the school's owners tomorrow evening so this will be our second American Thanksgiving dinner here. We are truly thankful for all of God's blessings , here and in North America.
Please leave comments and ask any questions. And those occasional 'anonymous' commenters, please add your names to your comment so we can better appreciate your interest and caring for us.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Some First tasks done!
We cleaned the apartment today, well Melissa's cleaning lady, Colleen and Melissa. I did the patio doors and a window!
Melissa and I took the train to Gangshan to make sure, well mostly sure, that I could get there on my own next week. Oh I am subbing for one of Melissa's friends next week it will be a good gauge for my December stint.
We helped select our new mattress as well. The owner is sister-in-law to Melissa's 'mentor' so we are getting many bargains!
We registered 3 guests from France who have been travelling around Taiwan for a couple weeks and are headed to Kenting tomorrow. I was even able to assist with directions to the MRT and High Speed Rail station. Me who gets turned around like I have amnesia.
I guess we should go get some dinner. We will get to the routine soon after all we haven't been here a week yet!
Love to all.
Melissa and I took the train to Gangshan to make sure, well mostly sure, that I could get there on my own next week. Oh I am subbing for one of Melissa's friends next week it will be a good gauge for my December stint.
We helped select our new mattress as well. The owner is sister-in-law to Melissa's 'mentor' so we are getting many bargains!
We registered 3 guests from France who have been travelling around Taiwan for a couple weeks and are headed to Kenting tomorrow. I was even able to assist with directions to the MRT and High Speed Rail station. Me who gets turned around like I have amnesia.
I guess we should go get some dinner. We will get to the routine soon after all we haven't been here a week yet!
Love to all.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
We are here, home is Kaohsiung until Easter
Tired but overjoyed!
Glad to be with Melissa but HOT!
Excited for church but missing Lakeview.
Wanting to post more but too soon for pics.
We walked around, familiarized ourselves a bit yesterday, felt the consequences of travelling for about 30 hours with only naps.
We got upgraded to Business Class by Dragonair, unfortunately it was just over an hour flight. They barely had time to serve the meal. We were served by name, a challenging one at the best of times but spoken better than many English speakers.
Well more in a few days.
LOVE AND HUGS TO ALL
Glad to be with Melissa but HOT!
Excited for church but missing Lakeview.
Wanting to post more but too soon for pics.
We walked around, familiarized ourselves a bit yesterday, felt the consequences of travelling for about 30 hours with only naps.
We got upgraded to Business Class by Dragonair, unfortunately it was just over an hour flight. They barely had time to serve the meal. We were served by name, a challenging one at the best of times but spoken better than many English speakers.
Well more in a few days.
LOVE AND HUGS TO ALL
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween
We had almost 3 times as many kids tonight as previous years, 30! The two Princesses will be going to Disney World next week.
And I got to have coffee with a dear friend Ruth S. Wow she's 81 and going strong.
It is hard to believe that at this time next week we will be eating breakfast with Melissa in Kaohsiung.
Colleen's finished work so we are both retired now but sure have a lot to do before next Thursday morning's flight!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
7 Canadian Days left
No the USA is not taking over Canada! Nor is Ottawa making any sweeping changes!
We will be over the Pacific before the end of next Thursday (the 6th for those like me challenged by this/next). Not much else to say right now. Lots of things to do but most are last minute stuff. I still need my underwear.
Please be remembering our family in prayer all are well but the strained connection ( near total lack thereof) with Jay & Julie continues. Please look after my son while we are away............
Feel free to ask direct questions if you see him or Julie. Loving, but direct.
We will be over the Pacific before the end of next Thursday (the 6th for those like me challenged by this/next). Not much else to say right now. Lots of things to do but most are last minute stuff. I still need my underwear.
Please be remembering our family in prayer all are well but the strained connection ( near total lack thereof) with Jay & Julie continues. Please look after my son while we are away............
Feel free to ask direct questions if you see him or Julie. Loving, but direct.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Shallow thoughts, Deep thoughts
wow in 3 weeks we will be waking to our third day in Kaohsiung!
I had a twinge of sadness as I told my Power Hour small group I have 2 Sundays left. Of course some are still hoping for Travis to replace me but he is in College in Calgary now. He was one of my small group guys too QUITE A FEW YEARS AGO. Have I really been doing Power Hour small groups that long?
I was challenged and affirmed by David Barbour's message this morning I expect it will be at http://www.lakeviewchurch.com in a few days. He is refreshing much like Bob Opperman but a different style and applied many scripture references to carry forward the message of living in the WIDE OPEN POSSIBILITY of God. I am not able to do the words proper favour. I would like him to be our new lead pastor but I do not have all the considerations and perspective to make that call. I fully support the local and national teams making the decision.
I guess Colleen and I are embarking on one of those WOPs. Exciting. A bit scary, in a good way.
I had a twinge of sadness as I told my Power Hour small group I have 2 Sundays left. Of course some are still hoping for Travis to replace me but he is in College in Calgary now. He was one of my small group guys too QUITE A FEW YEARS AGO. Have I really been doing Power Hour small groups that long?
I was challenged and affirmed by David Barbour's message this morning I expect it will be at http://www.lakeviewchurch.com in a few days. He is refreshing much like Bob Opperman but a different style and applied many scripture references to carry forward the message of living in the WIDE OPEN POSSIBILITY of God. I am not able to do the words proper favour. I would like him to be our new lead pastor but I do not have all the considerations and perspective to make that call. I fully support the local and national teams making the decision.
I guess Colleen and I are embarking on one of those WOPs. Exciting. A bit scary, in a good way.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Thanksgiving videos
Videos are here. Photos are at Facebook.
23 dinner plates, 25 people of varying sizes, shapes and ages.
Backyard football fun and games.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Child dedications
This afternoon 6 more parents dedicated their 4 children to God! Many had the opportunity to stand with Elizabeth as she led Tanis, Jonathan, Kendall, Krista, Shona and Darren in dedicating Theo, Samuel, Bennett and Ivanna to God. Misha was even able to lay his hand on each brother in cooperation and affirmation.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Wow September passed with no posts
Today we watched a video tour of an apartment we might live in while in Kaohsiung. Sorry you will have to wait until we actually move in November.
Retired life is sorting out. I got 73% and 78% in my 2 Correspondence Courses for TEFL (google it if your don't know what it is). I will likley NEVER do correspondence again NOT MY LEARNING STYLE. I now have my Saskatchewan Electrical Contractors License. And 5 weeks from tomorrow we are ON THE PLANE.
GOD IS GOOD!
Retired life is sorting out. I got 73% and 78% in my 2 Correspondence Courses for TEFL (google it if your don't know what it is). I will likley NEVER do correspondence again NOT MY LEARNING STYLE. I now have my Saskatchewan Electrical Contractors License. And 5 weeks from tomorrow we are ON THE PLANE.
GOD IS GOOD!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
A range of thoughts
We are back to being empty nesters. Melissa is in Vancouver a couple days before getting back to Kaohsiung. I am finished my TEFL exams so we can get about the necessary tasks before we leave for Kaohsiung Nov 6th. Yikes so much in such little time!
yard work
a couple small renovation projects
Colleen working 25 hrs a week
me learning how to be retired and still productive
find our new relationship boundaries
LISTEN FOR GOD'S LEADING
rent the main floor for 5 months
deal with 2 vehicles while we are away(1 junker, 1 good)
insurance changes while we are gone
bill payment processing while we are gone
TAXES
Banking
connect with friends
LISTEN FOR GOD'S LEADING
find the connection with Jay and Julie
Keep Melissa working on any of our details
visas
housing
connect with Jay and Julie
LISTEN FOR GOD'S LEADING
yard work
a couple small renovation projects
Colleen working 25 hrs a week
me learning how to be retired and still productive
find our new relationship boundaries
LISTEN FOR GOD'S LEADING
rent the main floor for 5 months
deal with 2 vehicles while we are away(1 junker, 1 good)
insurance changes while we are gone
bill payment processing while we are gone
TAXES
Banking
connect with friends
LISTEN FOR GOD'S LEADING
find the connection with Jay and Julie
Keep Melissa working on any of our details
visas
housing
connect with Jay and Julie
LISTEN FOR GOD'S LEADING
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Retired! Projects? Contemplations!
Well, TEFL exams are done so I am starting to feel retired. Not bad since May 15th was my last official work day!
I've been thinking about how easy it was to blog daily several months ago when I was filled with angst and waiting for decisions. It will take a few more days to sort my thoughts.
Now that my courses are complete I can start developing my/our new schedule. Melissa is here visiting for 5 more days and then Nov 6th we fly to Taiwan for 5 months (not very far away!).
It's great to see progress with Corwin's adoption of Wilbur, Dillon growing, Gemma getting better, Glenn's olympic thoughts. Life is good!!!
I've been thinking about how easy it was to blog daily several months ago when I was filled with angst and waiting for decisions. It will take a few more days to sort my thoughts.
Now that my courses are complete I can start developing my/our new schedule. Melissa is here visiting for 5 more days and then Nov 6th we fly to Taiwan for 5 months (not very far away!).
It's great to see progress with Corwin's adoption of Wilbur, Dillon growing, Gemma getting better, Glenn's olympic thoughts. Life is good!!!
Friday, August 08, 2008
It's August so we must be on another trip!!!
What a summer! It is such a blessing!
We picked up Melissa in Surrey on Wed. and drove to Qualicum Beach and then up to Colleen's sister's at Little Qualicum River. I had a great time helping Doug set up tents for today's wedding. Doug & Judy are planning their honeymoon trip to be to Taiwan while we are there. SUPER COOL!
All of Colleen's living siblings are in town for the wedding, And a Mexican fiesta tomorrow evening just in case there isn't enough celebrating! And there are lots from Doug's side too.
Many of you will also know I was able to see Alex and Gabriella a couple weeks ago, it was great and yet very tentative with the uncertainty of the past months and the months to come. God will prevail.
Now for me to be disciplined in the next 3 months before we leave for Taiwan. Yep 3 months from today we will be looking at our apartment in Kaohsiung. Melissa will be working on that as soon as she gets back.
Love to all
We picked up Melissa in Surrey on Wed. and drove to Qualicum Beach and then up to Colleen's sister's at Little Qualicum River. I had a great time helping Doug set up tents for today's wedding. Doug & Judy are planning their honeymoon trip to be to Taiwan while we are there. SUPER COOL!
All of Colleen's living siblings are in town for the wedding, And a Mexican fiesta tomorrow evening just in case there isn't enough celebrating! And there are lots from Doug's side too.
Many of you will also know I was able to see Alex and Gabriella a couple weeks ago, it was great and yet very tentative with the uncertainty of the past months and the months to come. God will prevail.
Now for me to be disciplined in the next 3 months before we leave for Taiwan. Yep 3 months from today we will be looking at our apartment in Kaohsiung. Melissa will be working on that as soon as she gets back.
Love to all
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
57 years used up!
Yep, older and maybe wiser......................................
not many clear thoughts tonight, many rambling and wandering thoughts. The 2 correspondence classes keep my mind fully occupied.
Tomorrow to PA for the day and this weekend to Crosby for a shared birthday celebration. My sister's death has created some new connections.
In 3 weeks and we will be in Vancouver picking up Melissa and heading to Qualicum Beach for a wedding.
Life is GOOD. Sure there are some aspects that have angst but when 2 people our age and stage can be seriously looking at living overseas for 5 months (by choice) how can things be bad?
Hang in everybody! Write often.
not many clear thoughts tonight, many rambling and wandering thoughts. The 2 correspondence classes keep my mind fully occupied.
Tomorrow to PA for the day and this weekend to Crosby for a shared birthday celebration. My sister's death has created some new connections.
In 3 weeks and we will be in Vancouver picking up Melissa and heading to Qualicum Beach for a wedding.
Life is GOOD. Sure there are some aspects that have angst but when 2 people our age and stage can be seriously looking at living overseas for 5 months (by choice) how can things be bad?
Hang in everybody! Write often.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Life
Another week of studying Teaching English as a Foreign Language, finally into it far enough that it is generating interest rather than drawing on discipline. The grammatical terminology I've forgotten far outweighs what I remember. I'm on track to be ready for a break the first week of August and then 2 exams on August 16th. Please be praying for my diligence.
It may be mid August before I get back into my regular email pattern. All is reasonably well. We'll see Melissa about August 6th and bring her back from BC for a couple week's visit. Then she will go back to Kaohsiung to prepare for our November arrival.
HAPPY SUMMER TO EVERYBODY
It may be mid August before I get back into my regular email pattern. All is reasonably well. We'll see Melissa about August 6th and bring her back from BC for a couple week's visit. Then she will go back to Kaohsiung to prepare for our November arrival.
HAPPY SUMMER TO EVERYBODY
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Ordinary life, if there is such a thing
We had a quick trip to PA today to visit Colleen's Mom after she hurt her ear needing 9 stitches, some would say more stitches would leave a smaller scar. Time will tell.
This week is study, have coffee with a friend or 2 or 3, celebrate a friend's 60th birthday.
And try to catch up on some emails and small tasks around the house.
This week is study, have coffee with a friend or 2 or 3, celebrate a friend's 60th birthday.
And try to catch up on some emails and small tasks around the house.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Still around and dealing with life
Well we are back from our 19 day, 5,800 km road trip. Rested. Colleen goes back to work tomorrow and I continue with my 2 University courses. I expect to load some pictures here and on Facebook in the next few days.
The weather has been and is expected to be wonderful for the next several days. I might even get some yard work done in my study breaks.
The weather has been and is expected to be wonderful for the next several days. I might even get some yard work done in my study breaks.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Small Corrections in Gabriella's update
A friend of Jay's passed along his email to her. Note the father's love and pride in his words.
She is here! Gabriella Marie was born Apr 29 - 5 weeks early. She was 5lb 3oz at birth and had to stay in NICU for 2 weeks to gain some weight, hardest 2 weeks of our lives - it doesn't feel right leaving your baby at the hospital and going home without her. She left the hospital at 5lb 5oz (after losing some). She's a perfect little angel. She's up to about 6lb 5oz now. Everyone says she looks just like me (minus the facial hair of course).
Please continue to pray for God's continued strength and healing for Gabby and all of us in her life.
She is here! Gabriella Marie was born Apr 29 - 5 weeks early. She was 5lb 3oz at birth and had to stay in NICU for 2 weeks to gain some weight, hardest 2 weeks of our lives - it doesn't feel right leaving your baby at the hospital and going home without her. She left the hospital at 5lb 5oz (after losing some). She's a perfect little angel. She's up to about 6lb 5oz now. Everyone says she looks just like me (minus the facial hair of course).
Please continue to pray for God's continued strength and healing for Gabby and all of us in her life.
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