The Creepie Crawlie Twitch

Isn't it interesting how God has a sense of humor?! You all know of my spider encounter last night . . . Well . . . hang on to your hats . . . and let the twitching begin. You know the twitch I'm talking about, right?! You know, the one that happens when a hair brushes your skin and you think it's the GIANT SPIDER back from its watery grave for revenge . . . picture this . . .

It's a lovely fall day in Miss Miller's classroom. The children are gathering on the carpets for an enthusiastic reading of Pippi Longstocking (chapter 3) by the bug-shy Miss Miller. She's already shared her spider adventure with the children (much to their amusement and empathy!) . . . The scene is now set . . . Miss Miller reaches down to pick up some books that have fallen over . . . She kind of shuffles them on her lap to straighten them out . . . and a student shrieks-- "There's a gecko on your skirt!" In approximately 1/8th of a second, Miss Miller shrieks--leaps from her chair, and watches the teeny-tiny gecko (about 2 inches long--nose to tail) sail through the air into the corner.
Suddenly, a swarm of 10 third grade boys are smashing themselves into the corner for a closer look, and there is shoving and shouts of "Don't kill it!" Miss Miller, although shaken and startled, stands and proclaims, "Please don't kill it--it's just a little gecko!" Awwwww . . . Miss Miller is so brave:) So, the gecko remained in the corner for the rest of Chapter 3 and disappeared within the classroom . . . perhaps to be seen another day.

Picture this . . .
It's an hour later, and the class is studying poetry. Miss Miller has just been reading a lovely poem by Langston Hughes, and the class has been creating "pictures in their mind" like true poetry-appreciators. Rain drops turned into missiles and morphed into gentle kisses . . . it was peaceful and lovely . . .
until . . .
"COCKROACH!!!!!" In one swift motion and amid shrieks from 21 children and a slightly discombobulated (I have NO idea how to spell this) teacher, a third grade beetle lover wrapped up the offending roach in a kleenex and headed for the popular burying grounds for insects--the toilet. Upon returning from his quest, he announced "Cockroaches can swim."


Yes, just another chapter in the adventures of third grade . . .
. . . Are you twitching yet?!

ACK!!

The worst has happened . . . .
a giant spider has invaded my home . . .
(it looked bigger when its legs were stretched out)
I don't like spiders . . .
I especially don't like spiders in my bedroom . . .
The spider is dead . . . now . . .
Please pray that no friends show up for the burial at sea (toilet) . . .
Please pray that I can sleep without getting the willies . . .
I know God made spiders . . . and everything God makes is good . . .
I just don't like spiders in my house . . .
ACK!

P.S. I'm sleeping with a can of RAID by my bed . . . just in case . . .

Red Bean Paste and Moonbeams

Okay, so I tried a genuine mooncake last night. Since it was a free mooncake given out at the big amphitheatre in Da'an Park by the light of the moon after the mayor of Taipei's official greeting and welcome, I figured I'd better try it (I mean with all the build-up and all)! Yeah, it wasn't great . . . Rebecca or Kevin (I can't remember because my brain and tastebuds were fighting the interesting texture and taste) reminded me that mooncakes were biodegradable, so I stealthly added a little red bean fertilizer to the hedge in the park . . . I'm not quite sure if red bean is supposed to be sweet or not. You can buy red bean ice cream here, but I just can't seem to wrap my mind around the mixing of ice cream and vegetables. . . hmmmm . . . yet another interesting difference in my Taiwan adventure!

Mooncakes aside (some really are very yummy--I guess I'm just partial to the non-genuine fruit-filled ones!), I had an enjoyable evening sauntering through the park with all the celebrating families. There were BBQs, musicians, and people wandering around with lit up devil horns and bunny ear headbands (not sure what the horns have has to do with the Moon Festival--but, oh well!). The moon was bright and beautiful, and the evening was balmy and breezy--just gorgeous!


This afternoon, the Morrison-Bethany community celebrated with a BBQ of our own. It rained a bit, but thankfully there is a covered part of our urban playground that has some picnic tables. What a fun time! I was craving hotdogs--of all things--so when a few of us headed to Wellcome (the nearby grocery store) for some BBQ fixings, I actually found some. Yeah, they weren't great . . . but at least they were hotdogs cooked on a grill! At these type of events, all the families are invited as well. It's amazing to see how God has brought our community together.

Anyway, enough for now. I had some sight-seeing adventures this weekend, and I'm working on becoming a licensed Taiwan driver . . .more blogging to come with lots of pictures . . . stay tuned and keep praying:)

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

The streets were quiet this morning and many shops were closed. Tomorrow, it will probably seem like a ghost town in Taipei--well, that might be a slight exaggeration! Anyway, tonight, the kids were playing in the parks and the BBQs were roaring. From what I've learned about Taiwan, I know that if a holiday lands on a Tuesday or Thursday, you also get the Monday or Friday off! Pretty cool--however, since it's really only a 1-day holiday, you have to make up the day off on a Saturday--YUCK! (Oh wait, it's not bad--just different!) Morrison, however, is not taking any days off. We have to balance the American and Chinese holidays, so we get American Thanksgiving off instead! Taiwan is preparing for a major Chinese festival! The Moon Festival takes place on the 15th day of the 8th month in the lunar calendar (which happens to be Tuesday, Sept. 25th this year). According to my awesome new children's book--Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats by Simonds and Swartz-- (which has the perfect level of information for a festival novice like myself) "Almost all major Chinese festivals follow a lunar calendar. The cycle of the moon is just less than thirty days, and twelve moons define the twelve months of the year. This year is shorter than the earth's 365 1/4 day trip around the sun; so, in order to keep the lunar calendar linked to the seasons, the Chinese lunar calendar includes an extra month seven times every nineteen years. This is called an intercalary month."

Perhaps you've heard of the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang--well, I learned that the Mid-Autumn Festival provides the legend behind this philosophy (or at least one explanation). Now, as with all my postings about Chinese culture, believe me--I am NO EXPERT! If I am getting some details wrong, or if you have more to add, please let me know, and I'll make the changes/additions ASAP! From what I've seen, the stories all vary slightly, but here's one I found that summed up most of them:

The Legend of the Moon Festival
by Thomas W. Chinn, Historian

Originally named the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Moon Festival is one of the most important holidays celebrated by Chinese communities around the world.

Traditionally, it is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month in observance of the bountiful Autumn harvest. Although old rituals are no longer followed, families continue to gather for a day to relax and eat moon cakes. Upon this occasion, the legend of the Moon Goddess, CHANG-O, is often told to children.


Once upon a time there was a famous archer, Hou Yi, who with his arrows was able to slay mankind’s worst enemies, ferocious beasts that inhabited the earth. Yi was married to Chang-O, a beautiful but inquisitive woman who had been an attendant of the queen mother of the west before her marriage. Now at this time, there were 10 suns that took turns circling the earth-one every 10 days. One day, all 10 of the orbs circled, together, causing the earth’s surface to burn and threatening mankind. The wise emperor of China summoned Yi and commanded him to kill but one of the suns. This Yi proceeded to do. Upon the completion of his task, Yi was rewarded with a pill, the elixir of life, and advised: "make no haste to swallow this pill, but first prepare yourself with prayer and fasting for a year." Being a wise man, Yi took the pill home and hid it under a rafter while he began healing his spirit, In the midst of this, Yi was summoned again by the emperor.

While her husband was gone, Chang-O noticed a beam of white light beckoning from the rafter. She followed it and a fragrant perfume, discovered the pill and swallowed it. Immediately, Chang-O found she could fly. Just at that moment her husband returned home, realize what had happened and began to reprimand his wife. Chang-O flew out the window into the sky. Yi sped after her, bow in hand, and the pursuit continued halfway across the heavens. Finally, Yi had to return to the earth because of the force of the wind.

His wife reached the moon and there, breathless, she coughed and part of the pill fell from her mouth. Now, the hare was already on the moon and Chang-O commanded the animal to take pestle and mortar and pound another pill so that she return to earth and her husband. The hare is still pounding. As for Yi, he built himself a palace in the sun as Yang (the sun and the male principle), Chang-O as Yin (the moon and the female principle).

Once a year, on the 15th day of the full moon, Yi visits his wife. That is why the moon is full and beautiful on that night.

Since the round moon stands for "family," many reunions and BBQs are held during the festival. Round fruits like pomelos (Chinese grapefruit), apples, grapes, and melons are eaten and tea is served with a variety of mooncakes. Some moon cakes are pretty good and filled with fruits or creams. Others aren't so tasty and are filled with noodles, meats, and other rather interesting tidbits. I've received a box of really yummy moon cakes filled with pineapple and cranberries from a student. They were made in a Taipei bakery and are quite beautiful. Even Starbucks has their own mooncakes that are said to be yummy!

I've been told that many families attend puppet shows in outdoor theatres, where the story of Chang E and her husband, Hou Yi is told again. I may head over to Da'an Park tomorrow night and check out the amphitheatre to see what's going on. Of course, weather permitting, I'll definitely check out the moon and see what I can see! Instead of "the man in the moon," perhaps I'll see a jade rabbit! I'll keep you posted . . .

Psalm 19: 1-4a
The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.

Let's Do Some Trash Talking

Wow! That got your attention, didn't it?! Yep, I'm talking about trash today. Here's something different (not strange or even the teeniest-tiniest bit annoying--just different . . . ARGHHH!!) about life in Taiwan.

In American cities, trash day comes once a week. On that special day, you (or your BFF:) roll out your garbage can to the curb along with your recyling bins (if your city has a recycling program), and you're good to go. When you return back home, you wheel your empty can and bins back to the garage and you begin to load it up for the next week's pick-up. Okay--so that sequence of events is no mystery to most of you blog readers; however, if you click on the video below this post, you can check out the process in Taipei.

In my neighborhood, there are actually 3 different trucks that come on most nights at exactly 8:40pm, and there is a very complicated trash schedule. Everyone is out on the street corner for the evening "Trash Gathering," and soon you are rewarded with the sound of a friendly ice cream truck--no, wait! It's the garbage truck!!!!! Seriously, I will never forget the "Garbage Sonata" for as long as I live:)

Anyway, you even must purchase special garbage bags with a tax stamp on them for garbage that is not recyclable. It seems a little overwhelming; however, it is a Taipei law that you MUST recycle. As my friend Sandra says, "Trash in Taipei rules your life sometimes."

Here's the TRASH SCHEDULE:

Daily (except Wed. and Sun.)
1. General Household Trash: This consists of anything you can't recycle or you are not sure where to put it. You have to use the special garbage bags for this.

2. Kitchen Waste: This is basically what you can feed to pigs. You have to empty your scraps container into barrels on the back of the garbage truck.

Mondays & Fridays
1. Paper/Cardboard
2. Clean Plastic Bags
3. Old Clothes

Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays
1. Plastic Bottles, Glass, & Cans
2. Thin Plastic
3. Glass (like broken stuff)
4. Styrofoam
5. Other Junk: batteries, small appliances, etc.

Keep in mind that if you aren't on the street corner with your bags of refuse at 8:40pm, you miss the trash for that night. There is a chance to catch another pickup in a nearby neighborhood, but you'll have to be out at 10:20pm for that one!

Ah, life in the big city:) Oscar the Grouch would LOVE this place!

Taking out the Garbage in Taiwan

Typhoon Day Part II

Hi all--just an update on the typhoon front:
Well, Typhoon Wipha has grown into a Super Typhoon, so things are looking pretty good for some strong winds and rain. The weather tracker has the typhoon over the island around 9pm. What comes before are the arms of strong wind and rain. However, spirits are not dampened on Li Shui Rd. Some fellow teachers and I just enjoyed a breakfast of pancakes at Ali's apartment, and now I'm going to settle down and watch "Anne of Green Gables" with Rebecca:) Later, if it still seems safe, several of us single, adventurous folk are going to head out on the town--maybe to the 101 building--for window shopping and a movie.

Still smiling:)

Typhoon Day!

Surprise, surprise! I just got a knock on my door from my upstairs neighbor, Ali! The government has cancelled all public schools tomorrow due to incoming Typhoon Wipha.
I didn't think it was going to be such a big deal, but I guess it's turned enough to threaten Taipei. As I've mentioned before, fear governs the lives of many people in Taiwan. I guess the government figures better safe than sorry! Not that I mind, of course:) Because Bethany tries to comply with the government whenever possible, we've cancelled school as well! YIPPEE:) I have plenty of papers to grade and some shopping to do . . . Ah, think "Snow Day" in September . . . I'm sure it will be rough, but I'll try to keep my spirits up.

Getting ready for the big storm . . .
Marcy

Hey, Minnehaha!

I just wanted to give a quick "Thanks!" to the fine 5th graders back in MN who checked out my blog:) You made me smile and made my day spectacular!! I looked a bit like this when I saw your comment:
Seriously!!

I miss you all very much. Feel free to email me anytime: missmarcymiller@yahoo.com

I haven't had an opportunity to wear any socks yet, but I've heard that it does get pretty cool after Christmas. I brought many pairs with me, so I hope I can wear them! I am enjoying teaching 3rd graders, but they are sure a lot different than you all were in 4th grade. I'm trying to get them to try reading some longer chapter books. So far, most of them just want to read comics or SpongeBob:) Does that sound familiar?! I hope you are enjoying your year in 5th grade. How exciting for you! Do you like the renovated school? I haven't seen any pictures yet, but I hope to see some soon. I am so proud of all of you, and I miss you ALL very much! Be good and check back soon:)

Love you bunches and may God bless your socks off,
Miss Miller:)

Psalm 93

(from The Message)
God is King, robed and ruling,
God is robed and surging with strength.

And yes, the world is firm, immovable,
Your throne ever firm--you're Eternal!

Sea storms are up, God,
Sea storms wild and roaring,
Sea storms with thunderous breakers.

Stronger than wild sea storms,
Mightier than sea-storm breakers,
Mighty God rules from High Heaven.

What you say goes--it always has.
"Beauty" and "Holy" mark your palace rule,
God, to the very end of time.

Matsu is the most popular folk diety in Taiwan, with over 500 temples dedicated to her around the island. While at the harbor this weekend, I saw a huge temple located on the hill right by the water. This was a very significant temple. I was told that most fishermen would worship Matsu, goddess of the sea, before heading out to sea. Girded with prayer, I headed up the stairs for a closer look:



With help again from Lonely Planet, let me tell you about this deity where so many Taiwanese place their eternal hope.

Legends about the origns of the goddess vary but most agree that she was once a real person named Lin Mo, born into a fisherman's family of Meizhou Island, Fujian, China, sometime in the 10th century. Stories are told about how Lin Mo loved the sea and was often seen standing on the seashore dressed in red, guiding ships to harbor during storms. Circumstances of the young woman's death differ, but some say that Lin Mo drowned while trying to find her father, lost in a storm at sea. Her body washed up onto the shores of an island. Some say that on the night of Lin Mo's death, her spirit was seen flying up to heaven dressed in red robes. After her death, people began to build temples in memory of the brave young woman, praying to her for protection and guidance on the sea. Statues usually depict the goddess with black skin, a beaded veil and a red cape. Sitting next to her are her loyal attendants, Eyes that See a Thousand Miles and Ears that Hear Upon the Wind.

Growing up in America, I heard many sermons based on scripture passages that talked about idolatry. When reading the 10 Commandments in Sunday School, my teachers often explained that things like possessions or money could also be idols. It was not until moving to Taiwan that I have begun to really understand what entails idol worship. Thousands of people in Taiwan and around the world place their entire hope for safety and a glorified eternity at the feet of a stone statue. I am overjoyed that I serve and worship a living God! He is mighty and loving.

Please continue to pray for the precious souls of Taiwan. Many of my own students are growing up in homes where idol and ancestor worship are the normal practices. May your heart be burdened, as mine is today, to pray that God's light would shine into all the dark recesses of hearts, minds, and pagan temples!

Looking for Fish OR It's 4:30 in the Morning and I'm on a Beach in Taiwan!

The intent was to get up and go to a nearby harbor where we would see fishermen bringing in their catches from the night before. We arose early, very early, and piled into Rex's (the PE teacher/athletic coach--and former Taiwan pro-Basketball player) van. It was meant for 8, but we piled 12 in--why not?! We arrived at the harbor, and Uwe asked some locals hanging out on the pier for some information. Since a typhoon near Japan was stirring up the ocean, not many boats had gone out the night before. Therefore, not many boats would be coming in this morning. It was looking like a missed opportunity . . . oh well! We headed to a smaller harbor and found the story to be the same; however, we stayed and tried to watch the sunrise. Due to clouds and fog, it wasn't very magnificent, but it did get much brighter! We discovered that we were on the edge of a special area of Taiwan. The sea has washed over into a little cove and carved out these amazing rock sculptures. I guess some are recognizable as famous people. I will definitely go back and check this area out! After the harbor outing, several of us walked back to the hotel. I chose to do some beachcombing . . . very interesting! I found several shoes, whole coconuts, thick ropes from a ship, and lots of other sea garbage.

The most fun was reliving a memorable visit to the Pacific NW many years ago where I went beachcombing with my dad. We found the craziest stuff including lightbulbs and bottles with foreign languages printed on them. I really wanted to keep it, so I put everything in a bag (including some dead seastars) and brought the bag home. We were roadtripping, so these specimens were in a bag for quite awhile. Once home, they smelled so horrible, I think I had to bury them out in the woods. I can't exactly remember, but I do know they did not end up being the souvenirs I had expected! Anyway, I tried to use my better judgment this time and not bring back any souvenirs from the beach!

To be or not to be . . . adventurous with eating!

I'm adventurous with most things, but eating seafood has not been one of those things. Perhaps with a bit more time, I'll get up the nerve to try some new foods! Here's a few pictures of what was offered at the dinner buffet this weekend. I didn't get pictures of the eel or sea slugs. (Just use your imagination!) The fruit, however, is delicious and very fun to try! (The cheesecake isn't bad either:)
Bon Appetit!

RETREAT = Refreshment, Rejuvenation, & Reflection

Oh, what a lovely time! Thanks, Bethany--Morrison Academy. This day away was exactly what was needed for some team bonding and seeing beyond the concrete jungle of Taipei. The setting was absolutely beautiful (and we were given a very 'warn' welcome), and the pictures do not do justice to the surroundings. As you've probably noticed, I decided to do a series of posts for the 24 hours of adventure. This way, I hoped the postings could be a little less random--but oh, so very interesting (I hope!)!!!

This was my schedule:

Friday & Saturday
8:00 - 11:30 Teach!
11:45 - 2:00 Professional Development
2:15 - 2:30 Load up the Bus
2:30 - 3:30 Drive to the Howard at Green Bay
3:30 - 4:00 Grab some snacks, check out the room, head to the beach
4:00 - 5:30 Swimming in the Pacific Ocean
5:30 - 6:00 Change into dry clothes
6:00 - 8:00 Enjoy a delicious buffet meal and conversation
8:00 - 9:00 Praise and Worship on the patio
9:00 - 11:30 Settlers of Cataan on the patio
11:30pm - 4:15am Sleep!
4:15 - 4:30 Brush teeth and get dressed
4:30 - 5:00 Load 13 people into an 8 passenger van and drive to the Harbor
5:00 - 6:00 Drive/Walk around looking for the fishing boats to come in (there really weren't any because of a Japanese typhoon stirring up huge waves)
6:00 - 6:30 Walk back to the hotel via the beach and paths
6:30 - 7:00 Nap on an ocean-front beach chair (waiting for breakfast)
7:00 - 8:00 Breakfast buffet! (Yummy!)
8:00 - 10:30 Nap in the hotel room (I missed the cannonball contest--oh well, next year!)
10:30 - 11:45 Shower, get dressed--swimsuit of course!, and watch TV (what a treat!)
11:45 - 12:00 Pack up and turn in key for check out (but stowed luggage until later!)
12:00 - 3:30 Grab a snack, swim in the pool, chat with friends, sit in the hottub, walk down to the Ocean, lounge in a chair, & read
3:30 - 3:45 Load up the bus
3:45 - 4:45 Drive back to school
4:45 - 5:00 Jump in a taxi and head home!

Although this really is what I did, there was no set schedule (except meal times), and EVERYTHING was optional! Oh, it was lovely, and I had so much fun getting to know colleagues and their families better.

Time Travel

I was thinking today that the difference in time between Taiwan and the US really is a bummer at times! It's sometimes difficult to coordinate phone calls, and I am either talking late into the evening, or I call you all at some insanely early time:) Ah, the joys of time zones and the rotation of Earth . . .

However, there are some times when I'm kind of glad to be on the other side of the world--you know, when the weekend is almost here:) In just one hour and 30 minutes (or so), it will be FRIDAY!!! Now, who doesn't love a Friday? You all, on the other hand, won't see Friday for awhile . . . and that, my friends, is the joy of time travel! I'll let you know if anything crazy happens on Friday--I promise!

(Just in case anyone thinks I seriously believe that I am a time traveller, please know that I am still sane--just ready for a weekend--especially one that includes an ocean beach:)

As a matter of fact, this is what I am looking like right now--just thinking about our Retreat . . .

(Be sure to click on the picture for the full effect:)
Don't be scared of the crazy missionary in the picture--she's really okay!

Well, it must be late because now I'm rambling . . . I've been pondering some things of a more spiritual note that I'd like to share with you this weekend, so more to come! For now, perhaps this verse will bring encouragement to you as it does me:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." Hebrews 12:1

Love you all bunches . . .

Headin' for the Hills!

Well, this is rather late in coming--my apologies to all you fans of the blog! I wanted to get a couple of pics from friends before I posted about last weekend. There may be more to come, but I'll post this for now!

Last Saturday, Tim McGill (The "Big Boss" of Morrison) and his lovely wife, Bonnie (the director of new staff sanity) took the new MCA-Bethany recruits to Wulan. Wulan is a small town about 45 minutes SE of Taipei--up in the mountains. Now, Taiwan mountains aren't quite like the Rockies--they're covered with thick forests and vegetation. If you're looking for snakes and other creepy-crawlies, the mountains would be the prime location for a search:)

We stopped at a hotel/spa along a spur of the river (which proved to be flowing in MUCH cleaner state than the portion that weaves its way through Taipei!). For about 100NT$ a person, you can use the hotel's river access, BBQ facilities, and bathrooms. So, if/when you come and visit, we are definitely going to this place! We rode in vans, but there is a city bus that has a route up to Wulan, too!

We walked down to the river. It reminded me of the Snake River that winds through Idaho--but a bit narrower and fewer rapids:) Oh, it was SO GOOD to breathe the fresh air and scramble up rocks. The water was so gorgeous and the day was so lovely---I had to jump in! I didn't bring a swimsuit, but shorts and a shirt worked just fine! Sandals were also very helpful for traction on the slippery rocks. I stayed in the water for about 2 hours . . . oh, it was just marvelous:) My fingers and toes were a bit pruney when I finally exited, but it was so very worth the trouble:)

Bonnie and Tim had a picnic lunch for us, and we just sat and fellowshipped until early afternoon. On the way home, we stopped for a "bing" which is like a fresh fruit slushy---YUMMY! It was a restful and rejuvenating experience . . . thanks, Lord, for bringing me to a place where mountains and ocean are less than an hour away:) What a treat!

What's Shakin'?

Well, I guess I was at about 1:15 this morning. Yep! I experienced my very first EARTHQUAKE!!! Unfortunately or fortunately (depending on your idea of a good time), I didn't feel a thing . . . seriously! This thing was in the general area of 6 on the Richter scale (I'm not up on my earthquake lingo, so I'm not sure of the spelling, and I'm too tired to look it up! You know what I'm talking about--right?!). It rocked the house for a couple of minutes, and I had absolutely NO IDEA!! I guess it's good to know that little things like natural disasters have no effect on my sleeping patterns. Maybe it's the new bed and mattress!? Go IKEA!

I seriously didn't even know about it until the chatting started around the lunch table in the faculty lounge. I thought the others were trying to "pull one over" on the new teacher:) Even now, I can't be sure--it may just be a conspiracy theory of some sort:)

Crazy! Anyway, chalk up another first on the Taiwan Faith Adventure! Maybe next time I'll actually be awake for the "fun!"

We're off to the mountains tomorrow A.M. I'll be sure to attach some pictures tomorrow night! Enjoy the weekend:)

Unplugged . . . Anyway . . .

Alas, I had some pictures I wanted to download tonight because I just got a very WELCOME addition to my home AND I haven't posted anything interesting in awhile.

Anyway, I must have stepped on my camera USB thingamajig and the USB part is all smashed. I tried to fix it with my handy-dandy IKEA tool kit, but I think it's hopeless. I'm going to try to buy another one tomorrow. (USB thingamajig--not toolkit)

Anyway, I got a NEW/USED Couch!!! (For FREE---I think:) Our General Manager at school, Paul, was cleaning out an apartment today to get ready for a new family coming in October. He asked if I needed a bed (which I didn't need anymore--but Rebecca did!) and when she went to see the bed--there was a couch, too! My couch is okay, but it's slightly broken and works well when pushed against a wall (not great for movies!). This couch is from IKEA and is soft and clean and looks brand new! I'm soooooooo thankful for God's provisions! Just when I thought I had missed out on a free bed, He gives me a couch:) Very cool!!

Anyway, it's Meet the Teacher Night tomorrow. I should be in bed getting rest for the big night, but here I am---chatting away on this blog! I guess I'm realizing tonight that I've missed experiencing some things back in MN--like the first day of school frenzy at Minnehaha--Dad's first official day of retirement--the annual Labor Day camping trip to Grand Marais . . . However, after reflecting with some of my colleagues, it's really not "missing out" because it was a choice--a decision. God had a little something to do with it, too:) I'm just making new memories . . .

Anyway,the McGill's (Tim is the Supt. of Morrison and Bonnie is kindof like the HR director) are taking all the new staff up to the mountains, river, and a smaller villageon Saturday. I am SOOOO excited! The small-town girl in me needs some non-city time for a little perspective:) Next weekend, the Bethany staff is going on a retreat to Green Bay! Really! (Go Packers!) There is a really nice hotel there with pools, hiking, beaches, etc. It should be VERY fun:)

Anyway, I also just got some fun news. I'm going to go to a teacher's workshop in KOREA over a weekend in October! How cool is that:) I'm really excited!!!!!! I don't have a whole lot of details yet, but it's all about the writing program we use at Morrison (6 Traits). What fun! I hope some other teachers go too so that we can explore together.

Anyway, I think that's it for now! I will for sure post some more this weekend. I should have some great pictures from the Saturday excursion, too.

Anyway, love you all bunches! Thanks for the prayers . . .

Sudafed and Sunshine

Health Status:
Alive and Thriving (with slight ear congestion and an itty bitty cough) After two early evenings to bed (8:30 pm on Monday and 7:30pm on Tuesday), as well as some Vitamin C, Airborne, Sudafed, and LOTS of prayer, I'm feeling pretty good:) I asked my students if they noticed that I was feeling better, and they said that I was laughing again. It's good to know they're so perceptive!

I'll write more tomorrow, but I just wanted to give you a quick update:)
Love you bunches!

God Knows . . . and Lays it on YOUR Hearts!

I'm feeling icky today. My head hurts . . . When I cough my head hurts more . . . and I'm feeling tired and blue . . .
BUT I got to school and was prayed for during devotions . . .
AND I checked my email accounts this morning and found two emails waiting for me saying that I had been specifically prayed for . . .

My heart is blessed, and I am humbled by His graciousness . . .

Thank you . . .

Things that go CRUNCH in the Night . . .

It finally happened . . . a LIVE cockroach DARED to scurry across my living/dining room floor this afternoon. After a bit of craftiness and agility, I managed to locate the little bugger (it really was pretty small) and give it peace and rest from this earth. Since I heard that smashing them can spread eggs, I quickly followed up the incident with a floor scrubbing. All this was followed up with quick distribution of several more roach traps throughout my house. Now, lest you think that I'm a poor housekeeper, I want to point out that in Taiwan, the presence of cockroaches in a home is NOT an indication of a dirty living space . . . so there . . .

However, after seeing snails, rats, roaches and spiders (I finally saw a big and fast one yesterday), I think I'll take my PFO friend Beth's advice from the "Chipmunk" entry and make some kind of a snake-thingy to go in front of my door. This will provide more peace of mind . . . I think. I'm also thinking that wearing some flip flops around the house might not be such a bad idea.

Anyway, I'm reminded again that God created everything and He saw that everything was GOOD--even cockroaches. Even so, I'm glad I just purchased a can of Raid. That way I can be sure that little creepy crawlies stay GOOD . . . and dead.

Marcy "The Roachinator" Miller