aka American Agent

For those who aren't aware, I have an American Agent (aka SUPERSTAR) to help me take care of all sorts of business while I'm living as an expat (aka EXPATRIATE) in Taiwan. Although she has a resume of wonderful skills and accomplishments, I mostly picked her because she was willing to work pro bono (aka FREE)...kidding, of course! She picked me, and I am soooooo grateful for her help!

Shannon Haugh (aka SHANNY) was my roommate for 8 years. I still say she's my "roommate," because I think that the title has stuck. I met Shanny nine years ago when I was looking for (aka DESPERATE FOR) a place to live. After being hired to teach at a school (aka MINNEHAHA ACADEMY) in the Big City (aka MINNEAPOLIS), I attempted to find a place to live that I could afford (aka GOOD LUCK!). Although I thought I would be living in my Aunt and Uncle's basement for awhile, God had other plans (aka HE'S IN THE DETAILS). Through a teacher I had never met (aka PAM, THE SPANISH TEACHER), I heard of Shanny's place in Eagan (aka 4303B CLEMSON CIRCLE). I stopped by, and after chatting for a bit about our lives (aka TEACHING and TRAVEL), looking at all the utilities, and enjoying a lovely beverage (aka TAP WATER), I was impressed. Shanny must have been too (or maybe more desperate than me) because she offered me the chance to move in (aka "IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE MY ROOMMATE, MAYBE WE COULD HANG OUT SOMETIME?!"). I said I'd think about it for a teeny bit (aka ONE HOUR), and after making a phone call to the referring teacher I hadn't met (aka "PAM, I KNOW I DON'T KNOW YOU, BUT YOU KNOW SHANNON, AND I JUST WANT SOME CONFIRMATION THAT SHE'D BE A GOOD ROOMMATE BEFORE I MOVE IN WITH A COMPLETE STRANGER--WHAT DO YOU THINK?"), I called Shanny up and said I'd take it (aka COMPLETELY LIFE-ALTERING PHONECALL).

Since that August afternoon, Shanny has become my very best friend (aka BFF) in the whole world! She's my travel buddy, counselor, cheerleader, accountability partner, and friend. We've had some lovely adventures together (aka UP NORTH, SAN FRANCISCO, IRELAND, ENGLAND, SAN DIEGO, 5,800 MILE WEST COAST ROAD TRIP, NEW YORK/EAST COAST ROAD TRIP, CRAZY 11-STATE BIRTHDAY ROAD TRIP, TAIWAN, and LOTS OF OTHERS), and I'm sure they'll continue. It's so much fun to have a friend (aka GAL PAL) like Shanny O'Haugh (aka SHANNON)!

Shannon likes Blog "Shout-Outs," so I think this one will make her smile! I am just so thankful for all the little ways she's made my life so much easier while I'm in Taiwan (aka REALLY FAR FROM HOME). I fervently thank God for prompting me to move in with a perfect stranger (aka SHANNY O) and blessing me with an Anne Shirley friend (aka KINDRED SPIRIT)!

"Welcome Home" Committee

Toothpaste and Breakfast Cereal

UGGGHHHHH!!!! Too many choices! Seriously.

The day after arriving in the US was spent shopping! It was a blast--clothes and shoes in my sizes (because a petite Taiwanese woman I am not), and Shanny was a saint. We went from store to store . . . and even hit the mall. I started to fade by 3pm, but we pressed on for as long as we could---about 30 more minutes:)

The first stop was Walmart, the "mecca" of bargains and stuff you've always wanted and needed. I needed toothpaste--simple enough OR so I thought! Do you realize that Walmart devotes an entire aisle to products that help meet the needs of your oral hygiene? I was baffled! Did I want Colgate, Crest, Aquafresh, Sensodyne, or Organic? Freshmint or cinnamon? $3.29 or $3.33? Whitening or non-whitening? Total or basic? Gel or paste? Fliptop or screwtop? Travel, small, or large size? Two-pack with bonus toothbrush or single tube?

I'm sure the suspense is just killing you...(it was driving Shannon crazy!)...

So, with that cliffhanger, we're on to breakfast cereal.
Time: 5 days later
Location: Cub Foods
Short and sweet--same story.

America is the land of opportunity, change, and CHOICE! I've only been gone 10 months...I cannot even imagine the indecisiveness that would come with a longer stay...and that's that!

PlayDough People

Willing.
Flexible.
Obedient.

Several months ago, I learned that I would be taking on a new role at Bethany--Learning Specialist. I quickly jotted off an email to Elaine Ekstedt, a remarkable woman and former colleague at MA. We scheduled a meeting for today so that I could pick her brain in person rather than email. Meanwhile, Charice (my former principal), offered to give me a tour of South Campus. So, off I went into Minneapolis for my 9am tour. It's been one year since I walked the halls of Minnehaha Academy, and after almost 2 years of construction, I barely recognized the halls that I walked this morning! South Campus looks absolutely AMAZING! Much to my delight, LOTS of teachers were also heading into school for a technology training, so I received and gave many hugs:) A bit before 10, I headed north to meet with Elaine.

I know that God puts people into our lives at just the right moment. Although I gleaned some fantastic insights and resources for my new position, I found myself soaking up wisdom from this godly woman. Elaine and her husband have given their lives in service to the King. They haven't always been in comfortable situations and stretching their resources and time has always been a necessity. We were discussing God's plan for our lives, and Elaine shared the three words that led this blog entry. First, we have to be willing to let God change our lives; however, it's not just enough to be willing. We also need to be flexible! He may ask us to try something that we've never considered before--and haven't really been willing to try. He may use what we're willing to offer, but He may ask for more, or He may even tweak it up a bit. Lastly, we are commanded to be obedient. This is maybe the most difficult, but it's when the cost becomes great. Sure, I might be willing to try something new for the Lord, and I may be flexible and ready to "go with the flow." But will I be obedient? Will I answer the call even when I don't know where the next step will take me?

I'd like to think that I'm walking in step with the Lord as a willing, flexible, and obedient servant. After spending some time at MA and having seen so many wonderful friends and former colleagues during the past week and a half (this introvert is really stepping out these days!), I'm convinced that the Lord put a little frustration into my life in order to help move me along in His process of change. During my last couple of years at MA, things didn't always go so well. I loved my job, but I didn't always like everything that was going on internally. I was getting frustrated, and at times, I even experienced a little righteous anger:) However, I'm confident that if I hadn't been so uncomfortable, I wouldn't have been willing, flexible, or obedient to the "exotic" changes the Lord had in mind for me.

I guess I'm still on a reflective mode of blogging . . . sorry for going deep, but I'm really just so thrilled to "feel" His presence in my life. I've got some fun stories about my first week back in the US, but I'll get to those later!

Willingly, flexibly, obediently yours,
Marcy:)

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Home Sweet Home!

'Tis good to be home . . . sleeping horizontally! I was welcomed to MN with much pomp and circumstance:) It was soooooo much fun to see Shanny, Moni, and Pam right from the get-go. First impressions: Things are really spread out in the US of A. Americans are really diverse in appearance. It's good not to be illiterate!

More later! Thanks for your prayers for a safe journey:)

AND . . .

She's off!

She'll Be Comin' 'Round the World . . . when she comes

Ready or not, here I come! I board a plane in 16 hours bound for home. Believe it or not, I'm actually just about packed---with soooooo much time to spare:) Basically, I'm bringing just a few clothing items, two pairs of shoes, lots of gifts, and other random things I just can't live without for two months.

During the past few days of closure, I've had a few moments to reflect (non-Mt. Everestly) on my time in Taiwan. I realized something kind of cool. See, I can't wait to come home to MN. I'm practically freaking out about how great it will be to be home, but on the flip side, I can't wait to head back to Taiwan in August. God is so good! I'm looking forward to hanging out with friends in order to deepen relationships. I'm planning on serving more in my church, and I'll be making deliberate attempts to fellowship with people in the church. I'll be hitting Chinese lessons hard beginning in August--I already have a coworker lined up to share classes with.

No, I didn't go into this Taiwan adventure dragging my feet and thinking that I'd hate it . . . but I did have moments where I wondered if Taiwan would be a good fit. Again, God is so faithful! Throughout this entire year, He has been in the details of my life. I cannot THANK YOU enough for your prayers on my behalf. I've been stretched and molded this year in ways I haven't experienced before in my walk with the Lord. I'm thrilled to report that my years in the "desert" are over . . . maybe you've been there . . . or maybe you're in the "desert" right now. I've come to realize that sometimes, all that's blocking a "refreshing oasis" is our own disobedience and pride.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing LOTS of folks this summer---I have treats for you all!! Please stay in touch! I've got a cell phone number for the summer. You can check it out on the sidebar of this blog. I'll also be checking my email quite often, and because I don't want another chunk of "blog-lessness," I'll be posting on here occasionally:)

Again, thank you for your notes, emails, packages, etc. this year. YOU were lifesavers:)

Oh, and Shanny, I could NEVER possibly thank you enough. Thanks for being an AMAZING American Agent this year. You have helped to hold my life together in SOOOOOOOOO many ways. I love you bunches:) See you soon!

Climbing Mt. Everest

Ah, the life of an adventurer in Asia! There are so many options . . . maybe I should try to get a job as a sherpa?! Hmmmm . . . .

I suppose I had better provide an explanation, and no, Sillies, I'm not trekking up the Mighty Everest. I can barely trek to school . . . but that's another issue:) Here's what's going on:

Once upon a time, when I was finishing up my principal's certification program, I had to complete a massive portfolio. The final aspect of the project consisted of 21 different reflections on various aspects of "The Principalship." I learned long ago that I "respond well to deadlines and pressure" although the stress factors in significantly more as I get older.

[Note: Isn't it interesting how teachers often don't practice what they preach? How many times have I talked to my students about time and project management, setting calendars, due dates, etc.?! UGHH!]

Anyway, one weekend, I sat down to finish up my reflections. I worked for hours AND hours AND hours, and as I was nearing the end, I was actually feeling physically ill . . . yuck! I mean, how long can a person really write about her feelings, strengths, areas for improvement, high points, low points, and general reflections?! I'm getting the heebie-jeebies just thinking about it. When my faithful BFF came down to bring me a Diet Mt. Dew (I can't wait . . . yummy!), I groaned, "This is my Everest!" If you're a FRIENDS fan, you'll know I stole the line from Joey (Hint: Think of the Season 8 Thanksgiving episode . . . Brad Pitt--yep, you know the one!), but I've gotta say that it fit perfectly!! Those ridiculous reflections were my Everest, and I needed additional oxygen (and caffeine) to survive.

So, that brings us to now. I'm back on the trek up the mountain . . . the last day of school is tomorrow (and it's only a 1/2 day). Ah, but there's sooooooo much to do! I've got to lead our worship team, figure out what to do with my kids for 2 hours, finish packing up my classroom (two years in a row of putting stuff in boxes . . . yuck!), enter grades, clean up my house, do all my laundry, finish packing, say "good-bye" to some friends, go to the movies and lunch with a friend, host a little game night, attend prayer meeting, get my hair washed, figure out my taxes, and that's all before Monday morning:) I know it will get done, but right now, the peak is covered by clouds.

I'm strapping on the Oxygen and getting ready for the climb . . . here we go!

Missing: One Crib

If you remember from my posts last August, I introduced you to a special little bed in my apartment. It was the top bunk of a child's bunkbed--complete with safety railing. I was overjoyed to see it when I first arrived in Taiwan. The bed was made, and I quickly slid between the sheets--worn and weary from 24 hours of travel. However, the charm quickly wore off as my feet were constantly hitting the footboard. So, I soon replaced it with my IKEA "Big Girl" bed (a.k.a. "Taiwanese Queen"--shorter than the western hemisphere Queen-sized bed). The "crib" made its way to the guest room, and it has provided some sort of rest for several travelers this year. Well, it's made another move, and I was quite sure you'd like to know:)

Two TEAM building residents (and fellow teachers) are moving to different apartments this summer. The moving has already begun, and I knew NOW was my chance to replace little Cribby with a regular bed. Ali graciously let me make the trade. Up to the fourth floor went the crib, and down to the second floor came a REAL twin-sized bed (with what appears to be a US mattress)! I'm pretty excited about the change, and as soon as I make it up, I'll take a picture for you all. Again, I know you're all just dying to see my new-very used-furniture:)

Change is good . . . farewell sweet "Crib." May you live long and provide joy (in the form of laughter or at least a little smile) for some other tenant . . .

6.0 Magnitude

Intensity was a 3.
12:59am.
17.5 km east of Taipei City.
This one I could feel:)

2good + 2b= 4gotten

I've been in school for the past 28 years. One can collect a lot of refrigerator art and autographs during that amount of time. Packed away in some random box 8000 miles away are several packs of school pictures, 1 PR yearbook, 4 high school yearbooks, 1 NWC facebook, and 8 MA Lower School yearbooks. Three different diplomas and a fancy schmancy Principal's certificate are haphazardly tucked between newspaper clippings, theatre programs, physics exams, portfolios, photographs, dried rose petals, ticket stubs, pennants, and assorted forms of correspondance. Cassette and VHS tapes can also be found chronicling some act of creativity or sentiment . . . the Friends are Friends Forever mixed tape definitely made the cut!

I've had 28 years of new school supplies, first day jitters, and now, I'm on my 28 year of farewells and best wishes for a great summer. I know the end is near when the yearbooks are distributed . . . We passed out our Bethany yearbooks last week, and I've already been asked to sign quite a few of them. There is definitely some pressure when it comes to signing a yearbook, and unfortunately, yearbook autographs can be pretty random. I remember writing things like "Stay cool!" or "Never change!" Seriously?! How cool can a 7th grader really be, and in what world do people never change? Good grief. If I could go back in time, I'd try to write something really profound . . . like, "Enjoy life now, because it doesn't get any easier!" OR "It's true, the best is yet to come!" OR "Seriously, just be yourself."

As a teacher, I'm usually asked to sign lots of yearbooks. I tend to write something like this:

Tommy,
I'm so glad that I got to be your teacher this year!
Have a great summer, and don't forget to READ!
May God bless your socks off!
Love you bunches,
Miss Miller :)
Phil. 4:13

(Yep, you counted accurately--there are 3 exclamation points and 1 smiley face in that note!!!!!!!)

I guess all this end-of-the-year stuff has me thinking about transitions and changes. This has been a year of many of them for me . . . and I can report that God has been continually faithful! I don't know what the future holds, but I do ask for your prayers as I contemplate the year to come. I'll need to make a decision this coming fall regarding the option to stay in or to leave Taiwan--this is for the 09-10 school year. It seems far away, but I want to be sure this decision has some significant prayer coverage:)

Anyway, I'll be seeing many of you soon! I can't wait:)

Yours 'till Niagara Falls,
Marcy:)

Taiwan Friends (a few of them, anyway!)