I Can Hear the Bells!

The waiting is finally over....
.....and my big sister is engaged!!!
A June wedding is planned.
Congratulations!!!!

Scott is a great catch:) He's a strong Christian, creative, and loves my sister. Although I've realized that this will change lots of things about our family, I know that I'm looking forward to finally having a big brother....plus, I'm thinking someone else can help my dad with the manual labor for a change:) I have a feeling that my little sister, Melissa, won't mind having a new competitor for table games...it's going to be great...and maybe, just maybe, a little mini-Moni or Scott will come out of this marriage:) I won't mind having a niece or nephew to spoil...but that's getting way ahead of the story....

The wedding plans are in full-force...and I'm having to miss out on most of the fun. A couple of weekends ago, my Mom, Monica, and my BFF went dress shopping. It was fun to see the pics...and Moni looks gorgeous in her gown. It's just a little hard to "try on" a dress when you're 8000 miles away, but I think we've got it figured out. Moni asked me to be her Maid of Honor, and I'm incredibly honored to stand up with her:)

This is my first foray into the bridal party end of things. I've got LOTS of experience as a [see end of post for definitions] PA, MM, RHD,CC, PP, GT, HWTM, GBA, IEA, VT, and S, but never a BM, JBM, or FG and most definitely never a MOH or a B. Since I'll only be back in MN a week before the wedding, I may have to host a cyber-Bridal Shower. Should be interesting:)

Anyway, I just want to wish Monica & Scott much happiness (and sanity) as the plans continue for the big bash and (more importantly) for their new life together afterwards:)

Love you!

**DEFINITIONS**
PA-personal attendant
MM-mint maker
RHD-reception hall decorator
CC-cake cutter
PP-punch pourer
GT-gift taker
HWTM-hostess with the mostest
GBA-guest book attendant
IEA-invitation envelope addresser
VT-video taper
S-singer
BM-bridesmaid
JBM-junior bridesmaid
FG-flower girl
MOH-maid of honor
B-bride

Video, Photos, and the Copyright Police...Oh My!

Every now and again, a song speaks to my heart. I know it's the Lord, and He does all things perfectly. I guess I just enjoy the surprise of stumbling upon the song that is ideal for the soundtrack of my life. My journey to Taiwan has been one of "sending." I asked to be sent, and much to my amazement, God sent me far, far away from home. I've learned that uttering the words "Send me, Lord" can have eternal consequences:)

Last year, I blogged about this song by Streams of Praise; however, I decided to use it this summer in a video I put together to introduce people to Taiwan and to my ministry at Bethany. I have not asked for permission to use this song or any of the pictures I've included that have been taken by others. I'm sorry about any infringement, and I'm pretty sure I'll be contacted by the Copyright Police in the near future. While I'm waiting for them to arrive, I thought I'd post this video for your viewing pleasure. Please pardon the narration...I was practicing my "documentary voice"--Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be hired:)

Thanks for your prayers!

Money, Money, Money!

Must be funny...in a rich man's world! Wha-ooo--oo-oo-oo--oo! All the things I could do... If I had a lot of money....it's a rich man's world! (Thanks to ABBA for that rousing blog beginning!)
Yep, I've been thinking about money...for a really l o n g time today.
This afternoon, I braved the typhoon (which, by the way, is still bad enough to call off Monday school--yippeee for me--not so much for those affected by flooding, landslides, etc.) to head to school for my Financial Peace University (FPU) class. You may have heard of Dave Ramsey's program. If not, check out his website. He's a dynamic speaker, Christian, and sold-out to helping people overcome financial woes.

I'll be honest with you. I really hate thinking about money. Sure, I like to have money, and I've actually done some wise things with money (retirement investing, mutual fund, etc.) However, through this class, I've learned that I'm a bit of a "Free Spirit" when it comes to financial issues, and more recently, I've realized that I've been blaming a lot of my "financial suffering" on the fact that I'm still single and have to do everything for myself--and it's just not fair!! Well, I think it's time I got off the pity-party train and began to concentrate on making the money God has given me actually WORK for good. I agree with Dave Ramsey---money is amoral--it's not good or bad. However, if there is anything that makes my stomach churn, it's thinking about figuring out a budget or trying to understand investments, debt reduction, etc. I really, really hate "thinking" about money. So, instead of seeing finances as the enemy, I'm going to try to turn the other cheek and seek a friendly and loving long-term relationship with the stuff.

Anyway, I'm a mess, but I think there's some hope for me yet...I'm pretty sure there's hope...let's just say that there had better be hope! This week, we're working on creating a budget and using the envelope system for cash spending. Living in Taiwan has got some advantages in this area. I've been using cash for the past year in Taiwan, because it's a very cash-based society. However, the budget part has got my brain freaking-out, and I've only just started. I've worked with a sort-of budget in years gone by, but I'm really serious about it this time. My main brain-freeze has been with the challenge of working in two different currencies. Right now, a portion of my pay is sent to the US and a portion stays here in Taiwan. I've been trying to decide the currency I should use for my budget...I think I've decided to convert everything to NT, but I'm still a little worried that I won't be accurate. It's also a challenge to know how much money should be sent to the US, and how much I'm going to need in Taiwan. Since I only have a few days each month to make this decision, I'm feeling some pressure and frustration because I have no clear idea on what to do!!! Perhaps my budget will give a little more direction. (Did I mention that I really hate thinking about money?!)

In FPU, I'm learning to "live like no one else, so that later I can LIVE like no one else!" I'm trying to make wise choices, but I've realized that I'm kind of fragile. Case in point, my camera broke a few weeks ago. I had been saving money through a tutoring job to purchase a scooter, and with the death of the camera, I also decided to buy a replacement. I have enough for both---IF I find a used scooter and a modestly-priced camera. So, my plan was to ask for some help from people at school. My language deficiency is a MAJOR frustration for things like this, so I've become really dependent upon the wisdom of others. Unfortunately, we're not always thinking with the same goal in mind. I've been told numerous times that I should be purchasing a new scooter because used scooters are not reliable. Since I don't have the money, this is not an option. I definitely want used---it's the FPU way! (and I've never owned a new vehicle...I'm okay with that!) As for the camera, I mention a price range to friends, and immediately I'm told that it's way too low--I won't be able to get anything decent ... and if I buy a camera, I need to invest in something good. (Even though I know that I can get something basic that works for me within this price-range, I got the feeling that the friends weren't so eager to help anymore.) I have to admit that I gave up...I didn't go shopping...I didn't hand over any money...I just decided to wait until I could find something that fit my budget. I also decided that it would be best to shop with someone who understands the FPU philosophy...so, I think I'll head to the market some other day:)

So, this money stuff isn't so easy. I've been turning down all sorts of "fun" because I really want to pay off debt and save. I'm thankful to the US government and their Tax Rebate....that got my FPU "Emergency Fund" covered in record time! I'm sure the economy won't be stimulated by the money sitting in a bank, but I figure I've done my share of stimulating the economy...and I'm still paying for it!

Anyway, I'll keep you posted on the process. Dave Ramsey says that "handling finances is 20% knowledge and 80% motivation." I'm hoping that's true, because my knowledge of finances is pretty weak. I'm also praying Psalm 20:4-- "May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed."

So, thanks for your prayers. (Oh, and this blog entry is dedicated to my Dad...are you smiling yet?! Love you!)

When....

When nothing seems to go right...
When you wake up lonely...
When your heart seems heavy....
When you don't know why....

After you've prayed.....

It's best to call Mom:)
Love you!

Missionaries on a Friday Night....

So, I'm working at Morrison Academy in Taiwan. You know that already. Most of you know that Morrison was started as a school for the children of missionaries. However, since I've been blogging, I've never introduced you to one of these missionary families. I thought it was time you met the Edwards family. These folks are amazing, and I'm excited to get to know them more as I'm in Taiwan. Alicia is on our school board (and is so encouraging!) and Chad helps to lead our All-School Worship team. I'm very thankful for his God-given musical abilities in about every area possible... Believe me, without him, I would be in a sorry state of "What key is good?" and "How does this song go?" and "Help!" Chad and Alicia's daughters go to Bethany and their son goes to a local Chinese school.

For Friday night entertainment, a bunch of Bethany folks were invited over to Larry and Whitney's house. Larry is the Chief of Technology (I don't really know his real title) at Morrison and drummer in our worship band, and Whitney sings (she's also this amazing professor and author of a real, published book!). Anyway, the focus of the evening was pizza and GuitarHero! I didn't play many video games after Atari, but if I were to buy one now, I think I'd buy this game! It's really fun...especially on a projected screen. Anyway, I'm sad to report that Cole Edwards creamed me in GuitarHero. I just can't play in the same league as a 6 year old....oh well!

Anyway, check out the ministry of Team Expansion in Taiwan! Thanks for praying!

What's new, Pussycat?

Not much....It's just not the same! Last year, I was experiencing all things for the very first time...it was exciting, frustrating, terrifying, and exhilarating---all at the same moment. It's interesting to discover that these emotional ties to change have only lasted for a year. Sure, I still find myself experiencing these same emotions, but they're not as frequent. I am amazed at how quickly I've found myself considering things as "usual" or even "mundane."

Case in point, walking home from Bible study tonight, I watched an "almost" accident "almost" occur between a taxi, scooter, pedestrian, and private vehicle. It's Taipei--that's normal. Tonight, I passed hundreds of scooters and bicycles (complete with baskets and bells) parked along streets, in front of homes, and in lots--what's new about that? On my way out of a 7Eleven, I stepped over a 2 inch cockroach that was making its way toward a hole in the pavement---boring! On the way to dinner tonight, I passed a stand selling stinky tofu. The smell lingers...it's horrible--what could be more normal? I arrive home to a warm apartment and switch on the A/C---it's almost October--why shouldn't I be breaking out into a sweat just by walking into my closed up apartment? Oh, and that typhoon a couple of weeks ago... I mean, come on--the thrill is gone...

So, I'm at an interesting point in my blogging. Obviously, there hasn't been much posting. Sure, there are stories to be told, but I'm just not that into writing into the wee hours about my "brush with death" on the streets of Taiwan:) It could be, perhaps, that I'm just a little tied up right now. I've really been packing my schedule, which is a good thing because I haven't had too much time to think about missing home. Aside from taking on a new job with many different responsibilities, I'm on a Science curriculum task force, going to a new church, tutoring a 5th grader for four hours a week that requires a total commute of 1 hour each session, taking Chinese lessons, attending a Bible study, and participating in Financial Peace University. I'm finding time to hang out with friends, practice with the worship team, and even get a SKYPE call in every now and then. I guess another reason for my lack of zeal in blogging is the absence of a camera. Mine, which was several years old and used when I bought it from my BFF, just gave up and died suddenly a couple of weeks ago. I think I've had an appropriate time of grieving, and I'm ready for something new. I'm hoping to get to the electronics market this weekend and purchase a new one.

Anyway, coming soon is our 10/10 holiday. It's basically a celebration of Taiwan's independence...or something like that. I see it as a week off from school:) I'm planning on going to Chiayi to visit my friend Jenni. We're heading up to Alishan on a high mountain railroad, and we're going to watch the sunrise...I've been told it's a spectacular sight. After that, it's back home where I'll be getting things ready for my presentations in Hong Kong. I'm really looking forward to a break...

Well, I'm starting to think things are looking a bit more interesting, so I'd best sign off. After all, I'm supposed to be thinking things are "same old" and "boring." I can't be getting all emotional now!

Talk to you later....but I can't promise that I'll write about anything interesting...it's just "dullsville" in Taipei... (and if you or I believe that, there is a problem:)

Tales of a Typhoon

Rain, rain, please stay ...
I want a Monday Typhoon Day!

This weekend has been rather interesting. A typhoon in the city is different than the pictures you see on the news of huge storm surges, ocean waves, and toppling beach homes. In the city, you need to be wary of flooding and flying street signs. Sitting at home, it's actually pleasant to listen to the constant rain. The world seems smaller and cookie baking and movies are great ways to spend time. However, once you step outside, the world turns eerie because a street that usually is crammed full of people is spacious, scooters are parked, and the buses are empty. Stores are closed, windows are covered by a large X of packing tape, and sandbags sit in front of vulnerable glass doors.

Yesterday, my uncle bravely made his way through the storm to deliver a suitcase (thanks, Doug!) and hang out. We were going to be tourists for the day, but we quickly discovered that the city had shut down. After an eventful outing that led us to Taipei 101, we decided to scratch the siteseeing plans, go back to my house for lunch, and then watch a video. It was incredibly relaxing! Fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies sealed the deal. Typhoon day #1 ended with dinner and games with neighbors.

This morning, I woke up to Typhoon Day #2. Yep--more rain and a wariness about heading to church through the storm. I actually wasn't sure if there was a service, so I decided to save some taxi fare and have church at home:) I was able to have an amazing chat with my BFF, and then I experienced the calm of being in the eye of the storm. It was strange! For about 1/2 hour, the rain stopped, the wind calmed, and things brightened up. I couldn't see blue sky, but it definitely seemed like the storm was over! Well, a check of the radar, and it was obvious that more was to come. Sure enough, it's started to rain again:)

This typhoon is rather slow-moving, and it seems to like hanging out over Taiwan! For more info, you can click here. I don't have cable, so I'm not really sure what's happening out there, but from what I can see online, there's concern of flooding in lots of areas because the storm is dumping lots of water and not really moving. I think the chances are good for another Typhoon Day tomorrow , which would be just fine with me...a few hours at school with minimal interruption sounds pretty fabulous! We'll just have to wait and see....