New Pictures Up

I finally put up two new albums, though I took the pictures at least a few weeks ago. Here’s a synopsis:

“Handelbar View” -

Some shots from a Saturday afternoon bike ride a few weeks ago, close to where we live, along the river through town. It’s such a nice strip of parks and riding trails, right though all the bustle of the city. And the day we went was perfect! One of the last of its kind before the colder temperatures fell on us. It’s easy to love Taiwan when you’re riding along, sniffing the clean ocean-esqe river air (the river runs right into the ocean, not far from us), passing joggers, walkers, bikers and anyone else who’s just out to enjoy the day. Michael’s decided to make biking his leisure/exercise activity, and I quite agree with him!

“Adventure at the End of the World” –

A few Fridays ago, I suggested that we go to Ye Liu, a tourist destination that we’d never seen. It’s a seaside town, the attraction being amazingly shaped and rock formations, the most famous of them the Queen’s Head. You guessed it, the rock looks like a lady’s noggin.
We rode our scooter the long way through the misty mountains before finally reaching the seaside, then spent the afternoon and into the evening hiking to the very end of a mountainous (well, hilly) peninsula. It was truly breathtaking beauty and weirdness! The best part was being all alone with the sea mist, blustery wind, age-old rock face and the vast ocean itself. It was easy to imagine myself centuries, even millennia ago, walking the same steps and looking out into the same gray horizon. And then we’d see a boat…
It was truly an adventurous day, topped off by a little spill on the scooter coming home… I can hear my mother gasping right now…! Don’t worry, nothing got hurt. It was wet and raining, and Michael had slowed down to get on a ramp, but didn’t see until we got very close that there was a split in the road. So, we ended up running into those resilient rubber things put there just exactly for people like us, tipped over, and then picked ourselves up. Michael must have asked me 20 times if I was ok! He ended up with a bruise on his leg, but I came away scratch-free! Thank you God!

*** *** ***

Every day continues to be an adventure, and yet I find myself settling into my life here more and more all the time. How is that? I do believe it’s one of God’s less-appreciated miracles.

I didn’t do amazingly on my midterms, so the official kick in the butt has come: I’ve been given a certain amount of time, and must use all of it wisely to be able to say I did my absolute best in everything. Even though I was working hard, I wasn’t applying myself to every end that I am capable, and for that I needed to repent. Of course He forgave me, and not only, that, He gave me a brand new desire to do well for His name. It’s such sweet pleasure to be able to look in any direction and see Christ before me!

And Michael is still the perfect match for me. Of course we need a little alone time once in awhile, but honestly – we just hang out with each other. I don’t really get tired of him, but instead keep finding new things about him to be interested in and love. God has really blessed our marriage and friendship!

Christmas is coming, and I’ve definitely got the itch. Michael told me tonight that I’ve rubbed off on him, making him appreciate the Christmas spirit and my love for it more. hoorah! The other night I cut out a bunch of paper snowflakes, probably for my first time in years, but the windows look pretty now

I love being able to sit back and be reminded, over and over again, about family and good friends, and just how much they mean to me. Something in the glow of the lights on my little tree brings back a flood of good memories – of all of you! Thank you for pouring into my life, both in the past and now…the warmth of your love reaches all the way into my little home in a foreign country. I love you all!

Merry Christmas!!!!