BBQ

Tonight at the church, we had a BBQ. I think I counted 34..... It was a great time of fellowship and food. I was really happy to see everyone as they walked through the door. And even had a surprise.

Sandy is a teacher at Mei Ho College. One of her students is a boy named Roger. Roger is 19. He was walking out of the church to do something and my sister-in-law was walking in. He immediately recognized her. Later on, Roger is sitting in a pew and I sit to talk to him. He tells me that he was one of my students..... 11 years ago. He even said I am the one who gave him his name. Memories started coming back to me and i could see him as an 8 years old boy in my English class at the Pingtung Baptist Church. Needless to say, I was shocked and glad at the same time. I hugged him and said I was so glad to see him. What a small world. He still goes to church, which I am so happy for.

Thank you, Sandy, for inviting him to come to our church. You don't know how much you have blessed me today. The same goes for you , too, Roger. I hope we never lose contact. May God bless you in your studies and in your walk with him.

Big Boy

Tonight, Daniel is sleeping in his own bed. After his shower, i went to his room because he was playing. I told him that it was time for bed. I thought he was going to go to where mommy was. Instead, he climbed in the bed. I turned on the fan, turned on his little light, kissed him, said "I love You," and turned out the big light.

I just walked by his room.... stopped and stared at him. My heart is overjoyed that he is in my life. He is no longer a little boy; he's a big boy now.

However, he will always be my little boy!

Tony's Wedding

Finally, Becky's brother tied the knot. Last Saturday, in front of a packed church, he said "I do!" not once, but twice. I guess he wanted to make sure that everyone heard him. It was a simple, yet beautiful wedding. Will have pics as soon as I can get my camera back from my niece, who took it to Taipei. Well, she actually got it from Ying Tzu, who had it for the wedding. She got it from Ying Wei, who needed it for some activity. Come to think about it, I haven't used my own camera in a while. I guess that is what family is for.

Oh well......

Congrats Didi. Enjoy your honeymoon in Bali and Malaysia.

Happy Birthday

On June 28, Daniel turned 7. He is daddy's big boy now. I can't believe that he is my son. He has a great heart and is so handsome. As we were talking the night of his birthday, he asked why did I like to celebrate his birthday. I told him that the reason was very simple: It is the day that God blessed me with you.

Happy Birthday, Daniel.

Tiff

Please be in prayer for a couple trying to adopt a child here in Pingtung. They live in the US and everything is going good, at the moment. The child's name is Gracyn. Tiff, just want you to know that we are praying for you. It takes someone special to adopt children and I am so glad you stumbled across my blog. Please come visit us here in Taiwan.

Tiff's blog: http://blessedwithsweetpeas.blogspot.com/

Take a look! You will be blessed!

New Apartment

Well, we have moved in...... sort of. We have everything moved and pretty well where we want it. The air conditioners will be installed tomorrow. We have painted some of the rooms. I know mom will be happy to get rid of us. I have stayed the last couple of nights here at the house because it hasn't been to hot.

The apartment is smaller than the old one, but, it feels more comfortable to me and I don't have to walk a long hallway to go to bed. I thank God that he provided people to help us. Pin Yan, a college student at I-Shou, has been here everyday to help us. Thank you so much!

Finally.......

After waiting 22 years, I can finally say: Celtics NBA Champions!!!!

It was a great season for all Boston fans. Being from Arkansas, we don't have any professional sports in our state. One night, a long time ago, I was watching an NBA game on TV between the Celtics and the Hawks. I said whoever won the game would be my team. That night, the Celtics won. I didn't know much about the NBA at that time, I was only 7.

The Celtics had the biggest turnaround in NBA history. After only winning 24 games last year, they won 66 this year. And the way they won tonight was just incredible. Being a Celtic fan, it's always sweeter when they beat the Lakers. Tonight, they didn't just beat the Lakers. As one commentator stated, "they got obliterated." 131-92.

Celtics win the series 4-2. The interesting stat in the series for me is this: LA averaged 115 points a game in the playoffs. Against the Celtics, they hit the century mark only twice. Both times was barely over 100. They went 1-1 in those games.

Congrats to Pierce, Garnett, and Allen on winning their 1st Championship. It's long overdue!

Funny Email

I received an email today. It was junk email, but funny anyway. i didn't open it, fear it might be a virus. The title was: "Your Better Half Making You Sick? Cheer Up"

If she is my better half, why would I be sick?

Mom

I called my mom today because my brother is staying with her and I wanted to wish him a happy birthday. I ask mom what was she doing. She said she was watching a TV show called "Mobile Home Makeovers". They go to trailers and redecorate them.

I had to ask, I couldn't help myself. "Mom, are you watching the Redneck Channel, again?" [Country Music Television]

I couldn't resist the obvious follow - up question: "Are you next week's feature?"

She laughed..... but then said "Shut up!" Then she said something I dare not write...... LOL

She then told James to come get the phone. What was really funny was that James also asked her about the Redneck Channel right after I did.

Happy 45th Birthday, James.

Living in Taiwan

As some of you know, we are buying an apartment here in Pingtung. This is really a very important step for us, and for me personally. It is big because it shows that I will be here permenantly. I am happy that we are able to buy the apartment, but, at the same time, I realize that I will only go to the US to visit, not to live, unless something tragic really happens.

Rain

I guess it is officially rainy season in Taiwan. In the last 2 weeks, we have had 2 days with no rain. But, don't worry: rainy season will be over in July. After that: typhoon season!!

Moving

Just want everyone to know: I HATE MOVING

Thank you. Now, you can get back to you regular scheduled life.

New Computer

Today, I finally broke down and bought a new computer. I wanted a Mac, but, alas, didn't have the resources [$$$$$] to buy it. I bought a computer with Vista, so, I am trying to learn how to operate it. There is one thing that really made me smile about it: the first sentence was "my native language is English." I could have chosen either English or Chinese. Hmmmm. Hard decision. LOL I am so glad that I can actually see what I am clicking and don't have to worry about deleting something.

I hope that I can learn the movie maker, music editor, things that can help my blog. Will keep you posted on the progress.

Caitlin

Two words, Mommy: FOOD......NOW

It wasn't me.......





The next Michael Schumacher????

F1 Darkest Weekend

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge Formula 1 fan, and have been since the mid-80s. I watched my first F1 race late at night on ESPN. I was captivated by the sheer speed and talent. I began to follow the career of certain individuals. There were 2 in particular: Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher. The weekend of April 29-May 1, 1994 is the darkest weekend of F1. The F1 race was at Imola for the San Marino Grand Prix. It started with the death of Roland Ratzenberger during the free practice round. Everyone was shocked by this accident. Senna decided that conditions must be better so he began to re-establish the Driver's Safety Board. Senna took the pole for the race on May 1. Sadly, Senna, himself, would have a fatal accident that day. The difference between the two accidents was that Senna's was on live TV. Watching the crash was very difficult. I kept hoping he would be OK. By the end of the race, news had come out that he had died. I wept so much. Senna had an Austrian flag in his cockpit, so that he could honor Ratzenberger when he finished the race. Two drivers dead, and other one serious hurt, in one weekend.

Needless to say, after this weekend, F1 changed many aspects of the way races are ran. Safety is now the paramount issue in F1. Senna remains the last driver killed in F1. In 2000, after Schumacher won the Italian Grand Prix, and tying Senna's record of wins [41], Schumacher could not control his emotions and they had to stop the press conference. Senna had the respect of every driver, and, every true fan of F1.

The video takes you on Senna's last lap and it also shows the crashes of Ratzenberger, Villeneuve, and Williamson.

NFL Draft

Can't believe I can't find it anywhere online. NOT HAPPY!!!!!

It seems that this should be a good draft for the Hogs:

Darren McFadden [Run DMC] should be a Top 6 pick. At this moment, "experts" think that either the Raiders or the Jets will take him.

Felix Jones [RB] is a late 1st rounder. San Diego is looking hard at him.

Marcus Harrison [DL] 2nd Rounder. Jax or Indy are the favorites right now.

Peyton Hillis [FB] Late 3rd/ Early 4th. Anybody's guess at this point.

Marcus Monk [WR] Projected to be picked in the 5th or 6th Round. No doubt he is a sleeper with his size and ability.

We will wait to see. Will give my opinion later on as the draft goes on. It looks as if the SEC is loading the draft.

An End of An Era

I was sad today to learn in my local paper that Coach Hixson has resigned due to health problems. Coach Hixson was an assistant to the high school boys BB team when I was there. He took over as head coach 18 years ago. His record is incredible. Just the last 5 years, his teams went 117-21, winning the state title 2 years ago and no less than the semis over that period of time. He is also a good, decent man. I have respected him for many years. I can still remember being in 10th grade, taking his Health and Fitness class. Or playing wiffleball in the gym.

The Chickasaws will not be the same without him. I hope and pray that he recovers quickly.

Times of Need

I have always wondered what would happen if something went wrong with my scooter or if I got sick at NPUST. Yesterday, I found out. I woke up yesterday with a headache, which most of you know that that isn't such a big shock. I thought it was the heat. I got to NPUST and began to feel tired. One of my students said I could go to his house and lay down. I slept for about 2 hours. When I awoke, I didn't want to move. To make a long story short, I was sick, in a bad way. I was sweating, dizzy, couldn't stand without guidance, headache...... so bad. Four of my friends, can't call them students anymore, really helped me. It was like I had 4 nurses. They even held my hand to comfort me. Finally, the doctor's office opened and we went. I don't know what I would have done without them. I am so thankful for them. In my time of need, God provided the support I needed. THANK YOU Rei Ting, Jerry, Lemon, and John. You really are good friends.

It was also interesting that, I, too, became a provider in some one's life. I began to feel better about an hour after the shot. I decided I would try to go home. I was a little worried about it. As I was leaving John's apartment, I saw Carlos across the street. He told me that he was waiting for the bus to go to Pingtung. I gladly asked if he wanted me to give him a ride. He said OK and I drove him to the train station in Pingtung. I need him to make sure I didn't fall asleep and to drive, if necessary. I am glad that I was able to help him in return.

It never ceases to amaze me how God works in everything.

Quick Observations

This week's observations revolve around sports.

1. Football Spring practice already? Wow! Coach Petrino had his 1st practice as the new Boss Hog. Can't wait to see the new offensive schemes. Win or lose, should be entertaining.

2. No McFadden or Felix Jones. No Marcus Monk. Might be a long year for the Hogs.

3. Boston Celtics have won 60? After only winning 24 last season. Cried last year...too painful. Cry this year.....so happy. Hopefully can secure homefield advantage throughout playoffs.

4. Pittsburg Penguins [NHL] 1st Divisions in over a decade. Win tomorrow, 1st in Conference. 2 years ago was laughing stock of the NHL.

5. Cardinals are off to a fast start. Better enjoy it now..... won't last long. Expects are actually predicting the Reds to be the sleeper team in the NL Central. Know you like that, Kyle.

6. Final Four has all #1 seeds. Memphis has a chip on its shoulders. Living near Memphis, I have always followed the Tigers. Have had some great players over the years: Keith Lee, Elliott Perry, Baskerville Holmes, Penny, and countless others. Dana Kirk was a great coach. Loved those 80 teams. Had some great battles with Louisville. Word is that Coach Calipari is hunting for an NBA job. Hope they can win it all.

7. F1 just started. BMW looking strong. Hope Ferrari can pull out another title.

8. Arkansas State just changed their name from the Indians to the Red Wolves. May I ask the 25th letter of the alphabet? Why?

Anniversary

On March 25, 2000, my life changed. It was on this day that i married Becky. I can't believe that it has been 8 years already. I can't belive that she hasn't killed me yet. That's right, I forgot! That is Caitlin's job!

1 By 1 Class

Today was an interesting day. My last class of the evening is a 1 by 1 class. I teach a junior high school boy. The family is Christian and they attend church regularly. Tonight, as I walked through the door, his mom asked if she could talk to me. At first, I thought she was going to tell me that class would be cancelled next week because of tests. I already figured that was going to happen. What she wanted was something totally different. She asked me if I would begin class with prayer. Of course, I said I would be happy to do so. I asked her if she had told her son. She said no. I was a little worried about how he would feel about doing this. I told him what his mom wanted us to do and he gladly accepted his mom's suggestion, and even asked me to pray for his tests. So, we prayed before class, asking God to be with our class, his family, and his tests. Our class was different tonight. It felt more relaxed. I am glad his mom asked us to pray. I think next week, I will give him a Bible Verse as well, and then pray.

History

I am convinced that most people just don't understand History, or the impact it has on today. Many Taiwanese will tell you that they hate History, but, still you would think that they would have some concept of it. Today, in my class at the University, the topic was, "Who, in your opinion, are the 5 greatest people in History." I was expecting kings, rulers, emperors, scientists, evil men, or incredible breakthroughs. Some of the answers? The Bee Gees, Bruce Lee, Creator of Doraemon, Jackie Chen, and Bill Gates. I was wondering if the Telletubbies were going to be on the list.......

Daniel and Caitlin

Aren't they just precious? I thank God everyday for my family. God has really blessed me. I have the most handsome boy and the most beautiful girl in the world. Thank God they take after their mom!!!!!

"Bei Bei" Parade

This is a video I took of a parade for Latern Festival. The big temple in HaiFong does this parade every year. One of my former students asked me to come watch with him. So, I did. Many people would ask, and have, "Why would a Christian go to such a thing?" My answer is simple: In Taiwan, religion is mixed with every aspect of society, from politics to economics, to social behavior and the lottery [yes, even the lottery].

While watching the parade, i asked my friend a question: "What if I am at work when the parade comes by my home? How do I worship?" He replied, " You can go to the temple, but god isn't there." I said, "Wait! Why would I go to the temple to worship if god isn't there? Where is god?" His answer was, "I don't know. I will ask the caretaker [of the temple]. " He came back and told me that the presence of god is where the statue of that god is. This led me to ask him why do I want to worship a god that cannot be present everywhere. He just looked at me. I know he understood what I said. He could not reply. I thank God that I went there with him. I am glad I was able to share the Gospel of Christ to a young man at a false god's parade. He didn't accept Christ, but, i am still in contact with him. Pray that he can see, for himself, that there is only one true God, and that he needs Christ in his life.

Tony's Engangement

Becky's younger brother is engaged to get married. Congats DiDi! The wedding will be this summer. Tony is a good man who works hard. He is an only son and has 4 older sisters. How did he ever manage?

Carlos' Wedding

What a great night!!! As usual, not everything went according to plan, but, last Saturday, Carlos and Karina tied the knot! Carlos has been a member of the English Church for a very long time and I considered it an honor to be asked to perform the wedding. The great thing was that I was able to share about the love of Christ to her family, which does not know His love. They wanted her family to understand how God had brought them together! Don't they just look perfect together?

UPDATE

I will begin updating this blog. I know I have said that before, but, I have made up my mind to do it! There is so much to share, and so many pics. So, let's get to it!