taiwan: month number three.

i think we are getting to that point of spending time together where even we don't even know why we do what we do.

well we are beginning month three of living in taiwan. how crazy that we have been here so long!

for me, school is just beginning to ramp up. as of tomorrow, we are starting a week-long break for one of taiwan's national holidays (called ten-ten) and when we get back, i go into turbo teaching mode - teaching two and then three classes full time. there is much to do before i get to that point, so please pray that i am productive this break... as well as get some rest in.

andy has been really moving through his classes - committing to 6/7+ hour days @ starbucks. it is amazing to watch him work; he truly never ceases to persevere... what's more, he really seems to enjoy it all - test upon test, paper upon paper, A upon A. praise God for his motivation!

these past weeks have been some of the rockiest yet - as i get to know people better, conflicts arise easier and plans start piling up. but these past weeks have also been some of the most fun so far.

some highlights:
-going to the movies; we saw burn after reading
-making new staff friends
-judging the fall drama auditions (i decided to just help with the auditions and not the production; i'm so thankful i didn't sign on for the whole thing... for those of you who gave advice on this, thanks - it helped a lot.)
-andy getting to know and talk with the starbucks employees
-our weekly grocery store trips (a 3+ hour ordeal)
-typhoons, typhoons, typhoons
-west wing marathons
-learning more mandarin

and the fun is just starting since katie and carolee (my sister and mom) are coming to taiwan on monday! they were fortunate enough to be able to use some of my dad's frequent flier miles to come out for a week long visit. we plan to go to the very southern tip of taiwan - a beautiful city with loads of coastline called kending. we can't wait for them to arrive! please pray for safety regarding their/our traveling.

and typhoon number four is supposed to be on its way this weekend. everyone here can't believe the string of typhoons we've been having! and with that... i'll leave you to some of our typhoon pictures, along with some others for your enjoyment. :)

thanks again for all your comments and reminders to post. we have been so encouraged by you all.
thank you thank you thank you.

something to look forward to next time: photos of kending and taipei!