2006.06.02 - Mothers, Dragons and Typhoons

Greetings all,
Typhoon season is fast approaching. We had our first one this week gusting at 48 m/s (172 kph). That makes negotiating the scooter to work a bit more difficult than normal. Fortunately it swung west of us and hit the commies instead...we mean...uhmmm...That was some typhoon. We didn’t receive the rains typically following a typhoon which was a great relief. Riding to work in torrential rain is no fun at all. However, that doesn’t mean the rains have avoided us completely for that past weeks.

We just attended a wedding a few weekends ago of our friends Paula (American) and Josh (Taiwanese). Mike was asked to do the photography for it which he was very nervous about. It’s a good thing he got some advice from his sister before hand as well as a decent camera from his manager. Nothing like doing projects he never expected he would do...like teaching. Mike had to do some work to get the shots he wanted. Mike was seen laying on the stairs, crouching under pews, and peeking through the legs of the intense and always in your face videographer. He ended up with over 500 shots. Choice pics will be posted on the website soon along with some pics of us and friends.

For something interesting:
Kathy was driving home from the gym while coming to a stop at a red light next to a grandmother and a curious package on the floor of her scooter. This is not that unusual in Taiwan. Typically, this is below average since it was only one cardboard box versus a mountain pile of it. No, it was only one lone box with something Kathy first thought was a small puppy from the shaggy black hair popping out the top. Upon closer inspection, behold it was an infant child riding in the box! Sorry Eva, I don’t think that was a regulation car seat certified by the CAA (Canadian Automotives Association – for the non-Canadians receiving). Whatever gets the job done I suppose.

It’s times like this which make it harder to leave. When will we ever see something as wacky as that except possibly at the Fringe Festival. Sure, drunk people at Seven Eleven in Red Deer were interesting at best but really? We are not sure of our future plans yet. This may possibly be our last year here. Mike has thought of going back to school to complete a Masters but the very thought of study causes him to shudder. However, we are seeking the Lord’s guidance in this. We know where are families want us to be and that is something that has been a strong factor however we have never been used for the Lord’s glory as we have here. The opportunities have been great and the family we have made here is an added bonus. It will be a hard place to leave.
We will keep you posted on the decision. Images have been added for your viewing pleasure since Mike takes his sweet time with the site. Until next time, so long for now.