Q: How Do You Eat Pumpkin Pie Using Chopsticks?

A:

(as witnessed at a Thanksgiving feast in Taipei, Taiwan)

Chloe and Ava New Pics

Chloe, Age 4

 Ava, Age 2

What I've Been Reading Lately

"Outlive Your Life"

by Max Lucado

Sometimes the most challenging part of a Christian life is knowing how to spend your time. Work, family and ministry all seem to compete for the same few spare minutes each day. In Max Lucado’s latest book “Outlive Your Life” he outlines several very practical yet challenging methods on how to make a difference. Lucado describes the need for people to serve the poor, orphaned and hungry in the world. He provides many examples to empower people to outlive their life in big and small ways.

This book is a great encouragement and reminder to be doing the things we know we should be doing. It gave me a renewed energy to continue to serve others. It also helped me to gain new awareness in areas that I should be doing more. Lucado’s writing style is fun and imaginative. His methods are very entertaining without being distracting to the central message.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is thinking they should be doing more but are unsure exactly how to prioritize the need. Lucado provides a challenge to everyone to do more with their life and this challenge should not go unmet.

http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=0849920698&title=Outlive_Your_Life&author=Max_Lucado

http://www.amazon.com/Outlive-Your-Life-Were-Difference/dp/0849920698/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1281477971&sr=1-1

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Life Lesson

It may be surprising to hear that my children are not perfect. They have been known to argue and back talk on occasion and even hit (or bite in Ava's case) each other.

One day last week, Chloe hit a classmate. She was mad at something this classmate did or said and being four years old, the most natural method of releasing frustration is through violence.  Unfortunately, this wasn't the first time she had hit this same classmate.  After talking to the teacher (in a Chinese/English/Sign Language mixture) we decided the best course of action was for Chloe's teacher to talk to the boys mother for me.  I graciously accepted the teacher's help for a number of reasons.  The biggest reason being I am unable to speak or understand Chinese over the phone and the boy's family does not speak English.  But also, there are cultural understandings that I still have not grasped.

The teacher called me later that evening and told me that the mother was not mad and was understanding of Chloe's frustration with not being able to express herself in English. I thanked the teacher and was grateful that another cultural faux paus had been successfully navigated.

Little did I know the lesson this boy and his mother would teach me.  The next day Chloe went to school and the boy gave Chloe some candy and two friend cards.  The first card had the boy's name written on it and a message in child's handwriting saying "We are good friends."  The second card was blank and was intended for Chloe to return the gesture.

Immediately I thought about the lesson of returning evil with kindness.  I was humbled by the fact that I moved around the world to minister to people who in many ways understand basic biblical principles as a culture far better than I do.

Because of this mother's small kind gesture, Chloe and this boy are now friends who actively greet each other in the halls.  Chloe says things like "Look mommy, there's James.  He's my friend."

How many instances of bullying in schools would be ended if we could adopt this basic principle of loving those who hate us, cheat us, bully us or wrong us?  In this case, my child was the bully but I learned the lesson.

Song Shu Ban

This year Chloe is in the squirrel class (a.k.a Song Shu Ban in Chinese).  This month, her class is learning about exercise because this is the month that the school hosted an "exercise performance."  For those of us who are unfamiliar with Asian customs, an exercise performance is essentially the equivalent of the school play.  But, instead of memorizing lines for a performance, they practice coordinated exercise.  Her class did a special dance about flowers.  It was really cute.  

Below are a few pics of Chloe at her school over the last few months.  She has been rapidly learning Chinese even occasionally speaking to me in Chinese.  (Although I usually don't know what she is saying).

Quick Update

I'm Published!

Yahoo! has a section of their website for bloggers to submit various articles.  They picked up my last story and now I'm published for all the world to see.  It's a weird feeling.  I feel a little naked. :)

Check out the link below:

Chopsticks at the Checkout Stand www.associatedcontent.com/article/5931522/chopsticks_at_the_checkout_stand.html


Heather

Chopsticks at the Checkout Stand

My eyes steadily gazed at the checkout stand wall. I perused the usual assortment of batteries, packs of gum, bags of chopsticks and store gift cards intended to draw an impulse purchase. The items on display, except the chopsticks, could have been in any big box retailer located across the US.
As an American expat living in Asia I am frequently asked “What’s it like over there?” To which I generally have a generic response like “It’s great.” Friends and family often express their desire for missions but also credulity at being able to go- either from lack of opportunity or lack of flexibility.

In light of the recent economic downturn, people are blossoming to new challenges. As unemployment reaches double-digits in many areas, former employees are considering creative work alternatives. According to Census data, home-based businesses, self-employment and temporary overseas assignments such as teaching English are all on the rise.

Here are five tips to help overcome fear of the unknown and begin exploring the world. These are the most common objections to uprooting and leaving the comforts of home.

I have a family.
When my husband and I accepted our first overseas assignment, our oldest daughter was 6 months old. While in Thailand, we welcomed a second daughter. According to the IMB, 84% of Southern Baptist Missionaries on the field in 2009 were married.

It’s unsafe over there.
Relocating overseas will usually put you square in a large city. A major benefit of these large cities is they never sleep. It can be a challenge to getting some shut-eye but the bustle also assists in crime prevention. A Taiwanese friend of mine frequently walks long distances every night along a popular river trail. Even at the earliest hours of the morning, she is still greeted by neighbors walking dogs or playing a pick-up game of basketball.

I don’t know how to go.
There are dozens of missions-sending agencies that can help in deciding where to go and how to get there. Usually the agencies will also help set up housing and acquire necessary visas. Additionally, there are numerous web-sites to gain creative ideas for establishing your basis of financial support.

I can’t speak the language.
Shortly after the 2004 Tsunami, my husband and I volunteered in the cleanup effort. We were sent to a tiny island off the coast of Indonesia that had not yet made contact with local authorities. The people spoke a local dialect that was only used on this island. After landing, I noticed a small convenience store where the only contents consisted of instant noodles and Coca-Cola. I asked my translator how to say “Coke” in the local language. He said “Coke.” Depending on your chosen location, many places may use English words and are usually very gracious to the foreigner who makes an effort to learn the local language.

The food is weird.

Yeah, it is – but you adjust. Chickens with heads and claws still intact, noodle surprise containing pig ears and boiled pig intestines in blood are just a few of the surprises I have encountered. However, for every weird or awkward food experience, my senses have opened to a multitude of wonderful provisions. I have tasted the sweetest pineapple in Thailand, the sultriest pork satay in Indonesia, the moistest yak steak in Tibet and the juiciest pot stickers in Taiwan. Even if the food does not set well at first, it will at least be a memory to tell the grandkids.

Picking up your life and doing something different can be scary for anyone. Whether you are moving to the next city over or the next continent, there will be adjustments. It is easier to stay in the same routine for years. However, if you ever wonder what they sell at the checkout stand in Asia just remember chopsticks aren’t that difficult to learn to use.

Like Grandfather, like mother, like daughter...

When I was a kid, I would often feel an overwhelming compulsion to eat candy, play games, sort toys or fold laundry in a very systematic way.  Once, my mother bought a bag of Reese's Peanut Butter cups and I noticed that my father systematically unwrapped each Peanut Butter Cup and then carefully lined them up in preparation for their impending doom.  Much like a henchman lines up his subject for the gallows. 

I have overcome much of my compulsive tendencies as it seems that time gets shorter but my to-do list gets longer and longer.  I can honestly say that I have never lined up my Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey's Kisses or M&M's prior to indulgence.

So, what but genetics would cause this? (see pic above) 

Chloe is systematically lining up her M&Ms before she eats them.  She won't eat even a single one until they have all been sorted and aligned perfectly.  Nature or Nurture?  Hmmmm...

My First Editorial Review

Adventures in Booga Booga Land - Volume 1 (DVD) by Richard Milner

Our children’s time is in competition for so many entertainment options- cartoons, sports, music lessons and movies. It is good to have options that not only keep their attention but also teach positive Bible stories. Recently I reviewed a new DVD series for children called “Adventures in Booga Booga Land.” This series follows Marty the Monkey and Gerard the Giraffe as they explore three parables from the Book of Matthew.

The animation is light and the soundtrack is imaginative and fun. This is a great Biblical introduction for children pre-k through 2nd grade. Each parable is directly retold in a simple and creative way. Occasionally, the story line seems disoriented and it losses opportunities to expound on the application behind the parables in favor of just retelling the basic story. It is up to the child to understand the importance or the parent to explain the meaning.

Overall, my kids enjoyed watching the stories and it has opened the door to great conversations about the importance of being happy for others, building our lives on a strong foundation and letting our light shine.

http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=1400316596&title=Adventures_in_Booga_Booga_Land_-_Volume_1&author=Richard_Milner

http://booksneeze.com/reviews/bybook/9781400316595

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Mommy's Little Helper

Ava helped me make biscuits one morning.  I let her put the flour on the counter.  Good Job Bubby!

What's up with bad news, anyways?

"Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" Job 2:10

Two people bask in the glow of a cozy, den fireplace.  Outside a cold, gray January sky swirls with snow.  One phone call and the man is forced into the night chill by a friend's roadside emergency.  The man labors all night in the cold to help his friend - even loaning his coat to the friend's daughter.  As daybreak approaches the hungry and chilled man returns to the warmth of his home. As he enters the house, warmth greets his cold frame.  A sense of peace and rest covers him.

His wife eagerly awaits his return but she does not understand the appreciation that her husband now has for the heat that this house brings.  Although she may also be grateful for the warmth of the fire, she has not experienced the cold and dark to the degree that her husband has.

I thought about this story recently as I contemplated why bad things happen to us.  I cannot explain all the reasons behind tragic losses, long-term illnesses or even seemingly premature deaths. It is comforting to know that through all the cold and hard times, we have a promise that at the end of it all, we can come and sit by an eternal fire never to return to the cold again.  The best part is the longer we have been in the dark and the colder the night has been, we will appreciate coming home to that fire all the more.


I am thankful for the intense experiences of cold so that I can have a better understanding and appreciation for the warmth in the future.

Reminiscence of Fall

Last night I sat on a plane from Chiang Mai headed for Bangkok.  My head ached, my stomach churned and my body would have felt better if I had been hit by a Mack truck.  Today, I called Bumrungrad Hospital home while I visited one doctor then another for completely unrelated medical problems.

Tonight I write to you from a sleepy little Baptist guest house at the end of a quiet road in a crowded and noisy Asian city.  A riverboat quietly drifts down a water canal not 20 feet from my window.  Maybe it was homesickness, maybe stomach sickness that drew me to glance back through pictures.  The picture above is one of my favorite memories of the last few years.

Last October, Jeff, Chloe, Ava and I bundled up and headed for the pumpkin patch in rural Oklahoma.  It's hard to remember what rural looks like after spending almost an entire year on an island with 8 times the population of Oklahoma crammed into an area of just two counties.

There is something mysterious and magical about fall- a whisper of a promise of good things to come. It's like a Braum's ice cream sundae. Halloween sits perched at the top like the cherry and is the first to be consumed.  Then Thanksgiving approaches and just like the last of the fudge beckoning from the bottom of the bowl to "eat me" we indulge in all manner of food and family cheer. The ice cream sandwiched between provides the substance to make memories.

In Thailand, there's no such thing as fall- just summer year round. In Taiwan there is a brief moment when the skies clear and the temperature drops reminiscent of that sweet season. It is fleeting and soon gives way to the rain and cold of the winter months but I can still feel it for a moment.

I don't have any profound life application for this post.  Sometimes it just feels good when you are lonely to share or write.  I get to do both.  Tomorrow I will spend the day again doing follow-up tests and then home again on Tuesday. Hopefully, the doctors will send me on my way with good news and a fistful of drugs to fix an ailing kidney.

In the meantime when that tell-tale crisp breeze signals the advent of fall, pause to revel in the beauty and then eat a Braum's ice cream sundae for me.

Happy 4th Birthday Chloe

Such a busy, busy week. Chloe's birthday party was last Saturday, her 1st day of School was this past Monday, three typhoons swirled around our home yesterday, we had a small yet substantial earthquake also yesterday and Chloe's official 4th birthday is today.

Chloe loved all her princess videos and new princess dress from Aunt Debbie, Aunt Tina and Nana as well as her new books from Aunt Melissa.  Chloe says "thanks."

1st Day of School

Today was Chloe's first day of Kindergarten.  I'm not sure who was more nervous me or her.  They can start school a little earlier here than in America.  We decided it would be a good idea to send Chloe to school to learn Mandarin.  She is attending the local Taiwanese school and the entire class is in Chinese.  Fortunately, her teacher is able to speak a little English and I can now understand a little Chinese.  I still can't speak Chinese very well so I usually have to reply to her teacher in English but at least I can understand what her teacher is saying. 

Anyways, Chloe was a real trooper for her first day.  She was so proud to wear her Strawberry Shortcake backpack (provided by Grandma Linda) to her school.  She felt like such a big kid.

Her Chinese name is Wei Ke Yi and that is what her teacher and all the kids call her.  She loved play time.  Her class had all her favorites- a book area, a kitchen set, a train set as well as a puzzle area.  She is still learning to adapt to organized group circle time but I think she will get it soon.  I stayed in her class for the first couple of hours along with the other parents so that the kids could become familar with the classroom, the teacher, the bathrooms, etc.

She is now passed out on her bed from all the nervous excitement. I am so proud of her.

Chloe's Birthday Party

Today was Chloe's 4th birthday party.  We had 10 kids under the age of six plus Chloe and Ava in our 1500 square foot apartment.  It was a riot - literally.  Tons of cupcakes, loads of balloons, and a dozen kids high on sugar and pizza.  It's the stuff that life is made of.

A day late and a dollar short

I've been contemplating contentment. I read a study recently that said the average American does not want to be a CEO of a fortune 500 company.  He or she does not want to live in a 10,000 square foot home nor do they think making $100 million a year would make them happy.  No, the average American just wants $20 more per week.  That's all.  This small sum is desired by all people regardless of their current income, amount of consumer debt, age or education level.

I heard someone once say they just needed 100 square feet more in their 4,000 square-foot home and then they'd be satisfied. I often find myself thinking if my daughters were just two years older then life would be easier.  There are dozens of "if only...then..." scenarios.

If only I had more time, then I could have a better relationship with my kids.
If only I had less debt, then I would be able to give more money away.
If only I had two sinks in the  master bathroom, then my spouse and I wouldn't fight so much.
If only it weren't so hot/cold outside, then I could take better care of my body by exercising.
If only my job didn't take up so much time, then I could finish writing the great american novel.
If only I could lose 5 more pounds, then I'd be really good-looking.
If only the restaurants would serve smaller portions, then I could lose weight.
If only my house had more closet space, then I would have far less clutter.
If only my spouse/kids/boss/neighbor/parents treated me better, then I would have more self-confidence.

Underlying all of these "If/Then" moments is a lack of contentment.  What we are really saying is "If I just had ________ then I could be truly happy." (Fill in the blank with whatever you wish).  However, when we get that one thing that we think will make us truly happy the joy is only fleeting.  Soon we think about the next thing that will make us truly happy.  This idea is often referred to as a hunger.  When you eat you feel full for awhile.  Soon the hunger returns and you must feed your appetite once again. This ceaseless appetite points to something missing in our lives.

Right now is Ghost Month in Taiwan.  This month all the spirits who aimlessly roam Taiwan haunting people are allowed to descend into hell.  (Doesn't sound like much of a bargain, right?)  Once the ghost has descended they are given a new chance at life through reincarnation and an almost never-ending cycle of life do-overs.  (One life is enough for me, thank you.  If I wasn't smart enough to get it right the first time, I'm not going to be smart enough to get it the 2nd, 3rd or 50th time either.)

It is interesting that every religion recognizes the fact that our spirit is not made for this world and we are not temporal beings.  The Bible teaches that we were made for something bigger than this world and because of that, our spirit longs for what is eternal.

Perhaps our lack of contentment is not the fault of advertisers or Hollywood or economic downturns or portion-stuffed restaurants.  What if the void in our spirit constantly cries for more because we try to fill an eternal hole with things made for this temporary world- bigger houses, fancier cars, more TV channels, designer clothes, better education and fattier foods.  Maybe a true spirit of contentment must come from something bigger and deeper than this world. 

For the believer in Christ, when we accept with gratitude the provisions we are provided- regardless of how great or small - we are one step closer to thinking with a larger-than-life worldview.  If we think about life with eternity in mind then $20 more per week loses its sex-appeal.

Things I've Learned Living Overseas- #1

How to Be Crafty

 Settling our family down a world away from America has taught all of us many things- how to use chopsticks, the cheapest places to buy cheese, how to haggle in a night market, and how to bake from scratch. One thing I never thought living overseas would teach me was "how to be crafty." 

Chloe's birthday is coming up next week and we decided to do a big party for her this year. The big box stores don't carry much in the way of birthday supplies and there is no such thing as a Hobby Lobby but a little creativity and a lot of lead time yielded these picture frame party favors.  Each child decorates their frame at the party and then has a memorable party favor to add their own favorite pic. (The pic above shows the completed frames ready for child-decorating.)

Step 1: Three months in advance, order scrapbooking paper and stickers online and have your mother-in-law mail the supplies to you.  Thanks, Nana!

Step 2. Spend two months searching for black card stock and glue stick at every store that sells lots of random junk.

Step 3: Spend three weeks making one picture frame for every kid.  (Actually, they were really easy to make.  Instructions are below.)

Living overseas does present its challenges but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Picture Frame Instructions

Supplies

1 piece of 8.5x11 heavy cardstock

Ruler

Exacto knife

Craft Glue

Cut the cardstock in half width-wise (Hamburger fold).  take one half of the cardstock and measure 1" from  every edge.  Draw a rectangle opening and cut out using the exacto knife. Reserve this rectangular piece to use as a stand.  Glue the edges of the two halves of cardstock together leaving the top open to add a picture.  Grab the reserved rectangle and cut one of the short edges into a triangle.  Fold over about 1/4" and glue it to the back of the picture frame.  After all the glue dries decorate the front of the frame and insert your favorite pic. Voila!  You're Crafty!

Don't Hate Me 'kuz It's Beautiful

Is this a great island or what?

Chloe's New Ride

For Chloe's birthday this year, she received a shiny new bicycle. We gave it to her a little early because we found a bike on sale but had nowhere to hide it until her birthday. She has loved feeling all grown up with her new set of wheels. The pic below is her riding it in the courtyard of our building.

It actually reminds me of a little bicycle that I received for maybe my 4th or 5th birthday from my Grandpa. I really liked that bicycle but I had a little trouble learning to ride mine without training wheels.

I heart Sick Days

Wednesday morning Chloe woke up with a fever and a runny nose. Yesterday, I took Ava to get her Polio, Hib and DTaP shots. Today I woke up with a headache and a stomache.  After the girls naps today, we all felt blah.  Ava has a runny nose and a little fever from her shots.  My headache just won't give in and Chloe was still complaining of an upset stomach.  So we did the best thing in the world:

We stayed inside all afternoon and evening watching princess movies and eating popcorn with lots of butter.  Now, I know health nuts and the doctor will tell me that butter only makes runny noses and upset stomachs and headaches feel worse. But they are wrong.  There is nothing more comforting than eating a handful of popcorn soggy with butter (as long as you don't wipe it on the couch).

I just put snotty-nosed Ava to bed and Chloe just drew a beautiful picture of a yellow, mommy princess.  She is now prancing around the living room saying "I a princess.  A beautiful, beautiful princess."

I love sick days.

She's going to be a STAR!

The local clothing manufacturers like to show a little diversity in their children's clothing catalogs to attract more attention to their brand.  Since there are very few foreign little girls just hanging around over here, Chloe and Ava have become favorites for clothing catalog photo shoots.  Today they did a session together.  Chloe thought it was great fun dressing up and wearing makeup and getting her hair all curled.  I think Ava had different plans for her day.  She just wasn't into it.

Here are a few pics from Ava and Chloe's first modeling gig together.

(p.s. If you double-click on the pics they open a bit larger in a new window)

9 years - but whose counting?

Nine years ago today, Jeff and I stood at the altar and nervously repeated vows that we only vaguely understood. Contrary to the ordinary, our first year of marriage was not marked with strife.  In those first few years we rarely argued or even became irritated with each other.  Our first five years were like a honeymoon that never ended and just got better each year.
On September 1, 2006 we had children.  An "adjustment" period began that I am told will last the next 18 years.

Before children, every evening was a date-night: I didn't have to share my food, no one wiped sticky little hands on my new white blouse and there was seldom any spilled milk to clean up.  We were always able to finish a sentence and I never forgot what I was saying after yet another urgent interruption.  I had energy to spare at the end of the day. I never lost my keys or forgot my wallet.  My check-list before leaving the house only consisted of three things: wallet, cell phone, keys.  Today's checklist: wallet, cell phone, keys, diapers, wipes, snacks, extra clothes, sippy cups, activities ....

Our house was never littered with toys stepped on in the middle of the night as we fumble down the hall to comfort a sick or scared child.  I used to say I had a bad night's sleep if I awoke once during the night. Now, if it is only once then it's the best night of sleep that month. 

Before children, we weathered illnesses by missing a day of work. We didn't know the intense fear of taking a deathly ill child to the hospital in the middle of the night. 

Before children, we romantically strolled through the park on a whim. We didn't understand the thrill of watching a child care-freely run through the waves at the beach.

Before children, we saw each other as a guy and a girl. We didn't know the sweet sound a child makes when gleefully yelling "mommy" and "daddy" when we walk in the door from work.

Before children, we quietly read a book or watched TV before going to bed. We didn't know the warmth a child gives when rocked to sleep in our arms.

Before children, every want was selfish and usually became a need that was met. We didn't understand the joy of giving up our time, money and energy to enure two little girls "are trained up in the way that they would go".

Before we were married, our personage was one dimensional. Nine years ago we became two-dimensional when we decided to share our lives with each other. Almost four years ago, Jeff and I became three-dimensional and get to share the greatest joy, sadness, fear and love imaginable.  We could have kept the honeymoon going but living life is so much richer.  I feel honored to watch my best friend be "Daddy" 'til death do us part.

Funny Friday

Tonight we dined at a Mexican restaurant in Taipei, Taiwan owned by a Cambodian who grew up in America.  Now there's a new twist on the idea of international eating. 

The food was good.

June Update

It's hard to believe we have passed the 6 month mark in our new home across the big pond.  The weeks keep ticking off and we enjoy Taipei more every week.  We stay busy with language study, our day jobs, the girls as well as building relationships with new friends.  Life is becoming more normal and routine and I find fewer things of great fascination like when we first arrived. 

Here are a few little updates from each of our lives:

Ava's new favorite pasttimes are climbing on the furniture and pestering Chloe. I cannot count the number of times I have to rescue her from bookcases, ladders, tops of furniture or the table.  She can get up but she can't get down.  She also tries to get Chloe's attention by stealing whatever book, game or toy Chloe is quietly playing with.  Ava then runs away and when Chloe catches her, Ava dogpiles Chloe. Both are laughing hysterically the whole time.

Chloe is enrolled in the local school to begin attending half-days in August.  She will go to school while Jeff and I are in language study.  Chloe is becoming such a sweet little girl who is extremely concerned when one of us doesn't feel well or if Ava gets hurt (usually falling off something she has just climbed).  As I write this Chloe has just misplaced a little toy McDonald's credit card thing she calls her "ticket."  She is yelling from her room "Ticket! Where are you? Ticket! Ticket! You Okay?"

Jeff's job, school and language study is coming along.  He really enjoys Taipei and loves going on exploratory adventures on the weekends.  We got tired of getting lost all the time so for his birthday present he got a new iphone with GPS. A major perk of Asia is that the iphone is WAAYY cheaper here.  He is also doing well conversing in Chinese and I am really proud of his progress.

As for me (Heather) I have been having some medical problems lately that the docs originally thought were linked with kidney stones.  However, tests have shown that I don't have kidney stones and so more tests are needed.  Please remember me and the docs during your quiet times.  Please ask that the docs have wisdom to know where the problem lies and that it will be a quick and easy fix.

What's your chop?

A chop is a stamp of someone's name and is used in China similarly to a signature or social security number in America.  With someone's chop (stamp) you can open and close bank accounts, buy property and complete most business or legal transactions.  It's akin to the King's seal used long ago.

Recently, a friend of ours gave Jeff and I new Chinese names.  With the help of my language tutor, Chloe and Ava have also received Chinese names and I have learned to write them all in chinese characters as well as understand most of the meanings.  Which means that we can now each get a chop and be real Taiwanese people. 

I'm not sure how to type Chinese characters on an English Language Keyboard so you can't see what they look like in Chinese.  But, here is what they are translated into English phonetics:

Jeff: Wei Jei-Fu (I think it means something like "great man." It was a little difficult to follow the meaning)
Heather: Wei Hai-Le (Sea of Happiness)
Chloe: Wei Ke-Yi (Happy and Comfortable)
Ava: Wei E-Wan (Hope for tender mercy)

Our last name is "Wei" and always come before the first name when saying both last and given names.  And of course, Chinese is a tonal language so you have to say our names with the proper tone or it won't mean anything near the same thing.

Gone Fishin'

Last week, we took a little vacation around the island. It was great Chinese practice because once we left Taipei there were very few English speakers and even fewer people who had seen little blonde-haired girls. We had the opportunity to talk to many, many new people and got to know our surroundings quite a bit better.

The entire length of Taiwan is only about 250 miles. Taipei is the largest city and is located in the very North of the island. The southern tip is a tropical paradise with white sand beaches and the east coast is a mountainous wonderland rising straight up from the ocean. We drove from Taipei down the east coast exploring the vast mountain wilderness and then spent a few days dancing through tide pools and picnicing on the sunny southern beaches. There was also a wicked awesome aquarium that consumed one day. In total it took us two days to drive down the winding east coast where we learned the hard way that Ava gets car sick. Four days adventuring in the southern tip and one day's return journey up the road well-traveled along the densely-populated west coast. We arrived home yesterday refreshed with a new understanding of Taiwan and a ton of language practice.

Here are our pics: