Day 11, February 4th

Day 11, February 4th

The group at Bitou Cliffs

We took a road trip to the north of Taiwan. 

It was beautiful and the sun decided to join us!

I am pretty sure it is the first clear day in 2011.

We climbed about a million steps and only a few bloody toes! 

Today just added to my love of Taiwan.

Day 10, February 3rd

Day 10, February 3rd

Erica and I saw my first set of street dancers in Taiwan.

These guys were more like acrobats.

It was so much fun, even though they were pretty terrible dancers.

Day 7, January 31st

Day 7, January 31st

(I didn't leave my apartment on the 29th or 30th, so I have no photos to show.... sorry! And again, this is a two picture day.  I feel like I am making up for those few days that I have already missed.)

Dihua Chinese New Year Market

This market is only open for 2 weeks out of the year.

The vendors sell mostly traditional Taiwanese food.



 

This is some kind of mushroom soup.

It smelled absolutely terrible, but it must have been tasty

because the line was outrageously long.



GUESS

What is the red sesame glazed stuff is at the bottom of this picture?

Day 4, January 28th

Day 4, January 28th

I had to travel to Taichung, which is a city in central Taiwan, for work. 

While working, I saw this outside the window.

Big Buddha's Head  

It deserved more than one picture!

Can you see the tiny person at Big Buddha's feet?

That is my friend and coworker, Leah.

Day 3, January 27th

Day 3, January 27th

"Do not crouch on the toilet to prevent accident"

"Do not stand on the toilet."



No Explaination Needed.

Day 2, January 26

Day 2, January 26th

This is the Tourism Slogan for Taiwan.

"Taiwan - Touch Your Heart"

When my sweet friend, Kalie, came to visit almost a year ago, she loved these signs.  Everywhere she went, she would comment on the funny slogan.

Well, last night after I took the picture, I started thinking about how Taiwan really has touched my heart.  I know that I will forever be changed because of my time in Taiwan.  I have met some of the most giving, kind hearted, loving, unique, special people in the world.  The Lord has blessed me with so many sweet friendships that I know will last for a lifetime.  He has provided many opportunities for me to love on those people and for them to love on me in return. The Taiwanese have taught me a new way to love.  They give everything they have.  They don't just give what they have leftover.  They give their best and most precious items.  They give their time so freely.  I still struggle with making sure that I get the best of whatever it is or that I make sure to guard my time to myself.  But I am so convicted by that.  Did He send me to Taiwan so that I could sit at home and have time to myself?  No.  Are any of these items mine anyway? No.

I have been more challenged and fallen even more in love with my God and Savior through the love He has given me for the Taiwanese.  I have been and continue to be blessed through God using me here.

That girl that left Lubbock International Airport on December 2, 2009 will never ever be the same. 

Taiwan touched her heart.

Day 1, January 25th

My good friend, Erica, told me about this project a couple of her friends are doing for the year of 2011.  Clearly, I felt compelled to jump on the bandwagon.  Let's see how long I last.

Here is the deal.  I am going to (or going to really try hard to) take a picture everyday and post it, kind of like a photo diary.  So...here goes.

Day 1, Tuesday, January 25th

Buty shop

This is a chain store with locations all over Taipei. 

 Check out the website.

I see this shop every single day on my way to work.  It cracks me up.  I am sad to admit that I have never been inside.  I am fairly positive that it is supposed to be "Beauty Shop!" 

If only they knew what "buty shop" sounds like to American's!