my friend, the book worm and other random things

Some books that have made an impression on me recently:
Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis
My Father, Maker of the Trees by Eric Irivuzumugabe and Tracey D. Lawrence
The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
Discipline: the Glad Surrender by Elisabeth Elliot

Wow, I just realized that other than the Hunger Games, those are all non-fiction. That's not normal for me, but I think I like it. I guess that way, when I get lost in a book, I can at least be reading about something that actually happened! And believe me, I get lost in books.  I felt like I had changed as much as Katniss had by the time I got to the end of Mockingjay (book 3)!


I've had more time to read again recently since I've been back on night shift. Sometimes I take advantage of it, and sometimes, I get on Skype and Facebook all night and talk to people I love and miss. Now, don't get me wrong. These babies keep me plenty busy! We were down to 6, sort of almost, and then we got 5 new ones! They were born May 30, June 2, June 4, June 14, and June 30. So yes, for those of us who have a hard time with basic math, we currently have 11 :)  We had mostly girls for a while, but now we only have 4 girls! They are all perfect and sweet and snuggly...of course it's a lot easier to say that at this moment, since they are all finally asleep!  God continues to abundantly pour out His grace on me in so many ways. Oh, this grace undeserved! Somehow, He always gets me through the moments (that seem an eternity!) when multiple babies are fussing, and I can't seem to get anyone to calm down (including myself!). His grace is sufficient for me. When I'm "home"sick and can't seem to remember why i'm here, His grace is sufficient for me. When I get asked for the bajillionth time "when are you coming back?" and I have to answer AGAIN "I still don't know", His grace is sufficient for me. When it's 3:08 am and I just want to lay down and sleep, but I know babies need fed....His grace is sufficient for me!
Another way He has blessed me recently: my car sold within a couple days of listing it....for more than I was hoping for!!! I will miss you Rosalee, and I hope your new owner appreciates you as much as I did! :)


I read another book a couple days ago (Chosen: the Lost Diaries of Queen Esther by Ginger Garrett- a novel about Queen Esther) and there was a part in it that made me stop and think. It compared how praying about the future can sometimes become more like seeking a fortune teller instead of seeking God's will... Coming back to Taiwan has been a dream of mine for a while now. It's funny, because for a couple years I wasn't sure if/when it was ever going to get to happen again, but by God's grace it has (i'm going on 8 months here!)! However, now I find myself questioning when I get to go back to the States, and feeling sorry for myself because I don't have it all set up yet! It's silly because God has never left me. And I still think/live that way sometimes... 

Please forgive me, Daddy for doubting You, and for treating You like a fortune teller instead of trusting You with my future. Help me to live each day and each moment to glorify You, and not worry about tomorrow.

Island vacay anyone?!

This may be the twelfth time I've attempted to post an update. I get on here, thinking I'm all ready to write something and then I just sit here. Sit here and stare at the blinking cursor while a million thoughts and feelings are running through me that I feel completely inadequate to put into words. But I will try...

I miss so many people. Which is true no matter where I happen to be. When can I be with everyone I love at the same time?! Oh yeah, Heaven! When oh when oh when?!?!...but then I remember that not everyone I love may be headed that way. Ouch.

Taiwan is keeping me longer...not in a "i got in trouble and have to stay" kinda way, but in a James 4:17* kinda way. I'll be here at least until September now! Of course I also happen to love it here, and always dread leaving...so it's nice to have a reprieve on the saying goodbye part.   But i still miss people elsewhere. So many people i want to hug. So, there's more time now if anyone wants to come for a visit! :) Cute babies, beauuutiful island, delicious food...what's not to love?! 

Oh, this extended stay also means a little adventure for me: I'm flying to Hong Kong on Wednesday to get a new visa...should be interesting! I'm gonna admit I'm a bit nervous, so prayers would be mucho appreciated. Thank you!!! Maybe I'll actually write about it when I get back :)

 *Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.