Sleepless in MV - Introduction

Sightseeing From My Bedroom

I love stories that start with, "We were having a couple of beers...." They usually have an exasperating ending, probably due to their mellowed participants. Stories about dorm life are kinda like that too..., minus the beers. Late last night, punished by the curse of procrastination, I was frozen in horror by the story of "Oedipus the King" I had just read when my dorm sister Judy came up to say goodnight. Goodnight soon turned into trying to figure out who is who's brother in the play. Still haven't gotten that figured out.

Soon that conversation about Oedipus' siblings turned into one about our dorm siblings. For those have haven't lived in a dorm before, let me tell you this. Home right now is a dormitory in Chiang Mai, Thailand. When you put 16 hormone induced teenagers together, to say the least, things happen. Joking aside, we reflected on what a PRIVILEGE it is to live in a dorm as crazy and challenging as things get. You get to know people by their true self, when they are at their best, happy, sad, angry, or even a dish-washing-dancing mood (that's for you Grace). You get to discover your TRUE self. What a JOY it is to live with people who you others probably would never have approached. It's an experience that will never occur again, unless one of us ends up in jail and has to roomies with 'El Chapo'. I only have a few more months before the dorm kicks me out for being to old. I know, WHAT!

Here are a couple of stories from dorm life, mostly for myself to look back when I'm chilling in a senior-home! Who knows, I might change some of the names to conceal the identity of my dorm siblings so that no one gets busted for doing anything illegal, not that anyone has. ;) Stay tuned for the first of the series!

Looks Pretty Homely, Doesn't It

Haha, the Difficulties of Getting Everyone Together For a Photo 

New Website for Grace Debate

It was been a blessing to be a part of of the Grace Debate Society. Seeing students grow through the medium of debate is so exciting for me. There is so much potential! Want to join or just find out more?

Visit the new website http://gracedebate.weebly.com/ for more information!

I 爱 Taiwan

Counting down the New Year at Taipei's 101

Ever since I left Taiwan, where I was born, I have never been back. I was ecstatic when my parents announced we would be visiting this island, my last chance before I move back to the other side of the world. Tales of unending alleys of food, soothing hot-springs, beautiful people, made Taiwan seem... let's just say, droolingly exotic. Such expectations!

Disappointed? Not even close! Though my dad humorously was at times; I'll explain below. We rented a car for 16 days the night we got off the plane. If I'm not mistaken, a Nissan Livina, a steady gall if you need a car. A whirlwind of a trip. All the way around the tiny island/country - mountains, beaches, cities, towns, you name it. 大溪，台中，恒春，垦丁，台东，花莲，宜兰 (where I was the year before I moved to Vancouver)，台北 (where I was born)。Besides all the 台s, we even hit a lot of the touristy things: the sun moon lake, Din Tai Fung, Chiang Kai-Shek's mausoleum, and even the 101 for the new year countdown!!! Strangely enough, a lot of it wasn't planned. We just happen to pass by while we were lost or happen to meet someone my parents hadn't seen in years. God really has his miraculous ways!

While my brother and I busied ourselves with nibbling on everything that could be nibbled. From beef noodle soup to big sausage in small sausage. My dad on the other had, had other things in mind. He was like a tour guide on one of those patriotism building tours; the kind North Korea offers. The only thing was, he hadn't been in Taiwan for a while too. 

"Dad you sure where you're going?" 

"Of course, I've lived here for seventeen years!"

"Are you sure? We look like we are in a cemetery!"

"Ok, we're lost."

That wasn't it. "Now we are going to visit our great leader, Chaing Kai-Shek's mausoleum. When I went, it was extremely solemn; we had to line up in its courtyard to pay our respects." When we arrived, we where all shocked to find it had turned into almost a tourist attraction, complete with loud music. "How could they.... In my day, they would be in jail," muttered my dad, much to our amusement. Things really do change over time.

In short, I am marveled by how much heavenly tasting food and beauty can fit in such a small island. As almost a wink from the motherland, even the girl stamping my passport when we where leaving was beautiful. I'll admit it dad! I am kinda proud to be born in Taiwan!

Staring down a 7-11. Taiwan life is 7-11 life.

Finding food is never a problem anytime of day - or night

Near Taiwan's south-most point. Mind the nearby nuclear reactors. 

Christmas dinner. Yep, nothing better than street food.

Beetle Nuts: Taiwan's marijuana...

Beaches, beaches, and more beaches

The climb to this place.... Had to put this photo.

Old friend. Great guy, with a scientist's sense of humor!

Took hours to burn all the patient records my dad was legally required to keep. Therapy at its best.

Dinner at Din Tai Fung with my dad's former teacher

The shop sings and scooters. Typical small town Taiwan. 

Sun Moon Lake: Beautiful country, isn't it!

Only picture of Jimmy let me take of him all trip, or failed to stop me

Mother's Day (Thai)

Dear mom,

As we prepare for the first time in our lives to live separately, I know how humongously big part of my life you have been because of how much I know I'll miss you. That aside, I think for becoming an empty nester deserves champagne to celebrate; half kidding. Thinking back, I honestly can't name one thing you have done wrong in raising me. You have always been there when I needed it even to the point you have sacrificed your own livelihood and aspirations. Thank you for your years of unconditional patience, provision, fun, care, and most of all love! I will remember all you have taught me and use it to serve the Lord. Happy mother's day!

Ivan

Hong Kong Training Photos

Click here, Link To Album, to see some photos taken during the MSI training. We stayed in what is the down town of Hong Kong (Tsim Sha Tsui) which was incredibly busy. Had a wonderful time with family!

Singapore OC Photos

Click here, Link To Album, to see what we've been doing the last month. Most were taken in Singapore, but a few from our short excursion to Johor Bahru. Photo credit to Jacob Steed. Enjoy!

Funny Video About Prayer