I have always loved that I can link from someones blog to their Flickr or Picasa photo accounts to look at more of their photos, whether it be their trips or the latest antics of their children or pets.
I finally figured out how to link it on my blog.
What you see is what is there for all my posts, on all of my blogs. So basically you will see my Taiwan trip and many other things. I spent a long time last night trying to remember our Taiwan trip and typing in some captions below the photos.
What did it accomplish? I got terribly homesick for Taiwan. I wanted to go back and see the Taroko Gorge again, I wanted to go back to the sweet people our son introduced us to. What is Ray up to now? How is Freddy? I would love to go back to that Buddhist Monastery again. And would love to see Puli once more and stay in that marvelous Waterhouse bed and breakfast. Where is Daniel Lieu our wonderful driver now? He happened to have a two week break from school when we came and took that time to drive the car we rented. We paid for his food, all the gas and helped with his hotel costs as well. Has he gotten married by now? The Landis Hotel was such an amazing "wow factor" hotel with the best and largest breakfast buffet I have ever seen. The food was so unique you can't taste it anywhere here that I have found.
And Mangos, ahhhhh mangos. You haven't tasted mangos until you taste them fresh off the tree.
If I ever serve a mission for our Church, I think I will put in a request to be considered to serve there. I cannot imagine a better place to serve.
There are some things I didn't get to see the first time around that I would like to see next time. We never got to see Taipei. We landed there, but immediately boarded a bus and headed to Taichung. We didn't get to see the Taipei Temple either. I cried over that for several hours as we were stuck in an airport waiting for our returning flight. There was a town we didn't get to see that is famous for it's wood carvings that we didn't get to see either.
The only thing I don't miss is the flight. That was so LONG, so crowded and miserable. It was so miserable, in fact, I purchased upgrades on the way home. I just couldn't imagine my two sweet long-legged men having to fold themselves on those tiny seats of Malaysian Airlines which were built for much smaller people than we are. I don't miss the humidity either.
But in all, just looking at those pictures made me homesick for a place I only spent two weeks in. Have you ever gotten homesick for a place where you didn't spend much original time too?
Showing posts with label mission. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mission. Show all posts
Friday, March 6, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
A Giant Among Men
out of respect for the living and to protect their privacy, I have eliminated all last names and any places from the program.
Today was Cecil's funeral. He was 86. To me he was family. He and his family immediately adopted us when we first moved here, and treated our family with such love. They were among the first friends we made. I will miss him.
He was one of the first people we met when we moved to this town. He was the Bishop of the Ward we which we live. Our community is predominately LDS, and a Ward is a congregation consisting of around 500 people who live within certain boundary lines.
He was a kind, soft-spoken and great man. I was called by him to serve as a Counselor to the Primary President, then about a year later, I was called to serve as the Primary President . The Bishop was released while I was still serving as the President. I felt so strongly to put him and his wife, Ava, in the nursery. It is for the little ones from ages 18 months to three years. Cecil and Ava served as the Nursery leaders. They were the perfect couple for the spot. She baked cookies and gave the five minute lesson and he held the children on his lap and played his harmonica. The children called them Grandma and Grandpa. My son got to be in that nursery, and I felt so lucky. I knew he would not have any trauma in the Nursery because Grandma and Grandpa Losee were there each week.
Cecil's eight children participated in the funeral. I loved each of their talks. They spoke of how he was such a great example as a father and leader of their home. He worked hard, but also played hard. They had wonderful memories of their childhood. He took them fishing after helping with the chores. He took them water skiing on the boat.
I can remember Cecil serving in the neighborhood. He was always raking leaves, picking up trash and taking the blind man next door to Church. Every spring, he would be out with his burner, cleaning up the dead tumble weeds in the ditches. He had a shovel and would dig the puncture weeds and haul them to the dump. He loved everyone. But he especially took care of the widows and widowers. Once when raking leaves for everyone in the neighborhood, he asked my widow neighbor across the street if she wanted her leaves raked. Being fiercely independent, she thanked him then responded that she had a mower that picked them up. This was one of those INDUSTRIAL SIZED rider mowers with a monster bag on the back. She showed Cecil her wonderful mower (which she even used to vacuum up the leaves in the gutter in front of her house and the neighboring houses) and he took one look and said: "Oh, in that case, would you mind going down the street to Ruby's house and doing hers as well?"
He and his wife were called to serve a full time Mission to Nauvoo Illinois where the Temple was being reconstructed. A web site was set up with a live web camera focused on the Temple construction site. I would click onto that camera every day and watch the progress as the Temple was built. It was such fun to watch the construction and think of Elder & Sister Losee working there and watching it in real time. Toward the end of Losee's mission, the Temple was completed and Nauvoo Temple hosted an open house before they dedicated it a House of the Lord. The local News stations sent reporters there to interview people in the town. I remember one day listening to the news in the background while I worked, when I heard a familiar voice. It was Ava's in her typical way saying, "I think it is so exciting!" I quickly looked up, but the station had gone to a commercial. You can't miss her voice and when the commercial was over, sure enough, there she was being interviewed.
My sister decided to travel back there, and I got a ride with her, her husband and my mom. We got to see the brand new temple inside and out. Then we went to find them. After asking around, we found him. He was dressed in pioneer period costume. He told us that Ava was sick, and asked if would we come and help give her a blessing. Since my brother-in-law holds the Priesthood, he and Elder Losee laid their hands on her head and blessed her to get well.
The Visitor's Center usually had a little play at the end of each day called Sunset on the Mississippi. But this day was stormy and they canceled it. I was disappointed. After they completed their mission and got home, Cecil invited me to come to their house. They remembered that I had missed the Sunset on the Mississippi play and offered to show me a video of it. So I got to see it after all. That is typical of Cecil and Ava. They are always thinking of others.
He has left a wonderful legacy. His children are all wonderful human beings and as one said in his talk, "Dad taught us good habits and standards." I feel lucky enough to be friends with several of his children and am richer because of it.
Cecil has left behind a sweet wife, eight children, 49 grand children and 51 great grand children.
In World War II, he was a gunner in a B-52 bomber. One of his mates said he was sure the Pearly Gates were swung wide open when Cecil died and a myriad of angels were waiting there to greet him. I really believe that.
God be with you 'til we meet again, Cecil. You are one of Heavenly Father's choicest Servants.
~a
Today was Cecil's funeral. He was 86. To me he was family. He and his family immediately adopted us when we first moved here, and treated our family with such love. They were among the first friends we made. I will miss him.
He was one of the first people we met when we moved to this town. He was the Bishop of the Ward we which we live. Our community is predominately LDS, and a Ward is a congregation consisting of around 500 people who live within certain boundary lines.
He was a kind, soft-spoken and great man. I was called by him to serve as a Counselor to the Primary President, then about a year later, I was called to serve as the Primary President . The Bishop was released while I was still serving as the President. I felt so strongly to put him and his wife, Ava, in the nursery. It is for the little ones from ages 18 months to three years. Cecil and Ava served as the Nursery leaders. They were the perfect couple for the spot. She baked cookies and gave the five minute lesson and he held the children on his lap and played his harmonica. The children called them Grandma and Grandpa. My son got to be in that nursery, and I felt so lucky. I knew he would not have any trauma in the Nursery because Grandma and Grandpa Losee were there each week.
Cecil's eight children participated in the funeral. I loved each of their talks. They spoke of how he was such a great example as a father and leader of their home. He worked hard, but also played hard. They had wonderful memories of their childhood. He took them fishing after helping with the chores. He took them water skiing on the boat.
I can remember Cecil serving in the neighborhood. He was always raking leaves, picking up trash and taking the blind man next door to Church. Every spring, he would be out with his burner, cleaning up the dead tumble weeds in the ditches. He had a shovel and would dig the puncture weeds and haul them to the dump. He loved everyone. But he especially took care of the widows and widowers. Once when raking leaves for everyone in the neighborhood, he asked my widow neighbor across the street if she wanted her leaves raked. Being fiercely independent, she thanked him then responded that she had a mower that picked them up. This was one of those INDUSTRIAL SIZED rider mowers with a monster bag on the back. She showed Cecil her wonderful mower (which she even used to vacuum up the leaves in the gutter in front of her house and the neighboring houses) and he took one look and said: "Oh, in that case, would you mind going down the street to Ruby's house and doing hers as well?"
He and his wife were called to serve a full time Mission to Nauvoo Illinois where the Temple was being reconstructed. A web site was set up with a live web camera focused on the Temple construction site. I would click onto that camera every day and watch the progress as the Temple was built. It was such fun to watch the construction and think of Elder & Sister Losee working there and watching it in real time. Toward the end of Losee's mission, the Temple was completed and Nauvoo Temple hosted an open house before they dedicated it a House of the Lord. The local News stations sent reporters there to interview people in the town. I remember one day listening to the news in the background while I worked, when I heard a familiar voice. It was Ava's in her typical way saying, "I think it is so exciting!" I quickly looked up, but the station had gone to a commercial. You can't miss her voice and when the commercial was over, sure enough, there she was being interviewed.
My sister decided to travel back there, and I got a ride with her, her husband and my mom. We got to see the brand new temple inside and out. Then we went to find them. After asking around, we found him. He was dressed in pioneer period costume. He told us that Ava was sick, and asked if would we come and help give her a blessing. Since my brother-in-law holds the Priesthood, he and Elder Losee laid their hands on her head and blessed her to get well.
The Visitor's Center usually had a little play at the end of each day called Sunset on the Mississippi. But this day was stormy and they canceled it. I was disappointed. After they completed their mission and got home, Cecil invited me to come to their house. They remembered that I had missed the Sunset on the Mississippi play and offered to show me a video of it. So I got to see it after all. That is typical of Cecil and Ava. They are always thinking of others.
He has left a wonderful legacy. His children are all wonderful human beings and as one said in his talk, "Dad taught us good habits and standards." I feel lucky enough to be friends with several of his children and am richer because of it.
Cecil has left behind a sweet wife, eight children, 49 grand children and 51 great grand children.
In World War II, he was a gunner in a B-52 bomber. One of his mates said he was sure the Pearly Gates were swung wide open when Cecil died and a myriad of angels were waiting there to greet him. I really believe that.
God be with you 'til we meet again, Cecil. You are one of Heavenly Father's choicest Servants.
~a
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Somewhere, Over the Rainbow. . .
This is an amazing version of that song. I used to HATE it when Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz sang it, but this man, Israel Kamakawiwo`ole, does so well and I love the ukulele. I got this off UTube. Anyway I love it.
This makes me happy to hear this, and for some reason I have been singing this all week. I don't know what spurred the memory, but I love listening to it.
We had a wonderful Sunday as well. My sister and her husband are home from Africa and almost all of her children and grandchildren came, from several states, and most of my children, except the one also came. We were missing a few spouses as well, and they were missed. . .
I played with cute grandchildren, visited with nieces and nephews (some I haven't seen for years), and grand nieces and nephews. Plus seeing almost all my sweet children. It was a house full, and we had to drive 5 hours round trip, but it was all worth while. I got some great pictures, which I will embed into this blog as well.
Pixiestylist cut lots of hair this weekend. She always brings her scissors, clipper and apron, in case someone asks her to. She never expects pay when she does this, just knows someone will ask, so she takes her time off and does hair. What an angel.
For some reason this happy song makes me want to sing. I hope it has that effect on you as well.
Have a wonderful Labor Day.
a
This makes me happy to hear this, and for some reason I have been singing this all week. I don't know what spurred the memory, but I love listening to it.
We had a wonderful Sunday as well. My sister and her husband are home from Africa and almost all of her children and grandchildren came, from several states, and most of my children, except the one also came. We were missing a few spouses as well, and they were missed. . .
I played with cute grandchildren, visited with nieces and nephews (some I haven't seen for years), and grand nieces and nephews. Plus seeing almost all my sweet children. It was a house full, and we had to drive 5 hours round trip, but it was all worth while. I got some great pictures, which I will embed into this blog as well.
Pixiestylist cut lots of hair this weekend. She always brings her scissors, clipper and apron, in case someone asks her to. She never expects pay when she does this, just knows someone will ask, so she takes her time off and does hair. What an angel.
For some reason this happy song makes me want to sing. I hope it has that effect on you as well.
Have a wonderful Labor Day.
a
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Two years is a LONG time
As I contemplate these last two years, part of me cannot believe that it has already flown by, and part of me feels like it has been a gazillion years since Guitar Player got his call in February of 05. I remember calling The Sailor and telling him to meet us on Jones Road, half way between home and work. We stood there by the side of the road as he opened his call and it said "You are called to serve in the Taiwan Taichung Mission".
Now it is only 10 days away from when we board that plane and fly to Taiwan to get him.
The new mission rules, which were made known after we purchased our tickets, are discouraging the parents from picking up their missionary. So our opportunity is indeed a rare and sweet one. We look forward to meeting the people he worked with, tasting the types of food he ate and seeing the countryside where he labored for two years.
Many things have happened while he was away. He left in May of 2005. His sister, The Nurse, got married just before he left, and had a baby a year later in May. Two of his sister-in-laws each had a baby as well. His grandpa died last year too. So he will have two nieces and one nephew with whom he can become acquainted.
In our humble town, Main Street looks much better. Several old buildings on Main Street have been torn down. New businesses have taken up residence in their places.
Now as I lay my suitcase out on the bed and begin to place folded clothes and belongings inside, I am realizing that this is for REAL.
It seemed like a dream in the far-away future to have him come home and almost an impossible notion to travel there.
Wish us luck. We don't read or speak a word of Chinese and feel anxiety about finding our way from the Taipei airport to the mission home in Taichung. He has arranged for a friend to be our guide, to drive our rented car and come along on all our Taiwan adventures. This is a happy anticipation, and relieves us greatly.
I will keep you updated on the adventures.
Now it is only 10 days away from when we board that plane and fly to Taiwan to get him.
The new mission rules, which were made known after we purchased our tickets, are discouraging the parents from picking up their missionary. So our opportunity is indeed a rare and sweet one. We look forward to meeting the people he worked with, tasting the types of food he ate and seeing the countryside where he labored for two years.
Many things have happened while he was away. He left in May of 2005. His sister, The Nurse, got married just before he left, and had a baby a year later in May. Two of his sister-in-laws each had a baby as well. His grandpa died last year too. So he will have two nieces and one nephew with whom he can become acquainted.
In our humble town, Main Street looks much better. Several old buildings on Main Street have been torn down. New businesses have taken up residence in their places.
Now as I lay my suitcase out on the bed and begin to place folded clothes and belongings inside, I am realizing that this is for REAL.
It seemed like a dream in the far-away future to have him come home and almost an impossible notion to travel there.
Wish us luck. We don't read or speak a word of Chinese and feel anxiety about finding our way from the Taipei airport to the mission home in Taichung. He has arranged for a friend to be our guide, to drive our rented car and come along on all our Taiwan adventures. This is a happy anticipation, and relieves us greatly.
I will keep you updated on the adventures.
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