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Vacation Journal

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Here is a copy of the journal I kept while I was on vacation last week.  It covers parts of 10 days and over 1300 miles.  While I doubt anybody reads this whole thing, it was an important exercise for me.

There are no pictures, but I will post some pictures from my vacation at some point in the futre.

Friday
17:33 – Put up my hard hat.  Clocked out. Left the Computer Mine.  Vacation officially started.
17:53 – Check mail.  Brandi Carlile tickets have not arrived.
18:45 – “Cleaned” living room for the arrival of the Gorshes.  Sat on Clockwork Couch. Fell asleep.
19:15 – Gorshes arrive.  Order Casey’s Taco and Hot Sausage pizza.
19:16 – Realize my house is not really clean enough for Evie.  I hate it when my Mom is right.
20:00 – While enjoying Casey’s pizza, determine that Evie enjoys Miles Davis. Not such a fan of live Led Zeppelin.
21:00 – Finish the 6/6 Gorshes Photo Project.
21:45 – Evie makes an incredibly loud sound.
23:57 – Bid the Gorshes a fond adieu and sleep the good sleep.

Saturday
8:45 – Wake up in time to watch Game Day. Might be the last time I get to watch Game Day for a few weeks.  This saddens me.
10:58 – Lee Corso picks Wisconsin to beat Ohio State.
11:47 – Mail arrives.  Assorted bills and political advertisements. No Brandi Carlile tickets.
11:48 – Call UNI ticket office to ask: “What the Hades?”  I am told that for some reason they just decided to never mail me the tickets.  But they will be waiting for me at the Will Call Window.  “Thanks UNI Ticket Office”. This statement is a mixture of sarcasm and gratitude.  About 60% sarcasm.  40% gratitude.
12:47 – Clean out Foster Bunny’s cage and let him roam the back porch while I clean the back porch.
14:48 – Clean the fridge.  After the “Great Cleansing” the follow items remain in my fridge.  8 different types of jelly, 5 different types of salsa, 3 different types of barbecue sauce, 3 different types of pickles, 3 different types of mustard, 3 different types of root beers, about 24 cans of pop (7 different varieties),  6 bottles of bottled water ( 2 different varieties), 10 slices of processed American cheese, 1 jar of Miracle Whip, 1 jar of pickled beets that I bought due to a miscommunication with Derrick, 1 tub of butter, 3 sticks of margarine and a bag of baby carrots.
16:35 – Meet Sara in the Computer Mine Parking lot for trip to Cedar Falls for Brandi Carlile concert.
17:45 – Stop in Wellsburg, Iowa to try the award winning tenderloin of the Town House Supper Club. When we can’t find the restaurant we stop at the local Casey’s.  They have scorpions in shadow boxes for sale as “art”.  Kid behind cash register tells me that that the Town House Supper Club is closed for remodeling.  I thought I was only cursed by old timey ice cream parlors. I am not pleased. Sara buys me a Fig Newton to assuage my pain.
18:30 – We arrive on “The Hill”. I had contacted my Cedar Falls “expert” earlier in the week to find out a restaurant to eat at besides Sub City.  The response came back: “There are other restaurants in Cedar Falls?”  But what I heard was “I’ve criticized my parents for not wanting to try new restaurants, but perhaps that was hypocrisy.”  We try Great Wall Chinese Restaurant. This experience is similar to when Jill and I ate at Jade 88 back in February.  We are the only people in the restaurant.  The food is tasty though.  Not to the level of Chinese Homestyle Cooking, but not bad. They have cool fish lamps on their walls. I don’t feel that Sara appreciates them at an appropriate level.
19:20 – We arrive at Gallagher-Bluedorn.  It is not what I’m expecting.  Although the auditorium itself is beautiful, it is “designed” to make it as extremely difficult as possible to find your seats. After picking up tickets at Will Call, we approach Volunteer #1 looking for assistance.  She tells us that we have to go up the elevator.  Volunteer #2 walks us to the elevator.  After getting off the elevator we hand our tickets to Volunteers #3 and #4 that are standing right outside the elevator. They tell us to go to Door 5.  Door 5 is 10 feet away.  We walk the 10 feet and give our tickets to Volunteers #5 and #6 that are standing outside of Door 5. They tell us to go into Door 5. Inside Door 5 Volunteer #7 points out our seats.  There are two of us. There is 1 open seat. We point this out to him. He tells us that they will “make room”.  We get near “our” seats. People have made room.  We sit down.  Sara notes that the height of the wall that prevents you from falling 150 feet to your death is about 2 feet tall.
19:30 – Opening act Pieta Brown takes the stage.  She plays about 5 songs.  She isn’t bad.
20:15 – Brandi Carlile and her band take the stage.  They play a set without the Cedar Falls-Waterloo Symphony.  It is amazing.
20:45 – Volunteer #8 approaches me and asks to see our tickets.  I give them to him.  He tells me that these aren’t our seats and points in kind of a general direction of where we are supposed to be sitting. He is not friendly or jovial.
20:47 – We give our tickets to Volunteer #9 who points out our seats to us.  They aren’t really seats.  They are more like chairs that overlook the two foot wall.  I actually love this because it means legroom!
20:52 – There are only two other people sitting in this “section”, so rather than sitting in our assigned chairs, we sit next to them and strike up a conversation.  Volunteer #9 doesn’t seem pleased about this, but she doesn’t do anything about it. I ask them: besides Sub City, where is a good place to eat in Cedar Falls? She recommends Beck’s or Pablo’s. An exact quote from the lady: “There is more to Cedar Falls than Sub City.” I feel I should text this to my Cedar Falls expert, but I fear she might drive up to Cedar Falls and slap this poor lady.  Decide I will tell her about this swipe at Sub City in an indirect passive aggressive manner.  Hi Shannon! While Sara goes out to the hallway to drink a Diet Pepsi I learn that the male in this couple moved from California for the female in the couple. He is “looking forward” to his first Iowa Winter.  My Aunt Sherrie would think he moved here because he had “no options”.  The less cynical side of me would ask “are there options to love”?
21:00 – Brandi Carlile comes back on stage and kills it in the 2nd set.  I had thought maybe it was foolish for me to go see Brandi Carlile for a 3rd time this year.  But all told, I spent about $100 dollars on 3 shows. I will find out later in the week that there are people willing to spend quite a bit more than 100 smackers to see just 1 show.  So maybe I am cheap.  Brandi plays many of her best songs: “Dreams”, “The Story”, “Oh Dear”, “Closer to You” and “Turpentine” to name just a few. But perhaps the highlights of this show for me were two covers I’ve never heard her play before. I’ve always felt that her voice is reminiscent of Patsy Cline, but I’ve never heard her play a Patsy Cline song.  She played “Crazy” and nailed it!  Near the end of her set she played a cover of Lenard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”.  With the beauty of her voice and the majesty of the backing symphony orchestra, I’m not ashamed to say that I got goosebumps.
22:00 – After the show, (Brandi included her traditional Johnny Cash cover of “Folsom Prison Blues” in her encore) Sara tells me “I want to be Brandi Carlile.”  She did this with an inflection that only Sara can do that makes you think that it actually might be a possibility.

Sunday
8:50 – I’m surprisingly up for Church, despite the lateness of the previous evening, when Mom arrives to pick me up.
9:40 – Andrea gives an awesome (truly awe inspiring) sermon about superheroes and how the greatest superhero the world has and ever will see is a Christian.  At the end of the sermon Andrea and Phil take off their robes to reveal that they are wearing Batman shirts underneath. I have a sinking suspicion that they didn’t have to go out and buy those shirts special for this sermon.
10:05 – The combined choirs of 4 churches perform a song to conclude our worship service. I’m disappointed to see that my Grandma isn’t in the choir, but excited to see a choir with lots of men in it.  Our church choir is a little light on the men.  Of course that is partially my fault for keeping my angelic voice under wraps.

10:15 – Josh tells me that Wesley’s hair color must have come from the Schwan’s man.  I assure him that I was born with red hair.  Then the red went away.  Then the hair went away. Mom tells him the story about how my Grandma (Paternal) knew I would be born with red hair because I “visited her in a dream” before I was born.  I’ve always doubted the veracity of this tale because I don’t remember visiting anybody before I was born.  However, Josh thinks it is a great story.  I am reminded that I should really make an extra effort to make it to Taize Worship next November.

13:00 – Angie, Jon and Alice arrive for Alice’s 3 month photo shoot.  I don’t really know how to take baby pictures, but Angie has ideas.  I give them a tour of the house that consists mostly of the phrase: “This room is too dirty to go into…” and “someday this will be different”.  Alice photography goes seemingly well.
17:30 – Meet the Howards near a private pond for the Howard family photo shoot.  The light wanes quickly and Jesse limping around on his crutches doesn’t help the speed of the event, but I think good work is accomplished.
19:30 – I show up at the Howards for supper.  Kelly makes a very good Shepherd’s Pie.  We watch the Phillies-Giants game.
21:00 – Willy shows up because he is a social butterfly and needs to be around other people.
21:30 – I realize that I was supposed to go to the Mehtodist Men Steak Fry tonight. Whoops!

Monday
9:00 – I wake up with one goal: to stay in my pajamas as long as is humanly possible.
10:00 – I thaw out hamburger to make Hamburger Helper.  I have friends who look down their long noses of judgment at me because I occasionally eat Hamburger Helper.  I don’t have the ambition to cook anything better on this day.
11:00 – I think about cleaning my living room.
11:03 – I email my weekly picks to Andree, Russell and Baier.  Upset: Baylor over Kansas State Lock: Oklahoma over Missouri.
12:00 – I realize I don’t have any milk to make my Cheesy Enchilada Hamburger Helper.  If I go to the store I would have to put on nonsleeping attire. I go down to my Mom’s to borrow milk. Instead, she makes me homemade chicken noodles.
13:23 – I think about cleaning my living room.
16:30 – I dust some stuff.
16:42 – I put the hamburger away. I’ll make Hamburger Helper later this week.
18:00 – Show up at my Mom’s for supper.
20:15 – I put on real clothes and leave for the bowling alley.
22:47 – The Patio Pros enter the night in first place, but get handled by C&B Drywall 18-6. I personally have a decent night.  Winning 3 out of 4 personal points, but it isn’t enough.

Tuesday
8:30 – Depart for Kalona with Mom.
10:45 – Buy Buttermilk Cookies at the Bakery.  I love these cookies. I refrain from buying any more jelly.  I have 8 jars at home in the fridge.
11:02 – Community Store is closed on Tuesdays.
11:11 – Stringtown Grocery Store is closed on Tuesdays.
11:17 – Jackpot! Cheese factory is open.  I buy two pounds of cheese curds, in case any friends drop by the rest of the week.  I also buy, Smoked Swiss, 2 Year Old Cheddar and Chocolate Cheese. I need to buy some crackers when I get a chance.
12:17 – Mom wants to go by Riverside Casino to see what it looks like. I take her to the Future Birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk.  I text a picture to a few people to let them know that this guy doesn’t waste his vacation time.
13:15 – Don’t find the casino, but decide to go to Iowa City to eat at Steak’n’Shake for lunch. This is despite the fact that both Sara and Jesse have tried to shoot down my dreams of eating at a Steak’n’Shake in the past.

13:37 – Turns out I don’t know where the Steak’n’Shake in Iowa City is located even though I KNOW I’ve driven by it many a time. Aimlessly driving around Iowa City.
13:47 – Call Sara for directions. She doesn’t answer.  Call Toby for directions.  He doesn’t answer. Call Jesse for directions.  He answers.  Apparently we drove by it about 5 miles back. Nice!
14:02 – The joyride works to our favor.  2-4 is Shake Happy Hour at Steak’n’Shake.  Steak’n’Shake isn’t anywhere near as bad as Sara and Jesse hyped it to be.  In fact, it was actually on the enjoyable side.  I wouldn’t go out of my way for one again, but it certainly beats the offerings of the Evil Clown Empire, Burger King and Wendy’s. Plus, to my knowledge, none of those places have a Shake Happy Hour. Game, Set, Match. Steak’n’Shake.
15:37 – Arrive at what is left of the Czech Village in Cedar Rapids.  They have a “Speed Hump” sign that is moderately amusing.  We stop in a bakery and buy some stuff.
17:17 – Stop at an abandoned gas station on Highway 30 to photograph it.
18:22 – Stop in Tama to photograph historic Lincoln Highway Bridge.
19:02 – Stop at Country House Family Restaurant in Colo for supper.  I love this restaurant. I have the fried chicken dinner and it is great. Order raisin cream pie to go.
21:30 – Sitting at home. Eat raisin cream pie.  Some cheese curds as well.

Wednesday
8:30 – Watch Prospect Place episode of Ghost Adventures on On Demand.
9:15 – Watch Waverly Hills episode of Ghost Adventures on On Demand.
10:00 – Watch Stanley Hotel episode of Ghost Adventures on  On Demand. Text Jill.  Find out she has been by the Stanley Hotel on an Orchestra trip. Color me with the colors of jealousy. I think they are green.  I decide to watch The Shining later that night in honor of my Ghost Adventures marathon.
10:45 – Watch Return to Bobby Mackey’s episode of Ghost Adventures on On Demand. This is an episode I’ve never seen before, but Jill spoke very highly of it.  By watching this episode I learn that Bobby Mackey’s is in Wilder, Kentucky.  I decide that if I go with Teresa to visit Ernie in Kentucky next year, Bobby Mackey’s is definitely one place we are visiting.  That list now consists of Lambert’s, Beale Street and Bobby Mackey’s.  I don’t believe in ghosts, but I’m willing to believe in the possibility of ghosts. That must make me a ghost agnostic.  Episode is as good as Jill advertised. I leave the epidosde confused as to why anybody would turn a slaughterhouse into a music club.

12:00 – Mom and I pick up Vi for lunch.  Since I get to pick the restaurant, I pick Pickles Pub in Kamrar.  I’m not sure that they are open for lunch, but there pizza is so good it is worth the risk. If not, Webster City probably has a restaurant or two that serve edible food.
12:47 – We are in Kamrar. At this point I tell Mom and Vi that I’m not sure that they are open during the day. I had eaten here once with Shannon during the day, but that was a Sunday.
12:53 – They are open, but they don’t serve pizza during the day.
12:57 – Mom asks the waitress if they will serve us pizza.  The waitress says it will be a little wait, but they will turn on the pizza oven.  Big points for Pickles! We order Fried Pickles because Vi has never had Fried Pickles.
14:00 – Pizza was excellent, as always.  We leave a large tip because they turned on the pizza oven and it looks like our waitress has been crying.
14:30 – Stop at Stanhope Meat Locker.  I don’t buy anything, but Mom does.
15:15 – Home cleaning living room.  It is spotless and I can finally get under my entertainment center to hook up the switch that makes it possible for me to sign up for Netflix.
15:20 – I sign up for Netflix.
15:25 – Watch Food, Inc. on Netflix.
18:00 – Eat pastries from Czech Village bakery. They are terrible. I spit some out. I think about giving some to Foster Bunny, but decide not to be cruel.
20:00 – Pop some popcorn and open up some ice cold Pepsi Cola.  It is time for The Shining on Blu-Ray!
22:30 – I love Stanley Kubrick!

Thursday
7:30 – I’m up. I rearrange my bedroom.  I theorize that this new arrangement will help me keep my bedroom cleaner.  I have lots of theories on cleaning. However, I don’t actually do much cleaning. Cleaning is more of a theoretical activity for me.
11:30 – I’m cleaning my office. The goal is to clean out the Hat Closet and make it a second Frame Closet.  I also want to be able to see the floor again.
11:47 – I get an email from Russell that he is “vetoing” my upset pick of Baylor over Kansas State because he doesn’t “feel” that it is an upset.
11:48 – I point out that Kansas State is a 6.5 point favorite and ranked.  Baylor is not ranked.
13:30 – Russell emails that it technically might be an upset, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Baylor won.
13:33 – Of course, I’m wouldn’t be surprised. That is why I made the pick.  I change my upset pick to Texas over Iowa State.
14:22 – Russell refers to the belief that Iowa State could beat Texas as a “fantasy”.  I don’t respond. I shut off my computer. I believe I won’t touch a computer again until Monday.
3:30 – I can see the floor again.  I am a cleaning god.
16:37 – Teresa calls me to tell me she is in my driveway. I tell her that she might as well come inside. We aren’t leaving until my show is over, even though the show is on Netflix and I can watch it at any time.
16:56 – We leave for Trostel’s Dish.
17:30 – I get a text from Vest at the Computer Mine. He has a question about the Microsoft eOpen website. It is good to be needed.
17:47 – We arrive at Trostel’s Dish.  I can smell Yuppie all over this place, but despite being under the weather, I give it a shot.
17:48 – This is a sharing restaurant. I wasn’t prepared for that.
17:57 – Teresa orders Arancini and a Taco Pizza. I order Beef & Shrooms and Pomme Frites.
18:30 – The Pomme Frites were kind of average, but the Arancini is incredible.  The Beef & Shrooms and Taco Pizza are also above average, but the Arancini really steals the show. If I were to come back I would just order 4 orders of it and call it a night.
18:31 – Teresa asks me if I would come back. I tell her I would, but since it is a sharing restaurant I would come with a larger group of people (like when I went to Chino Latino back in April). Teresa is somewhat offended by this statement, but I tell her that I would let her come along.
20:02 – I’m standing in Sara’s garage.  She has offered to give me a mirror that is roughly the size of a twin bed.  I’m hoping that Teresa’s Murano is the perfect vessel to convey my new prize home. I have been eying the Gorshe Forrester behind their back for about a month now, but I’m hoping I won’t need it any longer.  Teresa says she doesn’t know if she can help lift the mirror because of her bad neck. I give her a pep talk and she’s willing to give it the old college try.
20:06 – By the slimmest of margins the mirror fits in the Murano!  Oh bliss! Heaven and bliss!
20:22 – Standing in the Beaverdale Walgreen’s. I am out of acetaminophen. They are having a sale on it. Buy 1 get 1 Free.  They are completely sold out of all sizes except for the Super Jumbo bottle. I now have enough acetaminophen to ease the aches and pains of a small village.
21:03 – At the Casey’s in Madrid.  They are selling scorpions in shadow boxes as art. Did I miss something?
21:30 – Leave giant mirror in my garage because Teresa can’t carry it to basement due to bad neck. Start thinking about strong friends that will be able to help me move the mirror to the basement.

Friday
10:45 – Stop at the Computer Mine to answer a Microsoft Eopen website question.  This seems to be my expertise at work.  Some would call it job security.  I call it reason #345 why I hate Microsoft.
11:00 – On the Interstate.
12:22 – Drivers from Wisconsin are stupid.
1:17 – Drivers from Nebraska are stupid.
2:00 – Wheels down. Eagan, Minnesota. The Promised Land. Nate and I go to lunch.
2:08 – Lunching at Genghis Grill.  There are small differences between Genghis Grill and HuHot.  They are as follows: Steak is marinated, seasonings, eggs, sauce is thicker, sauce is put in a separate bowl and cooks mix rice in for you.
2:25 – Genghis Grill is a winner.
2:32 – Nate and Bethany have canceled cable. There goes Plan A for watching Iowa State-Texas game.
17:00 – Nate has left for work. I’m heading to Minneapolis to see Becca and Gelli’s new apartment.
17:07 – On 77. Becca’s directions say to take 62 East. GPS says 62 West.  Trusting Becca.
17:15 – GPS was right.
17:28 – Arrive at the new apartment.  It is nice.  Get to meet Ponyo who is cute. Becca and Gelli don’t have cable. There goes Plan B for watching Iowa State-Texas game.
18:02 – On the way to a tea house we drive by the Uptown Theater. I still long to see a movie at this theater.  Their midnight movie this weekend is The Lost Boys. I am reminded that The Lost Boys terrified Bethany when she was young. I don’t think I could talk her into going to see it.  Then my thoughts are stopped cold.  I see an advertisement that lists their next several midnight movies. In a couple of weeks they are showing The Shining. If that wasn’t such a terrible weekend for it, I would come up to Minnesota just for that. I’m still miffed about missing A Clockwork Orange at the Uptown a few months back.
18:15 – At a tea house called Tea Garden.  The baristas look like cliché hipsters, but the clientele looks decidedly normal. I wonder if the baristas secretly wish to work at a more hip tea house.
18:32 – Becca tells me that she was willing to pay 600 dollars for a ticket to see Shakira in concert in Chicago. I’m flabbergasted. I’ve seen my favorite band in concert and it cost me 38 bucks. I’d be willing to pay more, but not 562 bucks more.
18:48 – Back at the apartment awaiting Bethany’s arrival.  We are deciding between two locations. Hard Times Café and Mac’s Industrial Sports Bar.  We decide on Mac’s Industrial based on the fact that their menu includes a Fried Plate of Death.
20:37 – I am face to face with the Fried Plate of Death.  It is a good distraction because despite the fact this is a sports bar, all that is on their televisions is stupid hockey. I secretly hate this state.  Saint Cloud State is embarrassing Minnesota. 1 billion chinamen and this American could care less.  Fried Plate of Death is good, but not great.  It pales in comparison to the appetizer combo plate at The Open Flame.  Now I am longing for The Open Flame.
22:28 – Make plan with Becca to go to the Sculpture Garden at 1 PM on Saturday.
23:13 – Watching Weeds with Nate back in Eagan.

Saturday
11:00 – Search in vain for a way to watch Iowa State-Texas game. Ends with me staring at Bethany’s computer watch Gamecast on ESPN.com.
11:04 – Bethany calls from work. Suggests I go over to John’s to watch football. That would be awesome, but I already have plans with Becca to go to the Sculpture Garden.
12:28 – Halftime: Iowa State 14 Texas 3. Really wish I could watch this game.
13:00 – Arrive at Becca and Gelli’s.  I watch Iowa State-Texas game on Gamecast on my phone.
13:14 – Becca and I head for lunch at Hard Times Café.
13:26 – Becca thinks Hard Times Café is in Dinkytown. We end up in a traffic jam. Minnesota must have a football game at 2:30.  Look at all these people headed to the stadium.
13:43 – We drive past Minnesota Stadium.  All these people aren’t driving to the stadium. They are leaving the stadium! There is 5 minutes left in the game and there is maybe 10,000 people left in the stadium. I text Jesse to find out the score of the Minnesota-Penn State game. Minnesota is down by 9.  They are down by 9 and their stadium is empty.
14:11 – We find Hard Times Café. It is in a Somalian neighborhood. That is code for ghetto in Minnesotan.
14:16 – This is a true hipster place.  Vegan and vegetarian food. The baristas AND the clientele scream cliché hipster. Who am I to judge though? They probably look at me and think I look like a cliché badass and it is true, but badass is who I am. I can’t run from it.
14:18 – Hard Times Café has an interesting way to order. You write down your food order on a piece of paper and hand it to the barista. But for the drink, you can actually talk to the barista. I order an Eden Omelet and Organic Grape Juice.
14:22 – Derrick calls me. Iowa State has officially beat Texas for the first time in school history. We discuss how proud we are to be Cyclones.
14:25 – I text Russell to ask him if he believes in fantasies. I still haven’t heard from him. Andree and Jesse both text me to celebrate the victory. I had received texts from Baier earlier in the day, but surprisingly he does not text me after the game.  Perhaps he was still in shock.
14:27 – Our food is up.  It is very good. I try some of Becca’s biscuits and gravy. It is surprisingly good for not having any meat in it.
15:03 – We arrive at The Sculpture Garden.  Although they have moved some sculptures around, I don’t think there are any new sculptures from the time I visited it with Bethany a couple of years back.
15:05 – Lots of wedding parties here getting their pictures taken with a giant cherry. Little weird Minnesotans.
15:27 – The flower garden hear is amazing!
16:47 – At Jamba Juice.  This is my first lifetime visit to a Whole Foods.  I order Banana Berry Smoothie without a boost. I don’t believe in performance enhancers.
17:00 – Hug Becca goodbye.  Going to Bloomington to meet Bethany and John at John’s place to take some pictures.
17:03 – The quickest route between Minneapolis and Bloomington involves 35W South.  The police have closed this road because Obama is in town.  I appreciate the meaningful health care reform. I appreciate Wall Street reform. I appreciate removing combat troops from Iraq. I don’t appreciate this Obama!  It will be a long 8 mile drive down Nicollet, with the sunlight wasting away.
17:22 – Arrive at John’s. Bethany still isn’t ready. Sorry for the angry words Obama.
17:47 – Arrive at Century Park. It is pretty dark, but we take some good pictures.  At least I hope they are good.
20:27 – At The Park Tavern Bowling & Entertainment Center in St. Louis Park.  For years I’ve listened to Bethany praise the green chicken wings served here.  Here with John, Bethany and John’s friend Ryan.  Hostess asks us if we want a table near the karaoke or far from the karaoke.  We ask if they can just “not do karaoke”.  She responds, “I wish.  Believe me. I wish.” Her eyes glaze over as she seems to be remembering a traumatic experience from the past.  Then in an instant she is back with us.  She seats us around a corner and far from the karaoke.
20:33 – Some guys is killing Journey on stage. Not in the Brandi Carlile way, this is literally musical homicide.  Hatred for karaoke is reinforced.
20:47 – The green chicken wings arrive.  They are excellent!  They are also very spicy and very large.  They are least 4 times the size of normal chicken wings.  Also interesting is rather than celery, the “side dish” is cucumber slices.  Tasty, but I think it actually makes the burning sensation on my lips worse.
20:52 – Woman who actually belongs a stage is doing a serviceable job on Janis Joplin. As it turns out, serviceable is as good as it gets on this night.
20:55 – Nate calls and says to order for him in 15 minutes.
21:10 – We order for him.
21:14 – The guy that murdered Journey is now murdering Survivor.  Fantastic!
21:20 – Nate’s wings arrive.
21:40 – Nate arrives.
23:23 – On the way back to John’s I hear my first legendary John-Hardcore-Right-Wing-Rant.  Ryan holds his own as his Yes Man!  Some of my favorite phrases include, “Back in the 70s” and “I heard a scientist say once.”  Okay, my real favorite phrase was when Bethany says, “I’ve asked you to show me documentation of that claim before and you can’t find any!”
23:42 – Back at John’s watching Jim Gaffigan clips on YouTube.

Sunday
00:47 – I hug Bethany goodbye.
1:13 – Nate is already asleep.  I read several website reports of Iowa State’s historic victory over Texas.
8:45 – This is the 4th Sunday of the year that I have missed Church.  I missed Super Bowl Sunday, the Sunday after my Birthday Barbecue and Swell Season Sunday.  Now this Sunday.  Based on the Shorty Peterson Church Credit Theory, I still have perfect attendance.  I have missed 4 services, but I also went on Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.  I also once stopped in on a Contemporary Service. However, that is partial credit at best.  I should really go to the Taize Worship in November. I know I’ll also go to the bonus Christmas Eve service. If they don’t cancel the midnight service this year, I might hit two services on Christmas Eve. I might end up with better than perfect attendance before the year is over.
10:02 – Nate wakes up.
10:15 – I say goodbye to Nate. No hug. Get in the car to head to Oakdale.
10:45 – I knock on the door to Jill’s apartment.  There is a small amount of time before we have to leave to make it to Hell’s Kitchen.  Our reservation is for 11:30.  Jill is watching the Travel Channel’s all day marathon of Ghost Adventures.
10:52 – I make an effort to be friends with Kitty Baby. The other encounters I’ve had with her have not gone particularly well.  This time she doesn’t hiss or run away from me. This is known as progress.
10:58 – Jill is going to see Maroon 5 in concert on Thursday. I already know this, but you probably don’t.
10:59 – Standing in the parking lot trying to decide who will drive. Jill says, “Don’t you want to ride in the Poor Man’s Porsche?” Truth is that I never miss a chance to ride in the Poor Man’s Porsche.
11:04 – Jill tells me that when she made our reservation, they told her that Hell’s Kitchen has a jazz band playing during brunch.  Considerable improvement over karaoke.  In fact, it is nearly impossible to quantify the breadth of that improvement.
11:06 – Jill asks if “How” is still my favorite song from Maroon 5’s new album.  I tell her it is, but the acoustic versions of “Never Gonna Leave This Bed” and “Misery” along with the cover of Alicia Keys “If I Ain’t Got You” are closing the gap.  She plays for me the iTunes Bonus Track “The Air That I Breathe”. She tells me she’s excited for Thursday.
11:11 – Jill tells me she’s excited for Thursday.
11:16 – Jill tells me she’s excited for Thursday.
11:20 – Jill tells me she’s excited for Thursday.
11:28 – We arrive at Hell’s Kitchen. The hostess asks us if we want a table near or far away from the jazz band.  We give the exact opposite answer that we gave the hostess from last night.
11:48 – This is a really cool restaurant.  Live jazz band. The servers are wearing pajamas. The art on the wall is cool without being contrived. There is an awesome angel statue on the stage behind the jazz trio.
11:52 – Our food arrives.  We ordered Sweet Potato Fries as an appetizer. Jill ordered Shrimp & Crab Cake with Poached Egg. I order Bison Benedict.
11:57 – I’m not a huge fan of breakfast at a restaurant, but this is phenomenal.  This definitely goes on the list of the best restaurants I’ve ever eaten at.
12:22 – The jazz trio announce when they will be playing Hell’s Kitchen again.  On the list of their future appearances is a night when they will be playing Led Zeppelin’s Houses of the Holy. I wish I could be here for that.
12:28 – While paying the bill we discuss whether or not we could steal the sweet pen our server brought her to sign the check.  We do this in front of the waiter. He tells us to go ahead and steal it. He says he sometimes brings stuff to people for them to steal. We decide not to steal the pen.
13:30 – We are at the Carmike Cinema in Oakdale. The original plan was to go see “Hereafter”. That isn’t actually true. The original plan was to see “Life As We Know It”, but after Jill’s most recent trip home, I showed her the trailer for “Hereafter” and “The Fighter”.  She decided that she would rather see “Hereafter” and we made very soft plans to see “The Fighter” when it comes out. However, we didn’t make it back from Hell’s Kitchen in time, so we are back to the original plan of seeing “Life As We Know It”.
15:30 – It is a fair but predictable movie. Most romantic comedies are predictable, so I don’t hold that against it.  I can deal with predictable as long as it is well done.
16:15 – Hug Jill goodbye. Wish her luck at darts.
18:30 – Stop in Albert Lea for gas and fast food at Burger King.
20:00 – Home. Foster Bunny survived my absence, but I swear he looks lonely. A trick of the eye.
21:00 – Start of first Computer Mine basketball game of the season. 9 players here. This is promising. Played a couple games last year with 5 or less players.  Still haven’t recovered from cold completely and am feeling the aches of being in car for 3.5 hours. I decide to play as little as I can in this game.
21:15 – First extended playing time in this game. I feel like I’m going to vomit. Burger King was a big mistake.
22:00 – We kept it close for most of the game, but lose by a final score of 66-45. Although that sounds bad, this is actually very promising.
22:22 – Ha! Ha! Brett Favre loses to the Packers!

Monday
8:58 – Back at Computer Mine. Vacation officially over.

Christianity, Mark

Taiwan Times – October 2010

Taiwan Times:
October Newsletter

Hey everyone! I know it has been awhile since I got a newsletter out, and you have my apologies. I will work to do a better job in the coming months. In the meantime, I wanted to give you all a quick update for this month.

The school year has gotten off to a fast and furious start. Some of my new duties have been to help coordinate the application process for the missionaries’ green cards and work permits. I also was able to coordinate the visit of Dr. Christine Ross, who is a professor of Christian Education at Concordia Irvine, and leader of the DCE placement program.

Christine was able to give us a couple of quick refreshers on teaching Bible classes to students, in addition to being able to answer our concerns and questions. On top of that, she is also seeking opportunities for placement of DCE interns. I thought her trip went really well, and I ask you to pray for God to open opportunities to bring Irvine students out to Taiwan for service.

As for teaching, my classes have gone really well so far. I continue to teach 7th grade English and Bible, in addition to 10th and 11th grade Advanced English. I absolutely love teaching my kids and getting to know them and share Christ through word and action. Please pray for my interactions with students and for my preparation and grading of school work. May God be glorified through it all.

The out of class activities have also gotten up and running. On-Campus Student Fellowship, Friday Night Bible Study, and Salvation Youth Group continue to be used to spread the Gospel with teenagers here in Taiwan. At Friday Night Bible Study, we are currently teaching about the book of Acts and God the Holy Spirit’s work as seen through the early church. This week I will be teaching a lesson on the conversion of Saul. Please pray for God to be working through these fellowships and Bible Studies to create faith in the hearts of the people here in Taiwan.

Finally, I would like to share about a special prayer request. One of our missionaries, Noel Schaff, has returned to America for medical treatment. The doctors recently diagnosed her with cancer, so she will remain in the US for surgery and potential treatment. Andrew Schaff, her husband will also be going to the US to accompany his wife during this time.

Please pray for both Noel and Andrew. Pray for God to be with Noel and to heal her according to his will. Please also pray for Andrew as he comforts his wife and faces the trial with her. May God continue to be their source of strength.

In addition, pray for the teachers who are pitching in to help with classes. May God give us energy, focus, and may he be our strength.

Finally, pray also for a former Taiwan missionary, James Rush. He is considering the possibility of returning to Taiwan for a semester to help fill in with the teaching responsibilities. Details are still being worked out, but we hope and anticipate his arrival. Pray that God would work in that process, as James seeks to serve again here in Taiwan.

Thanks for all of your prayers and your financial support. As I shared in August, I am fully funded for this year of service, so praise God!. I know that I still have many “thanks yous” to write from this summer. I will not forget to write personal notes of thanks. But in the meantime, you are all greatly appreciated, and I thank God for you!

In Christ,
Mark

Christianity, Mark

The Taiwan Times – August 2010

The Taiwan Times

By Mark Wolfram

Reporting on God’s mission in Taiwan

August 2010

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household,”

Ephesians 2:19

Back on the island

Hello everyone. I am back in Taiwan, after a busy, but refreshing trip to the United States.  It’s always nice to be back home with family, friends, American food (especially BBQ), and so many other parts of my native culture.  Being here in Taiwan, it is easy to feel like a foreigner or alien.  The culture, language, educational system, and so many other things provide stark contrast from American life.  However, the above Bible verse reminds me that our true citizenship is neither in Taiwan nor America.  Rather, our citizenship is in heaven with God.  It does not come through a test or application process, but through God’s love as completed in Jesus’ death and resurrection.  We were outsiders to God, but have been made members of God’s family, no matter if we live in America or Taiwan.

The new year

Today we had our annual faculty meeting, to start the new semester, and tomorrow will be the first day of school.  This year I will be teaching 7th, 10th, and 11th grade students.  Of my 10 classes, 9 of them will be English classes, and one of my 7th grade classes will be Bible class.  In addition to the teaching I have begun some new administrative work as Concordia Middle School Liaison between the missionaries, the school, and LCMS World Mission.  This past month I have helped to organize and implement orientation of our 2 new teachers:  Graham Guenther and Rachel Sekki.  Praise God that they were able to make it over safely and have already begun adjusting to life in Taiwan.  In addition to orientation, I have also been working on organizing paperwork for work permits and green cards for the American teachers.

Fundraising

The trip back to America this summer was wonderful.  Praise God that I was able to meet up with so many friends and family members, in addition to travel to several churches.  I am elated to report that, God has provided the funds needed for this year’s service.  In fact, I am already 1/3 of the amount over what I needed, so this will be applied to future years of service.  Praise God for your prayers and financial support which have helped to make this possible.

I do want to let you know about one change for mailing in of donations.  From now on (for those of you who pledged support), please send any checks to the address below.

LCMS World Mission
Missionary Support
PO Box 790089
St. Louis, MO 63179-0089

Baptisms

Jeff being baptized

My first Sunday back in Taiwan was truly a blessed one, as we had three people baptized.  One of them was a CMS student named Jeff, who I have known both from classes and from Salvation Lutheran Church Youth Group.  Along with Jeff, his mother and his brother were also baptized.  It was such a joy to welcome new brothers and sisters in Christ, the very first Sunday I was back in Taiwan.

Teachers needed

I know I have written it in the past, and talked about it this summer, but CMS is still looking for 4 teachers for this school year.  The positions are all for elementary level English and Bible teaching.  Even though the semester starts on Tuesday, we have had teachers join mid-year in the past.  If you or anyone you know are interested, please contact me and I would love to give you more information.  Even if you don’t know of anyone, please pray that God will provide the even more teachers to help share the love of Jesus with the students here in Taiwan.

Prayer Time:

1.     Please pray for the start of the new school year for me and all of the teachers as we start back into the teaching routine.  Please pray especially for Graham and Rachel as they adjust to a new culture and new responsibilities.

2.    Praise God for my fundraising goal being met and exceeded.

3.    Pray for my Chinese language acquisition.  I will be using it more and would like to be more intentional and focused with lessons.

4.    Pray for more teachers to come and serve here Taiwan.

May God’s love and peace be ever present in your daily life!

Mark

Boone FUMC

Obituary

EARL J. WOODCOCK

Boone

Earl J. Woodcock, 80, of Boone, IA, passed away at his home at the Eastern Star Masonic Home Courtyard Terrace in Boone on Friday morning, August 27, 2010 where he and his wife have resided since February of 2008.

He was born on September 11, 1929 in Coal Springs, SD, the son of Earl and Myrtle (Butler) Woodcock.

On February 6, 1956, he married Viola Dacus at the Assembly of God Church in Scobey, MT.

Earl was a bookkeeper for Hallet Construction and Zontelli Construction Company for a number of years. He was later employed at Pat Clemons as a grounds keeper and at Iowa State University in the maintenance department.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church; a veteran of the Korean Conflict serving with the United States Marine Corps from 1951 to 1953; was a volunteer fireman in Crosby, MN for 20 years; the American Legion; and was a life time member of the Forty and Eight Club. Earl enjoyed playing cards and dominoes.

His parents, Myrtle and Earl Woodcock, and seven siblings preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife Vi of Boone; two sons Bruce Woodcock and Tim Woodcock both of Tucson, AZ; two daughters Cheryl Kantor of Tucson, AZ and Tammy Swenson and husband Paul of Burke, VA; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one sister Erlene Ogg of Vancouver, WA; and many nieces and nephews.

Earl’s request was to be cremated.

A memorial service will be held on Monday morning, August 30 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Methodist Church in Boone with Rev. Andrea Kraushaar officiating.

Interment of the remains will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial may direct their gift to the First United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be made to www.starkwelin.com

Stark-Welin Funeral Directors in Boone is in charge of arrangement.

Animals, Black & White, Christianity, Flowers, Music, Nader, State Fair

State Fair Trip 2 – Collection 2

8 Comments

Here are a few more pictures of my trip to the State Fair.

Last year I had only 1 goal and that was to see The Blue Band. Instead of getting to see The Blue Band I was nearly killed on a midway ride and spent the rest of the night trying not to vomit up my innards. This year I was able to see The Blue Band.


Iowa State Fair - 2010

Iowa State Fair - 2010

Iowa State Fair - 2010

Iowa State Fair - 2010

Iowa State Fair - 2010
Nader’s First Turkey Leg

Iowa State Fair - 2010
A Happy State Fair Memory

Iowa State Fair - 2010
The DNR Building – One of my favorite buildings.

Iowa State Fair - 2010

Iowa State Fair - 2010

Iowa State Fair - 2010

Iowa State Fair - 2010
I would consider putting a pond in my yard, just so I could have water lilies.

Iowa State Fair - 2010

Iowa State Fair - 2010

Iowa State Fair - 2010

Iowa State Fair - 2010
Nader wanted his picture taken with the Story County flag.

Iowa State Fair - 2010

Iowa State Fair - 2010

Iowa State Fair - 2010

Christianity, Mark

The Taiwan Times – June 2010

The latest from Mark’s mission work in Taiwan.  On a personal note, Mark is back in the United States for a few weeks and we will be having our annual meal in the next couple of weeks.  There will hopefully be a in focus picture of us on that night surfacing here in the near future!

LCMS World Mission

1-800-433-3954

www.lcmsworldmission.org mission.info@lcms.org

The Taiwan Times

By Mark Wolfram

Reporting on God’s mission in Taiwan

June 2010

Power of God’s Word

9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.   Isaiah 55:9-10

God’s word works and does what God wants it to do.  We don’t always know when or how, but the Bible tells us that we can trust that God’s word will do what it sets out to do.  This newsletter today focuses on how God’s word is working in the lives of people here in Taiwan.  First and foremost by bring them to the waters of holy baptism.

God continues to be working in the lives of the people here in Taiwan, through many and various ways.  Right now, the most exciting aspect is how God is using baptism to bring Taiwanese people into his kingdom.  In previous newsletters, I had written about a Kevin (7th grade student) and Jack (an 8th grader) who are taking baptism classes and will continue over the summer.   The last time I talked to Jack, he said that he should be baptized sometime in July.

Additionally, in the end of June I had the chance to talk to Pastor Alex of Salvation Lutheran Church about baptism classes at our church.  He passed on some great news, that I would like to share with you all.  Currently there are 4 people taking classes, who will then be baptized in the middle of August.  They are as follows:

1.     Jeff, and his brother and mother.  Jeff just finished his 7th grade year at Concordia Middle School.  He attends youth group at Salvation Lutheran Church, and his mother and brother come to the Saturday Kids Camp at Salvation Lutheran Church.

2.    Jessica.  She is a Taiwanese woman, who has come to our Friday Night Bible Study this year.

In addition to these four people,   Pastor Alex also said that this summer there are several new people that will begin baptism classes sometime in July.  They are:

3.    Jonathan and Rachel.  Jonathan is an English man, and Rachel is a Taiwanese woman.  They started attending church this past spring, and are both newer Christians.

4.    Lenzy, who just graduated from middle school and will start 10th grade at a new high school this fall.  She has attended our Friday Night Bible Study and Youth Group.

5.    Jackson, who finished mandatory military service this past year, and is now working and studying English.  He is coming to the class to learn more, but Pastor is not certain if he will finish the program.  Please pray for God to continue to work in Jackson’s heart.

Short Term Missions:  Advocate 341

During the first two weeks of June, we had special visitors Doug Larson, Jacob Larson, and Garrett Wolle.  Doug and Jacob had come out last year to do music ministry to the students at Chia-Yi Girls School, and this year they returned with a new friend, Garrett.  Together the trio formed the group Advocate 341.  Their name shows the purpose of the group, to advocate, or speak out as 3 guys 4 one purpose.  Their purpose is to speak the message of the Gospel of Jesus.   While in Taiwan, they performed a free concert at a local shopping center called Nice Plaza.  Over 300 people attended the concert, and Salvation Lutheran Church helped to pass out information about Bible Studies and fellowships for those that attended.

In addition to the concert, the three guys did ministry to students at Chia-Yi Girls School and Chia-Yi Boys school.  Here they went to music classes to sing songs, and share about the love of Jesus through their music.  They helped to build relationships with the students and invite them to on-going ministries at Salvation Lutheran Church.  Nearly 50 girls from the schools or concert came to at least one of these activities at our church.  Praise God for the relationships that were built and the opportunity that Doug and the boys had to share the Gospel with the people here in Taiwan.

Pray that God would continue to keep the students connected to him and the church.  Pray that the Holy Spirit would work faith into the hearts of those who heard the message.

Financial Support

Want to support the ministry here in Taiwan?  I am still working on fundraising for the coming year.  Currently I need to raise $5,000 for my next year of service.   I am elated to announce that the first goal of 25% has been met, and thus I am officially extended for next year.  My next goal is to meet the 70% I need to return to the field at the end of the summer.  To meet this goal, I need to raise $1,700 by the beginning of August.  If you would like to contribute financially to the ministry in Taiwan, please send a check to:

Missionary Support

LCMS World Mission

1333 S. Kirkwood Rd.

St. Louis, MO  63122

On the memo line for the check please write “Mark Wolfram account #50152”.

Or go online to my prayer card and make a donation over the Internet.  http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=8521

In addition, I hope to see some of you this summer as I speak at several churches in Iowa.  I will be speaking at the following churches this summer, so if you are in the area, please stop by.

1.    July 11 Trinity Lutheran Church in Mallard

2.    July 25 First English Lutheran Church in Spencer

3.    August 1 St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sioux City

Praise God

God always hears our prayers and answers them in his time and in his way.  This month I am especially excited to relay that God answered prayers regarding new teachers.  We have two new teachers who have signed up for service in Taiwan next year, their names are Graham Guenther and Rachel Sekki.  Both of them will come teach at the Middle School.  Please pray for Graham and Rachel as they prepare to come to Taiwan and serve.

It’s Prayer Time

1. Pray for all of those who are taking baptism classes or will start them shortly.  Specifically pray for Jack, Kevin, Jeff’s family, Jessica, Jonathan and Rachel, Jackson and Lenzy.

2. Praise God for Graham and Rachel who will come out to teach in Taiwan next year.  Pray for him to guide, protect and prepare them for service in Taiwan.

3. Pray for all of the students who heard the Gospel from Advocate 341.  Pray that God would continue to work in their lives and help them to be connected to his word.

Black & White, Christianity, Dawn, Flowers, Julie, Still Life, Vest, WPC - Submissions

RWPE #24 – Colorful

6 Comments

COLORFUL did light the imaginations of several people. Here are this week’s submissions:


WEEK 24 - COLORFUL - CHRISTOPHER D. BENNETT
Christopher D. Bennett

IMAGE LOST
Dawn Krause of Impassioned Versifier

IMAGE LOST
Debra Krause

IMAGE LOST
Julie Johnson of The Joy is in the Journey

IMAGE LOST
Justin Whitaker of American Buddhist Perspective

WEEK 24 - COLORFUL - MIKE VEST
Mike Vest of Waxen Media

Dawn’s Poem

Colorful

Brighter thoughts fill the mind
Happiness feels sublime
Heartstrings begin to bind

Pink of admiration
Journey to destination
Welcome inspiration

Passion red fills the soul
Overflowing empty hole
Giving back what it stole

Yellow hope of sunshine
Making clouds worth our time
Every sunset feels fine

Blue of clear brighter sky
Natural love flying high
Take a deep breathe and sigh

Lavender enchantment
Whispers of contentment
Dancing with enthrallment

World becoming rainbow
Sets complexion aglow
As warmth and feeling flow

The Random Generator has been primed, fired up and it has spit out this week’s theme:

STILL LIFE

Now those of you that are observant will note that in the Photography 139 Artistic Gallery there is a Still Life Album. The truth is that by the strictest definition of the term, most of the stuff in there isn’t really STILL LIFE. It is mostly just stuff that is leftover that doesn’t belong in the albums: Flora, Fauna or Sapiens.

A good definition of STILL LIFE photography comes from Wikipedia:

Still life photography is the depiction of inanimate subject matter, most typically a small grouping of objects. Still life photography, more so than other types of photography, such as landscape or portraiture, gives the photographer more leeway in the arrangement of design elements within a composition. The still life photographer makes pictures rather than takes them.

I admit that last sentence sounds like it was written by a still life photographer, but you get the point.

Here are a few examples that fit the basic mold:

Piano Ruins

Toast 'Em

Hearts Beat High with Joy Alternate

Weekly Photo Challenge Plant Alternates

Of course, no reason to be too literal with the theme.

In an unrelated final note, there was some curiosity about the gargoyles in the Journal Entry Slice of Life Vol. 2. I have done a little bit of research into that house and I have posted that information in the Comments section of that journal entry:


Slice of Life Vol. 2

Good luck with STILL LIFE and I look forward to seeing the submissions!

Christianity, Mark

The Taiwan Times – May 2010

Hot off the presses! The latest issue of The Taiwan Times.


The Taiwan Times

By Mark Wolfram

Reporting on God’s Mission in Taiwan

May 2010

20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.  Ephesians 3:20-21

Baptism Classes

Greetings everyone!  I have a couple of updates to start this newsletter.  First, I had written earlier about my 8th grade student Jack, who started taking baptism classes.  This month I found out that he is continuing to take them, and is set to be baptized in July.  Since I will be in the US, he told me that he could take some pictures for me to see.  I was really excited to hear this.  Also, during our conversations, Jack told me of another student who is in 7th grade, who is also in his baptism classes.  That student’s name is Kevin.  I teach Kevin for a small group conversation class, which rotates throughout the year.  As a result I have taught him for 3 months worth of classes this year.  Praise God that Kevin will also join Jack in the waters of holy baptism, and receive God’s free gift of the Holy Spirit.  Please pray for both of these students as they get ready to be baptized this summer.

Liaison and Short Term Mission Team

Second, I had written earlier about a change in my job requirements for the coming year.  Beginning in the fall I will be a part time teacher and have part time administrative responsibilities as the CMS Liaison, becoming a communicator between the missionaries and the school and LCMS World Mission staff.   Beginning in the middle of May, I had the opportunity to start to fulfill some of those duties as CMS Liaison, and it has been great starting to get a feel for what my job will be like in the fall.

One part of the new job will be to coordinate short term mission teams who come to Taiwan.  Tomorrow, I am really excited to be able to help with the short term mission service of my good friend Doug Larson, and his son Jacob, and his son’s friend Garrett.  Doug and the boys will come to do outreach at local publics schools, namely Chia-Yi Girls Senior High and Chia-Yi Boys Senior High.  In addition, they will assist the American missionaries with our On-Campus Student Fellowship, Friday Night Bible Study, and Youth Group.  One highlight of their mission work will be when they play an outdoor concert at the local shopping center and department store.  This free concert will be a great chance to reach out to people in Chia-Yi and invite them to activities at our church.  Please pray for Doug, Jacob, and Garrett as they travel to Taiwan and serve in ministry here.

New Teachers Needed

We are currently looking for new teachers to serve next year in Taiwan.  As of right now, we are losing five people from our current staff, and have yet to replace any of them.  Please pray that God would raise up people to serve in the mission field here in Taiwan.  Furthermore, if you know anyone who would be interested in serving as a missionary as an overseas teacher, please contact LCMS World Mission, or me.  God has really blessed my time out here in Taiwan, and I would love to share information about the job if anyone is interested.

Fundraising Update

I am also continuing to work on fundraising for next year.  Praise God for the contributions that so many people and churches have made.  God continues to work in this process, and I know that he will be faithful to provide the funds that are still needed.  I currently need to raise $5,848 for next year.  I am elated to announce that the first goal of 25% has been met, and thus I am officially extended for next year.  My next goal is to meet the 70% I need to return to the field at the end of the summer.  To meet this goal, I need to raise $2,575 by the beginning of August.  If you would like to contribute financially to the ministry in Taiwan, please send a check to:

Missionary Support

LCMS World Mission

1333 S. Kirkwood Rd.

St. Louis, MO  63122

On the memo line for the check please write “Mark Wolfram account #50152”.

Or go online to my prayer card and make a donation over the Internet.  http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=8521

Thank you for your prayers and your consideration of financial support of the mission work here in Taiwan.

In addition, I will be back in America from July 3 until August 7th.  I would love to come speak at any church or group that is interested and fits the schedule.  I currently have two Sundays that are not booked, July 4th and July 11th.  Please let me know if you are interested.  Even if I can’t make it, I would love to send you a DVD and some information about the mission work here in Taiwan.

Prayer Time

1.    Please pray for Jack and Kevin, who continue to take baptism classes.

2.    Please pray for my transition to the new job of CMS Liaison.  Pray that God would give me guidance, wisdom, and strength to best serve him.

3.    Pray for Doug, Jacob, and Garrett who will be arriving to share the Gospel here in Taiwan.  Pray that God would bless their efforts and that they would be able to help plug students into the church and activities that are on-going throughout the year.

4.    Pray for more teachers to come and serve as missionaries in Taiwan.  Pray for God’s will to be done.

5.    Pray for my fundraising and for all of the missionaries here in Taiwan who are needing to fundraise for next year.  May God provide the support that is needed.

God’s peace,

Mark

Boone FUMC, Christianity, Mark

A Couple of Religious Notes

Phil showed this video during his sermon last week and I liked enough that I would like to share it. (Of course, if you subscribe to this journal via RSS Feed or email, you will have to go to the website to watch the video.)




Also, Mark’s latest newsletter is ready for your perusal. 

The Taiwan Times 

By Mark Wolfram 

Reporting on God’s Mission in Taiwan 

April 2010 

Good Friday and Easter 

 
Good Friday and Easter were two wonderful opportunities to share the Gospel during the month of April. On Good Friday, Salvation Lutheran Church had special service, which featured a dramatic reading of the trail and death of Jesus. I read the part of Pontius Pilate. The great thing about this service is that we were able to incorporate many friends from Friday Night Bible Study, some of whom are not Christians yet, but keep coming back to learn more about Jesus. It was great that they were able to come to the Chinese service and hear about how Jesus loved them so much he died on a cross for their sins. I pray that God will use that service to continue working in the lives of students and friends from Friday Night Bible Study.

Of course, the most important part of the story is Easter, when Jesus showed his mastery over death, sin, and the devil. For Easter, we had a church full, including many children, who came with a parent. The church incorporated a special Easter celebration with the Saturday kids camp, so several children attended for special activities, including an Easter egg hunt after church. Of course the best news is that they and their family were able to hear about Jesus’ resurrection, and the new life that is given through Christ.

Changes
Next year, I am blessed to be having a change in my position here in Taiwan. While I will still be a teacher here at CMS, my teaching duties will be dropping down to half-time. The other part of my job will be to serve as a liaison, communicating between and helping to meet the needs of the American teachers, Concordia Middle School, and LCMS World Mission. In addition, I will help to organize and facilitate the use of short term missionaries that come to Taiwan. I will be taking this job to help compensate for the fact that our coordinator, Matt Wasmund, will be moving from this field. I will not take over supervisor responsibilities that he has, but rather will be working on coordination and communication. 

I know that this job will be a big transition and will bring many new challenges and a lot of hard work. I am excited about serving in this capacity, and look forward to the growth for both me personally and for the ministry here in Taiwan. I would really appreciate your prayers for the Wasmunds, Concordia Middle School, the American teachers, and me as we all make this transition together. I pray that God will be glorified through it and it would be used to further his kingdom, even at the expense of personal desires and wants.
  

Fundraising 

 
I also want to continue the dialogue about fundraising for next year. As I wrote in my March Newsletter, I am needing to raise $9,500 for the coming year. This year there is a new policy concerning extension of missionaries. In order to enter the extension phase, a current missionary must raise 25% of his or her fundraising goal. At this point, the missionary is officially recognized as extending.
After being extended, the missionary cannot return to his or her field until 70% of the fundraising goal has been met. Thus in my situation, I need to raise $2,375 to enter the extension phase, and then $6,650 to be able to return to Taiwan.
God has always been faithful with fundraising, and through your help both through prayers and finances, I am confident these goals will be met. As always, I appreciate your prayerful consideration of helping to support the ministry here in Taiwan.
My summer dates are not set yet, but I would love to come and meet you to share about the ministry here in Taiwan. If you are interested, please email me and we can be in contact over the next month.
Even if a visit is not possible, I would be love to send you a movie and some information the mission work here in Taiwan. Include a mailing address in an email, and I can definitely send that to any individuals, churches, or fellowship groups.
If you feel called to support in this regard, please send a check to: 

Missionary Support
LCMS World Mission
1333 S. Kirkwood Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63122

On the memo line for the check please write “Mark Wolfram account #50152”.
Finally, we are still looking for new teachers for next year. If you know of someone who would be interested in teaching overseas and serving as a missionary, please contact me or LCMS World Mission. It is such a blessing to work out here in Taiwan, and I would be happy to explain the situation more and answer any questions that someone might have.
Please continue to pray that God will prepare people to new teachers for next year. 

It’s Prayer Time 

  1. Pray for the Wasmunds, Concordia Middle School, the American teachers and me as transitions take place for next year. Pray specifically that God would give me the wisdom, guidance, strength and patience need for the coming year.
  2. Pray for my continued Chinese learning. This will be a big component of my new position and pray that God will help me to continue to improve and work hard to study Chinese.
  3. Pray for new teachers to come serve next year in Taiwan.
  4. Pray for the teachers who will be leaving Taiwan and are currently seeking employment in the U.S.
  5. Pray for my 8th grade student Jack, who is preparing to be baptized sometime in the next couple of months. Praise God for his faith, and have him bless Jack.

And we know that in all things, God works for th egood of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

Romans 8:28 

God’s peace, hope and love be with you all! 

Mark