Chaotic p a t t e r n s

3/2

Tuesday 

First day of kindy 

"Chaos is just patterns not yet recognized".  This is so true.  Living in Taiwan has been pretty stress free although there have been moments of chaos, just open my bedroom window!

The traffic, daily schedule, eating patterns, smells and signage are some things that are unfamiliar to me. Firstly the buzz and speed of the traffic is overwhelming especially when there aren't sidewalks.  The daily schedule has been an adjustment as most shops open at 11:00 and my official teaching time at 16:40.  The fact that the Taiwanese eat noodles for breakfast, lunch and supper is also weird to digest.  Then there are the smells, let's skip talking about those! The signage is in Chinese so it seems even more overwhelming but it's just a lot of signage. 

These are all things that seemed chaotic and overwhelming but now they are patterns, familiar.

But, today was my first day of kindy and it felt surreal. So much change but I will adjust in time. Now my day starts at 6:00 and ends earlier- latest 1830. So I'm looking forward to having this chaos turn into a pattern. 

Hope you have a beautiful day!

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Love liberates

Monday

2/29

27 days until I'm on South African soil.

Morning all, 

I truly hope someone is reading this.  

I wanted to share with you a Maya Angelou quote because this woman oozes with love and wisdom (what a combination).  

Love liberates.  Love does not worry or fret, love trusts and blesses others with freedom. 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

I hope you dance...

Sunday

2/27

In twenty eight days I'll be on South African soil.  

In Luke 7:36 It says,

"We played the flute for you,

and you did not dance.

We sang a dirge

And you did not cry".

This passage really stood out to me because we can live in a state of dissatisfaction if we choose.  Jesus had done amazing things and still some didn't believe.  Obviously this is not the full life God has for us.  He wants us to dance, believe, sing and yes (at times) we will mourn.  

My prayer is that we will live a full life with God.  One encrusted in friendship, baked in love, steamed in peace and sprinkled with joy! 

Lots of love, 

Sarah and Phoenix 

 

Sharing Light and l i f e

2/27

Saturday

I'm snuggled in my bed.  I've just finished eating my oats and drinking my coffee and I'm ready to share with you a few pics, I'm sorry if you've seen them before.  

Sharing life with people is a blessing.  It's nice to talk to someone and have someone there physically.  These photos were taken in the setting described.  

These were taken in Neiwan.

This was the last street photo we took.  

This is at the Hsinchu harbour. 

This is another photo taken on the street.  Not many of the streets in Hsinchu have sidewalks. Which as you can imagine can be dangerous but people are also very aware of space and the lack thereof.  

Although Kara and I could hardly believe our eyes when a scooter was driving and hit into the back of a bus.  He gathered himself, looked back at us and then carried on driving like nothing happened. No one was hurt.  

They compare the Taiwanese traffic to the sea.  The buses are the whales, scooter- sardines and the taxi's are the Sharks. The sardines flow as a unit, the whales are slower and bigger in size and then the Sharks are risk takers and will snap any chance to get ahead or what they want.  I've found that most modes of transport are sensitive to pedestrians and bicyclists.  There is serious ramifications if one of those hits a pedestrian or bicyclist. 

There are so many adventures to be had .  Some will be with people and some not.  When I get back from South Africa I intend to be intentional about making little trips by myself.  Im learning to revel in being single.  

Hope you have a great day alone or not!

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

M e again

Friday

2/26

Hello, it's me again.  So, my darling friend has left and it can be very easy to feel sorry for myself.  I said goodbye to her at the airport yesterday and felt somewhat down about it.  But it's difficult to stay down when a lady and a man start chatting to you in their broken "Inger rishy".  The lady also said that Im very beautiful.  She was making it difficult for me to stay upset.  

Jumping into a different bus to get home I was convinced it was the wrong one.  It took me double the time the bus to the airport took.  It must've been due to all the stopping.

But I got home, eventually.  

Now, it's just me.  

Well not actually, it's God and I.

Have a great day being contented in Gods presence.

Love,

Phoenix and Sarah

Friendship...

Thursday 

2/25

Today I say goodbye to my lovely friend, Kara.  What a joy it is to have someone by ones side.  Walking the streets, sitting on trains/buses together watching the mountains pass by has been a real treat.  

It's true joy shared is joy doubled, sorrow a shared are sorrow halved .  

Cherish your friends.

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

+1 a wee laugh

Tuesday 

2/24

A wee laugh...

Caption:

What happens if I'm a Khoisan descendant or like to incorporate my gym moves while on the loo...

This one is unclear but maybe it's more respectful to the company that you don't see the name.  It says "English school... Make you enjoy English".  I thought it was ironic.

Have a joyful day seeing the funny in everyday things. 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

A little laugh

tuesday

2/23

As an English teacher my auto correct skills are always sharpened ( at least I like to think so) and my grammar mistake glasses are always on.  While I take my hat off to the Taiwanese for trying to learn English I also have my joy on, which includes any excuse to laugh.   

I'll share a few bloopers that Ive seen around town as I go.  I intend for this blog to have some consistencies such as things that I love about the Taiwanese way, funny things, things of the heart and so on.  The format of my monthly newsletter is 

+1 a little laugh 

1.  Wanderings & Wonderings

2.  Passion 4 Fashion

3.  Steeple & People

4.  Yummies 4 Tummies

If you're not on my newsletter and would like to be please leave me a comment with your email address.  The content of my monthly newsletter is concise and different to my blog posts.  

My blog is a mush of all four of the above mentioned.

So, here are some bloopers to get us started.  

This was a drink on the menu.

Customer first, excellent servives.  

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Exploring

2/21

Sunday

Train trip to Neiwan.  

God is here.  God is near. Wherever we go, God goes with us.  Where He is there is joy, peace and love.  This revelation is so simple and so known by so many.  But this revelation is to be explored.  May we explore this truth and live out what we know in our minds.  

Have a joyful, peaceful and loving day!

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

Another 4 letter word: r e s t

2/22

Monday

R e s t 

When I flew into Taipei I saw peace.  The land was soaked and satisfied in peace.  I saw larger properties , not fancy but not apartment blocks either.  I saw small farm yards and I saw contentment.  It's difficult to describe what this looks like in hue, detail and texture but just go with me on this.

Being here in Taiwan I have experienced so much peace, honour, favour, respect and contentment.  Yes, there have been moments of heart pumping crazy.  But the people really respect foreigners- not exclusively.  My co workers respect each other's space and when they aren't quietly working they are giggling together and having a good time.  

They understand that we are humans who need food and rest.  At dinner time we are given a chance to eat and at my other branch we are offered lunch with the kids.  If we like we can also lie down when the kids down. I'm definitely going to take this into my life style ( along with eating with chopsticks, sharing food and walking to and fro).  

I am looking forward to my move into Kindy but Im also looking forward to doing it in peace, knowing my humanly needs as well as theirs. I want to be the best teacher I can be and so Im going to do what I need to do in order to make it a sustainable lifestyle by finding rest in moments of busyness and being vertical.  

May you not limit rest to sleeping but find rest in your work and play.  

Much love,

Phoenix and Sarah.

L o v e - that word

Saturday 

2/20

So as we know it's the month of love so naturally I'm leaning towards thinking about... Love. So if I skip a few ponderings and leave you with my latest pondering it is this...

With the God of love who created us in love how can I not love ? If I am made in the image of God (who is love) that means I am made in the image of love.  Then how can I not love?

If love is living in me how can I not love? 

As a child of God it's only natural to love when we know we have been loved first.  

More to follow!

Have a loving and being loved day. 

Love,

Phoenix and Sarah 

T r u s t

Friday

2/19

"It pays to take life seriously; things work out when you trust in God", Proverbs 16:20.  This is the message version but the truth is universal.  Its sort of an oxymoron though. In one breath it's saying its good to take life seriously and in the next it's saying that things work out when we trust God.  So it's saying that we must take life seriously but that we must not worry because God has it all worked out.  These two things can and do happen simultaneously.  We are accountable with what we've been given and God is in control, pulling the strings.

My prayer for you today is that you'd be faithful with what you've been given and that you'd see God work things out as you trust in Him.  May worry be a thing of the past and may joy be your portion.  

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

  

Your life dear h e a r t

Dear lady h e a r t,

"This is your life... It is yours... You have choices and options... You have decisions to make and you get to carve your way out.  This is a privilege dear heart.  It may not feel like it but it is.  Together we are painting something beautiful together.  You can choose to work hard or to sleep your days away.  I know you make good decisions though.  You can baske in my beauty and presence or you can try and do it alone.  You can choose.  

You are born to be wild my friend.  You were born to see sunrises and sunsets.  You were born to impart a unique kind of beauty to the world.  You were born for a time such as this.  Life hasn't happened by accident.  

My love, my heart for you is good and I declare sunshine in your storm.  I declare light to beam into your mind.  I declare that it is a change of season.  

Will you step into it? Will you dance with me as the leaves fall off the autumn tree? Come away my beloved.  Come away... Let's tuck away together..."

Love, 

Phoenix & Sarah 

P e a c e

Thursday

2/18

Peace.  This word that stands out in stark contrast to a busy world.  Although having peace doesn't mean waiting for a day for all the wars (in the world and in our heads) to stop but finding peace in the midst of it all.  If we wait for perfection and reason to be peaceful we may wait our entire lives.  

So what is peace to me? Peace is that gentle whisper when admin is due and my heart is beating fast.  Peace is that moment before bed when I reflect on the day, it's the moment I wake up in the morning and all the different modes of transport are zooming outside my bedroom window and I know Im safe inside.  Peace is something that cannot be stolen from me unless I allow this to happen.  Peace is living in alignment with my thought life and actions.  I find peace in God alone. 

There have been times where Ive felt like God is not interested in my being peaceful.  I've thought that he adds more to my to do list.  But Ive found this to be untrue. God desires us to be at peace.  This essentially means to be rooted in Him,who He says he is and who he says I am.

May you hear peace whisper in your ear.

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

W o r k

Tuesday 

2/16

Second day back at w o r k

Life is so much more than just work and I guess with a friend here it has become more balanced in a way.  I'm spending less time in my own head and at work and more time considering someone else- which is what I prefer. 

We human beings are made up of so many parts.  We are emotional, physical and spiritual.  We have needs beyond just a roof and some food.  We have likes and dislikes.  We have personalities and hurts that shape our personalities.  We have things that have shaped us positively and things that have shaped is in a way that actually stifles our growth and development.  We have a body, mind and soul. 

I believe that we are at peace when all three align.  But at the same time I believe we can experience peace even if they don't.

So while I write this i acknowledge that Im neglecting other needs of mine, such as sleep, I also acknowledge that it fulfills another need of mine.  You may also want to do a quick audit on your needs.

But I am going to say goodnight now and pray that your desires are met as you need them to be and as God desires to meet them. But before I go know that God hears you and wants to meet your needs-WELL!

This picture has nothing to do with the post but Margaret was on the menu.  Couldn't help giggling with my friend.

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

Nutty and sweet

Sunday

2/14

Valentine's Day

We were given these and they were/are absolutely delicious-nutty and sweet.  They had walnuts in and was/is (if you can find more send them to me) surrounded by a dried plum. That's what we think anyway they were Delish!  The taiwanese are so about sharing! 

Once again the Taiwanese are so welcoming and warm to foreigners! 

As soon as I get a clear sky I'm going to meander and find somewhere to find somewhere to learn Mandarin- I feel it's time!

Oh! And Happpppy Valentine's Day! May it be sweet to not only the tastebuds! 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

Light and sights

Monday

2/15

First day back at w o r k 

I find myself leaning towards the option of being out in the open than being in the shopping malls.  I guess being back at work being outdoors is a real treat and a break from the norm.

This was a photo I took on a recent trip to Beitou.  I love how it looks like the bridge leads one to a magical and mysterious world.

️May you be lead to a wonderful new place. 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

Things I appreciate about Taiwan (part t h r e e )

Saturday 

2/13

I absolutely adore the fact that the public transport system runs well.  It has been so easy and convenient jumping onto a bus to get to the capital city, Taipei.  

There is also a shuttle bus in the city in which I live that runs from one point to the main mall, Big City.  This is great for shopping as I don't have a scooter and having a car is not on the cards.  The MRT also runs underground in Taipei so we caught it to get to Beitou and to the hot springs.  The whole trip from Hsinchu to Beitou was a whopping NT$165 which is around R80. This is one way. So, R160 for a round trip.  

I appreciate the family commitment and connection.  Over Chinese New Year everyone heads home to spend time with their family.  So, Taipei is really quiet which is nice as a foreigner. 

Relationships as mentioned before are really important.  I was reminded of this again when I went to the hot springs and younger children were told not to splash in the pools by elderly folk- not necessarily their parents.  The Taiwanese way is that you do what they think you should and they won't stop telling you until you do as they say.

Respect!  There is a lot of respect for the elderly folk which is tear jerking!  I'm not joking- I actually found rain falling on my face when I saw a young man (well dressed) fixing his grandma's scarf which was maybe half a millimeter out of place.  

The language barrier.  Yes, this is something that has given me a mental break.  I don't know what these beauties are talking about so my mind is free to think and focus on what is important. 

The hot springs is a worthy mention as mentioned before but not given deserving credit.  They were hot but ever so relaxing! 

Lastly (for this post anyway) I appreciate the gentleness.  The people here are generally gentle and sweet to foreigners- except when it comes to massages! 

Once again these are a few of my favorite things and things that I want to show my mom, can't wait!

Hope you're embracing the day that you have been given. 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

Fifth and last day of h o l i d a y s

Friday

2/12

Last day of h o l i d a y s 

Said "Goodbye" to a friend this morning but Im so blessed to have one stay for another week and a bit.  Also getting ready to say goodbye to these blessed holidays.

We made a trip on the MRT to Beitou to the h o t springs.  The temperatures  of the spring water reaching a whopping 45 degrees.  

It has been a mellow day.  Catching up sleep as we've been up early to ensure my friend gets to the airport in time as well as soaking in the water.

My newsletter will be out in the next few days so I'm not going to say too much but I will leave you with a pic of my friend and I after the hot springs.  We weren't allowed to snap in the hot springs, once again it's refreshing to put away the camera and enjoy the beauty of a moment for oneself.

Also found some lovely things to show my mom- can't wait for her to join me! 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah.

Fourth day of h o l i d a y s

Thursday 

2/11

Fourth day of h o l i d a y s

So technically it's not my fourth day of holidays.  But I feel the need to get ahead because I have been enjoying my time with my friends and tending to their needs as best I can and will continue to.  

Tomorrow the plan is to head to Taipei and the hot springs- plans do adapt though. My beloved friend from South Africa is leaving early Friday morning so we are positioning ourselves close to the airport- these plans don't adapt unfortunately. While it is going to be a good day (regardless of plans changing or not) it is also preparation for when my mom comes.  I will know exactly where to take her and how to make the most of it.  

Some tips:

Wear comfortable trainers/tennis shoes/running shoes 

Pack water 

And have a snack on hand

Go to the bathroom (restroom) whenever the opportunity arise

Today we went to the Hsinchu glass museum and were not allowed to take photo's.  Isn't it sometimes refreshing to just live in the moment?

So consider this post one that was written in the moment so I don't miss a moment as well as keeping momentum with my agreement to post daily!

Consider this permission to 'live in the moment'. 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

Third day of h o l i d a y s

Wednesday 

2/10

Today is my third day of holidays and My oh My! Am I loving it!

It's been the perfect combination of light exercise, friends, rest, talking about God, eating good things, drinking coffee, hosting people and seeing beautiful things.  It could do with some more sleep (block your ears Mom) but we will get to that! 

Here are some photo's of the amusing animals we met at the Hsinchu Zoo yesterday. 

Have a fabulous day! 

Lots of love,

Phoenix and Sarah

Second day of h o l i d a y s

2/9

Tuesday 

Second day of Chinese New Year holidays 

Morning beautiful people, 

A friend arrived from China early this morning so my nest is full, there's no more room at the Inn.  We chatted briefly before bed (when the goodness usually comes out) about remembering why we are here and it served as a loud reminder to me that there is purpose in the black and white.  There is purpose in your signature.  There is reason to it all and if we just take a deep breath and some time with those we love we will see that.  

"May you have a blessed time with those around you.  Give someone a hug today! Share ideas, eat a meal with someone, communicate and ask for help- all these things make us feel more connected and relaxed (it's scientifically proven). 

Cut yourself some slack.  You're doing your best, life isn't so black and white anyway and one block of chocolate is not going to kill you".

Oh, by the way we climbed Elephant mountain yesterday and it was refreshing! 

The steps steep, the air clean and the silence healing. 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah

xxx

First of ...f i r s t s

first of firsts- well not really! But I felt like saying that. 

But, in a way it is... it's my first time celebrating Chinese New Year and it's my first time having a holiday this year! I also get to share it with my beautiful friend.

I also just have such a wonderful feeling as I flipped my Taiwanese calender over to a new month, full of promise and delight.  Not to mention every day is a day closer to going home (but im not going to mention that).    

Today we are going to climb Elephant mountain in Taipei so best be going! 

Love, 

Phoenix & Sarah 

You're a m a s t e r p i e c e

2/7

Sunday 

When God created you He created a masterpiece!  

Recently I've picked up some wood and carving tools- what a joy it has been to dream about something and then shape something to create that something.

How much joy does God take in shaping you?  How much more delight does he take in moulding you into the original design he had/has for you?  

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

"I feel fat"

Saturday 

2/6

Morning all! 

I feel fat and while I have every reason to cos I ate way too many French fries and dug into a tin of cookies this week I declare I feel otherwise.  Also being surrounded by tiny people who actually eat a lot (so it has nothing to do with kilojoule consumption but rather genetics) i stand out somewhat! Which comes in handy at times.

So, anyway I've been thinking bit about how as a teacher one has to digest the content and then regurgitate it to the children to make it easier for them to digest.  I feel this applies to more than just our impartation to school children but the children around us and the children that will one day be biologically ours.  

In order to lead someone to a new place we need to go there first.  In order to impart confidence and feelings of self worth to children we need to be confident and secure in who we are or whose we are. 

One day I hope to have a daughter and I hope to impart confidence so instead of saying I feel FAT I want to declare that I feel :

F-fabulous 

A- and

T- tenacious 

May we live confidently in who God made us to be! 

Here's a plant that is fully itself:

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah 

Beauty in the greys...

2/6

Thursday 

Just as I thought I was slipping into a routine I find myself being placed at another work place.  As I say that it sounds like i didn't have a choice in the matter.  That is not fully true as its more like the job found me than I found it!  I also know that I don't need to try and control my life to a point where it'd be negative. 

It's a move that will do me well in the long term as it is my preferred age group and the relationships that I'll form will be richer.  

I'm moving to teach Kindy- which is kindergarten.  I will no longer be teaching at cram school but will teach the same kids everyday- in the mornings that is.  

I'm really looking forward to the adjustment and so I thought I'd share a picture of the view from my window.  

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder".There is beauty to be found in every situation.

Have a beautiful day!

Love, 

Phoenix & Sarah

These are a few of my favorite things

2/4 (This is how the Taiwanese write the date)

Thursday 

Oh and another fun fact: when they say sign they actually mean write your name.

As I've mentioned there are many things that I notice and tickle my fancy about Taiwan.  I've mentioned that the service is really great but I want to harp on this point!  A dear friend who is visiting me went to the bank to exchange money.  The whole deal was really quick- the bank was pretty empty and she left with what she wanted in a maximum of ten minutes.  It was a good service considering neither of us actually speak nor understand Chinese.  

This is a pic of a water filter that you'll find at most work places that gives you the option of cold, warm and hot.  One cannot use the water from the taps here but they have these petrol tank looking tanks that dispense filtered water for a minimum price.  

These are a few things that I love about Taiwan.

Love, 

Phoenix & Sarah

Something I love about Taiwan

2/2 

Tuesday

day two with my beautiful friend, Kara. 

Another thing that I love about Taiwan is the delicious pastries.  They are not overly sweet but sprinkled and dusted with good thoughts!

Have a sweet day all! 

Love, 

Phoenix and Sarah