Taiwan, August 2015

We arrived in Taiwan on Gracie’s birthday, and our wonderful friends, that we met when this journey first started in America, went over and beyond to make her feel loved and special.  There was pizza and homemade chocolate cake, a birthday banner, gifts, and singing!  And who wouldn’t feel special with those sweet little smiles directed your way?!

We were in Taipei for a week of relaxation, and while we there, we celebrated two pretty big occasions:  Gracie becoming a teenager and 16 years of marriage.  Our anniversary was a gift beyond anything I could have asked for.  Our kids had a sleepover while Cam and I went away for a night.  We had the best time reminiscing about our love story!

Gracie’s big birthday request was dinner at Texas Roadhouse, and it did not disappoint!  While we were there, we looked up on the big tvs and saw one of Chinese surfer friends doing an interview at a surf competition.  It felt like all of our worlds colliding in one fell swoop.

Our visit to Texas Roadhouse coincided with some children’s day special event, so we had a magic show table-side.  I think they must have secretly known to make our time there extra special and unforgettable!

The peanuts in buckets, the armadillo, the unlimited baskets of rolls…it all felt like home.

I think for a minute we pretended we were back in Texas stuffing our faces.  But then when the Asian waiters came by, and the obvious lack of cowboy boots were noticed, we remembered where we were.  Not that we cared one bit!  It was an unbelievable meal!

Taipei is a gorgeous city.  We left the city and went into the countryside with our friends for a few days away from the busy-ness, with no agenda other than to relax.  We saw beaches that were breathtaking, and our souls were refreshed from being in the presence of God-given friends.  It didn’t hurt that the home we stayed in had the softest beds we have slept in on this side of the world!  

Paddle boats and kayaks were a spur of the moment decision that none of us regret!  

Faith and Gracie went out in their own boat and quickly realized that paddling is no joke!  They had a paddle war and came back soaking wet but with the biggest smiles!

This beach was full of beautiful rocks!  We went just to look and listen to the waves, and left with Cam’s cargo shorts weighted down with perfectly smooth rocks.  What a great man he is!

The girls learned to skip rocks (kind of) and had a throwing battle with Cam to see who could hit a big log the most times.  They are rarely bored and for that I am so thankful!  The whole week was more than we could have asked for.  We felt so loved on when we left…by both our Father and our friends.