In recent months I have neglected my xanga and spent more time on facebook...an easier (yet also a pseudo) way of keeping in touch with people. I've noticed my xanga subscription digests have become a lot shorter of the late...maybe I'm not the only one to have resorted to facebook? Still...I appreciate those of you who make the time to post an update!

I feel like I'm living in a whirlwind. It really WOULD be nice to hibernate for a while. Christmas is in 3 days, and next week I'll be making an international trip to attend my dear friend Christina's wedding. I will be Stateside for less than a week, which is way too short. Then, before I know it, I'll be in the middle of our seminar season! And then the VOICE retreat! Time flies, but at least I can say I AM having fun...and most importantly, I'm growing in my knowledge of and love for Jesus.

Quick recap on my life of the late:

In September/October, Grace and I returned to Rochester for a month to work on our studies. One of our favorite study places was the mall. It was the perfect study environment! Whenever we needed a break, we could get up and shop.  But the biggest reason why we loved it so much was...

...this barista.  Meet one of my white Brown brothahs! Jimmiah--SB is lucky to have you. And you make the best hazelnut caramel macchiatos.

At the end of October, Grace and I brought our Chen grandparents back with us to Taiwan. They stayed for a month and offered me a lot of good "grandparently" advice. Grandpa Ho also enjoyed their company very much, and on Thanksgiving Day we took all three of them to Starbucks. 'Twas a fun memory.

In November a few of us had the opportunity to teach English and character at a medical university. It was a good experience. I became more aware of the needs of students in Taiwan--what their desires and goals are, what obstacles they're up against...and the emptiness of life without Christ.

The homeschool kids' English class grew from 6 to 11 (two are missing from the picture below) this semester. I love this class and am thankful for each student. The card Tim and I received expressing their parents' appreciation was really touching. We've been teaching this group for three years now...and it's been pretty cool to watch them grow up. What an honor to be a part of their lives.

This was my second semester teaching Leo, my hairdresser's son. On Thursday I had him make frosting so we could decorate the cookies. He did a great job! He loved the mixer...

I've been teaching Bianca for over two years now...and I can't tell you how much I've been blessed by her friendship. Bianca doesn't really need me to teach her English, but I need my weekly "Bianca time." After our class on Thursday we decorated cookies with Leo's frosting...

Thanks to Karen and Grace's help the next day, all the cookies got decorated, and we were able to distribute the love and cheer to our neighbors and friends (who don't usually celebrate Christmas). I am very tired of food...

My favorite gingerbread people...(Karen's ingenuity)

And my favorite snowman. :) My mom said this reminds her of little Jason... What do you think, Bek?

Here's a picture of my rockin' small group.   Next year I am going to be a part of the career fellowship's leadership team. My goal/purpose/job description is to come up with ways to help my brothers and sisters grow closer to Christ. I need wisdom...

And the biggest news is that my sister Karen is engaged to Luke Kallberg! He planned a surprise visit to Taiwan and popped the question at the beginning of November. Congrats to both of you!! Thank you for being a testimony of trusting in God and living to bring glory to Him!

(photo courtesy of Charity Sanders)

It's hard to believe 2007 is almost over...but then I think about all God has done and all I've learned this year...and I am amazed at how much He fit into a year.  The lessons I've learned have been priceless...I've discovered and proved Jesus to be all I need and more. My faith has been tested and strengthened, and I know God will continue to do so as He teaches me to walk in His ways. I hope you have a wonderful season of celebrating God's greatest gift to us--Jesus Christ, His Son. There is no true fulfillment and joy apart from Him!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!