Tonight at around 9pm we had to put the movie we were watching on hold and go stand in a doorway. The apartment was shaking so bad, and it did it for so long, we weren’t sure if it would remain standing. It was pretty scary. the AP said:
A large earthquake struck Taiwan on Saturday, rattling buildings in the capital of Taipei.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the 6.4-magnitude quake was centered off the eastern coast of Taiwan, about 16 miles (25 kilometers) from Hualien. It struck at a depth of 28 miles (45 kilometers). The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center did not immediately issue any warning.
Local TV reports said four minor casualties were reported in the capital. The reports said Taipei’s subways and the island’s high speed railroad were suspended.
There was some damage to property in a community near the quake’s epicenter.
Earthquakes frequently rattle Taiwan but most are minor and cause little or no damage.
USGS says 6.4, Taiwan says 6.8, whatever it was at the epicenter, it was strong in our apartment!
Below you’ll find a link to an article that says some good things.
“Dr. James Dobson’s influential conservative Christian organization, Focus on the Family, is promoting StandforChristmas.com, a Web site that helps shoppers rank “Christmas-friendly” retailers (most friendly: Bass Pro Shops; least friendly: American Eagle Outfitters). The site reminds visitors that retailers “want your patronage and your gift-shopping dollars” and then asks, “but do they openly recognize Christmas?”
Sadly, both approaches precisely miss the point of this sacred and beautiful holiday.
It makes zero sense to recruit retailers in this crusade when consumerism is the reason why Christmas has morphed into a hollow shopping ritual that, come January, leaves too many families with debt hangovers and an empty feeling inside. Demanding that store clerks cheerily proclaim “Merry Christmas” as they ring up your power tools and iPod does precious little to put the Christ-child back in Christmas.”
Christians To Blame For Secular Christmas – ParentDish.
“But Christmas starts with us. In our hearts. In our homes. And in a very simple decision to reclaim the silence, joy, and quiet simplicity of that first Christmas in Bethlehem when God chose to speak to mankind in the small cry of a newborn baby.”
I spent one morning back in September listening to Ed Stetzer speak about the Emerging Church. Follow this link to a website where he talks about his trip to Taiwan.
Below are a couple of good videos from that trip.
The first is a great explanation of religion in Taiwan.
The second is an interview he had with a Taipei worker.
Thanks to Eric at Mission Taiwan
I want to put up more of the London pictures before the work week takes over. I don’t have time now to tweak them or do very much to them so I’ll just upload what I have and get back to them later (I hope).
I really had a good time I hope you like the pics. Click the links. I didn’t link to the slideshow view this time. If you want to see them in a slideshow just click the link in the upper right hand corner area.
Which way do you prefer? Link to slideshow or link to album? Let me know in the comments (on the blog – not FB).
The day I arrived I just had a few hours before I had to leave town for the purpose of the trip – training.
The day after training. Again I had less than a whole day. Saw the zero degree latitude line.
Sunday, my first full day. Worship in St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Monday, left early with a plan.
Tuesday, next to the last day.
Wednesday, half day before departure.
As I get ready to go out for the 3rd day in London, I wanted to let you know I’ve put up more pictures (quick and sloppy). I’m having fun but getting really cold and tired. Maybe I’ll go a little slower today 
I’ll try to organize and caption them better once I get to a better internet connection and have the time.
Just a quick note to let you know I put a few pics on Flickr. The day I arrived for training I was able to spend 4 hours in town before I took a train to the town where the training takes place. I’ll add to them and give them captions later. I had a lot of fun in four short hours. More later!
Click HERE to go to the slideshow.
Next week I (Jackie) will be on the road again. This time however it is to a new destination. London!
I’ve never been to that part of the world and am pretty excited. There will be a few days training and then a few days of vacation. I’ve been doing research into the most well known places so that I can prioritize and see as many sights as possible. Fran will stay behind this time. It was mainly the prospect of cold that made the decision – but, that coupled with $$$ and time away from ministry caused her to decide to not go this time.
If you have any advice or tips I’d love to hear them!
Big Ben
Tower Bridge
It’s been a while for a foto Friday but this was too good to pass up.
Last night we went to one of our favorite “supermarkets” to pick up a few things and I happened to have my camera with me. Entering the store you pass many signs of all types. Here are a couple that you will not see in Texas
