I wasn’t going to do another what-I-did-this-week email so soon but, given recent developments, my schedule may be less typical for the rest of the semester. Last week was a short week because of Chinese New Year. Normal “work” included 2 singing lessons (with girls from youth group), 2 youth groups (a record of 50…
On the way to church this morning the taxi I was in had to travel by a circuitous route as the main expressway was closed. There was no explanation, just a guy with a police car and cones blocking the on-ramp. The driver and I both assumed that some dignitary was travelling that road in…
I am frequently asked what a “typical day” looks like for me. I never know what to say. It’s a legitimate question, and I appreciate the interest in what I do. While youth work is the most natural thing in the world to me, I understand that many of you have no idea how it…
I’m in Bangkok airport with a long layover before continuing on to the cold of Beijing. I’m actually looking forward to the winter weather. A little miffed that it snowed in Beijng 36 hours before my return, though! This was my 5th trip to Cambodia, so I’ve written about it before. (Like here, here and…
Last week I, along with best friend and youth pastor Christina, ran the first annual EPIC conference for TCKs. There were 60 people plus a bunch of parent volunteers who helped out over the three days. It was a great time and a fantastic start to what we hope is the first of many EPIC…
A new year begins. Already. 2011 seemed so short and so long all at once. This year… …I did a LOT of travel. I worked out that I spent 20% of 2011 outside China. I hope to do less travel next year but not sure how that will work out. …I began to REALLY enjoy…
The TCK workers’ retreat in Thailand went really well. There were only 6 people, but the small size gave us some flexibility. I had wondered if there was enough “content” but was committed to making it a restful experience. Looking back I’m glad the time was not more structured and that the sessions were so…
Hi everyone, It’s now Autumn in Beijing. The temperature cooled off quite suddenly a few weeks ago and now I need a cardigan at night. The weather has been beautiful for most of the past week – clear skies and warm sun. I am soaking up the sun while it is still around! I’m sorry…
I had just over a week in Singapore. I rode the Singapore Flyer, went on a Ducktour, saw a bit of Marina Bay, including the Helix Bridge, ate at hawker stands, and did a little shopping. I’m told that eating is one of the most important things to do in Singapore – so of course…
I had five days in Chiang Mai. I wrote about my trip to Buatong Waterfall already, but here are my thoughts on the rest of my time there. If I had to describe Chiang Mai in one word, I would choose “green”. Even the overgrown abandoned lots have a lush green-ness, verdant and beautiful, with…
I landed in Chiangmai on Friday afternoon. On Saturday morning I went to Buatong Waterfall with a few Chiangmai families, including some I’d met in Cha-am in April. Buatong is in Mae Taeng National Forest Reserve, about 45km north of Chiangmai. The last stretch of road was a narrow concrete path, which reminded me of…
Yesterday (Thursday) was my tourist day. I rarely play tourist in my travels (my touring is more about seeing people and taking part in events) but I really, really enjoyed it on this occasion. I met up with Beth, a girl I knew in China a long time ago, and together we wandered the old…
Stories From Tanya 