Happy Thanksgiving!!!

We hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving. We had fun celebrating with four other IMB families here in Taichung. We had a big feast!!!

Keith enjoyed his time talking sports with the guys.

Wade and Hunter enjoyed climbing trees after eating their Thanksgiving meal.

The Curlee girls enjoyed their time as well -- eating, talking, and relaxing.

Busy Weekend (Friday night)

We had a busy but fun weekend. It all started with the Junior Carnival that Morrison Academy put on. This is an annual event where the Juniors in high school put on a carnival filled with games and food. They raise money to help support their Jr-Sr. banquet and their Senior trip. Our kids enjoyed it!!! (See pictures below of Levi and Hunter enjoying putt-putt and boxing)

COSTCO Grand Opening!

Just to let you all know, the long-awaited COSTCO opened on Friday! There have been rumors of it coming to Taichung for several years now, and it has finally happened. About a month ago they had a special day at Morrison where you could go and apply for a membership card. I already had one from when we lived in Taipei.

I had previously decided I would not go on opening weekend. However, my curiosity got the best of me and I ventured out that way right before opening on the first day. My plan was to go inside only if it didn't look too crowded. If it was really bad, I would just go to the new Carrefour close by to buy my weekly groceries. (Carrefour is a European chain store sort of like Super Walmart)

As I drove down the road toward the general area where I knew COSTCO was located, I noticed an unusual amount of cars turning left with policemen directing traffic. I thought, "Surely that isn't it, I must not have gone far enough..." When I realized I had gone too far, I did a U-turn and headed back towards all the cars. Sure enough, the traffic was for the grand opening! It reminded me of the traffic going to an NC State ball game! Then I saw a line of people coming out of the store and wrapping around the block. Needless to say, I turned around again and headed for the Carrefour. I love people, but this was definitely overdoing it!

Later that day, I heard from other people who ventured out there that the people were neck to neck, and check out lines went all the way to the back of the store. One person said he was there for three hours and didn't even get to buy anything.

I did make it out there this Tuesday after my language classes. It was still more crowded than I would've liked, but I was able to get in and out in about one and a half hours, so I was pleased. One thing I noticed was many people with only one or two items in their huge buggies. On the other hand, mine was very full - that's what happens when you buy for 6 people. I got a little tired of people staring at the crazy foreigner and laughing at all my purchases. But it was worth it.

I think COSTCO will be a hit here! I, for one, and very thankful it is here and I can go there to purchase the western things we crave!!

Volleyball in Taipei

Last weekend, Milly finished up her volleyball season with a tournament in Taipei (where we used to live). Milly, Wade, and Hunter all got to go a little early and see their Bethany friends on Friday afternoon. The tournament was all day Saturday at Bethany (their old school). Milly's team finished third and Milly played great. Below is a team picture. Milly is going to take the next sport's season off (softball)but plans to play basketball in the spring.

NC State Apparel in Taiwan

Ever since we have moved to Taiwan (close to two years now) I (Keith) have been looking for NC State shirts, hats, shorts -- not to buy -- just to see if the Wolfpack stuff had made over to this side of the world. Through my search, I have seen plenty of Taiwanese wearing Carolina and Duke stuff. I even spotted an ECU jacket here in Taichung. Finally, last weekend in Taipei I spotted a person wearing an NC State cap. I went straight to him and in my best Chinese asked him if he knew about the school that his cap represented. In perfect English he replied back, "Yes, I go to school there." Small world isn't it? In fact, this is the third person that I have met here in Taiwan that either currently goes to NCSU or has graduated. Go Pack!!!

Page -- Playing the guitar again!!!

Page played the guitar in college but had given it up until recently. Keith bought her the guitar you see on her back and she has begun to play it again at church and different events. She needed one more thing to add to her plate -- along with language school and taking care of all the kids (and Keith!). The place behind Page is an excellent tea stand that we all like.

Pa and Kaykee are here!

Pa and Kaykee arrived last Sunday to Taichung. They were supposed to arrive on Saturday but were delayed in Korea for an extra day + a few hours because of the typhoon that hit us that weekend. We have had a great visit so far. We went to Taroko Gorge for a few days, and now the Curlee kids are back in school. We will stay around Taichung this week before they return to the States on the 22nd. The photos were taken at Chili's the day after they arrived - Yum! It is wonderful to have them here!!

Typhoon KROSA

Today, Oct. 6, Pa and Kaykee (Keith's dad and stepmom) were supposed to fly into Taiwan. However, Typhoon KROSA has changed those plans. Pa and Kaykee are stuck in Korea (in a very nice hotel) waiting out the storm. Hopefully, they will get here on Sunday or Monday. We have been here for close to 2 years now, and this is the biggest storm we have had yet. Many trees are down but we still have power -- at least for now.

Care Package from Rope Holders!

We just want to express our gratitude for the wonderful care package we received last week! It is from the Rope Holders, our Sunday school class back at Green Street Baptist Church. As you can see, we were thrilled to receive it! It means so much to us that you continue to remember us on this side of the world!

Dinner with Janet and Jennifer

Many of you probably remember our friend from Taipei, Janet. She and her sister, Jennifer, were in Taichung for the day on Thursday and decided to give us a visit. It was so great to see Janet, and this is the first time we met Jennifer. They have three other sisters and one brother! We took them to our favorite resturant in the village where we live. It is one where the cook makes the meal in front of you, similar to the Japanese restaurants in the States, but much more casual and not as much food per plate! (plus MUCH cheaper - all 4 of us ate for less than $15 US - Milly stayed at the house with the boys)

This is a picture of us taken by the lady who runs the restaurant.

This precious lady, the matriarch of the family who runs the restaurant, affectionately called "Grandmother Chen" always waits outside. Her job is to talk to people who walk by and make them comfortable in chairs outside if they have to wait for a seat. One time Page reached out to touch her shoulder when we were leaving, and she grabbed Page and hugged her. She said, "Please come back often! Please come back often!" - so we try to do that!!

Fun at the water park!

Last Thursday, the kids had a half day of school for staff development purposes. Therefore, a few other moms and Page decided to go to a water park called "Small Kunting". Kunting is the most popular beach on the island, thus the name. The weather was perfect, and we were the only people there! In all we had 3 adults, 3 high schoolers, and 10 children (middle school and under).

Here is Hunter coming out of the end of a long swirly slide!

This photo is Milly and three of her new buddies: Grace, Julie and Shawna

Levi is on the big wide slide going down head-first!

Wade and Levi at the bottom of the swirly slide. This park is different than the ones we have been to in America. There are no people telling you when to go down so you often end up running into the person in front of you. Sometimes you have these fun "pile-ups" and a whole group comes out together into the water!

This last photo is of Wade and his friend, Andy (Wade pictured on the left). This is the fastest slide - you actually soar in the air for a short time!

The instruments are bigger than they are!!

We thought you may like to see Wade and Hunter as they are learning to play their new instruments.

Wade chose the bass clarinet. As you can see in the photo, it is much larger (and heavier) than a normal clarinet. It has a rich, deep tone. He has only had it for two weeks now, and he already knows eleven notes. He can play "Ode to Joy" beautifully!!

Hunter had the option of violin, viola, or cello. As you can see, he chose the cello. And because his hands are so big, he got the largest one in the class! (It is a 3/4 size, for all you music people out there). He is not allowed to use the actual bow yet, just plucking notes so far. He is doing a great job.

Needless to say, Milly's petite little oboe looks quite different compared to these giant instruments. We have quite an orchestra at our house now. Levi plays his little recorder when he wants to join in...

A tribute to Linda

Last weekend we went up to Taipei to pay tribute to our friend, Linda Phillips, who is retiring after 30 years of service with the International Mission Board. She has been working as librarian at the seminary in Taipei and has held instrumental roles in several Chinese churches on the island. We all gathered to have her "going away" party. The celebrations was entitled "Jeans and Jewels" in honor of Linda's casual, easy-going style and also her professionalism and her value (like a jewel) to the people of Taiwan and to us as fellow laborers. The photos were taken on the seminary campus at the Taiwan mission museum. Establishing this museum has been Linda's pride and joy. It is quite a collection, and the items and narrations beautifully tell the story of the history of IMB mission work in Taiwan. She will now retire and head back to America. Please remember Linda in your prayers as she transitions back to the States and says "good-bye" to her home the the people she loves here! Thank you for your years of service, Linda!!! We love you!

On a funny note: We were explaining to our children about the celebration before we arrived, telling them we were going to honor "Aunt Linda" for so many years of service as a missionary, etc. Levi's one questions was, "Do you mean she is even older than Dad???"

Levi's first day at Si Chang Li

Levi had his first day of kindergarten on Friday. He is going to Si Chang Li Elementary School. It is a public elementary school close to our house in Taichung. He was a little bit anxious about going back to a Chinese school. After a summer of being at home, he has forgotten a lot of his language! But we hear he will pick it up again quickly. His teachers' names are Teacher Hu and Teacher Ding. Our plan is to hold him back a year since he has a late birthday. Next year, Levi will probably go to Morrison Academy with his siblings and have another year of kindergarten there - unless he loves this new school so much and decides to go onto Chinese first grade! Way to go, Levi!! Jia yo!! (Chinese for "way to go")

First day of school!

The Curlee kids started school this week! This group photo was taken Monday morning before the first day of school. They are now in the following grades: Milly - 7th, Wade - 5th, Hunter - 2nd. Levi will start kindergarten next Friday at his Chinese school, Si Chiang Li. All of the kids have had a really great first week - thank you for your prayers as they have had to adjust to another school.

All three of the older kids are especially excited about all of the extracurricular opportunities they will have at MCA this year. Milly's electives this quarter are band (oboe), math club, mosaic art class, drawing art class, and one on defending your faith. Wade is very excited about his first opportunity to play in the band - he is hoping to play the trumpet. And Hunter will take a beginning violin class two times a week after school! Levi just found out he can play on the elementary tee ball and soccer teams at MCA even though he won't be going to school there yet since he is technically kindergarten age. Please continue to pray for the kids as God brings them to your heart this school year!

The photos below were taken at MCA on Monday morning. The first one is of Hunter and two of his new friends, David and Ivy, outside the second grade classroom. The second is of Wade seated at his 5th grade desk. The boy sitting behind him is Nathan, one of Wade's new friends.

P.S. We obviously survived the typhoon last week! Sorry to not keep you posted. It ended up being just a big rain storm with some wind. Thank you for your prayers!

Typhoon is Approaching

We have been in Taiwan more than a year and a half and have yet to experience a "real" typhoon. Last summer we had a few small ones, but when they hit the island they were downgraded to tropical storms. Tomorrow night a big one is supposed to hit -- see potential track below and satellite above. Usually, not much damage is done -- just a lot of wind and rain. After it is over we will let you know how everything turned out.

The Curlee kids go to basketball camp!

This week is basketball camp at MCA. On Monday, Wade and Hunter put on their new Upward basketball outfits (thanks to the Gables:)) and were all ready to go. Levi put on his Upward outfit to match his brothers. The photo is of the three boys right before I registered them for the camp.

During registration, the camp director commented on how our family was already a team in itself! As I registered the two boys, he asked me, "What about him?" (pointing to Levi) I told him Levi was only five. "He can come too!" was his prompt reply. Levi was very excited!! The only glitch was that he was already signed up for swimming lessons during the same time. So....each day he goes to basketball camp until 10:15, then to swimming until 10:45 then back to basketball.

The same camp director is also holding an afternoon camp for middle and high schoolers. After much agonizing, Milly decided to participate as well. She is on the Cavaliers team. I can't say she loves it as much as the boys do, but she is doing very well and meeting some more people here. She even received the "shooter of the day" award today!

The boys have all gotten awards, too. Wade got "shooter of the day" on Tuesday. He was on the Suns team but was traded today to the Jazz team. Hunter, on the Pistons team, received "passer of the day" on Wednesday. Levi, on the Cavaliers team, received "rebounder of the day" on Wednesday - he set a new record of the youngest ever rebounder of the day.

Taiwan Tea

Taiwan is famous for it's tea. They have many types of tea that we have come to love. Milly's favorite is pearl milk tea. Page's favorite is green tea. Keith's favorite is black tea (this is a lot like NC sweet tea). Wade also likes pearl milk tea but can only drink it before lunch as the sugar and caffeine in the tea makes Wade super hyper. Hunter likes Nestea from 7-11 and Levi does not like tea. He prefers a drink called C.C. Lemon. This is like lemonade but with carbonation.

Hannah has tried many of these teas and decided her favorite was fruit tea. The picture above is of the "girls" sipping their fruit tea as they rest from an afternoon of shopping.

We have enjoyed having Hannah here for the past 2 1/2 weeks. We thank God that she was able to see our home here in Taiwan and we were able to see her. She will be flying back tomorrow and returning to the States on Wednesday.

Mission trip to Taimali!!!

Keith, Milly, Wade, and Hannah just returned from their mission trip to Taimali. Taimali is a very small town located in the southeast part of the island. A group of about 30 workers headed to Taimali (some missionaries, some Americans on a short term trip, and some Chinese from local churches in Taipei and Taichung). We had a very successful trip. Through an English camp, we were able to teach not only English, but also the gospel message. In the end, we had many accept Christ into their hearts and 16 were actually baptized!! Praise God. Above is a picture of Taimali taken from the local Baptist church. A dog in the middle of the road would never survive in Taipei. Below are some more pictures of the trip.

Wade working hard in his group. Wade shared his English skills each day to some high school students.

Hannah sharing the gospel to two of her students. Of course, she had a translater, named Sophia, help her tell the story.
Keith and Milly overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Taimali. It was a great view!!!

Hannah has arrived!!!

Hannah Steele, a good friend to our family and former babysitter to our kids, arrived today!!! We were all so excited to see her. She will be with us until July 31. Next week, Keith, Hannah, Milly, and Wade will head to Taitung (see map below for location) to help on a short term mission trip. Taitung is in the south-eastern part of the island. They will be joined by some other missionaries, some people from the States, and some believers from Taiwan. The team will be putting on an English Bible Camp. Please join us in prayer that many will come to know Christ next week and many churches will start!! Thanks.