The TEAM organization recently published maps of Taiwan dipicting church members throughout the country and locally in different counties. (Click the map to link to the TEAM demographical maps.) Taiwan Christian Maps
The best time of the year for children is probably Chinese New Year because family members give red envelopes. The red envelope is given by adults or older siblings to younger relatives and close friends. What makes them so special is that the envelopes often contain money (sometimes other small gifts or chocolate can be included)! [...]
This sign introduced the stand that was selling key chains and fake watches in the market. Between classes I always go to get some lunch in the market near school. One day, as I was walking towards my favorite tea stand after getting some food I passed a stand that I almost could not believe. [...]
This is a movie a friend made of the Mazu festivals last year. (Please be patient, it may take a while to fully load, but it is worth it to see what the festival looks like.) Matsu Pilgrimage
Last night was part of the final stretch of the annual Mazu pilgrimage in Taiwan. The pilgrimage is from Taichung to Tainan and return stopping at many ancient Taoist temples. The goddess statue of Mazu is carried the entire length for about a week. It is accompanied by thousands of people (one person estimated 600,000 [...]
The Mazu worship tradition started in China where Lin Moniang, a girl part of a fishing community, was believed to have rescued some of her family during a typhoon while in a trance. During the trance she was able to hold up her two brothers with each arm and her father with her mouth. Throughout [...]
Taiwan has elected Mr. Ma as it’s new president. In Taiwan, politics are an extremely sensitive subject and when discussed with friends, conversations can quickly become heated arguments. So many people are hesitant to share their ideas unless they are completely surrounded by like thinking friends. Although many people did not want to discuss who [...]
In one week, on March 22, Taiwan will hold a presidential election. There are many things that are being debated by the two primary candidates, the KMT or Koumingtang and the DPP or Democratic Progressive Party. One of the major platforms for both parties surround the relationship issue of Taiwan (Republic of China) and China. [...]
Taiwan is full of things that make me smile! For example, when I walk down the street market and talk to the nice shopkeepers selling fruit and vegetables, it always gives me joy. Another thing that makes me happy is when I can finally recognize some of the Chinese signs along the road. But since [...]
Happy Moon Festival!!! This is the week with the largest full-moon of the year, so most people are returning home for BBQ and parties while admiring the bright moon. It is one of the three largest holidays of the year; traditionally it represents the end of the fall harvest. People will buy moon cakes for [...]
