中華民國臺灣省 (Taiwan)

On June 4, 2017 at 4:00 am we set off on an adventure with Mark's family ( Matt, Beth, Caleb, and Abby ). Our journey began with visiting Jon and Erin and their kids in California. And after some long lines and a 14 hour flight we arrived in Taiwan. We hailed a taxi and took off on the Chinese streets through the night. We got to our hotel, dropped off our bags, and went out to a night market nearby. We ate noodles with intestines, and experienced the night life of Xinmen, Taipei- bright, crowded, loud, smelled funny, and this being Sarah, Caleb, Abby, and Beth's first time in East Asia, seemed to fulfill every Asian stereotype.

First night in Taiwan!

Our first morning started out right with some authentic Chinese breakfast including dong bings, do zhong, oil sticks, and steamed buns. It was really good, though while a couple of the crew loves soy bean milk, the rest soon found that it did not taste that good. This was Matt's first time being back in Taiwan since his mission and needless to say much had changed. We first visited Taipei 101, a 91 floor building that gives a spectacular view of the north part of the island. We rode an elevator that took us up 89 floors in 30 seconds-the fastest elevator in the world. After that ride every elevator seemed to move like a turtle. Following Taipei 101 we visited the Chiang Ki-shek memorial hall, which featured a museum and an impressive guard switch. We walked around the city and made our way to the LDS temple and the Mission Office. We were able to visit with some missionaries and members! We then sat down at a dumpling house and had the best dumplings we had ever had. The side dishes were very good as well. The restaurant was very compact and we were on the second floor, it was an adventure to go sit at your table! Later, after walking around for a bit we found an ice cream shop and decided to take a break from the heat. Little did we know that Chinese ice cream is very different from what we held dear to our hearts. Mark got rose flavored and Sarah got black sesame flavor... everyone else played it safe. The black sesame ice cream was really gross, and everyone tasted and agreed. Plus, it did not melt! It held together like concrete. We ended the day at a Chinese temple and we were able to see people worshiping, chanting, and praying. It was interesting and eye-open for those of us who had not ventured far from the Utah bubble.

I love to see the Temple!

  The next morning, we got up and went to a small fishing village miles away from the big city of Taipei. While there, we walked along the beach and saw rock formations- and Sarah got yelled at by a Chinese guard who could only say "Hello" in English..."Hello! Hello!" We drove to a place called Jiu Fen, and walked a through skinny alleyways, looking through shops. We are lunch there, noodles and duck, and stir fried vegetables. Sarah, Beth and Abby decided they needed to use the restroom, and found literally a hole in the ground. Beth and Abby decided to hold it, but Sarah couldn't, so she got the full Chinese experience. Jiu Fen is like the Park City of Taiwan- it was really beautiful there. We left, and our driver took us to a few places to get local specialties- including little spicy fish kabobs! We continued onward, to a small railroad town, where we decorated giant lanterns, lit them, and let them fly into the air. We returned to Taipei, and went to a night market- where we ate some local street food.

Good thing our driver had umbrellas!

Famous Tea House

Blessings and wishes hanging on the trees

We spent the next day traveling on a gondola that swing
over the Taipei Zoo. With no air conditioning, little ventilation, and 110 degree weather, we somehow willing sat in the glass box as it hovered over the miles of jungle mountains. A large temple of worship was waiting for is at the top and we explored and enjoyed the view that almost made us forget about the heat, almost. We returned and ventured to the National Palace Museum where the treasures from the forbidden city are kept, such as the Jade Cabbage-which like the Mona Lisa is much smaller in person. We discovered the art of pottery, calligraphy, and items from the Bronze Age as we walked the hall of the museum. To top this day off we finished in a night market for dinner and without choosing we were pulled into an outspoken lady's restaurant. We later found that in this same night market they sold carbon grilled chicken and we had to try it.

   In the morning we left on a two hour train ride down the coast of Taiwan, and met "James" Xie. Brother Xie is one of Sarah Adams converts- and he loves the church and the Child family! For his profession, he is a tour guide- so he took us around to some cool sights on south/central Taiwan. We started off by going to Toroko Gorge- one of Taiwan's national parks. It is a beautiful river that cuts through the mountains. We hiked along the river, and eventually jumped in! The water was very blue, and very clear, and fairly cold, so it felt super refreshing on this really hot day! Sarah and Abby bought bracelets from the native mountainous tribe, and we hiked back down the mountain. Through the gorge, there were many beautiful bridges and ancient monasteries and statues.

We then went to a town called Hua Lien, where Brother Xie took us to a local restaurant. We had super good clams, mussels, squid, and delicious lemonade! From there we went to a beach, made up of stones. The water made a super cool sound as the waves crash in and pull out of the shoreline- a sound similar to a rain-stick.

We said goodbye to Brother Xie, and took the train back up to Taipei. Back in the city, we went to yet another night market- where Matt, Mark and Sarah were all brace enough to try Chou Do Fu- or in other words, stinky fermented tofu. Beth, Caleb and Abby decided against trying it, after they saw Sarah's reaction. They will live to regret that for the rest of their lives. ;)
The next morning, we got up early and went to the airport, where we boarded a plane to Cambodia!

Thanks Brother Xie!

       Words cannot even begin to describe how perfectly amazing it was and is to be married to my best friend. The morning of the wedding was a daze to me, running errands, getting ready, and before I knew it I was standing outside of the temple with the love of my life. We waited nervously as we were guided  to where we needed to be. I felt the spirit strongly as we walked through the temple and were able to sit together in the Celestial Room. We had made it. We made it to the temple. My whole life I knew that I wanted to be married and sealed in the temple, though I could not imagine how great and fulfilling it would feel to work towards a temple marriage with Mark. I won't say that is was very easy, but I will be totally cliche in saying that it was worth it. I wouldn't trade our temple sealing for anything in the world because I know that our marriage will last for eternity. Something profound that Mark's grandpa said was, "The heavens are rejoicing because with this sealing today a new eternal family was created." I know that is true. I know that as we have children they will grow up knowing that our family will be together forever. 

       After we left the temple, our family was waiting for us outside. We then took pictures and a lot of people went to my grandma's house for a quick snack before heading to the reception. We wanted food but also wanted to be alone, so we called my sister to come bring us some food and we drove away and parked in the shade. We then headed down to the reception. The venue was gorgeous and reception went smoothly. 

      Since that day life has been pure bliss. Some may call me naive for saying so, but the last week and a half has really been filled with so much happiness. I am so grateful to have Mark in my life. He has changed me for the better and I love him with all of my heart. 

      Here's to a lifetime and eternity of laughter and joy with him!

T-minus 8 Days

Wow.
8 days until we embark on the greatest adventure life has to offer.
Marriage.
Starting and raising a family. Finishing school and starting our careers Living life everyday together- sharing all the good and hard times.
Its difficult for me to describe exactly how I feel with the wedding so close. I am scared, but really excited. Nervous, but confident and full of faith. Not sure if I am ready, but soo ready to move on and start our life together at the same time. Afraid of the unknown, but anxious to see where life takes us. Its the time of my life that I have always anticipated and silently planned out in my head. Yet, with the time I spent as a young girl thinking about a temple marriage and meeting my husband and what to name my kids, I didn't have the capacity to imagine how good and complete it really feels to find someone who loves you and who fits perfectly with you as if you were both prepared to meet each other.
From the beginning, Mark impressed me and continues to impress and amaze me every single day. Falling in love with him was and is easy, it comes naturally. He makes me laugh, smile, and he has a way of putting me at ease. I don't think he realizes how much I look up to him and rely on his strength. I am happy, happier than I thought possible with him by my side.

Shoutout to the Girl I Love

Sarah and I are three weeks out from being married! It has been the best few months of my life, spending time getting to know her, falling more in love. Sarah is everything I want, everything I need, and more. She is the sweetest, kindest person I have ever met. Her smile quite literally brightens the room. The more time I am with her, the happier I am. She heals me. She improves me. Inspires me. She helps me to stay on the path that I need to be on. She is everything to me. I knew that I loved her early on- but I could have never imagined how much my love for her could grow in such a short amount of time. I am so grateful for her, grateful for God aligning our paths- for sending me a queen.

Our First Road Trip

This past weekend we went on our first road trip which is commonly believed to be a "must-do" before getting married.

Mark's mission buddy got married and had his reception in St. George so, it wasn't a hard decision to take advantage of the situation and make a weekend of it. We packed our bags (in a way) and left Friday after class and work.

Something I love about Mark is that no matter how much time we have spent went each other during the day, we never run out of things to talk about. The 3-4 hours in the car were easily filled with conversation, singing, and laughing with the occasional stop to visit creepy gas stations.

Once we got to St. George, we changed clothes and went straight to the reception. We had a good time! We danced a little bit, watched the bride and groom perform, ate a cookie and  Mark was able to catch up with some elders and sisters from his mission. Later that night we went out to dinner and went to his grandparents condo and played a game with Mark's parents and sister.

Early the next morning we took some time to go to the St. George Temple. It was gorgeous and the Spirit was very strong as we entered the temple. We were able to sit together and ponder the blessings we have received thanks to the restored gospel while enjoying the beauty of the Celestial Room. We were also near the sealing room where we got to witness a couple and their families go into the room and leave with huge smiles on all of their faces. It made me really excited to be sealed to Mark and really grateful that we will be able to be married in the temple and start our eternal family together.

The rest of our time in St. George consisted of exploring Snow Canyon with Mark's family. The weather was fantastic at almost 80 degrees and sunny. We climbed rocks, collected marbles, and hiked to some lava tunnels. It was a lot of fun!
Then, tired and sandy, we started the journey back to Provo, but not before stopping to get smoothies.

Overall, our first road trip was a success! I am so happy to have such a great (and attractive) road trip buddy, he makes not just road tripping better but my entire life better.