Matthew the Nephew

Everyone, meet our nephew, Matthew! He's Linda's oldest sister's son. Ain't he a handsome?

Broadway Academy Part II

Hi everyone!

It's Campbell here. Sorry it's been awhile since I've updated. Lots has happened since my last entry. I'll start where I left off.

The Broadway Academy was awesome. I had the time of my life singing, dancing and acting. It was also good to meet different people and make new friends. It was an intensive week of rehearsing and performing, but I loved every minute of it. The camp ran for about 12 hours every day for 8 days. So it was intense, as I said. But I had a great time.

We worked on music from Rent and guys and Dolls during the week and then we had a gala performance at the end of the week to show what we did. Here are some photos from that performance. 

At the start of our show 4 of our teachers gave a performance. They sang a number together and then 3 of them sang solos.

(The fourth teacher is playing the piano.)

Then it was our turn. We started off with a few of us singing a medley of Broadway songs. Here I am singing, "Out There" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Not exactly a Broadway show, but it worked.) =) 

After the cabaret, all the students came on stage and we sang a medley of songs from Rent. I really liked that. I got to sing some songs that I've really liked since High School. 

After the Rent medley we had an intermission. Then it was time for Guys and Dolls. We did a abridged version of the show. God blessed me with one of the leading roles in this part. I played Sky Masterson. I got to dance, and sing a couple of solos. I loved it. 

Here's me and my leading lady. =) 

This is us and my teachers. There were five teachers total. You see the fifth teacher between Linda and I. 

There are a lot more photos. But I think that's enough for now. =) I'm super thankful for the opportunity to go to this camp. I learned a lot and had a great time. 

Celebrating Mom and Sisterhood

This is my mother--more than a year ago on my wedding day. Last Thursday was her birthday. Growing up, birthdays have been a sweet delight. My parents were not too fancy about celebrating birthdays... especially their own. As their daughters, we frequently forget their birthdays, actually... sad confession here. Why you ask? Well, because both my parents' birthdays go by the lunar calendar. So my sisters and I often miss their birthdays or celebrate the wrong date because we get mixed up with the different calendars. No excuse, I know. :P

But here is a public declaration of love to my mother!
Here are top 5 things i love about my mother and hope to become more like my mother:
1. her compassion:
My mother has the biggest heart I know. I appreciate her heart of compassion for others, stray animals.
2. her quirkyness:
Campbell would say that I inherited this trait in aces. So I probably already am like her in this regard. Questions for details of how? You can email me. I have stories. Or... Campbell has stories. ;)
3. her devotion to the Lord:
My mother is one of the biggest intercessors I know. She prays... a lot! She prays until our dinner gets cold and then my dad is like... hmm this is good, but can we eat now? :) HAHA. And growing up, one of my fondness memories include praying with my mother for our family and relatives... and extended relatives and friends, and so on and on. :)
4. her devotion to our family:
She has made tremendous sacrifices for us. From leaving a great paying job in Asia to starting over in the States, she has overcome much for the sake of her family. Now, growing older, realizing more and more how hard and how selfless you have to be to mother three daughters. And now having all her daughters out of the house and married, she still makes sacrifices for us. Mommy, we love you!
5. her dedication to excellence:
My mother has exemplified persistance and determination in her pursuit of excellence. She shows integrity and character in work and life. When she immigrated to the States, she realized she needed more training. So as an older/middle aged woman, she went back to school. She worked during the day and went to UCLA extension during the evening to get an accounting degree. I didn't realized how difficult it was, since it was in her second language and how much I gave her flack for not being at home at night. She did it for us. But she also proved she can do it. "The mind is the biggest tool if you use it" is what she taught me.

Mom, I love you and hope that God will continue to give me grace to be like you. :) The quirky Prov. 31 woman. :) Your child sing praises about you!

As I celebrate my mom, it is also fitting that I celebrate the other women in my life. I am a blessed woman with many treasured friends. And with each of the sister in my life, I am thankful to have such special connections.

The following picture is done by the talented and anointed artist, Daniel Bastke. His wife, Andrea, and another darling sister-friend, Beth, are beautiful women. All three of us got to wear the same qipao for our wedding photos. I think it's the woman that makes the dress. And it really shows in this picture. We all wore the same dress and yet it comes out in such different ways. :)

I am honored to share this dress with these sisters. :)

Beth, you go, girl! Rooting for you!! Beth is getting married with Mr. Leo Wei!
And Drea, you go too. Almost 8 months of honeymoon-ing! :)

Computers and Broadway

Hey y'all! Campbell here.

Sorry it's been awhile. We really need to get better at this updating thing.

SO, my computer has officially died. I guess it was about time. I bought my computer about 5 1/2 years ago before I came to Taiwan. So it had a good run. I guess it was just unfortunate the way that it died.

Over the months my computer had been getting progressively slower and slower. Last week, I was working on it, and I just got so frustrated with it, I wanted to shut it down. But of course that process also was taking forever, and it was getting late, so I just decided to do a force shut down. BAD IDEA. The next day, I went to turn on my computer. No go. It wouldn't load.

I took it to work hoping that someone would be able to save it, or at least save my hard drive. But, no. It's dead.

The sad thing is that I had a lot of really important, priceless photos, videos and other things on there. I had my video I made the day I proposed to Linda, I had my letter from ORTV. I had a lot of irreplaceable stuff. SO I'm consider the idea of finding a data retreival company and seeing what they can do.

On a more fun note. In a few minutes, I'll be leaving for my first day of Broadway Camp! YAY! =) I'm really excited.

For those of you who don't know. Back in June, I auditioned for a Broadway Camp here in Taipei. It's a one week camp. A group from America called, "American Voices" does cultural programs around the world. And they've put together a Broadway Camp with some professionals from the states. And they're coming this week to do training. We'll be learning singing, dancing, and acting. And we'll be working on music from 2 shows, Guys and Dolls and Rent along with our own songs. And at the end of the week, next Saturday, we'll have a concert. I'm excited and nervous! =)

Hopefully, I can get a few pictures and post them on here.

Thanks for reading! =)

Recent Happenings

Now, we are in mid-July. Wow, does time speed ahead! The weather has been so gorgeously HOT! Just beautiful weather lately. I couldn't resist taking a picture of the blue blue skies. I love the white fluffy clouds too! What do you see in the clouds?

Also, these are two books I have been reading. I borrowed both books from the Mrs. Lovely Alagata herself. Thank you, Lovely! I have been delving in Beth Moore's Jesus, The One and Only. WOW! She takes us through the book of Luke to see Jesus as our One and Only. What truth is that! The other book is Quiet Times for Couples. Campbell and I have been going through this book a few days out of the week. These short devotionals have spurred on some good sharing times and prayers. We ask for more, Lord! And of course there is my planner for 2008. I can't believe how fast 2008 is going by! And I hope this picture is symbolic of my life and priorities too.

First, Jesus, the ONE and ONLY. Then my husband and spending time with my husband. Then comes all my plans and agendas. Actually, may all my plans and agendas be at Jesus' feet! :)

This is another recent happening. This is STAFF CHOIR on tour! We had a lot of fun singing and dancing away! This was us on the bus going to Taichung.

Our brother, Jeff, is on the island!! Campbell and I got to see Jeff in action. He's great! We are so proud of him. And it was fun meeting some students there too.


And "Hi, friends"! This is me. With braces. Ha! Where are my braces you ask? Look below!


Do you see them? If you look closely at the previous picture, you can see the upper braces too!

OK! So that's the recent happenings with me, Mrs. Chang. Come back for more future updates! And leave us a note!

Behind the Scenes

Tomorrow will be 13 months since we walked down the aisle as the newly married Mr. and Mrs. Campbell Chang. So I'd thought I'll write some thoughts down about these past 13 months and show you guys some behind the scenes of the day almost 13 months ago on June 2nd, 2007.

1. One of my favorite moments started early in the day. Since Campbell and I already lived so close to each other before we got married, we decided to have our two families get ready together for the big day. Here I'm getting my hair and makeup done while my oldest sister looks on. I loved having our two families there together from the very beginning. Both our families mean the world to us and it was our special day, fully supported by our families. It was a family affair.

2. Some very special memories during this time, the two fathers talking and sharing. There were lots of laughs and hugs and giggles, too. (not between the fathers though) We all shared a nice meal together, delivered by Campbell's Best Man, Billy Leonard. Our parents prayed and blessed our union. That was so precious to us. I love it when my future father-in-law embraced Campbell. The tears were there. I was so glad one of my oldest friends, Camilly, dropped by in the morning, too!

3. Some of our favorite "little people": April and Abby Chang with Annabelle Leonard --> our flower girls. Cam and I had three flower girls. During our rehearsal, Annabelle was clearly the leader. She basked in the attention and walked steadily while my two nieces wavered between soft cries and muted uncertainities. But on the day, for some reason, cute Annabelle pulled an "abandon ship" move and left my two nieces completely unsure what to do next. I just love the expressions on their faces. And it's precious how Abby's dress is too big on her. (Sidenote: I'll be sure to save this picture to show everyone on her wedding day. I'm sure she will be thrilled. :P)

Behind the Scenes: Isn't so funny how we like to see "behind the scenes" stuff? At least, I do. One day, we'll be able to see behind the scenes with Daddy. Wooohooo... that would be super fun.

Happy (almost) 13 months, love!

Update

Hey y'all. Campbell here.

It's been awhile. Don't have time to add any pictures, but I'll give a quick update on what's going on in the Chang household.

Last Saturday, I had the privelege of leading an English Camp in Ilan. It was quite the learning experience organizing everyone and getting the whole thing together. Praise God it went really well. What really touched me was how several students at the end of the day came up and said, "Lao shi, wo men zhen de hao xi huan ni men." (Teacher, we really like you.) And these were college students. So praise God. =) Really. I ended the day, tuckered, but so grateful for my team and for how God led.

Also, this summer at ORTV we've got 20+ interns working with us. They're a great bunch. And we've got 3 of them staying with us. Three boys. So Linda gets to experience what it's like living in what the Chinese call, a boys' dormitory. =) HAHA... It's been a great experience. Linda and I feel like we're getting training on how to be parents. =)

Anyway... we'll try to get some pictures up for y'all to see.

Thanks for checking in!

Thanksgiving, Christmas AND New Years

This week on LTE we celebrated Thanksgiving, Christmas AND New Years! I love my job.

The boys and I played a nice game of football.

(And by nice, I mean we didn't play at all. And by football, I mean we smeared mud on each other in the makeup room.)

Here's Ashley with two pies waiting with our turkey to go on set.

Here Simon tells Renee that the food smells great. Unfortunately, Renee doesn't think the same of Simon.

The Thanksgiving Cast

And in true TV LAND fashion, after we celebrate Thanksgiving we move right on to celebrating Christmas. With a change in wardobe and scenery, here we all are caroling. (really off-key)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

This week was also the last week of skit recording for 2008. So we took some picture swith some of the production assistants and techies for our show.

One Year! Already?! How Time Flies!

Hey y'all. So last Monday, June 2, Linda and I celebrated our One-Year Wedding Anniversary. Can you believe it? We've been married for a year already. Time really flies. We are so very thankful for all that we have experienced over this past year. And we are just amazed by how much the Lord has blessed us in this last year. And thank you friends and family for all of the love and prayers you have poured out over us. Here are some photos of us over the past week. I bought Linda a camera as an anniversary gift, so these photos were taken with that.

Linda and my character, Renee and Simon also celebrated their wedding anniversary this week. So we had fun celebrating our anniversary with our friends on set.

During the skit, Andrea's character, Olga, teaches everyone how to polka.

Last weekend, Linda and I had a chance to go up to a hot spring resort hotel in Beitou. It was really nice. Linda and I really enjoyed relaxing there. Muchos gracias to our friend Christina and her mom. =)

On our way back we took a picture at a nice fountain in the area.

(You can tell we're both a bit sleepy from all the relaxation.) =)

So that's it! That's been our week of celebration. We've yet to cut our wedding cake yet. We're still trying to find time to do that. =) But when we do, we'll be sure to post some pictures.

Love ya!

Brace Yourself!

My relationship with dental braces first started back in 1993. The relationship lasted for 5 years. Oh, the every month of my dad driving me to San Gabriel to Dr. Whatishisnamenow-Iforget so he can tighten my braces even more. And the every day struggle of not having the wires tear at my mouth. And the times my parents made me congee because it's hard to bite down on anything and chew actual sustantial foods. The worst is when I played clarinet.

Those were the days.

But wasn't all that moaning and groaning worth it when after Dr. Reallywhatishisnamenow took off each bracket and brace, when I tasted the slimminess of my straight and beautiful pearly whites? I am ever thankful for my parents. This was a good investment.

... Now, back are the days. Friends, I have braces again.

Ever since I was little, I have one tooth in the back where it just took forever to grow. And it was crooked. Now, finally, it decided it's going to face the world and push and push... and it's pushing into another tooth. Dr. Sunday (bless his heart) recommended that I get braces again to upright this bad tooth. So now, I have 6 brackets. 3 on the top, and 3 on the bottom. The plan is by 9 months, I'll have my freedom again. But until then, I am a waxed covered (wax protects my mouth from those pesky wires), reliving my teenage days, braces lady.

Holler back and let me know your (love) affair with braces or your teeth!

Maybe I'll include a picture of me with braces next time. Stay tuned.

-L

Here We Are in Angkorwat

This is a little video we made in Thailand for our friend Mel T.

11 months . . . already?!

Hey Friends,

Time just doesn't stop does it? Today is Linda and I celebrate 11 months of being married. Where did the time go? I can't believe we're almost through with our first year of marriage.

What are some highlights?

Well, I'll write some and Linda can write some later.

1. Sharing life together. It's really a great joy to have our own place and to be able to just have life together.

2. Seeing 2 families become one. We are so thankful that our parents have become really good friends. And it's wonderful to experience our two families, both immediate and extended, embrace Linda and I. Also, I love seeing Linda interact with my parents. And I'm really thankful for her parents, too. And I'm growing more and more comfortable with them all the time. They have really become my parents, as well.

3. Our trip back to New York and Canada. Being in New York with both of our parents was wonderful. It was a trip filled with memories. Also, of course, going to Canada and being able to attend the wedding of our beloved Daniel and Andrea.

4. Our trip to Thailand with Daniel and Andrea. This was our first trip together with another couple. And it was fun! =) Really relaxed, but we got a lot done.

5. Co-MCing our friends Lisa and Peter's wedding banquet. That was a challenge cause we had to do it bilingually, but it was a great bonding and learning experience.

6. Seeing the way that the Lord has changed and molded the two of us. For me, I have definitely changed after marriage. A lot of people have sensed it, including me. I am more stable, more confident. I feel more grounded. As for Linda, she has changed, too. She's more secure, more confident.

7. Seeing some of the cogs in our machine start to fit together. While we were dating, my dad told me that Linda and I were the type of a couple that was a "perfect match." This doesn't mean that we were exactly alike in every way. Actually, it meant the exact opposite. It meant that we were very different. But our differences complimented each other in such a way that they matched. The challenge with that is to see fit the differences together so we can run smoothly without butting heads. Over the past year, I've seen countless examples of how God has created us opposite but complimentary.

A) Spending habits. Linda's more of a saver. I'm more of a spender. This doesn't mean that Linda doesn't spend and I don't save. But I have noticed that her saving nature balances my spending nature. And vice versa. At first, I'll admit, I was a bit frustrated because I felt that she was, "cheap." But I felt God nudging my heart and reminding me that if she weren't like that, we'd probably be broke within the first month. =)

B) Rest and Activity. Linda tends to need more rest than I do. I tend to enjoy hitting the ground running. So when we take trips, I want to go out and get going and see everything. But Linda often needs a break, or time to rest. At first, again, I was frustrated. I felt like she was holding me back. But again, God reminded me of something. Sometimes my go, go, go attitude isn't always healthy. I believe God put Linda in my life to slow me down. This sounds negative but it isn't. We all need to rest. I think half the time I don't realize how tired I am because I'm running on adrenaline. With Linda, I am forced to slow down. I'm forced to take a breath. To "stop and smell the roses" if I may borrow the cliche.

C) Introvert/Extrovert Linda and I are both introvert/extroverts. But not at the same time. What I've found is that many times when Linda's feeling introverted, that's when I feel extroverted. For example, she'll want to stay home and I'll want to go out and hang out. But many times when I'm introverted, Linda's extroverted. For example, calling people to set up appointments. Meeting new friends, and building new relationships.


God has really created a perfect match for me. This doesn't mean we're perfect yet. And we're still discovering new things all the time. But I'm thankful for my honey. I'm thankful for who she is, even if I don't understand her all the time. ;)

For me, I'm praying the Lord would help me to appreciate and cherish Linda for the way that he has made her, instead of trying to form and make her into who I want her to be.

I love you, Lin! =) You're my best friend and a dear gift from God.

Praying for all of you to find love in your lives.

Blessings.

-C

Fun in Bagkok

We're back from Thailand! And it was quite the adventure. =) Here are some pictures.


Linda and I at the Grand Palace in Bangkok

Temple of the Emerald Buddha

The gang at the Grand Palace.

We didn't eat at this restaurant. But we liked the name. =)

We took a riverboat.

Our wonderful traveling buddies, the Bastkes.

The riverboat drove us through the canals of Bangkok. That was quite the experience. Bangkok is known as "The Venice of Asia" and we could see why. There were hundreds of houses and buildings built right on the water. Some of them were really nice. Others reminded me of driving through bayous. Not that I've ever been in a bayou.

Some kids who were taking an afternoon swim in the canals.

Fun in a Tuktuk

(picture taken by our driver)

The travelers at dinner.

We visited The Chang Massage Parlor at the Bangkok Airport on our last day.