January 2020 – Page 2 – Encouraging Treats

Hello, 2020!

N O T O F T H I S W O R L D

One of my favorite lines. A constant encouragement I told myself almost every day last 2019 (with the help of a sticker reminder at the back of my phone 😅).

As I stood in front of this glass window inside the Taipei 101 observatory, I knew I had to document a memory of it. It reminded me of the song I wrote last year after going through a difficult time. I found myself singing it again today with a hopeful heart:

🎶 In these times when my faith is shaken
In these times when I begin to lose hope
You remind me that You are still with me, Jesus
You tell me that I’m never alone
And that this isn’t my home.
I’m not of this world,
This isn’t my home. 🎶

1 John 4:4
Philippians 3:20

These things I keep in mind and in my heart this 2020. Thank You, Jesus!

HELLO, 2020!

TAIWAN: Milk Tea in Taipei

Our family just came back from our recent trip to Taipei, Taiwan. One of the main highlights for me was of course, their milk tea drinks. This is where iced bubble milk tea started. :)

Throughout the trip, we were only able to try the original / plain drinks from six stores. In a span of five days, I think that was enough. Haha.

1. TRUEDAN (Jen Ju Dan)

ADDRESS: 11 Section 1, Kaifeng St. Taipei City

ORDER: Bubble Milk Tea

MILK TEA: This drink has a nice, fresh milky taste. Although I barely tasted the tea and I’m not sure if they used tea. Haha. But, I think this is a refreshing choice. Downside for me: The ice used was crushed finely, so it melted quickly.

PEARLS: Large, chewy, and sugary. The cup is almost half-filled with pearls.

PRICE: NTD 75 / PHP 128

2. TIGER SUGAR

ADDRESS: Inside Shilin Night Market – No. 101 Jihe Road, Shilin District, Taipei City

ORDER: Brown Sugar Boba Milk with Cream Mousse (bestseller)

MILK TEA: This drink also has a fresh milky taste. It also has a thin layer of cream on top which gives it a nice flavor.

PEARLS: Large, chewy, and sugary. They also add extra pearl syrup inside and around the cup.

PRICE: NTD 85 / PHP 145

3. CHATIME

ADDRESS: No. 6 Section 1 Xinsheng S Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City

ORDER: Tai Chi Pearl Tea Latte (bestseller)

MILK TEA: This has a balanced flavor of tea and fresh milk.

PEARLS: They used large white and brown sugar pearls. The white one wasn’t as chewy as the brown ones.

PRICE: NTD 65 / PHP 110

4. EVE & T (in light bulbs)

ADDRESS: Shin Kong Mitsukoshi A8 Basement 2, 110, Taiwan, Taipei City, Xinyi District, Songgao Road

ORDER: Bubble Milk Tea (in a light bulb)

MILK TEA: They didn’t add ice because of the container, but they used cold milk tea. It also has a balanced flavor of tea and milk.

PEARLS: Large, chewy, and sugary. They didn’t use much.

PRICE: NTD 149 / PHP 254 (More expensive because of the container. But they have normal cups with a more regular price.)

5. CHUN SHUI TANG

ADDRESS: B1, No. 9, Songshou Rd., Xinyi Dist Shinkong Mitsukoshi A9, Taipei

ORDER: Bubble Milk Tea

MILK TEA: You could taste the tea more in this drink than the milk, which is something that I like. The owner of this brand (Mr. Liu Han-Chieh) introduced iced milk tea to the world. :)

PEARLS: Small and slightly chewy

PRICE: NTD 85 / PHP 145

6. COME BUY TEA

ADDRESS: Inside the Foodcourt of Taoyuan Airport Terminal 2

ORDER: Roasted Oolong Milk Tea with Original Bubbles

MILK TEA: Among all the drinks we tried in Taiwan, this has the best milk tea flavor for me. Even after drinking it, you could still enjoy the aromatic flavor of it in your mouth. It has the perfect balance of milk, tea, and ice in it.

PEARLS: Unfortunately, I was not a fan of their pearls. They used white, chewy ones that weren’t coated in sugar. It had a slight grainy texture too.

PRICE: NTD 90 / PHP 153

12 Highlights of My 2019

At the start of 2019, I wrote the verses below in my journal as I found comfort in the Lord. I can’t believe it’s been a year, but He has been waking me up for the past 365 days and I can only thank the Lord for His grace and goodness.

Continuing a tradition I’ve done since 2016, here are the 12 highlights of my year. :)

1. ATE’S WEDDING IN HAWAII / KOSHI FAMILY

My eldest sister (Camille) married the man of her prayers (Erin) who loves Jesus and her. Hehehe. From the beginning of their dating relationship up until today, our family has been witnessing God’s grace in their love story. I am sooo grateful for the Koshi family. We love you Erin, Uncle Ray, Auntie Sylvia, Cory, Dee, Rylen, Kayla, and the fluffs (Barley and Brewser)!

2. FAMILY TRAVELS TO USA AND TAIWAN

It was our first time to travel as a complete family (with our sister-in-law and niece) to the USA last March to April. After decades of waiting, we had the privilege of spending time touring the States with our relatives who live there. Also, during the last few days of December, the single ones in our family went to Taiwan with our parents too. In both trips, we saw God’s grace and hand of protection and provision.

3. PINGPONG TOURNAMENT

Last 2017, my partner and I won the third place during our office’ pingpong tournament. Last 2018, I decided to take a break. Last 2019, despite so many health hurdles during the competition, by God’s grace, He allowed me and my partner to win the championship! More than the award, I appreciate how intentional God was in helping my heart grow in humility and dependence on Him.

4. BIBLE STUDY AT WORK (continuation)

It has been four years since the Lord impressed on my heart to start a Bible study group at work. Although some of them already resigned, we were able to invite new colleagues and spend time getting to know each other as we studied God’s word.

5. COUNSELING

Last 2019, I found a growing desire for counseling as more and more opportunities came and I received affirmations from the Lord, family, and friends. This happened around the time when our family went through restoration of broken relationships last Summer.

6. DGROUP

It has been almost two years since I joined my new dgroup family and I thank the Lord for each one of them. I can’t even begin to describe how I am able to see and experience the love of Christ and learn humility from this group. I am so grateful for the Wednesday nights we got to spend together.

7. SONGWRITING (17 songs)

By God’s grace, this year, He allowed me to compose seventeen full songs (15 English and 2 Tagalog ones). Each song was inspired by personal moments, struggles, Bible verses, and conversations with the Lord. God molded my heart, voice, and hands in the process of applying songwriting and I thank the Lord as I look back on the purpose He had even for the painful times behind the songs.

8. BOYCE AVENUE

Many years ago, I used to think that if I do get the chance to travel to Europe or the US, I would want to watch my favorite acoustic band perform live. In God’s perfect timing, during our trip to the US last 2019, I was able to squeeze in attending Boyce Avenue’s concert at Anaheim, California and met the band for the fifth time! Haha.

9. HEALTH & CAR CONCERNS

Two seasons last 2019 were very difficult for me as I experienced concerns with my health and car. These lasted for months and I remember how the Lord used them to humble my heart and speak to me. My life and material things are not my own and whatever the Lord allows me to experience won’t change the fact that He will always be good and faithful.

10. SEVENTH YEAR AT WORK / PROMOTION

I celebrated my seventh year at our company and got a promotion last 2019! Woohoo! This is only by the grace of God!

11. FOUR WEDDINGS

I had the privilege of witnessing the weddings (and marriages) of my supervisor, dgroupmates, and dear friends from church last 2019. Thank you for letting me be part of your special journey.

12. BEST FRIENDS

Growing with my best friends last 2019 was an amazing experience for me. From all the heartfelt talks to roadtrips and coffee dates! I praise God for each one of them and for all the memories we have shared, including the victories, struggles, and transitions together. You know who you are. Hehe. Love you, guys!

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Hello, 2020! Here we go, Lord! :)

Month: January 2020

Hello, 2020!