James Home Kitchen

Dear JHK friends and families,

It’s incredible to realize that nearly a month has passed since my last post, following my return from visiting my beloved mother in Taiwan. So many of you have asked me about my trip when you saw me at the restaurant. I often shared how the experience was nothing short of amazing and wonderful, yet the time I spent with my mom and sister felt heartbreakingly brief. Ironically, just three days into my visit, I began to miss home deeply. It dawned on me that my heart and efforts are deeply rooted here in the US, specifically in Springfield City, more firmly than I ever noticed before…

Without a doubt, I was overjoyed and cherished every single moment with my family and friends, enjoying even the simplest places we visited. But there was a bittersweet feeling, knowing that this time cannot be relived, leaving behind many cherished memories. Living in Taiwan was like an unforgettable chapter in my life, and as that chapter closes, I realize that most of my days of striving are here in this foreign land, where I have become deeply settled.

This Christmas has been quite quiet, and I’m enjoying a few days of relaxation. I spent six to seven hours preparing braised pork belly steamed with fermented mustard greens that I brought from Taiwan. This dish can be served with white steamed bread (which we call Gua Bao) or with steamed rice. I also made a traditional Taiwanese beef stew, perfect to serve with noodles and dumplings. Both meals are ready to share with some of you (limited edition) over the next few days, and I look forward to making another batch when my wife misses Taiwanese cuisine again 😅. Anyway, I will post a few pictures to share with you.

Last, I want to take a moment to thank you all for your support and kindness, especially during the sometimes lengthy waiting times (I’m doing much better now🤔).

Merry Christmas to you, your families, friends, and even your pets! May we share our love to face the unknown challenges in the coming year and beyond.

Happy New Year to you all!!

Love you,

Your singing chef, James

Returning to a place that once caused me unbearable pain…

With a heart full of apprehension, I returned to a place that had once brought me to the depths of despair. If you’re unfamiliar with the story, you can check my previous posts for more context. This is the elementary school where I studied for six years. The second-to-last photo shows the classroom where some of my most painful experiences occurred. Standing there today, though much has changed—both in the place and in me—I still felt a tinge of unease in my heart. The school buildings have been entirely renovated, some even rebuilt, but I can still recall how it looked back then.

Over the past 40 years, despite returning to Taiwan many times, I had always intentionally avoided coming back to this place that held such sorrowful memories. I want to thank all of you who, through my journey of sharing, have indirectly participated in the story of my past. Today marked the first time I revisited my elementary school and relived those memories. However, this time, there was no sadness—only an overwhelming sense of grace, because Jesus saved me. The darkness of the past has been driven out by radiant sunlight.

This journey of healing has brought a perfect conclusion to my visit to Taiwan. Next Monday, I’ll be heading home! Home sweet home….

Your singing chef,
James

This is where I served as an instructor at the Central Camp of the Army Infantry School in Taiwan. I completed six years of service and was honorably discharged with the rank of Lieutenant.

My mom, at 85, might need knee surgery soon. The doctor recommended she use a cane to help her walk and protect her knee, but her stubborn nature has her refusing the idea. I tried to reassure her that using a cane isn’t embarrassing—it’s actually a smart way to prevent further injury. To make her feel more comfortable, I even told her (a little white lie) that I sometimes use a cane for my sore knee. Hopefully, by joining her in using a cane, I can help ease her discomfort and make it feel less awkward for her🥹

The picture on the right was taken when mom was 50 years old, and my father was 60 at the time.

Jiufen: WW2 concentration camp….