Happy 75th Birthday, Mom!

Mother's Day came and went and I didn't share my heart...my excuse for procrastination was no time. After all, I was heading home to the states in 3 short days. Then came, June 30th, Mom's 75th birthday, and once again, I let a special opportunity to try and express my heartfelt gratitude for her beautiful selfless life slip through my fingers. Maybe it's best that I'm writing...or at least trying to write...this tribute on just an ordinary day because really and truly, it's on these ordinary days when I'm doing ordinary things that I'm mindful of Mom in a special way and reminded of how blessed I am to be this amazing lady's daughter.

Up front I'd like to confess that the real reason for my procrastination has nothing to do with lack of time, but rather everything to do with an irritating personality trait of perfectionism. Truly, I realize the limits of my own writing ability and know that there's no way to adequately put into words the admiration, appreciation, and love that I feel...kind of like the lyrics from The Sound of Music...How do you catch a wave and pin it down? The task is impossible, but today I'm refusing to accept that as an excuse and choosing instead to at least try.

Daily, I admit that I'm in awe. "How does Mom do it?" is a question I've asked myself over and over and after much pondering think the answer is really not that difficult. The truth is that Mom has always chosen, and still chooses today, to live the life of a servant...my mind is flooded with waaaaay too many examples to share in this blog! However, I'd like to elaborate on just a few to illustrate my point, and more importantly, to honor Mom by letting her know that buried in the hearts of her family and friends are treasure chests overflowing with memories of her loving kindness and thoughtful ways.

One of the examples that has been dear to me over the years is the way in which Mom sacrificially gave years of time to her children's schools as a volunteer. As both a mom and teacher, I know that having parents willing to be involved in the life of a school can make a tremendous difference. Even though there never seems to be enough hours in the day to take care of all of life's responsibilities, Mom never used this as an excuse for not helping. In fact, she not only volunteered at the schools, but also with scouts, little leagues, Job's Daughters, children's theatre, and a multitude of other activities. Makes me tired just thinking about it! Did I say that I was in awe?

Anyone who has been married for a number of years, knows that in order to nurture your relationship, you must be a servant... regularly placing your spouse's needs and wants before your own. Being a parent also requires the same sort of sacrifice...in our family, this sacrifice was x's 7! Needless to say, I'm totally in awe at Mom's ability to love us all so much that she was able to give, and give, and give, even when it meant that she went without...without sleep, without new clothes..., without even time to call her own. Mom and Dad were married for 54 for years before Dad passed away. During their last 11 or so years together, Dad suffered from kidney failure and all the bad stuff that came with it. It's always given me and continues to give me great peace knowing that during their most difficult times, Mom was right there caring for and lovingly serving Dad in ways I'll never fully comprehend, but for which I'll forever be grateful.

In choosing a last example, I'm remembering my recent visit home. During this visit, I was treated to several precious moments spent with Mom's friends. First, there was the next door neighbor, a little boy not more than 5 or 6, who just came over to talk :) Apparently, he and Mom along with some other little girls in the neighborhood all exchange love letters and little gifts like freshly baked cookies and holiday treats. Then, there were Mom's new friends from the Camarillo House who shared how much they enjoy Mom and her caring ways. Finally, there was our special lunch with Mom's dearest high school friends, my Aunt Barbara and Uncle Simon, who always bless me by reminding me of how much they love and appreciate Mom. All of these friends have richer lives because of.....

Mom, a beautiful woman whom I'm very proud of.... not perfect, just excellent, and forever a blessing in my life!
Happy Birthday, Mom!

I'm not entirely sure of whom my blog readers are, but if per chance Mom has touched your life in a special way and you'd like to join me in honoring her with your thoughts, please feel free to comment.

Basking in Blessings!

Add yet another name to the family bassinet.

Riley is napping in the same bassinet her

grandmommy and mommy slept in as babies.

Four generations

Together!

Memory making moment

...A short blog to say that we're back in Bangkok basking in the blessings of a wonderful trip to the United States. It'll take me awhile to get all the snapshots organized and on Shutterfly as I still have the Beijing trip to finish. Anyway, I thought I'd just post a few of my favorites here. Enjoy!

We're O.K.

How blessed we are to have people across the world mindful of us! Recently, Sam and I've received several emails and phone calls inquiring about our safety. We're most grateful to report that we've not suffered in anyway from the recent cyclone in Burma or the earthquake in China.

Well, that's not exactly true. We, like you, have very heavy hearts as we watch the daily news and hear reports of human suffering due to the cyclones, earthquakes, floods, fires, droughts, cancer, war... Today, I should be dancing for joy since tomorrow I'm leaving for a visit with our family and friends. Believe me, I'm happy...just feeling helpless, sad and maybe also a bit guilty. I have soooo..... much, while others have lost everything.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

....precious comforting words I'm striving to live.

One more memory from China...

Sam and I are home from our China travels...well, I should say that I'm home. A couple days after getting back, Sam had to head off to Batan, Indonesia. Oh well, that's life as we know it these days! It was a great trip...full of lots of memorable moments.

The highlight was our hike up to and on the Great Wall. Once again, we traveled with Cycle China and would highly recommend this group if you're into seeing the sights in an up close and personal way.

We drove 3 hours out of Beijing to reach the starting point of our hike, and then hiked another 2 hours up a mountain before reaching the Great Wall. After reaching the mountain top, we hiked 11 kilometers along the 600 year old wall...from an unrestored section-"Jiankou" to a restored section-"Mutianyu." The weather was just perfect for hiking...cool and overcast. Unfortunately, it wasn't the best for taking pictures, and that's why in some of our snapshots you can barely see the wall through the fog. Oh well, trust me. It was magnificent!

Of all the things that really enriched the experience, I would have to say that the group we were hiking with made it most memorable. Actually, it's kind of funny how the wall was originally built to separate people, but today it brings people from around the world together. Our tour group included travelers from Germany, China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United States. We started the journey as strangers and 12 hours later were exchanging addresses in hopes of crossing paths again. I have some thoughts on how these friendships form...but that's a blog for another time! For now, I'm just glad to be home and heading for home. I leave for California 1 week from today. Ask me if I'm excited!!!

The Great Wall of China

Thoughts from Tanggu

We're now in Tanggu, an industrial town about 2 hours drive from Beijing. It seems small compared to Shanghai, but I was told at dinner last night that the population is around 1 million. (not exactly Katy, Texas). Speaking of dinner, we were once again treated to a feast! The different groups that Sam has been meeting with have all been very gracious in sharing their delicious local cuisines...nothing like any "Chinese" food I've enjoyed before, but delicious none the less.

After having breakfast with the MI-SWACO group, checking my email, and surfing for Skype partners, I planned my outings for the day. Since there are no tourist destinations in Tanggu, shopping for a tea set was on my list of things to do. When Sam visited this city last year, he went to a tea shop and has been talking about the tea sets ever since. I had no problem finding my way to the shop and actually, even though language was a barrier to discussing my purchase with the salesperson, it was a pleasant transaction because there was no bargaining involved. Fortunately, the prices in the stores here are set, unlike the bazaars of Shanghai.

Today, in addition to sharing our China travel log, I also want to write a bit about what I've been pondering lately. My thoughts have been about how travelling has made me so much more aware of, and thankful for, how unique America is as a "melting pot" of cultures. Being physically different...red, yellow, black or white... is the norm in America. None of Sam's co-workers from Thailand, Malaysia, or China would stand out at all if they were to travel around the United States. The same is not true here. As I walked down the street today, I felt as though I were a 6 ft. Las Vegas style neon sign flashing the warning-"Foreigner". The response I received as I walked along was certainly not rude, but rather cautiously curious. I'm sure many of the people I passed were just wondering why someone so obviously foreign was strolling along their neighborhood streets.

On a spiritual level, I'm mindful of the fact that as a Christian, no matter where in the world I travel, I'm a foreigner because this world with all its worldliness will never be my home. My prayer then is that God would empower me to choose to live my life each day, wherever I am, in such way that it attracts the same curious attention I created as I walked down the streets of Tanggu so that I might have opportunities to share the hope I have in Christ. I'm so thankful America is truly a melting pot for physical and cultural differences, yet at the same time, I hope and pray that it never becomes one spiritually... I pray that it will always be...One nation under God... The same God who loved the whole world so much ... that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him, would not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

A "Shoutout" from Shanghai

Sam and I arrived in Shanghai yesterday afternoon. The weather is beautiful...a bit on the smoggy side, but it's what I expected with over 20 million people living here.

Yesterday, after settling in at the hotel, we all ventured out to explore Nanjing Lu, Shanghai's foremost shopping street. The group (Sam's co-workers and me) did a bit of shopping... mainly "window" shopping and enjoyed strolling along the street with throngs of others. The street ended at area called "The Bund". The Bund is at the heart of what used to be colonial Shanghai. Today it's a nice place to take in views of the Huangpu River...old colonial buildings on one bank and some of the world's tallest buildings on the other. Since there's a tunnel that transports you under the river, we were able to enjoy both views.

Today, I ventured out on my own once again and am happy to say that I actually got to enjoy the sight I set out to see. I took a taxi to the Yu Gardens and Bazaar. The gardens were amazing...quite magical to have such a peaceful place in the middle of the chaos of a bazaar and looming skyscrapers. I hope my pictures capture the calm, beauty, and art of a perfectly balanced landscape. After savoring the calm, I bravely entered the bazaar armed with my calculator. I have to admit that though bargaining is a real stretch for me, I quite enjoyed the experience. I'm sure I still paid way too much for my treasures, but at least I participated in the cultural ritual that was expected of me.

Getting home was not near the adventure I'd had in Shenzen, yet it was not without a challenge. Taking a taxi from the hotel in the morning had been a piece of cake with the help of the hotel staff. Flagging one down for the return trip...NOT so easy! First, I had to figure out where they would stop, because as a foreigner I didn't seem to be able to get the same response from the side of the street as the locals did. Once I found an actual taxi stop, my intuition told me not to go with the drivers that were wanting to bargain for the price. Thankfully, an English speaking tourist filled me in on the different taxi colors and which could be trusted to be fair. It wasn't long after that lesson, that I hopped in a blue taxi (as opposed to red) and was safely on my way home with plenty of time to blog and check email! It's a wonderful life to be on such a foreign adventure, yet to also be able to come home to family and friends each evening via the internet.
My love you! Thanks for checking in with me and for reading these ramblings :)

Planes, Trains and.....

Well actually, there were no planes today, but there were ferry boats, underground metro trains, buses, and taxis. Today was my first day to navigate China on my own and let me assure you, it was quite an adventure! First off, let me begin by sharing that we are in Shekou...a suburb of Shenzen...an hour ferry ride from Hong Kong. Since Sam was working all day, I decided that I'd jump on the ferry and explore Hong Kong. After all, since Hong Kong had had a long history with Great Britain, language wasn't going to be a problem...Right? Wrong!

I won't say that it was a major problem, but it certainly was a challenge. However, the real problem in my plans occurred shortly after arriving at the tourist information office and learning that the ferry I'd traveled on to get to Kowloon (the island across from Hong Kong) didn't have a return schedule that would meet my needs. I'd prearranged with Sam to meet up with him no later than 6:00 and since I didn't have an international cell phone (something I'll for sure have on our next trip), I had no way of contacting him to let him know that I'd be an hour late. Soooo... the rest of my time was spent trying to return to Shekou.

First, I had to learn how to navigate the MTR in order to get to the travel agency that would sell me a bus ticket. With the help of many kind citizens from all over the world, I finally made it to their office. The plan was to buy my ticket, learn the departure location, and then resume my sightseeing excursion, taking in all the sights possible before I had to leave. The tourist information office had provided me with an itinerary that included historic markets, a beautiful garden, and a temple.

Again, best laid plans! The travel agency I'd been sent to wasn't able to sell me the bus ticket I needed. I wasn't quite sure what to do at this point. I considered crying, but that really wouldn't have accomplished much, so I decided to head back to the tourist office. This time, I'm pleased to report that I navigated the MTR almost like a local (Not! but better than before...I think I made it back to the office without any help)

I explained my predicament to a different tourist authority this time, and after bouncing around a few ideas, was sent to another travel agency to purchase a ticket for a different bus. Let me tell you, it was a real step in faith to head out to that office. At this point I'd scratched all sightseeing and decided that I just wanted to get back to the hotel... the sooner, the better!

Fortunately, buying the ticket was not a problem at all this time. In fact, I got lucky and was able to board the bus right away. It was a pleasant 1 hour ride back to mainland China, and the best part was I was able to see some sights I wouldn't have seen if I'd returned on the ferry. Once I got back to Shenzen, I had no problem catching a taxi back to the hotel.

All in all, it was a good day...Not the day I'd planned, but good nevertheless. With out a doubt, the best part was all the conversations I'd had with all the good Samaritans who took time out of their busy day to help me find my way.

P.S. We just returned from a lovely Chinese dinner hosted by the staff at the Shenzen office. The hospitality extended to us made us feel so welcome and the food was delicious! We leave for Shanghai tomorrow morning.

Notice something new?

You may have noticed a few changes like the removal of my favorite Thailand picture. That was a mistake! I've tried my best to correct it, but these programs definitely have a mind of their own. After literally hours of messing with it, I'm ready to put up the white flag and go with the old saying, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em ! In its place is a slide show from Photo Bucket and I'm trying out a whole new template. I figured if I'm being forced to change, why not go all the way. Enjoy!

Not What I Expected

Recently, Sam and I visited about how easy it's been for us to slip into a non tourist role as we live life here in Bangkok. That's not necessarily bad, but there's so much to see and our days or years are numbered. So we pulled out the tour books once again and renewed our resolve to continue seeing and sharing the sights that surround us.

One local sight that's been on our list to see is the Royal Barge Museum. We had had a glimpse of these magnificent barges this past fall as we watched a televised annual procession of them float down the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, in order to offer royal kathin robes to the monks in the temple. Believe me, after viewing this royal procession with all its pomp and circumstance, I could tell that these "boats" were truly a treasured part of Thailand's cultural heritage and could only imagine viewing them up close.

If you'd like to see them up close, take a look at the Royal Barge Museum album on our Shutterfly account -
http://traceyandsamsthaiadventure.shutterfly.com/
They were as beautiful as I'd expected, but what I want to write about is what I'd not expected.

What I'd not expected is to be guided through winding narrow alleys of a slum in order to get to the museum. I couldn't believe that we were actually following this sleepy local resident (bum) who had been resting on a table near the fading museum sign where our driver had dropped us off. In fact, the whole time we were trekking behind him, I kept thinking there has got to be some mistake.... Surely, Thailand's royal treasures can't be located here! I was even wondering if this was some sort of scam... To be really honest, I was sort of scared. This just wasn't what I'd expected.

Well, obviously it wasn't a scam, and we were led right to the door of the museum. After viewing the barges, we headed back through the slum to meet our driver....this time without the benefit of a guide. As we were walking, I couldn't help but think how appropriate that the poorest of the poor should be the keepers of these royal riches. After all, isn't that what heaven will be like?...the last will be first and the first will be last...Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

...Just wanted to share how thankful I am for the opportunity to have been reminded once again that life's treasures have nothing to do with barges or any other "thing", royal or otherwise, but instead life's real treasures are people...even people disguised as bums!

The Icing on the Cake!

Three weeks ago yesterday, I began what has continued to be an amazing experience with the Thai health care system. I've been completely checked from head to toe and am thankful to report that I have a clean bill of health. However, I just have to share the icing on the cake from this whole experience. It was when the endocrinologist called me on a national holiday to report that the biopsy of my thyroid nodule turned out just fine. I couldn't believe it! First of all, I expected a call from his office staff rather than a personal call from him, and secondly, since there was no urgency in the report, I would have totally understood waiting until after the holiday to call. Anyway, enough about that...just glad it's behind me and that it was so painlessly easy for a medical procrastinator like me to catch up on all those important screenings!

Never in my wildest dreams...

Recently, I've been blown away by just what's possible these days. For example, a few days ago I had my first "virtual" babysitting job. Let me explain...Vanessa had come home with Riley and to her dismay, there were no convenient parking spaces near her apartment. She not only had to unload Riley and all the baby "stuff", but also an ice cream birthday cake for Trey...too much to carry in one load. She was nervous about leaving Riley in the apartment alone in order to go back to the car for the cake, so being the creative girlie that she is, this is what she did-- She called me using her cell phone as she has an international phone plan. Next, she turned on the computer and Skyped me. After, being sure that Riley (secured in her car seat) was visible to me, she left the apartment locking the door behind her and taking her cell phone with her as we were still connected. Sooo...The end result was she was able to hear me talking and singing to Riley...Riley was never out of my sight and could hear her Grandma singing her favorite songs (Vanessa was coaching me on what to sing), and Vanessa was assured that she was O.K. for the few minutes it took her to return to the car. Amazing!

The next experience that really got my attention was my trip to the doctor's yesterday. You are not going to believe this but I promise you every detail of it is true! After being here since July, I decided that it was time to establish a relationship with a family doctor. Those of you who know me well, know this is not my favorite thing to do. In fact, I can be creatively negligent when it comes to having routine well woman check ups. Anyway, my friend, Gini, made an appointment for me to meet her doctor. The appointment was at 9:00, and I figured after a brief consult, I'd be directed to an appointment desk in order to schedule a time for an initial check up. Wrong!

The short version is I left the doctor's office, which is in a local hospital, at 4:00 PM.

The long version is nothing short of miraculous! First of all, I began my appointment at 8:45 by completing a minimal amount of paperwork and having my blood pressure, height and weight checked. Next, I met with the doctor at her desk while she completed a family history and discussed my health needs. After that, I was sent to the lab for routine blood, urine... tests. I then returned to the doctor's office, and she performed the most complete physical I've ever had. Following this exam, I was personally escorted to various offices within the hospital for a mammogram, chest x-ray, bone density measurement, ultrasound (breasts, thyroid, upper abdomen), and an EKG. After a brief break for lunch at one of the many restaurants within the hospital (I chose Starbucks), I met with the doctor again. This time, she shared the results of all the tests that had been run earlier. The good news is I'm healthy, though she wanted me to see an endocrinologist because I have a nodule on my thyroid that she'd like checked out. So off I go to visit with the endocrinologist! He takes a look at the ultrasound pictures, lab reports, and examines me. He assures me that because my thyroid is functioning properly, there's probably no problem, but just to be on the safe side he schedules a biopsy for next week. Well, I finished my "initial" visit with 2 more exams to be completed that afternoon and 2 more to be completed next week...all of them arranged by my doctor. A gynecologist completed a well woman check up for me and I ended my day with a trip to the eye doctor's office. Can you believe all that with one simple 9:00 AM appointment? One more "blow me away" detail of the day was upon checking out, I was given completed insurance forms and a detailed print out of all the procedures and exams that had been performed. You might be wondering about the cost. I know I was! Well, the total for all the physician visits and lab tests was $747.00. No wonder Thailand is becoming a medical tourism hot spot!

American Idol comes to Thailand!

Needless to say, I was thrilled when I discovered a new TV channel this week... one that has shows like American Idol and Grey's Anatomy! Sam almost had me convinced that CNN and the History Channel were about the best available as I really hadn't taken any time to explore the channels for myself. I guess I'm not that much of a TV watcher. Anyway, his downfall was tuning into the History Channel during dinner last night. They were doing a show on the history of toilet paper. I couldn't believe it, but he was just sitting there watching them talk about wiping...taking it all in without giving much thought to the fact that we were eating. You know you're a History Channel junkie when you can watch something like that without thinking that it's a bit of an odd choice for the occasion! Well, that's when the search for another channel began and I'm glad to report my entertainment world has grown by leaps and bounds. Tonight we watched American Idol and plan on watching it again tomorrow. It was great... especially the performance of the song, "I'm Glad to be an American." I've always been touched by those lyrics, but even more so living outside of America. I truly am glad to be an American and am also very glad to have a new channel..one with American Idol :)

New Pictures on Shutterfly!

Now that I'm back in Bangkok, I have no excuse for not writing...well, with the exception of having over 3 months of catching up to do! Believe me, I'm working on it. For those of you who know me well, you know how I love to have all my ducks in a row. However, it's been kind of challenging lining the ducks up when I'm still trying to figure out where I am and if it's O.K. to drink the water! (I'm not kidding...I have to think before swallowing) Anyway, with setting priorities and all, I've decided it would be best to get the pictures downloaded and posted first. I hope you still remember how to click on the Shutterfly link to the left of my page :)