Regarding my mom: She is still in the hospital. They had an expected discharge date late last week, but she has had trouble with an infection and modification to medicine dosage - a couple of things like that. I think it's been fairly disheartening compared to expecting it would be a big step in the "improving" direction once the colon was removed.
There was a 2 day national holiday for the lunar new year, and Michael had M-W off from school. People tend to join their families like a major holiday in September, and the news reports lots of traffic jams. I'd been sick over the weekend (I think something I ate), so Monday we still took it kind of easy. Nearly everything was closed, but not Lotte Mart and the restaurants under the same roof ... so we ate at TGIFs. There was only one other table. I felt bad for the people working. A friend had brought a DVD player for us recently. We've asked a couple times that someone from facilities maintenance look at our tv, and it turns out someone did. I just told Michael to see if he could get the DVD to play. He could, so after dinner we had hot chocolate and watched Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. We have not made a very big dent in the box of hot choc. from Costco. A few more movies will make some of the cold winter days and nights go by faster, but I have to figure out where to rent.
Tuesday we went to Busan for a 2:00 performance of Cats. It was marvelous. I had never seen it. We read online to find out the basic plot, which I would do even for a show in English. That it was in Korean made us focus more on dancing, just enjoying the music, etc. Michael liked it a lot too. Because of the holiday, we didn't try to find any interesting restaurants. We ate at the train station next to our hotel twice - both us ordering the same thing for lunch and dinner (BK Whopper Junior; Korean mild soup with dried fish; guess who ate which?!).
Tuesday we took the subway to the world's biggest department store. It was quite a site. My favorite part was the basement level food, but I did enjoy the glamour of the middle of the building being open. It's like other department stores in Korea: the brands all rent some space and hire their own employees. Michael got a new pair of sport shoes. We were happy to find 290 cm/US size 11. Usually 280 is the largest. He also bought the 6th Harry Potter book. He's going to end up reading all of them over about a 6 week time period. Miss Jolynn got him started! I told him when I read the books, I had to wait for the next one to be published. I must have been feeling strange because in the basement level for lunch because I was the one who suggested the hot dog to go with the tuna sandwich Michael ordered. It was the mustard on top that looked so good. We shared - Korean style and our style too. We got home about 4:00. The taxi ride from the KTX station to our apartment takes longer and costs more than the KTX from Busan. It's just a 20 minute ride on the KTX. Back to school and work tomorrow. It's double day at school: the kids have 2 periods each of math and IPC.
"IPC" reminds me. Their current topic is Governments and Rulers. The kids had to write a speech and then deliver it. Michael was elected the president in his class. His speech started, "My name is Michael Key, and I am the key to your future." His teacher told me when I was at school for lunch duty a couple days later. Michael did tell me he got star of the week last week. His (new) math teacher wrote that it was for "being a good role model, his positive attitude, and working well in every lesson." Michael actually told me, and I think it's partly because he is so pleased with the new math teacher, Mr. MacFarlane. Michael liked the teacher in the fall, but she left. For 6-8 weeks they were without a dedicated teacher, and nothing worthwhile really seemed to be going on. I am glad things are much better in math.
Take care and God bless. Kim
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Surgery ok
I talked to my dad. My mom's colon-removal surgery went well, and she will recover in a regular room. They had thought she might have to be in ICU. Thanks to so many of you for your prayers. I will keep you updated on her progress and recovery.
I posted a few pictures from our tour ... see end of blog page.
Grace and peace to you and your loved ones. Kim
I posted a few pictures from our tour ... see end of blog page.
Grace and peace to you and your loved ones. Kim
Monday, January 9, 2012
Korea Tourists
Update on my mom: She got the "all clear" after chest x-ray last week, and surgery is scheduled Jan. 12. It's been since Dec. 31 that I have talked to my parents, so I don't know much else.
We had a great time on our trip around Korea. (See a few pictures at bottom of page.) We drove about 2,300 kilometers over the 7 days with the longest drives out of and then back into Seoul. We were in a van with driver, guide, and 2 other tourists - a mom and son from Canada. I would guess their ages as 50 and 25. Her husband is working here, and they live in Seoul. The son is an MBA student at Univ. of Toronto. Spring and fall are high season for this tour, but it was kind of nice to see places in winter and not to have to deal with crowds and more people on the tour. Winter has its own beauty. I had hot packs for my feet, and used 2 per boot on most days, so I was ok. Michael wore a short sleeve shirt under his coat, baseball hat, and gloves. I cannot figure out where he got a "keeps warm" gene. We have adopted our tour guides (it's) "up to you," which he said a lot re: how to eat some of the food and how long to stay in some places. He was very kind-hearted though not great English speaking and listening skills.
We saw a few Buddhist temples (they seem to have secured many lovely mountain locations; many hiking locations bring one close to a temple; if you have seen one temple, you have seen them all!) and a few traditional/folk home areas (they start to look the same too and have rice stalk roofs or tile ... depending on whether the home was originally worker-class or nobility). We were outside a lot with the theme of culture and nature. During the driving in the country side, we could see many grave sites/small cemeteries. They are located on hills and have some markers and mounded graves. These mounds need care every year and sort of get built up to maintain their form and height. There was a lot of country side to see, and mountains make up a high percentage of the land. The population is very concentrated in 5 to 7 or so cities.
Most days there were 3 things/sites to see. A green tea farm on a snowy day was lovely. A fish market is a Korea must-see, and we visited one in an area where a lot of octopus are caught. We dressed up in traditional clothes (I could hardly believe Michael did; pictures are cute) and made taffy (rice-based). The cool thing about the taffy was that were in a very small village in someone's house/restaurant, so we could see their regular surroundings. Michael was very forgiving when it turned out that at the end of the day I put my hot packs in our backpack right next to the taffy ... we ended up with one big chunk because the pieces melted together.
The hotels were very nice - either seaside resorts or big city hotels. Every night seemed to be our new favorite. The hotel floors skip 4 and also skip 4 in room numbers - eastern culture bad luck number. We ate very well. Breakfast buffets had the full range from soup to salad to dim sum to western eggs and meat... and rice and kimchi, of course. Lunch varied from dried fish to bibimbap - in one case made with mountain vegetables (my favorite). Michael's favorite was gingseng chicken, so we are going to look for a restaurant around here that serves it. It's a pretty mild soup with a whole rice-stuffed chicken.
The guide and the Canadians more than once said how well-behaved Michael was (apparently in great contrast to the guide's 10 year old nephew). Michael had one rough day. He must have eaten or drunk something that disagreed with him. He had diarrhea and so just juice for breakfast. About 5 minutes are our first stop of the day, he vomited. He had stayed in the van to rest and got out in time. Later in the day, the guide dropped us off at the hotel upon arrival in town and then took the other 2 people on last day activity and to dinner. By the next morning (our last day), Michael felt fine though he didn't eat much but did want a Big Mac at the train station. I booked first class on KTX because he has wanted to see the difference (wider seats and more leg room). We got into bed at 10:00 p.m. Sunday, and he was up and on his way to school Monday. The tour really was a great, easy, comfortable way to see a lot of Korea.
I am trying to gear up to work on some research ... I had a big push before the holiday, but so far I seem to be a little slow getting back into it! I hope you and your loved ones are off to a good start in the new year. Please keep my parents in your prayers.
We had a great time on our trip around Korea. (See a few pictures at bottom of page.) We drove about 2,300 kilometers over the 7 days with the longest drives out of and then back into Seoul. We were in a van with driver, guide, and 2 other tourists - a mom and son from Canada. I would guess their ages as 50 and 25. Her husband is working here, and they live in Seoul. The son is an MBA student at Univ. of Toronto. Spring and fall are high season for this tour, but it was kind of nice to see places in winter and not to have to deal with crowds and more people on the tour. Winter has its own beauty. I had hot packs for my feet, and used 2 per boot on most days, so I was ok. Michael wore a short sleeve shirt under his coat, baseball hat, and gloves. I cannot figure out where he got a "keeps warm" gene. We have adopted our tour guides (it's) "up to you," which he said a lot re: how to eat some of the food and how long to stay in some places. He was very kind-hearted though not great English speaking and listening skills.
We saw a few Buddhist temples (they seem to have secured many lovely mountain locations; many hiking locations bring one close to a temple; if you have seen one temple, you have seen them all!) and a few traditional/folk home areas (they start to look the same too and have rice stalk roofs or tile ... depending on whether the home was originally worker-class or nobility). We were outside a lot with the theme of culture and nature. During the driving in the country side, we could see many grave sites/small cemeteries. They are located on hills and have some markers and mounded graves. These mounds need care every year and sort of get built up to maintain their form and height. There was a lot of country side to see, and mountains make up a high percentage of the land. The population is very concentrated in 5 to 7 or so cities.
Most days there were 3 things/sites to see. A green tea farm on a snowy day was lovely. A fish market is a Korea must-see, and we visited one in an area where a lot of octopus are caught. We dressed up in traditional clothes (I could hardly believe Michael did; pictures are cute) and made taffy (rice-based). The cool thing about the taffy was that were in a very small village in someone's house/restaurant, so we could see their regular surroundings. Michael was very forgiving when it turned out that at the end of the day I put my hot packs in our backpack right next to the taffy ... we ended up with one big chunk because the pieces melted together.
The hotels were very nice - either seaside resorts or big city hotels. Every night seemed to be our new favorite. The hotel floors skip 4 and also skip 4 in room numbers - eastern culture bad luck number. We ate very well. Breakfast buffets had the full range from soup to salad to dim sum to western eggs and meat... and rice and kimchi, of course. Lunch varied from dried fish to bibimbap - in one case made with mountain vegetables (my favorite). Michael's favorite was gingseng chicken, so we are going to look for a restaurant around here that serves it. It's a pretty mild soup with a whole rice-stuffed chicken.
The guide and the Canadians more than once said how well-behaved Michael was (apparently in great contrast to the guide's 10 year old nephew). Michael had one rough day. He must have eaten or drunk something that disagreed with him. He had diarrhea and so just juice for breakfast. About 5 minutes are our first stop of the day, he vomited. He had stayed in the van to rest and got out in time. Later in the day, the guide dropped us off at the hotel upon arrival in town and then took the other 2 people on last day activity and to dinner. By the next morning (our last day), Michael felt fine though he didn't eat much but did want a Big Mac at the train station. I booked first class on KTX because he has wanted to see the difference (wider seats and more leg room). We got into bed at 10:00 p.m. Sunday, and he was up and on his way to school Monday. The tour really was a great, easy, comfortable way to see a lot of Korea.
I am trying to gear up to work on some research ... I had a big push before the holiday, but so far I seem to be a little slow getting back into it! I hope you and your loved ones are off to a good start in the new year. Please keep my parents in your prayers.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Happy New Year
Happy New Year to everyone. We spent a few days in Busan and leave tomorrow for Seoul for a departure on a one week tour around the country. In Busan we enjoyed the most famous beach area in Korea ... much different from the summer when we were there with the Jangs and umbrellas to rent covered the place. We went to an aquarium and on a one hour boat ride. The boat ride gave us a really good feel for the harbor city nestled among mountains (Busan means many mountains; san is mountain). There is an observation tower in Busan, so we had good views from there too and especially of the port with so many ships coming and going. There is a huge area of small shops and outdoor vendors, and Michael quickly found a new belt and wallet. We also visited the U.N. Memorial Cemetery, where Korean War casualties from 11 different countries are buried. It was beautiful and there was a good 15 minute movie. We took the subway everywhere, which Michael likes a lot. There were a couple of nice parks for walking and seeing the sea. The weather with highs in mid 40s and sunny was very nice for walking around and being outside. From subway stops, we were almost always walking several blocks.
We found the street with lots of Christmas lights (one of my goals/plans) and also finally found the small theatre that had a show. Prof. Jang had checked online for us to see if there were any activities like that near the lights. We were told "down the escalator" at the top and "up the escalator" at the bottom. (It's about 5 levels.) Well, both were right. I noticed a place about 1/2 way up/down that had posters about the lights. At these sort of level areas there are businesses like coffee shops too. When we went in to ask, we were at the small theatre. It turned out to be a Christian acting group with the show having a mix of very funny parts and serious parts. The setting was in a park at a stand where a woman makes a sweet treat to sell; we have seen these places so understood how it could be the hub of a neighborhood street or park. A very nice fellow stood behind us (we sat in the back row in case we left early) and did some translating. So much of the humor was visual that Michael was really having some laughs. He was so skeptical beforehand, but I told him it's good to check things out. We took a break from our walking and went into a coffee shop ... and we have now become hooked on hot vanillas. It's like hot chocolate but they add vanilla powder instead of chocolate powder. I try to tell myself the (whole!) milk is good for me... never mind the sugar and dried oil in the powder.
Our hotel breakfast was typical Korean: rice, kimchi, lettuce salad, and one or two other types of salad (e.g., dried fish one day and bean sprouts another day). Hot dogs are also available (and ketchup and mustard too). I went for the salad. Michael had hot dogs and white bread toast. We both ate the small oranges that are grown in green houses on Jeju Island - they are delicious. We found that our Korean language reading especially was helpful. We set out for restaurants in the evening, and both times they were down small alleyways where taxis cannot fit. So we had to read the signs to figure out where to go .... and there are a LOT of signs in Korea, most of which are lit up. The baked eel dinner was our favorite. Well, Michael did also like the TGIFriday's cheeseburger he had one day for lunch. He is so good about going to Korean places that I don't object when he wants the occasional Western meal.
My mom is still in "stand by" for surgery. Her next chest x-ray is Monday. They are seeing how her lungs look after bronchial infection. We talked to her and to my dad today. She has been doing all that they tell her to do with OT, PT, etc. They are very hopeful about Monday and will be so disappointed if they don't get the "go ahead." Please pray for clear lungs.
We hope you and your families are having a great holiday. Michael and I are thankful that we have the oppotunity to experience some new places in Korea.
We found the street with lots of Christmas lights (one of my goals/plans) and also finally found the small theatre that had a show. Prof. Jang had checked online for us to see if there were any activities like that near the lights. We were told "down the escalator" at the top and "up the escalator" at the bottom. (It's about 5 levels.) Well, both were right. I noticed a place about 1/2 way up/down that had posters about the lights. At these sort of level areas there are businesses like coffee shops too. When we went in to ask, we were at the small theatre. It turned out to be a Christian acting group with the show having a mix of very funny parts and serious parts. The setting was in a park at a stand where a woman makes a sweet treat to sell; we have seen these places so understood how it could be the hub of a neighborhood street or park. A very nice fellow stood behind us (we sat in the back row in case we left early) and did some translating. So much of the humor was visual that Michael was really having some laughs. He was so skeptical beforehand, but I told him it's good to check things out. We took a break from our walking and went into a coffee shop ... and we have now become hooked on hot vanillas. It's like hot chocolate but they add vanilla powder instead of chocolate powder. I try to tell myself the (whole!) milk is good for me... never mind the sugar and dried oil in the powder.
Our hotel breakfast was typical Korean: rice, kimchi, lettuce salad, and one or two other types of salad (e.g., dried fish one day and bean sprouts another day). Hot dogs are also available (and ketchup and mustard too). I went for the salad. Michael had hot dogs and white bread toast. We both ate the small oranges that are grown in green houses on Jeju Island - they are delicious. We found that our Korean language reading especially was helpful. We set out for restaurants in the evening, and both times they were down small alleyways where taxis cannot fit. So we had to read the signs to figure out where to go .... and there are a LOT of signs in Korea, most of which are lit up. The baked eel dinner was our favorite. Well, Michael did also like the TGIFriday's cheeseburger he had one day for lunch. He is so good about going to Korean places that I don't object when he wants the occasional Western meal.
My mom is still in "stand by" for surgery. Her next chest x-ray is Monday. They are seeing how her lungs look after bronchial infection. We talked to her and to my dad today. She has been doing all that they tell her to do with OT, PT, etc. They are very hopeful about Monday and will be so disappointed if they don't get the "go ahead." Please pray for clear lungs.
We hope you and your families are having a great holiday. Michael and I are thankful that we have the oppotunity to experience some new places in Korea.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
End of semester
First, an update on my mom. She has a bronchial infection and x-ray showed her lungs are not clear enough for surgery. It's a big disappointment, but we are hoping and praying for a "go ahead" after an x-ray that will probably occur later this week.
I have submitted my grades, the final step of any semester. Well, actually, Prof. Kim did it with/for me because the system is only in Korean. I can tell when he is in my account because my picture shows up. I was VERY generous with grades. He and I laughed a bit that the grades were fair ... relatively and sort of. But I took his advice on being lenient. I did have several excellent or very good students. It's the other 1/2 that are the challenge in any class, here or U.S. I told him if the word gets around about the grading that I should have plenty of students enroll for my class next semester.
The last day of class I took the students out for lunch. Michael and I had been to a Western place near campus, and I suggested it because it's pretty large compared to many places. The students liked that I knew it was just down from 바보사고리 ("fool's intersection" ... where a drunk person acts stupid). The students were happy to go somewhere so nice, and we ate sitting at tables with knives and forks and big napkins. The servings are huge, so I let them figure out what to order and how many (for typical Korean-style sharing). I was glad they felt comfortable ordering drinks including some beer. The three gals shared a mojito.
Two students brought me a gift of matching gloves and a big scarf - very pretty and very thick. The scarf is sewed together at the ends so really a circle. I had seen this style but wasn't so sure about it. But it's great - over head, make a figure 8 type loop, and put that loop over your head too. I have enjoyed being outside here on the many sunny days here WHEN I am properly dressed. I have been doing some hiking and trying to figure out the right amount of layers, etc. given a certain temperature. Today the high is 50 but tomorrow 37, so that will be a change.
Today there was a COB lunch. Prof. Kim is gone (China and then Seattle) but arranged for me to stop by someone else's office to go. He doesn't really have to do that as people just sort of congregate before noon, but it's very gracious and feels like I have a host. I sat by the lone female faculty member (we met several weeks ago over lunch). It was raw fish and some cooked fish and delicious ban chan (side dishes). This sort of meal ends with fish soup (brought to the table in a pot for about 4 on individual burners) and rice. I was also sitting next to the Dean and he joked that there would be no English translation, so lucky for me I didn't have to attend the meeting afterwards. They have an accreditation team visit in mid-January, so they are gearing up for that visit. It's a burden here, just like in the States. It is nice there is a delicious lunch that precedes the meeting! There were several beers around the table too. They also order sodas, so I opt for that to be social (I would prefer just water) and know to hold my glass with 2 hands when someone pours.
I have been working a lot because I really don't have a lot else to do and Michael has school until Friday. I had a "revise and resubmit" on a paper and sent back the revision yesterday. A different article just arrived with "revise and resubmit," whioh was good news. Two co-authors and I hope to make progress on that paper after the holiday break. All you professors out there, be hopeful for me/us!!
Michael's new favorite Korean food is where the specialty is spicy soup with pig back bone in it. We like the restaurant because the floor is so warm (and that's where we sit). He said it must be good because there are always so many people there. It's a good trade for us as he gives me most of the vegs. in his soup bowl and I give him most of my rice. There has got to be a Korean gene that can handle so many carbs. in their typical day.
Michael's school Christmas program is tonight. They have practiced a lot - and not done much academic work all week. I hope it comes together as a real team-effort kind of thing. School has become a bit disappointing, but I hope they get back on track in January. The math teacher leaving hurt as the person teaching now already has a full-time job. Another class or two have become quite easy too. (Kind of funny is that one is Korean language. At first he wasn't very interested, but as he has learned some of the language and knows how much I learned, he would like to know more.) It's been really good to talk to Michael about it and have him realize the value of a good education (like at Trinity) and that it would be short-sighted to want things to be easy. He says he hopes he has good professors in college. He has been talking a lot lately about majoring in engineering and maybe getting a PhD :). School dismisses at noon Friday. On Sat. we will attend "A Christmas Carol." Sunday is church followed by lunch out with a big group. We then plan to go to Busan for a few days and be tourists... Lord willing.
I said one of the prayers at church Sunday. The first time I did it I was a bit nervous ahead of time, but this time I waited until Saturday to see where our devotionals, Christmas story, etc. took us. It was to the Prince of Peace. (The Isaiah verses about a child given and Wonderful, Counselor, ... Prince of Peace.. were even in Handel's Messiah that we saw Sat. afternoon - it was a ballet and very moving.) May you know the Prince of Peace in a real and meaningful way, maybe for the first time this Christmas.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! Manuia le Kirisimasi (Samoan)!!
Peace and Love, Kim and Michael
I have submitted my grades, the final step of any semester. Well, actually, Prof. Kim did it with/for me because the system is only in Korean. I can tell when he is in my account because my picture shows up. I was VERY generous with grades. He and I laughed a bit that the grades were fair ... relatively and sort of. But I took his advice on being lenient. I did have several excellent or very good students. It's the other 1/2 that are the challenge in any class, here or U.S. I told him if the word gets around about the grading that I should have plenty of students enroll for my class next semester.
The last day of class I took the students out for lunch. Michael and I had been to a Western place near campus, and I suggested it because it's pretty large compared to many places. The students liked that I knew it was just down from 바보사고리 ("fool's intersection" ... where a drunk person acts stupid). The students were happy to go somewhere so nice, and we ate sitting at tables with knives and forks and big napkins. The servings are huge, so I let them figure out what to order and how many (for typical Korean-style sharing). I was glad they felt comfortable ordering drinks including some beer. The three gals shared a mojito.
Two students brought me a gift of matching gloves and a big scarf - very pretty and very thick. The scarf is sewed together at the ends so really a circle. I had seen this style but wasn't so sure about it. But it's great - over head, make a figure 8 type loop, and put that loop over your head too. I have enjoyed being outside here on the many sunny days here WHEN I am properly dressed. I have been doing some hiking and trying to figure out the right amount of layers, etc. given a certain temperature. Today the high is 50 but tomorrow 37, so that will be a change.
Today there was a COB lunch. Prof. Kim is gone (China and then Seattle) but arranged for me to stop by someone else's office to go. He doesn't really have to do that as people just sort of congregate before noon, but it's very gracious and feels like I have a host. I sat by the lone female faculty member (we met several weeks ago over lunch). It was raw fish and some cooked fish and delicious ban chan (side dishes). This sort of meal ends with fish soup (brought to the table in a pot for about 4 on individual burners) and rice. I was also sitting next to the Dean and he joked that there would be no English translation, so lucky for me I didn't have to attend the meeting afterwards. They have an accreditation team visit in mid-January, so they are gearing up for that visit. It's a burden here, just like in the States. It is nice there is a delicious lunch that precedes the meeting! There were several beers around the table too. They also order sodas, so I opt for that to be social (I would prefer just water) and know to hold my glass with 2 hands when someone pours.
I have been working a lot because I really don't have a lot else to do and Michael has school until Friday. I had a "revise and resubmit" on a paper and sent back the revision yesterday. A different article just arrived with "revise and resubmit," whioh was good news. Two co-authors and I hope to make progress on that paper after the holiday break. All you professors out there, be hopeful for me/us!!
Michael's new favorite Korean food is where the specialty is spicy soup with pig back bone in it. We like the restaurant because the floor is so warm (and that's where we sit). He said it must be good because there are always so many people there. It's a good trade for us as he gives me most of the vegs. in his soup bowl and I give him most of my rice. There has got to be a Korean gene that can handle so many carbs. in their typical day.
Michael's school Christmas program is tonight. They have practiced a lot - and not done much academic work all week. I hope it comes together as a real team-effort kind of thing. School has become a bit disappointing, but I hope they get back on track in January. The math teacher leaving hurt as the person teaching now already has a full-time job. Another class or two have become quite easy too. (Kind of funny is that one is Korean language. At first he wasn't very interested, but as he has learned some of the language and knows how much I learned, he would like to know more.) It's been really good to talk to Michael about it and have him realize the value of a good education (like at Trinity) and that it would be short-sighted to want things to be easy. He says he hopes he has good professors in college. He has been talking a lot lately about majoring in engineering and maybe getting a PhD :). School dismisses at noon Friday. On Sat. we will attend "A Christmas Carol." Sunday is church followed by lunch out with a big group. We then plan to go to Busan for a few days and be tourists... Lord willing.
I said one of the prayers at church Sunday. The first time I did it I was a bit nervous ahead of time, but this time I waited until Saturday to see where our devotionals, Christmas story, etc. took us. It was to the Prince of Peace. (The Isaiah verses about a child given and Wonderful, Counselor, ... Prince of Peace.. were even in Handel's Messiah that we saw Sat. afternoon - it was a ballet and very moving.) May you know the Prince of Peace in a real and meaningful way, maybe for the first time this Christmas.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! Manuia le Kirisimasi (Samoan)!!
Peace and Love, Kim and Michael
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Mom - surgery
My mom is scheduled to have surgery to remove her colon. The date is Dec. 22. It is good news. The family thought she might not be strong enough, but the surgeon said she is not going to get better with the colon in her so they should go ahead. My brothers and dad said Mom is doing much better with PT and OT and being out of bed. They attribute much of the improvement to the surgery providing hope and motivation. I see answered prayers as well, so please keep it up!
We canceled our trip to Samoa. We were supposed to leave the 23rd (which would actually be the 22nd in AZ). There is too much uncertainty with my mom for me to be comfortable going. Michael and I will wait and see from here. He has two weeks off from school, and we can find some things to do in town or possibly with a bit of travel. He wouldn't care where we go if we can take the KTX high-speed train.
Things are low key here. I teach two more days and then give my final on Dec. 16 and 19. I am working on a "revise and resubmit" research paper now that all my teaching preparation is complete. Michael has a school program Dec. 21. He is the keyboard player. School dismisses Dec. 23 at noon.
May we have the heart of Mary regarding the good news of the season: My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Have a blessed Christmas.
We canceled our trip to Samoa. We were supposed to leave the 23rd (which would actually be the 22nd in AZ). There is too much uncertainty with my mom for me to be comfortable going. Michael and I will wait and see from here. He has two weeks off from school, and we can find some things to do in town or possibly with a bit of travel. He wouldn't care where we go if we can take the KTX high-speed train.
Things are low key here. I teach two more days and then give my final on Dec. 16 and 19. I am working on a "revise and resubmit" research paper now that all my teaching preparation is complete. Michael has a school program Dec. 21. He is the keyboard player. School dismisses Dec. 23 at noon.
May we have the heart of Mary regarding the good news of the season: My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Have a blessed Christmas.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Miscellaneous
Funny post office situation:
I was mailing a box Monday and saw a COB faculty I know. He was mailing kimchi to his brother in Seoul. I joked with him about the availability of kimchi in Seoul. But it was his mother's kimchi! And another person in line was also mailing kimchi. When I met with one of the small groups of students for English practice and told them, they said it's not unusual. One of them said her grandmother makes the best kimchi. I told them I like kimchi (though a big incentive to eat it is that it seems like it must be healthy) but that it all tastes the same to me. It is served at every meal... rice too.
It reminds me of Samoans taking an umu (literally oven) box (pre-printed boxes come in 3 different sizes) back to the States or NZ from Samoa... the boxes are checked as a luggage item.
Nice indirect compliment:
One of my students asked me today if I would try to teach Advanced Accounting spring semester. I am scheduled for Intermediate I. It's not just about me, however. He said a lot of the concepts are easier to understand in English, which I thought was interesting.
My mom:
My mom's progress at the care center seems to be quite slow with some additional complications like a bladder infection (and now antibiotics with their own side effects). Food does not stay in her, so gaining strength is very difficult. She is trying her best with 1 hour of PT and 1 hour of OT a day, but it is difficult for her. There is a medicine they might start in the next couple of days that would be aimed at her colon. Also, they are supposed to consult with a surgeon Friday. The end of the week should bring an official progress report too, from what I understand. She is very fortunate to have so many family members to help and look out for her - my dad, both brothers, and sister-in-law. A situation like this one has got to be almost hopeless for someone by himself or herself. Please continue to pray for her and the family in AZ.
Christmas season:
May your season be focused on Jesus Christ. We have almost no holiday events, obligations, etc. here (not even a tree or baking), so it's a different feeling. We are reading an Advent book that is historical fiction with main character about 10 to 12 years old. It's the third book by this author and so now starting to be an Advent tradition. It's neat because the characters overlap between the books. It is set right before the birth of Jesus and leads up to the characters being present at his birth. The story for the day tends to end with intrigue that has made Michael say, PLEASE, can we read tomorrow's?" My reply: "Of course not... we have to wait for tomorrow so we are on the correct day!" And, really, Michael is good at waiting and savoring things. God's perfect timing and his providential care are communicated in a lovely way in the book.
I was mailing a box Monday and saw a COB faculty I know. He was mailing kimchi to his brother in Seoul. I joked with him about the availability of kimchi in Seoul. But it was his mother's kimchi! And another person in line was also mailing kimchi. When I met with one of the small groups of students for English practice and told them, they said it's not unusual. One of them said her grandmother makes the best kimchi. I told them I like kimchi (though a big incentive to eat it is that it seems like it must be healthy) but that it all tastes the same to me. It is served at every meal... rice too.
It reminds me of Samoans taking an umu (literally oven) box (pre-printed boxes come in 3 different sizes) back to the States or NZ from Samoa... the boxes are checked as a luggage item.
Nice indirect compliment:
One of my students asked me today if I would try to teach Advanced Accounting spring semester. I am scheduled for Intermediate I. It's not just about me, however. He said a lot of the concepts are easier to understand in English, which I thought was interesting.
My mom:
My mom's progress at the care center seems to be quite slow with some additional complications like a bladder infection (and now antibiotics with their own side effects). Food does not stay in her, so gaining strength is very difficult. She is trying her best with 1 hour of PT and 1 hour of OT a day, but it is difficult for her. There is a medicine they might start in the next couple of days that would be aimed at her colon. Also, they are supposed to consult with a surgeon Friday. The end of the week should bring an official progress report too, from what I understand. She is very fortunate to have so many family members to help and look out for her - my dad, both brothers, and sister-in-law. A situation like this one has got to be almost hopeless for someone by himself or herself. Please continue to pray for her and the family in AZ.
Christmas season:
May your season be focused on Jesus Christ. We have almost no holiday events, obligations, etc. here (not even a tree or baking), so it's a different feeling. We are reading an Advent book that is historical fiction with main character about 10 to 12 years old. It's the third book by this author and so now starting to be an Advent tradition. It's neat because the characters overlap between the books. It is set right before the birth of Jesus and leads up to the characters being present at his birth. The story for the day tends to end with intrigue that has made Michael say, PLEASE, can we read tomorrow's?" My reply: "Of course not... we have to wait for tomorrow so we are on the correct day!" And, really, Michael is good at waiting and savoring things. God's perfect timing and his providential care are communicated in a lovely way in the book.
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