Six years since Hurricane Katrina

Yesterday marked six years since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast and the South. I am going to account some of our experience....

My husband was offshore in the gulf at the time and had been evacuated to Lafayette, LA. JC was only about 4 1/2 months old. Mike asked me to go stay with my parents. They were taking shelter at their church's educational building, which had cement blocks as walls.

We went over there on August 28th. Our family was given the privilege of "bunking" in the nursery, since we were the only ones with a baby. The first night went okay. Then, Katrina hit. I can remember my father had a battery powered TV. We were able to watch the ABC affliate in Gulfport/Biloxi. They were getting calls in from people stranded on the coast.....in homes, on roofs, anywhere imaginable. There was also a moment when we watch the roof blow off of the news room.

We also had a family who lived right across from the church. They watched as a tree fell on their home. One of my dad's dear friends was there...he was watching to see if anything happened to his home, which was also across the street. However, he was also battling something much bigger....cancer.

That day is when the power went out. It was so hot and humid. I remember having to take JC out to the car and putting on the air conditioner to get him calmed down to go to sleep.

The next day was another tough day. Finally, the youth director of the church ventured out into town. He found much devastation. One of them was my little sister's house. A huge tree had fallen right into the middle of it. Thank goodness she had gone to North LA to take refuge with a friend's family.

That second day brought no water, no electricity, and much uncertainty. We found out that no one was able to travel out of town because of fallen trees. There was no way on earth I would make it back to our home 40 miles away. On top of that uncertainty, the cellular service had fallen. I had no way of reaching my husband, sister or inlaws. They had last spoken to us before the storm. They had no idea if we were okay, if our homes were okay, or what the situation was. All they knew was what the news was portraying to them.

God would provide....but we had no idea how He would that day. August 30th was the beginning of a hard journey for many..

To Be Continued..................

Mike - Four Winds Trading Company

The Four Winds Trading Company

I went to a Wax Museum which gave me a crash course in understanding the history of Singapore, as well as the 4 dominant cultures, which have come together to give Singapore it’s uniqueness.

The first room we go into is a mock up of a Trading Company from the 19^th century.

I’m not sure how true the story is from the museum, but we watched a most interesting video in the whare house of the Trading Company.  I say interesting, because most of it was holograms which played on smoke rising out of different crates.  The owners of the Four Winds Trading Company say they came from the four corners (India, Malaysia, China, Britain), and wanted to work together to make life better for all.

Afterwards, we were able to walk through a guided path, which walked us through the history of Singapore.  And there was more than enough to learn… more than I would be able to write in just a few minutes.

But I learned a bit more about the “Coolie” – the same labor force who came over and built the Trans-American train line.

Imagine this little room being your “everything”.  I would say life here was no easier than it was when they were building the train line in California.

One thing is for sure – two hundred years ago, the “machine” of choice was ‘Man’.  Three men using their body weight as the engine for an improvised crane.  Now, naturally as a Safety Engineer – I’m wondering … “why are you standing under the load?  Where’s everyone’s work gloves and hard hats?  Did you fill out the Critical Lift Permit?”

No wonder everyone looks at the next generation and says “The youth just don’t know the meaning of hard work”.  No kidding.  After trying to imagine doing this all day, every day… I wonder if any of us know what “hard” work is.

The museum also shows many different aspects of the four major cultures – ranging from marriage, to major religious ceremonies.  One thing is for sure, there is plenty to learn here.

The above is one of my favourite finds – sort of looks like a cross between a doll house and a wheelbarrow.  The display says these were very popular at the beginning of the 20^th century.  The proprietor would roll his wagon to the market, and then charge a few pennies for the people to look through the windows, and together everyone would watch a short movie projector playing on the inside.

In case anyone wonders – the Mandarin on the side.. it translates as “Block Box Buster – Saturday Matinees, please turn off pocket phone.”

Poor Baby and Minor Dental "Surgery"

The thing about our pediatric dentist is that they know....and I mean, Know...my child. Micah is two years old and rarely stays still for anything. He has weak enamel and a bad "sippy cup" habit. Now it caused two cavities on the top teeth. Caps were the only answer for those. And, at his age, he had to be put to sleep to have it done.

This meant an IV, gas mask and a breathing tube. Who knew that caps could get so complicated? I guess with my little man, everything can get complicated. haha!

And, wouldn't you know it? It all happens when Daddy is in Singapore. He misses all the good stuff.

After a bad night's sleep (he could not have anything to eat or drink after midnight), yucky "happy juice", and a very groggy, icky afternoon recovering, little Micah is in dreamland. I pray he sleeps all night! The nurse said the sedation could linger on for the next day or so. Poor thing can't get any energy....and that is very rare for him!

Here are a few precious pics from the "pre-surgery" room....right after they gave him his dose of happy juice! :)

Mike - Post 13

Mermaids, Mermen and now… Merlions

(or)

(Hey Mississippi!! – Two More Lessons)

Some countries have a particular symbol which represents their citizens.  In the U.S, we have the Bald Eagle. Spend any amount of time in Singapore and you quickly learn the “Merlion” is their symbol.  (Singa is Indian and Malay for Lion, and Pura means City).

Because Singapore is at it’s heart a sea-port, the Lion is a natural shoo-in.  Of course, with tourism being a very big part of Singapore, it probably didn’t take long for the Merlion itself to become a tourist attraction.

After paying 12 dollars, I went inside – wondering what I was going to see, and also hoping that there was an elevator (this place has to be at least 8 stories tall!).  Once in, we watched a short 5 minute video, and were told we could take our Merlion coin to the next room, where a statue would grant us a prize.  Ok… the way everyone was excited, I figure we must be getting something pretty… and as hot as it is outside, if my “prize” is a bottle of soda, I’ll be happy as well.

Once I had the token, there really wasn’t much more to do.  I could ride the elevator to the top – get out and look at the world through the mouth of the lion.

Hhhmm.... yes, that rates way up there on the excitement scale.  Since I saw this the other night, and the mouth was lit up, I guess this is more for night time pictures.  I’ll have to remember that for when Karen and the boys come over.  Wouldn’t mind having a picture of them in the mouth of a lion.  (But something tells me Micah would climb over the lion’s lip, and start working his way up to the ear!)

It was at the top of the lion’s head that I was able to see more of Singapore.  And I did see something interesting – it’s not uncommon to see rooftops with full beds of grass and bush.  One of the nationals I work with says it is what they do to combat greenhouse gases.  Maybe that’s something we should think about – I bet covering every walmart in the US with grass would do a lot more to reduce greenhouse gas than trying to build a bunch of windmills.  (Hey Mississippi!!– might want to think about this one)

It was at the back of the lion’s head where something interesting caught my eye.  There was a long strip of multi-colors down below.  And from the looks of it, I thought it might be one long continuous slide.

When I finally made it down to the bottom, I found that this is where the runoff from the waterfall goes.  While it is not a “slide”, it is a man-made creek.  And everyone comes here to cool of their feet.  (Another interesting idea we should have more of back in the states – Hey Mississippi!!-another free lesson from the good folks of Singapore)

And let me tell you – at the end of the day, I was glad to be able to put my feet in something cool!

As for my lucky prize? A small plastic hand-held oriental fan.  Ooohhhh!!!

Mike - Post - Stepping into the Past

Stepping Into the Past

I spent the other day visiting Sentosa Resort with Don, his wife Jen, and their son Aden.  We spent most f the afternoon riding the luge, and then started to check out some of the areas I hadn’t yet been too.

This is the national symbol.  In the U.S, we have the Bald Eagle – for Singapore, it is the “Mer-Lion”.  That’s because Singapura (the original name of the island) translates to Lion City.  And since Singapore has a rich tradition tied to the sea, if there are mermaids, and mermen, then of course there has to be Merlions.

There’s plenty to see, and plenty to do –we were just walking along the pathway and we come across a man with a wicker basket full of snakes.  For five dollars, he will let you take a picture with one.  Of course, Don wanted to take the pose – me, I was hungry and in Singapore, you can find just about everything on the menu, so the snake was looking pretty good!

Singapore has one of the best MRT (Mass Rail Transit).  High up, here no one can “accidently” get stuck on the track, no cross bars delaying cars, and of course… no graffiti on the cars (ok…knowing you will get ten strokes from a cane pole might have a bit of influence).  But how many expats remember that at one time, the island had been invaded by the Japanese?

This is an old trail Don and I found.  Since we were already waiting for our turn to gear up for the Mega-Zip (that experience is a story in itself), we decided to see where it would take us.

At the top of the ridge, we found this little area carved into the hillside.  This was an old military “Pill Box”.  Part of the island defences no doubt.  For me, this was an incredible experience – where we were standing was part of history.  Maybe history never gave a name, but I can almost see the British trying to repel the Japanese.

Don is a history fan as well.  Where I like to read – he likes to re-enact.  So, today he became a machine gunner.  The photos is alright, but a video would have been funnier.  Don has his imaginary gun and he is shouting “Tap-Tap-Tap-Tap”.  Finally, it was time to head back and get back in line – the invasion was stopped.

Mike Post - Music

Give Me That Old Time Rock-N-Roll

One thing about living overseas that is going to take some getting used to – radio entertainment. 

There are probably eight or nine radio stations – some play Mandarin Chinese, others sound Malaysian.  So that leaves five stations for me to choose from

After a month of “trying” to get used to skimming through Diana Ross, the Bee Gees, and some form of rap, I finally got tired and gave up.

But an hour drive?  The silence is good at 530 in the morning – lets me find a calm spot and get ready for the day.  But after a fast paced day, I want some fast paced music!

However, there is no CD player! 

That’s when I noticed the international symbol for USB drive.  So now, I have Bob Seeger, John Cougar, and Green Day.  Talk about a crazy combination!

Mike Post - Mass Transit

Hey Mississippi – Lesson #01

While driving home, when I stopped at the red light, I was sitting behind one of the city mass transit buses.

I’m looking up and I start reading the placards on the back of the bus – the one which show what amenities the bus has.  Wow! 

Not only is there air conditioning (a BIG must in Singapore), the seats recline, BUT there is an LCD screen with every seat, along with a DVD player.Makes me almost want to start riding the bus to work!

Girls Vs. Boys - Tim Hawkins

I have two boys......haha! I'll never have dancing at breakfast!

What I would do for a small group meeting right now? :)

There are those weeks.....or even months that take the breath out of you. This is one of them.

Nothing drastic or tragic has happened. It has just been a weary few weeks. I'm not sure if it is weariness of being a "part time single" mom, missing my husband, missing adults(?!), or something else.

I am kind of anxious about everything I have to get done before we leave the end of the year.  But I guess sitting here on my behind is not getting it done. :)

So, God, I'm here praying for a pick me up like never before. I need the energy only You can give, the friendship of all friendships, and the love that never ends.

Amen

Caught in the details of the day..............

I got caught today. I failed today in a lot of ways.......

I lost my temper................
I got aggravated............
I lost track of time...........
I was sarcastic.............
I had a bad attitude part of the time..........

But I have a Savior and Lord who can............

Give me joy.................
Give me patience.........
Help me be organized and a good steward............
Give me kind words................
Give me a positive attitude..........

When we get aggravated, impatient, mad, or just plain frustrated, we have God......the God of the universe who loves each and every one of us..........every fault, every blemish, every mistake.

That's My King!!!!!

Check out this video.....a new favorite of my six year old! :) Click on the link below!


That's My King!

Mike's Neighbors

My Neighbours

Every day, I finish work and head back to the condo to relax and recover from putting out the fires for the day.  And every day, I drive past the homes of the bankers, lawyers and entertainment stars.

And when I finally make it to my parking garage, the next task is to find a “good” parking space.  By good, I mean one that I can easily pull into.  One thing these parking spaces don’t have a lot of – space.

I also want to make sure I don’t have to be too close to some of the other cars.

That’s a Bentley – Easy 300 thousand dollars.  Before Singapore import charges.  The last thing I want – for him to ding the side of my car when he opens up his door.

Now this…not only is this a rare edition of a classic model, it’s my car.

At the end of the day, I always look forward to having a chance to go sit out on the balcony and spend a few moments listening to the sounds of the waves crashing over the rocks.  But today, somebody wanted to make some of his own waves.

Mike's Post about the Nature Center

Walking High Up

While walking around the resort, I found a Nature Center which was very interesting with plenty of hands on exhibits.  I almost forgot parts of Singapore are still considered part of the Rain Forest eco system.

While walking around, I found something I haven’t seen in almost 35 years – Origami Swans.  Part of me wants to try to relearn how to make these cranes -  now that would be fun.  As for this exhibit – it is a “One Thousand Crane”, which according to Japanese tradition, the person who makes this will be given one wish.  (If I ever made 1,000 cranes, my wish would be for my sons to have great memories of their growing up)

Finally, after learning about the types of trees, leaves, bugs and all, it was time to head out for the rest of the walk.

Check out the sign posted on the bridge.  Walking along the bridge is 25 meters high up and that is roughly 75 feet.   I looked over the side, and didn’t see much – too many leaves between me and the ground.

As I was looking at the trees, I saw one which I had seen before when I lived in Africa.  I don’t know what the Latin name is, or what name is used by the Singaporeans, but we called it the porcupine.  That’s because of the big barbs which grow up and down the trunk.

The sign also says the ancient natives used these barbs for their blowdarts.  I’ve seen these barbs, and they are sharp!  No doubt, those would work with blow guns!

And when I finished walking along the bridge, I thought I saw something walking through the brush.  What did it turn out to be?

Mike Post about the Luge

Riding the Luge

During my first trip to the Sentosa Resort, I found a ride I seriously doubt we would ever see in the U.S. 

They call it “The Luge” – but it is more than that!  It’s like a combination skateboard and go-kart.  

After a quick course on how to speed up and slow down, it’s down a hill top on a road

The course is 500 meters high and just over 1.1 kilometers long, and is full of twists, turns, and even hair pin curves.

If you hold off on pulling back on the brakes, the speed can get up to 40, 45 kilometers per hour.  Sitting just inches off the ground, it feels like we are ripping along at 80 miles an hour!

I was reading the information board, and it turns out the inventor of the ride liked the down hill thrill of the traditional luge, but thought it would be more fun if people could pass each other on the way down.    And passing people up, with the wind rushing past, that’s what makes this ride so much fun!

When the ride is over, we get to jump onto a ski-lift and back up to the top we go.  Not only does the chair lift carry the passengers, it also carries the luge cars as well!

The chair lift takes a person about 80 feet above the ground and every time it crosses over the road, there are nets to protect the cars from “dropped” objects.  The view going up is great, especially when I look behind me and see the rest of the ocean bay!

Mike - Post #6 - Riding the Cable Cars

Riding the Cable Cars

Every day when I am driving back from work, I see these cable cars riding over the highway.  Of all the “Touristy” things I plan on doing – this would have to be one of the first ones.

So I enter the cable car and away I go!!!...

The first part of the cable ride will take me back to Sentosa Island, because this is where the resort is.  (Funny thing, I live on Sentosa Island,  so what better way to learn what’s out there!)

If I look out the left side of the car, I get to see this large ship dock, where thousands of cargo containers are waiting to be put on ships and sent to different parts of the world.  It’s just not exactly as “scenic” as what I see on the right side of the car.

Even though the resort is open, there is still a lot of construction activity taking place.  I guess everyone wants to get a piece of the hot action

I couldn’t help but notice one of the hotels being built and thought I recognized the logo. 

Looks like Hard Rock Café is expanding.

The second half of the trip takes me back across the river and off I go to Mount Fabier.  Wow!  Is that some of those “horse-less carriages” down there?  I’ve never seen those before!  If it wasn’t for this cable car, I would never have been able to see one of those!

But what about the guy who lives under the cable car?  Day after day, hour after hour, every two minutes, another cable car goes by.  I wonder if that was a major selling point when the realtor was showing the house.

Then it is back to the starting point – Vivo City.  A huge mall where a person can buy Armani, Prada and a lot more names I wouldn’t even recognize.  And right next door…. The ship docks.  I don’t think we would ever get to see something like this in the U.S, where the rough and tough is right next to the prim and proper. 

And right before the cable car finishes the circuit, I notice the name of the building.  Laugh!!  Esso Mobil.