April and May Photos

Little Ging pictured here... he was in the bathroom taking a rest. Literally, he was sleeping here, because he did not move as the flash went off. Hilariously cute sleep position, don't you think?!

One of the flowers decided to bloom! The last time I saw it bloom was on our wedding day back in December :)

We found a plant nursery near our house, so Ed and I picked up some flowers to plant. I have seen such vibrant colors here! Well... Meera decided that she wanted to tear up the coconut tree, leaving it with the rest of the new plants (coconut tree on the far left). We did get all of the plants in the ground and they are doing fine now!

Our second visit to Singapore, middle of April. I wanted to go to the Dairy Farm. Not what we expected, as this is what it was, but a pleasant surprise! Kirsty, Edwin and I had an awesome jungle hike- we found a path going off of this walking path. We got back just in time to beat the evening rain storm.

Also in Singapore, we visited Marina Bay (also pictured below). Though we were there at night, it was very nice. We walked around and went into the 'mall' right next to the Bay... mingled with the millionaires a bit, as we obviously could not afford anything coming from any of the shops! 

Crazy, but I don't ever remember seeing real-live lilly pads! Well, I found some in this cool water garden that we passed as we walked around the Bay. No frogs, though  :)

We ventured up north a couple weeks ago to visit Edwin's family. Then we went further north to see the state of Terengganu. This was the beach we found... the sand was so gold, I've never seen it that color before! Here we are on the east coast of the country, bordering the South China Sea. I collected some neat-o sea shells too!

He's thinking about it, and he was going to climb up, but I complained too much about the danger!

There was a cave we were able to walk through.

'Oh, you don't let me have any fun!' 

Such a cutie-pie, she walking at about 10 months! Our little niece and God-daughter, Nicole, wearing Uncle Edwin's hat.

Back on the home-front, Edwin did some work on the car. I am also a very good and patient helper, if I may say so myself ;)

After trying to be so vigilant in caring for our trees and plants, we are both so excited to see one of the trees flowering and fruiting!! 

Double rainbow we saw at Ed's parent's house on the day of Elections, May 5 (the second is very faint above the power line). Unfortunately, we thought it would foretell a better election outcome. But, we always have the promise that God is faithful, even when we don't understand. 

Christianity

It's becoming increasingly more difficult to be a Christian these days.

We are, in fact, assured by Jesus that, "In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world" (Jn 16:33).

There are many things the world deems good and true, which in fact are neither good nor true. Truth is truth, it cannot be changed. However, the ones who in fact hold firm to truth, are often deemed the enemies of society: discriminatory, narrow, homophobic, anti-choice, anti-feminist, intolerant, close-minded... each issue now-a-days has it's own word for those who do not agree with the 'majority' of society.

Another verse for you: "If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own....If they persecuted me, they will persecute you.' (Jn 15:18-20). In the reading from Acts for today (when I first drafted this, that is), the Apostles, who were arrested, were taken and flogged for preaching about the risen Christ. They were told over and over to stop talking about Jesus if they knew what was good for them. And yet, 'As they left the council, they rejoice that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.' And of course, they did not stop teaching others about Jesus.

What an example! Such inspiration to be strong in our conviction as Christians, as Catholics! It is not a right to be arrogant, rude, impatient toward those who do not believe or do not understand. It is in fact, our place to be servant. It is our place to live by example. To live a humble, service-filled life; not only service toward others, but most of all, service of the Lord. Humble, as in being upright, not trampled over- just as the Apostles exemplify. This also means, following the will of God in your life; something which is at times very difficult to discern. For myself, I can be concerned about what other people will think. However, I have found time and time again that it is precisely that which would make me unpopular, that God is asking of me. Exactly those issues that many people 'go along with' as to not offend others, that as a Catholic, I find the need to speak about.

There are two big issues considered political to many 'Westerners' today (I say Westerners because, living in SE Asia currently, I do not see the same issues being focal points in this society. But, nevertheless, I am still a Westerner, 'European-American' as my dear husband has called me) The issues of abortion and homosexuality are two of the most divisive issues in America. These 'issues', if we should call them that, are more of a moral nature than political. In fact, the root of these 'issues' involve human dignity, and a respect for God's plan in our lives. Please know, this is not to put anyone down, or to seem above anyone- I know plenty of people, some of you maybe, who will disagree with what I write. But please, don't be deterred from reading on.

I stated above that truth just is. Whether we believe the truth or not, is irrelevant. It doesn't matter what we think, it's not going to change what is true or not. Too often, people view this upside down: whatever they (or a group of people) think is true, then it is true. And even if others don't agree, well that's fine, but for us, it's truth. This thinking, is false. This thinking makes everything complicated. Truth is actually very simple, as it should be. Have you ever noticed that when you tell the truth, it's much easier than trying to evade and make something up. Maybe even different stories go to different people and they end up swapping stories! Surely somewhere you'll get caught! It's the same here. It is the un-truths which complicate things; when people don't want to look at the truth, don't want to admit to themselves or others, that which is true. Most of all, when we don't want to CHANGE ourselves to fit what is true... that is the hardest part, and the BIGGEST motivator in sticking with that which is false.

If you followed me at all in that, I thank you for being patient with my writing.

Abortion is the killing of a human being. This human is unborn, but human; smaller, but human; in a different environment, but human. We have all been there. We wouldn't be here today if we hadn't been there. There is not much to complicate this; even science proves the unborn baby is alive. The complication comes with the act of abortion, the act of killing the baby before he is born (or in more and more cases, actually AFTER the baby is born).  The complication is that people now have decided that they do not want the baby, he will be inconvenient, they cannot afford, etc. They believe it is their right to have that conviction. It has even lead people to deny that there is a human life at all, before birth.

We may not like someone, is it our 'right' to have the option of killing them? Of course not! All the recent school shootings, as an example. The government is up in arms (no pun intended) about school shootings (rightly so), but when it comes to other forms of killing... it's ok? This is an inconsistency... an unnecessary complication of life. Sad that a bundle of joy should become such a complicated issue. Sad that so much hatred goes on between people over something as innocent as a child. But, this is what the world is coming to- we actually need to stand up to save lives!

Homosexuality is such a HUGE topic in the US now. Again, I am not writing here to condemn or preach to anyone; I know people who are homosexual. Also, I will not cover all the recent issues over homosexuality, but my thoughts from articles that I have read recently.

Homosexual unions have helped to distort marriage. Marriage is instituted by God, as Catholics it is one of seven sacraments we receive in our lifetime. Marriage is a good and holy union, meant for love and for the procreation of children. Marriage means man and woman. This is a truth. Because God made us, male and female He created us. He created female to be with male. My lowly self cannot deem that female and female 'marriage' or male and male 'marriage' is right, when God (who is ALL of our creator) is the one who created marriage. Love is from God, and He created us to love and to have order in that love. Love begets, which means, love is so powerful that woman conceives from man, and we take part in the miracle of life growing inside. This does not happen from female-female or male-male relationships. That is a fact. And so many may disagree, but it will never change truth.

I want to say something else about homosexuality. I do not hate homosexuals. In fact, I have compassion for them. Let me explain. Everybody, no matter who we are, has a longing for love. It is written on our hearts, it is ingrained in us. After all, we are created in the image and likeness of God, out of HIS love! This great mystery of love reveals that God does not hate anyone. God has compassion. He has compassion and mercy for all of us. None of us are perfect. Every single person on this earth needs forgiveness, mercy, and compassion. We certainly don't give or get enough of that in today's world. And so, I have compassion. Because I know that those in same-sex relationships are seeking love. However, they are seeking it in the wrong way, and as a result can never be wholly satisfied while traveling down that path.

I read an article several months back, which was written by a homosexual man. I greatly respect him. Actually he is married... yes, to a woman.... and they have kids! And, he is happy. He talked about the challenges and what he went through as a young man when he discovered he was attracted to other men. But, he worked through to the root of his issues, and made a decision to follow God's plan for relationships and marriage. This is commendable.

Each of us have our crosses to bear. Each of us must decide in our lives to take up our cross, however challenging this may be. Too often in the media we are fed an image of life that is unreal: we should be always entertained, always having fun, it is our right to have the best. These false images make it all the more harder for us to face challenges in life. And so again, we can look at our example today of the Apostles. Who instead of being deterred by those who disagreed and had the power to harm them, they rejoiced at their pain. Because they bore it for Jesus and for Eternal life.

Meditation Today

I've been thinking and praying quite a bit lately for the grace of increased courage, strength, boldness. Lent always gives us the opportunity, if we allow, to look at ourselves in a true light. A season that we should use to go inward and examine what needs to be weeded out.

Being in transition this past year, especially environmental and cultural transition, has given many challenges. Though I wouldn't trade any of these experiences, it has made me vulnerable in a lot of ways I had never experienced or expected. In fact, I feel I am just now beginning to come out of a sort of fog. With the fog lifting, I now understand more about the country, more about the people, more about the ways of life here in Malaysia (believe me, I know there is a ton I still don't know).

Being newly married has also presented changes and challenges: wanting to be a good wife, take care of my husband in the way I should, care for the house... these have all been new (good, of course!) challenges to add to the mix. Therefore, I have sought courage and strength through prayer a lot. Then why, Lord, I often ask... why do I not seem to always be lacking? Lent can be a such a beautiful time of transformation; however, it seems Easter morning usually comes with me thinking I should have been more focused during Lent, done better in my observances, etc. BUT, the beauty of God is that He even works with our feeble efforts to bring about good and growth in our lives. Even when courage and strength are no more- THAT my friends is when the Lord works in you. And it is true, for when we are weak, then He is strong in us.

I want to share from a daily meditation book of mine, called God Calling by AJ Russell. Today's message:

'I am all-powerful and all-knowing and I have all your affairs in My Hands. Divine efficiency as well as Divine Power is being brought to bear on them. All miracle-work is not the work of a moment as so often men imagine.
My servant Peter was not changed in a flash from a simple fisherman to a great leader and teacher, but through the very time of faithlessness-through the very time of denial-I was yet making him all that he should be. Impetuous spokesman as he always was, ready to lead the other disciples, Peter could never have been the after power he was, had he not learned his weakness. No man can save, unless he understands the sinner.
The Peter who was a mighty force for Me afterwards, who, more than all others, founded My Church, was not even first the Peter who said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God," but the Peter who denied Me. He who had tested My forgiveness in his moment of abject remorse, he could best speak of Me as Savior. 
The Kingdom of Heaven can only be preached by those who have learned to prize the authority of its Kingdom. A many-sided training My apostles need. Oh! joy. Oh, rejoice. I love you. Not one test too much will I lay on you.'

I find this so very true! And though it is not scripture, this helps me read between the lines. The times of challenge, the times we need forgiveness, when we feel the lowest- those are the times that God is nearest. Knowing how gracious the Lord is to forgive, to love us, to want us to be strong and to stand up again... it helps me find courage! It gives a reason to try to do better, to try again. Our faults, our own sinfulness may be large or small in others' eyes. The fact is, each of us have these battles in our lives and in our own ways. This is our journey toward sainthood.

Sometimes it is in following our own way, that we get lost. Both Judas and Peter denied Jesus... but Peter humbled himself to accept God's mercy and forgiveness, unlike Judas. Those who don't or can't accept the hope of forgiveness- how can the Lord save? But we must be like Peter- fall and get up again- this time stronger! However many times it takes!

New Flowers

Edwin wanted to do some more video taping today. So here are a couple videos of around our home, and Meera of course!

Here's Meera and I with our new flowers.

My Home During Tea Time

This is how I live....sometimes.

A bit about Meera

Just a quickie here tonight! But I wanted to share a couple of videos of our dear dog, Meera. She is a dog with quite the trouble-making personality... when we get home, we never know what we will find. If she is lying down in her 'crocodile' position, not running up to us, then we had better look around and see what she has damaged! (that is her guilty pose) 

This first one is of Meera getting a bath. She gets a bath inside in one of the bathrooms, because she is more docile. Have a watch!

This one shows Meera with the bunnies. She is quite a good guard of them. And when they escape she is sure to catch them as well... sad day. But, she does like them as companions.

More on Meer later!

It's Been a While...

It's been a while since I had time to get on here and write! We've been very busy with 'work' items the past couple weeks... I'm happy to finally be able to give some updates :)

I am thankful for work, and I love being involved in things- sometimes in the past, too MANY things I guess! We can all probably say that nothing quite beats being home, doing housework (for the ladies) or catching up on what needs to be done (for all of us). As I sit here I hear the thunder rolling and the storm is coming in fast!

So now I'm content, and want to explain a bit about the businesses we are involved in.
Though they have nothing to do with each other, they are linked because our core team is the same for both. Edwin has his communication therapy business, named LEMM International Therapy. 'LEMM' is for the initials of two of their parents (including Edwin's). They are a speech, language and communication therapy provider for children with special needs.
Ok, that sounds like a tagline- which indeed we do use that line! People don't usually know what speech and language therapy is. Honestly, I didn't. Basically, anyone with special needs- autism, down's syndrome, global delay, language delay, stroke, etc. can benefit from our therapy service. The beauty is that it is not that complicated, but people usually overlook the basic essentials of communication: eye contact during a conversation, looking at you as they request something, waiting patiently. Edwin is excellent at his work and he trains others to carry out individual programs to train the child and their parents. It is a unique program, especially in Malaysia, as it is home-based.
Edwin is the clinical head for the program, and he oversees all aspects of the business. Of course there is a lot of learning and growing along the way, and we have had ups and downs. Edwin and the main partner created the program, putting one's clinical experience together with the others' business experience. It has been just about a year now. We've learned a lot about business- some good things and some disappointing things. The main good is that the business IS growing and we are all learning! The disappointments come when we see how most people do business... money-seeking, bribery... As Catholics it makes us very sad, upset... makes us shake our heads. But, we do realize that this is the world- we are not to be of the world but live in the world doing what we must do to serve.
And so, I must count our blessings. I am happy to also have a role in the business- most of the time it is for marketing the program: speaking with people, parents, answering questions about the program, and various 'office' duties. Our dream was to build the business together, which we have been blessed to be able to do. We can both work from home, with Edwin doing visits and meetings as necessary- this is a big blessing that we will appreciate better when our children come along.
The other business is a bit more difficult to explain, and I won't say as much about it for now. Basically, it started as the owner's hobby and is now being expanded into a business. Picture: if you see Iron Man walking around outside, it draws attention. You then come see the display of various movie props and collectibles: some memorabilia from the movies, replica swords used on Lord of the Rings, movie scripts signed by the actors, etc. So, these items are used as crowd-pullers, fun for kids and families... and some weird people who love this stuff so much that they fall to their knees... yes, I have seen this. One word: ridiculous. :) But take a look at some of the photos we've taken:

My favorite: Aragorn and Legolas from Lord of the Rings

 Darth Vador- no there is not a real person in there!

Iron Man: The 'heart' and helmet replicas from the movie

Batman movie masks and movie scripts.

Iron Man- the live version!

Edwin with Batman comic art

All of our time has been going toward this for the past 2 weeks, as we have been doing an exhibit at the local state museum. It can be fun to talk with everyone and give them tours, also talk about LEMM; but it certainly has also been exhausting!

Now in other updates... We have reached stage 3 of our rabbit home! Maybe you noticed in the picture above, but there are now two parts prepared.

It is taking up quite a bit of our front porch area! But, there hasn't been much time or man-power lately to do a lot on the project. Hopefully soon Ed and Uncle can get it all finished up!

We have been working quite hard to tend to all the trees and plants in our yard. The trees, though still young and fairly small, are growing well. There aren't many flowers planted yet- BUT, I was happy when this little guy bloomed out! We haven't seen a flower from this plant since our wedding in December! 

Now, I realize this post is getting quite long. So lastly, we are both getting anxious to go for a visit to the US!  Though we've had other timing speculations, we have decided for several reasons that we will come in August. At this time, we will be there to celebrate the marriage of two special people ;)  and we will plan to have a reception for Edwin and I as well.

Thank you for reading, may God bless and keep all of you!

Rabbit Home

The rabbit pen has been in dire need of repair for a while. With 9 bunnies, they need to have a nice home! So, the time has come that the new home is being built. 

Edwin and Uncle Lawrence working on stage one of the new rabbit hutch.

By the end of the first night they had the basic frame finished. 

I will introduce our rabbits to you... some have names, but others we just refer to by color. There are 2 white rabbits- one male and one female; a female black and white one; Lilly, a grey and other color sweetheart (the main momma); an all black female; and a brown with white markings named Hammy (for Hamster) or Pony because it has a white stripe down its nose (gender undetermined up to this point). They all stay in the main large house that is on the ground (this is the one being redone). There they can dig holes and have a place to run around and be rabbits. We also have 3 others we keep in a smaller cage (but I DO let them out every day). We have Ginger, a light brown male with white markings; Little (named after me) a female mostly black, but with subtle brown in her coat; and Brownie, a male who is mostly various shades of brown. Now, why are they are separated from the main bunch? 

Some time ago, there was a new batch of babies: Ginger and Little are the surviving siblings. We wanted to tame them a bit, so we separated them from the others. We then also began finding that Brownie would escape from the main home. Meera loved it, of course, as she has a bit of a history chasing and killing rabbits. Naturally, we kept putting Brownie in and searching for the hole he used to escape, but couldn't figure out where it was. Several of these escapes involved us finding Brownie in a nearby drain. Once it was pouring down rain, another time we decided to use the hose to spray him out. Poor thing, but it was the only way! So we had a very wet Brownie whom I put back in the large caged area. I then watched what would happen. Sure enough, after a few minutes the large white male rabbit began aggressively chasing him around, and cornered him against the fencing! He then proceeded to bite Brownie! I discovered a weak point in the fencing, and Brownie was trying to escape out of it. I immediately helped him get out, and we decided to keep him with the smaller ones, Ginger and Little. They all get along just fine together. 

You see here (L to R), Brownie, Ginger, and Little. Meera faithfully 'guards' them when they are out. We tie her up when the rabbits run in the yard. 

I did think about taking the large white rabbit out, and putting these guys back in with the others. However, when I put Ginger and Little in first, Lilly and some of the others began chasing them around aggressively! So, I guess once they are away from the clan, they are no longer familiar or welcomed.

Meera, also helping... she has her own wood.

Bunny hutch in stage 2, the frame with the top covering- not sure what else to call it!

When finished, the new home will have two sections divided. That way we can keep them all in one place and not have to worry about them killing each other!

Storms

For some reason I've always been fascinated by thunder storms. It just so happens that Malaysia is quite well known for its tropical storms. If you fly into Kuala Lumpur (KL as the locals call it- something like how we refer to LA), in the afternoon the captain will probably talk about the weather being stormy. The weather here is, of course, very different from the Oregon weather I am used to. This is a tropical country, which means heat and rain! Though I've been here for 10 months, I still revel when a tropical storm comes in the afternoon. Mind you, it is like a big thunder storm with a downpour of rain that can typically last for 1/2 hour to an hour. The downpours are certainly not what I am used to, and I think they are rather cool! Also, the excitement of thunder clapping LOUDER than I've ever heard... just makes me want to huddle up and watch! 

Well, Today we had the first storm in a while come through- complete with lots of lightening and thunder! As usual the power went out... about 5 times. I get so excited, it's like I'm 5 again. I remember being 4 or 5 living in Missouri with my family... when a thunder storm came, we would go into the big room with the wood stove (it had a huge window). I would sit on mom or dad's lap and we would watch the storm, I always found it so exciting! So today, I begged my hubby to come sit with me as we watched some of the storm :) 

Here are a couple photos from today!

I guess the plants don't need watered today.

You can barely see streaks in the photo- that is the rain downpour!

And, even though this was not taken today, proof that we get rainbows in Malaysia!

Sobering...

I wanted to share the link to this article about our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI's renunciation. The times we are in call for all people to examine themselves and their lives. Faithful must remember that you do not want to be found as the maidens were, their lamps lacking oil and so missing the Bridegroom's coming. At the same time, we must be hopeful. There is evil, there is a definite force working against the Church- but we also have Jesus who has conquered all evil. It is our Pilgrimage. Let us use this time of Lent to humble ourselves, purify ourselves, and look at what is important: the state of our Soul. We pray for Pope Benedict XVI, his successor, and all people of the world. Amen.

http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/benedicts-renunciation-and-the-wolves-within-the-church?utm_source=LifeSiteNews.com+Daily+Newsletter&utm_campaign=5f7469ea2b-LifeSiteNews_com_Intl_Headlines_02_14_2013&utm_medium=email

Recent Happenings...

As you may know, usually you have only so many days/months that you are allowed to visit a country, before you must leave. Since we are still figuring out my spousal visa, toward the end of January we had a couple options: either pay the nice fee to extend my stay, or go for a trip down south to visit my friend Kirsty and then over to Singapore. So, we opted for the trip! Though it was a quickie, it was wonderful to see Kirsty, whom I had met in Corvallis at the Newman Center, and spend a bit of time with her and her parents. Johor (her town) is right across from Singapore, so we took an evening drive, going over to this wealthy country! So many people on such a small island! The city is quite built up and pretty clean... which is different from most of Malaysia ;) First we explored a church (below) and Edwin showed us the hospital that he used to work at. Then we went to Clarke Quay (2nd photo), which was kind of like a Disneyland for pubs and culture- we saw lots of white people! Everyone seemed out of touch with reality, and quite into their fashion and dinner parties. But, nonetheless, it was nice to see it. They have cute little boats going on the river right there, very romantic (though we did not ride one). 

The next day we did some touring of Johor with Kirsty and her mother. They showed us the two Catholic churches in Johor. We also drove to a marina where there were a lot of private boats kept. Edwin and I found one that we liked, which was for sale... only $4 million.... maybe someday ;)