That's a LITTLE Fishy

One of the things that John really enjoys doing is fishing.  The last few summers I have been the one to take John to the lakes, streams and rivers to "catch the BIG one".  As a mom I am not the best fisherman, fisherwoman or fisherperson..but I get marks for trying to help John get chances to get his pole wet.

Here in Thailand John has wanted to go fishing and Ron was finally able to find sometime to go - it just so happened that David was still here so all of my BOYS had a day of fishing.

I will just let the pictures tell the story

because it is a Little Fishy to me!

What is in a Good Bye

In the past couple of years I have come to realize that there is nothing "GOOD" about "GOOD-BYES".  It seems that I have been saying good-bye to many things, places and people the last few years.  In fact I force myself to not let the word "goodbye" slip from my lips, see around or see you later is more my style.

Why do I detest the word "GOOD-BYE" so much, JM Barrie in Peter Pan explains it beautifully..."Never say goodbye because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting"... 

Living here in Asia has been and is a amazing opportunity for adventure, for travel and for personal growth.  Yet, it has its difficult side for me...family, friends and loved ones seem so far away.  Not just the physical distance, but also there is a distance emotionally and mentally as well.  I don't want to forget and no one wants to be forgotten...but life happens and if you are not connecting on a daily basis or even weekly that distance widens and the "forgetting" finds its way into the relationship.  So, this December, as my children left one by one I never told them "goodbye" - I hugged and kissed them and said "I would see them later" .  The hardest was to tell that to Austin, so I didn't just hugged and kissed him.  I was reminded of an old proverb that says, A kiss without a hug is like a flower without the fragrance"! 

Austin was "smelling" pretty good as he boarded his plane to back home to Seattle.  He is like my personal bouquet! 

The Babies

John loves animals and once when I was out of town, I came home and John had talked Ron into buying a pair of sugar gliders. We have now had Jackson and Amelia for about 18 months now.  I have to admit they are kind of cute - with their big eyes and their individual personalities!

THE BABIES

John is my Baby

Austin my grand-baby

 and Jackson the sugar glider baby!

A Very Thailand Christmas

Christmas Morning in Thailand...

Johnny and Mommy

Austin and Nana

The Best GIFT ever...MY FAMILY

For christmas this year I asked for a short note about the Thailand experience... here is what they wrote

AUDREY...

I usually feel eager to go home and get back into my regular routine at the end of a long vacation.  After a month in Thailand, though, I wasn’t ready to go home and could have easily spent a few more weeks there.  I loved being able to spend time as a family in a relaxed and unobligated environment.  It was so wonderful for everyone to be together without any other responsibilities.  I loved waking up each day knowing that my only focus for the day was having fun with my family.  That, to me, is a perfect vacation no matter where you are.  I loved watching Austin interact with his Nana, Papa, Aunts and Uncles.  It made me so happy to see how loved he is by his family.  I know he’ll go through life continually supported and uplifted.  I’m so grateful that he has so many good examples around him.  I look forward to more family vacations in the future, and I hope each one has the same feeling that this one had.

Love, Audrey

TOREN...

I really enjoyed our time together in Thailand.  It brought back fond memories of my time in Southeast Asia having served my mission in the Philippines.  As with any trip my enduring memories all have to do with family.  My greatest take away from our vacation was the opportunity to spend time with everyone and get to know each other even better than before.  This is fun in its own right but getting to share these experiences in one of the World’s most beautiful countries was a real bonus.  I also relished the opportunity to spread a little Marco Polo cheer.  Too bad we didn’t get to play a couple of more times.  Thanks Mom and Dad for making this trip possible.  I love you both and thank you for your examples of love and faith.

Love, Toren

AUSTIN...

I loved being in Thailand!  I wish I could go back right now.  My favorite part was being spoiled by my Nana.  I loved the endless treats, tickles, and smooches.  I love that my Nana has enough energy to keep up with me.  I loved swimming in the pool, riding in the golf cart, and taking long bike rides.  My favorite part, of course, was all the cool animals I got to see: monkeys, giraffes, geckos,  sharks and a whole lot more.  I can’t wait to go back!!  Thanks Nana and Papa!

Love, Austin

Laura:

Spending the Christmas break with the family was the best way I could end my time in Thailand. I had been in Thailand since August and completing my internship and I couldn't think of a better way to end the semester. I loved spending two weeks with family both on Koh Tao and at the house.  Having the house filled with my loud and crazy siblings was the best. But the best part of the trip was Scott asking me to marry him. Second best was him coming off the plane early.  Spending time with him and the family was the best Christmas present   could ask for. This Christmas was the best I have ever had.

Scott:

This Christmas was memorable to me for so many reasons. I was able to visit a country I had never been to before and try some new thingsI've always wanted to. There are to many things I enjoyed to really pick a favorite but I loved the scuba diving, riding the scooters, eating out together everyday, going to the markets, hanging out by the pool, and learning to play the Angklung. Most of all though the highlight of the trip was getting engaged to Laura. She is everything I've ever wanted and imagined when I would dream about my future wife and family. Coupled with our engagement I really enjoyed spending time with the rest of the family and getting to know everyone better. I felt instantly loved and welcomed and that made the decision to marry Laura so much easier. Thank you for a great and unforgettable Christmas. I look forward to many many more!

Mandy and David plus grandson #2

Ever since David and I got married, I found it remarkable how easy it is to call you and the rest of the family, “family.” I cherish all of my memories with the Gailey clan and couldn’t be happier. Being in Thailand for Christmas was perfect. It was stress free and the focus was just having fun with the family. I loved getting to know everyone better and to have opportunities to become closer as a family was great as well. I would have to say while I loved the family time, my favorite part was going to Chiang Mai with David and spending the day with elephants. That has ALWAYS been a dream of mine and it is something that I will never forget. I have loved being able to visit Thailand and explore new places, but it has been even better to be able to do it with a family whom I love so much! Thank you for one of the best Christmas’s ever!!

Love you!  Mandy and Grandson #2

This Christmas was filled with amazing moments from the beginning to the end.  However, one of those stood out more than the rest. My very favorite experience from this trip to Thailand was all the fun we had playing in the pool at Koh Tao. From splashing around with Austin to endless relaxation, Ultimate Marco Polo to The Game of Skill, this wasn’t he absolute best memory from our time together. There is just something about having carefree fun with the whole family in the water that brings a smile to my face. I loved it because it was just simple, honest, good-time-having fun. I think that those kinds of times with the family are my absolute favorite. Yes, there may have been a few raindrops. Yes, there may have been some silly rules to Ultimate Marco Polo. Yes, there may have some minimal sunburns acquired. But I must say that this was still that happiest I was the whole trip. I love our family. And I love being together and playing with our family. Thank you so much for you and Dad making that possible. I love that we all get along and enjoy being with each other. I can’t wait for the chance we have to get together again for some more awesome pool-time festivities.

Love, David

Sun, Sand and Surf

We are a scuba diving family, if you marry into this family not being able to scuba dive might be a deal breaker, it is a good thing that Laura's "special friend" Scott knew how to dive.  Our family dive trip this year found us on the beautiful island, Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand.  We had to take a little "puddle jumper" flight to the island of Samui and then it was a long 2 hour boat ride to Koh Tao. 

We have a family of TEN - and so we took up most of the plane, the transfer train!

My baby John (16) waiting with me as we get ready to board the boat.  The weather was fine at the pier - the boat ride was another matter.  Rain, wind and swells of about 15 feet.  We were all glad when that ride was over.  Koh Tao is a small island that primarily caters to divers and so we were excited to start our adventure.  Our hotel room and view from our deck.

Austin was a local attraction...the Thai could not keep from talking to him, holding him and just laughing at him.  Which is what I do most of the time.

When we are not diving we are eating, hang out or playing games.  That is how the Gailey Gang spends time together!

Little Bits of this and that (L2R) Laura, Austin and Audrey - Austin and David - Beach - Scott and Laura (ENGAGED on Koh Tao!) - Mandy with the Crape Man - Toren and Austin - David and his sweet island ride - Austin (could you loose the flower it doesn't look good with you BYU shirt) - Audrey and Toren.

Going riding with John

Diving the Koh Tao way

After diving a Thai massage is in order... 

The Gailey Gang

Koh Tao

Thailand 

December 24, 2011

Engaged

Laura's Christmas Present came early this year.  Scott asked her to marry him while we were visiting Koh Tao - and by the look on her face you can tell she said YES!

Laura and Scott Sorensen will be married in August 2012

Chicken POX!!

For the next week or so we stayed pretty close to home, Austin started running a fever a few days ago and had a cold when he first arrived.  Audrey kept putting "Baby OFF" on him to keep the pesky Mesquites away from Austin.  I noticed that the bites were not going away and looked more like "Chicken POX" to his Nana.  Audrey didn't think that it could be chicken pox as Austin had the vacine 6 months ago. ( Still I had gone through three miserable cases of chicken pos with Audrey, David and Laura - John had the vacine also and ended up with a mild case -so I knew it was possible.)  And over the next few days - more little dots started showing up - and then they blistered over ...NANA was right, Austin had the Chicken POX!!

Which actually relieved Audrey a bit - as Austin was so fussy on the plane  and he was whiney and not sleeping, we just thought it was due to jet lag - so when the pox started showing up - Audrey was actually grateful - she started to hope that the flight home would be better.

Austin is a wonderful little guy and even though he was not feeling well, he still had some fun...

 Cheetos and frosting- that was even new to me, but it looks as though Austin like it - and then I think enough is just enough!  

 Although Austin can't say her name, his Aunt Laura is his favorite!

On the counter with a tub of ice cream - that will make anybody happy!

Lions, Tigers and Bears OH MY

Since John is 16 and not really into the "ZOO" like he was at 6 we had not visited the small zoo in downtown Bangkok.  So now that Austin is here bright and early Monday morning we set off to the "HEART" of the Jungle - okay I mean the heart of the city - because that is where the Zoo is located.

 Feeding time - Bottoms UP

 Okay - I broke a Nana rule...but I needed some Austin loven - I took Austin out of his car seat -(they don't even have car seats for children here in Thailand, so I was not breaking the law) I held him and smothered him with kisses - which he was kind enough to receive! Then I showed him the sunroof - and well he wanted to see what was outside and so being the loving, caving in Nana that I am - I obliged.

Lions, Tigers and Naughty Nana's OH MY

Seasons Pass

I don't snow ski, I don't even like the snow ..so i am thinking that I will not be getting a season pass to any ski resort this December and that is fine by me.  But,that doesn't mean I don't get a seasons pass because I do!  The pass is good from December 1- December 30th 2011.  It is my pass to "AUSTINLAND".

The entrance fee every morning is a big hug from Austin and a few smoochies too.  Then we get to have breakfast with the "character" that would be Austin again, then the rides begin.  First with the jogging stroller, then the golf cart, which is followed by a ride on a bike and we must leave out the car ride to the MALL, where Austin had to try out the very "ASIAN" kiddie rides.  And FINALLY MCDonalds - something Austin understood!  I think that chicken nugets are culturally universal.

I tried to get Audrey to try the corn ice cream sunday and even the spinach pie that they sell at McDonalds, but she definitely refused!

Austin is thinking - Seriously this is all ya got!

Finally - something that Austin can sink his teeth into!  

Another fun day in AUSTINLAND

AUSTINLAND

If you know me you know that I love all things Jane Austen, I would like to think that my oldest daughter knows me pretty well...and I would like to think that she named her first born son, my first grandchild after my favorite author - but I am sure that is not the case - Nevertheless I do love all things Austen and AUSTIN.  The month of December did not bring us to "Disneyland" but it did bring "AUSTIN-LAND" to my home.

Audrey and Austin left Seattle on November 29th at 2:00 in the morning. Their arrive time in Bangkok was to be 11:00 am on December 1st.  Audrey was anxious about the flight, but was hope that Austin would sleep for most of the 20+ travel time.

But of course things didn't work out as planned.  Austin only slept for a few hours on the first flight and was not in a good mood the other 8.  He ran up and down the isles and pretty much wore Audrey out.  By the time they left Taiwan, Audrey was drained and so was Austin.



The arrival was bitter sweet!  Audrey had sent a text to let Laura and I know that Austin had not slept on the first flight - so we both knew what had to be done.  We formulated a plan for the pick-up - Laura was to grab Austin and I would let Audrey fall into my arms and cry.  And everything went according to that plan!  Once we were finally able to load the suitcases and the Austinator into the car, Sayan are driver, quickly got us home.

After a shower and some good food, Nana was ready to take over for mom.  Audrey took a nap and I was in "AUSTINLAND"!!

We messed up the kitchen, made muffins, went for a run, went to the park, had to stop and refuel with lunch - then it was swimming in the tub!

Austin wanted to go on another walk....BUT the JET LAG kicked in, I was okay with that as I knew that I had all month of December to be in AUSTINLAND

It was a perfect way to start the Holiday Season

Month of Gratitude and Thanksgiving

During the month of November, I decided to use my Facebook status to express my gratitude for something unique each of the 30 days.


1. Day 1 - I think it is appropriate on this first day of Thanksgiving month to be grateful to parents who gave me life.

2. Day 2 – With all the flooding in Thailand I am so grateful to Coca Cola for working so hard to insure the safety of their expat families. I am also grateful to Coca Cola and their response to help the people of Thailand in donating much needed drinking water!

3. Day 3 - Today I am thankful that I will have a home to return to, so many Thai's will not. The flooding continues and so does the devastation.

4. Day 4 - Today I am thankful that the sun shines and warms not just my skin but my heart, that the moon lights the night especially when I am lonely; that rain drops fall and clear the air like tears clear my mind and I am also grateful for snow that reminds me that even when it is cold beauty can shine.

5. Day 5 - I am grateful for wonderful parents and 2 exceptional sisters and the most amazing little brother!! I truly have been blessed with a wonderful family.

6. ‎Day 6 – Today I am thankful for clean drinking water, it is amazing how it is the simple things that one really feels thankful for in a natural disaster.

7. Day 7 - I am grateful that we have the ability to SMILE, and for those that smile at me.

8. Day 8 - After living in Thailand for a year I am really thankful for hand sanitizer!!

9. Day 9 - Thankful for mosquito repellent!

10.Day 10 - Thankful for heartbeats - especially tiny baby ones!

11. 11-11-11- Thankful for the ability I had to pack food sacks for flood victims tonight! - What was in the bag: rice, oil, fish sauce, one small carton of milk, a can of sardines, 6 candles, 1 roll of TP, bag of cookies. How many of us would be grateful for that sack of food? The THAI people are!

12. On the 12th day of Thanksgiving...I am grateful for sisterhood and bonds that hold families together. Love you, Shelby, Suzie and Kathryn they are the BEST SISTERS ever!!

13. Day 13 - I am grateful for TOOTHPASTE!

14. Day 14 - Since I was thankful for toothpaste yesterday today I am really grateful for DEODORANT, can you imagine the smells - wait I can I raise two boys that were both TEN once!

15. Day 15 - I am grateful for the ability to buy a boat. I purchased my first one paddle rowboat and donated it to the Thailand flood relief. I am also grateful for all those who have done the same.

16. Day 16 - I am grateful for Patience - even when I lose it eventually shows up again.

17.Day 17...I am grateful for the ability to see, not only with my eyes but also with my heart.

18.Day 18 - I am grateful for taste buds...and for good food!!

19. ‎Day 19 – I actually like thinking of things that I am grateful for, it makes me really consider things that I don't usually think about. So today I am grateful for the ability to read, it opens up a great big world. So an extra shout of thanks for teachers who promote reading - Thank you!

20. Day 20 - today I watched my 16 year old boy leave for school, turn around and say to his dad, "will you be home tonight?" when the answer was "no I have to go out of town" John went over and gave his dad a BIG HUG - I am thankful that my children willingly show love to their parents!

21. Day 21 - I m grateful that I do NOT have to do any homework, at least none with my name at the top!! Only one more year and my baby graduates from High School.

22. Day 22 - the grateful list just keeps growing and today I am thankful for all those other "villagers" who have loved, helped, taught and served my children.

23. Day 23 - today has been one of those days that made me realize how very thankful I am for Advil Liquid Gels, it is a small thing with big results. I can think again - wait is that a good thing or bad thing!

24. Day 24 - Today I am thankful for MY NOSE. First my face would like Lord Voldemort's if I didn't have a nose. CREEPY!! And I would be able to smell the pumpkin pies, cheesecakes and granola baking in my kitchen today! Yep! I am grateful I have a NOSE!!

25. Day 25 - Today we are celebrating Thanksgiving with about 40 of our closest friends here in Thailand. I am grateful that when we do not have our own families to celebrate holidays with we have amazing friends that we love as family

26. Day 26 - I woke up this morning very grateful for being able to have lived in Asia the last 2 1/2 years. I have grown, I have learned and I have seen some amazing things. I have been truly blessed by this adventure!

27. Day 27 - This is the last Sunday in November, the thankful month, and so I would like to express my thanks to our Father in Heaven for creating this beautiful earth - it truly is a creation of love. I have one small problem - I do not understand the need for mosquitos and there for can not be thankful for them. Does that make me an ungrateful person?

28. Day 28 - I am grateful for airplanes, my grandson, Austin, is on the plane and is ready to visit his nana! I am sure Audrey will be thankful when they both arrive 18 1/2 hours from NOW!

29. Day 29 - I am grateful for the cycle of life. And I would have to say that the cycle I am in now, being a grandparent is the BEST.

30.Day 30 - I am grateful for Re-Takes, Do-Overs and Make-up Work. If this life is like a school - lessons are to be learned and test need to be passed before we move on. I am grateful for the opportunity my Savior, JESUS CHRIST, has given me to Repent. It is by His love and mercy that I have the ability re-take, do- over and complete make up work. So when the final test of life comes I can PASS on to "higher" education

A very Thai Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving the Thailand Way

Here is Thailand we get to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends that are family.  It becomes a real expensive dinner as the American food items must be imported.  Still, we love having roast turkey, baked ham, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes and homemade rolls.  Of course we had a few Thai salads and Thai fresh fruit, but the night ended with pie, pie and more pie!

Living outside the United States I have become aware of how very blessed we are as a nation.  I have also become aware how many Americans do not realize the blessing and freedoms they have.  Life abroad has taught me many things, mostly that we as people are more similar then we are different.  We can learn to live with each other and celebrate our differences, isn't that what the first Thanksgiving was all about.  

Seasons

One of the things that I miss most about living in a tropical country is the fact that I do not get to view the seasons change in nature.  It is summer all the time, even when it rains.  The trees are always green and flowers, especially orchids, are always in bloom.  I miss stepping outside and breathing in that cool autumn evening air, the trees all decked out in a wonderful palette of yellow, gold, red and mahogany and the sweet smell of fresh baked pumpkin pie!

It is the simple things that I miss.  I dream of a simpler time, when life doesn't seem a like a rush of nothingness.  In my dream I live in the country in a ranch style home with a large wrap around porch so I can sit and watch the season change, read a book or just breath in the clean crisp air.  My dream will likely never come to pass - it will probably change like the seasons.  But, at least for now I have a dream.

Helping Hands

John has an amazing opportunity for service right now in Thailand.  This is a wonderful short video clip that shows some of the flooding, the people and the helping hands.  See if you can find JOHN, he is the tall good looking one...LOL

Just click on the title below and watch what took place Nov 12th

Students at ISB help the Thai flood relief effort

Sack of Food

I couldn't let this day go by without making a blog post after all it is

11-11-11 

The highlight of my day was knowing that I was is some small way  contributing to the flood relief effort here in Thailand.  I was able to help out our community here in Nichada by packing food bags that would be distributed tomorrow to the flood victims.  Most have lost everything they owned.  If they still have a home, the first floor is damaged and still contains water and they are living on the second floor.  Many have no way of getting food, so the food bags are delivered to them via a truck / boat system.

What was I packing in the food bags...

1. Rice -  about 4 cups
2. Oil - 8 fl.oz
3. Sardines packed in tomato sauce - 1  6 oz can
4. Milk - 1  8 oz carton
5. Candles and small box of matches
6. Toilet Paper - 1 roll
7. Electrolyte packet
8. Cookies/ crackers - small bag

We also had a few extra items to add to some of the bags, like soap and lotions from local hotels - even a few combs and tooth brushes.  We put all eight items in a small grocery bag and tied it up.  The sacks will be distributed tomorrow to flood victims in our area.  Those that receive the sacks of food, will smile and be every so thankful.  It makes me ask myself would I be grateful for a  SACK OF FOOD like that.  It is a humbling experience and I am learning the power of service and am seeing the will to survive in the faces of these beautiful Thai people.

Roller Coaster Life

It has been three weeks today since our family has been evacuated from our home for safety and protection from the threatening flood waters in Thailand.  Currently I am in my fifth hotel and lets just say not even the amazing buffet breakfast is inciting anymore.  My emotions over the past weeks have been like riding a roller coaster, up and down. I once told someone that I sometimes wished my life could be like a lazy river on a nice summer day.

However, lately my life is more like...the "INTIMIDATOR"

Now, I am the first one who will say that they like roller coasters, after all John and I conquered "Mt. Everest" at Disney World 10 times in a row! But, I am just saying that the last three weeks has had a few to many ups and downs, twist and turns for my liking.  I am an OCD, Organizationally Controlled Diva and all this "unorganization" is messing with my head.

My head was so messed up... yesterday I exercised hard at the gym in the morning and then at 8:00pm decided to take a quick 5K run.  What the heck - I am all for exercising but really twice in one day is just plain crazy!  The truth is I forgot that I had exercised in the morning - a mere 10 hours earlier, the lack of planning my day is making me forget what I am doing. (Because we all know that it is not age - 50 after all is the new 30, right?)

Ron has been traveling, Singapore this week, Japan, Philippines and Indonesia the next two weeks.  I am waiting to see what the next few days brings, hopefully I can return home and to some sort of normal organized life.  The first thing that I will tackle will be my cupboards...I have some new Tupperware's that are just waiting to be labeled.  I will then move on to my file folders...and then I will start on the spice bottles....I can smell organizational victory in the AIR.

Now if the flood waters will just let me go home.

What I Know

Since we had a special family fast today I wanted to shared my testimony in church today and wanted to share with you also...

I do not know everything, I do not have a college degree or am I a professional, I have few visible talents and am a stay at home mom who hasn't served a mission yet and never even graduated from seminary.  But, I do know some things...

I know that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me.

I know that Jesus Christ is my savior and that he willing died that I might live again.

I know that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God who restored the Lords true church. 

I know that the Book of Mormon is true. 

I know that there is a prophet on the earth today, President Thomas Monson, who leads and guides the Lords church.

I don't know many things, but I do know those things. Those simple truths that even a child can know.  The knowledge didn't come with any promotion, diploma or certificate it can by study, prayer and the gift of the Holy Ghost.

I have learned that life is full of trials, I have experienced my share.  I have learned to live by three key phrases; one from me, one from Sister Marjorie Hinckley and one from the Lord.

My phrase..."IT IS WHAT IT IS."  Trials are apart of this life, we can not change that.  I have been learning to just tell myself, it is what it is and have found comfort and peace as I seem to pass from one trial to the next.

Sister Hinckley's phrase: "SAVE THE RELATIONSHIP AT ALL COST."  I have had to repeat this phrase over and over when dealing with each one of my children.  I have had to use it with other family members.  When push comes to shove is it worth damaging a relationship for?  I do the things I do with in my relationships because THEY matter to me, the person and the relationship.  So when issues come up I remind myself to save the relationship at all cost, because in the end that is what truly matters.

The Lord's phrase comes from D&C 121 ...when I was first diagnosed with cancer 11 years ago Ron gave me what I believe to be his shortest blessing ever.  He laid his hands on my head and begun in the appropriate way, he then quoted from D&C 121 ..."ALL THESE THINGS SHALL GIVE THEE EXPERIENCE". Then came a very very long pause and he closed the blessing.  I was stunned, that was it...you wife has cancer and that is all the blessing you can give me?  I have since learned that was all I needed.  The Lord knew exactly what I needed to hear.  I have come to rely on those words almost on a daily basis.  

I am grateful for those three phrases in my life, they are a part of who I am.

I don't know much but I know that my testimony is stronger because of the trials that I have had in my life.  

I don't know much but I know that life, real life is eternal.

I may not know everything but the things I do know are true, eternal and they are what make me ME.

Just 10 Days

I am amazed by what can happen in just 10 days.  I have wished that the SUN didn't set , I could have used the extra light and warmth the last few days.  It has been 10 days that have been emotionally draining, physically challenging and spiritually weakening.  Since my last blog - ten days have gone by. A lot can happen in Just 10 Days!


On Monday we were allowed to return to our homes so we left the St. Regis hotel...but not until I received some very sad news that a good friend of mine here in Thailand had just been diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  She and her husband wanted to meet with me and talk to me about my experience, she is the same age as I was when I first received my diagnoses. It was good to offer my personal insights, but reliving that year has always left me a little more reflective and emotional.  My heart hurt for this young family.


Tuesday morning found just Laura and I packing for our four days in Siem Reap, Cambodia.  Due to the flooding situation in Thailand Ron had decided not to come to Cambodia with Laura and I for October break, John was attending a rugby training camp so he would be staying as well. I check my email before I left for the airport and found out that the sports camp for John had been cancelled due to the flooding situation.  I should have realized that things were going to get worse before they would get better...  


Wednesday Laura and I went to Angkor Wat and watched the sunrise, and visited some other sites.  (I will post a blog and pictures of our trip to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat at some future date and time)  The flooding situation continued to worsen in Thailand.


By Thursday my four day trip to Cambodia was cut in half due to flooding issues at home.  Coca Cola had decided to evacuate all the expat families again - this time it was going to be to Hua Hin, three hours south of Bangkok.  Laura and I got the call to come back to Thailand - we had to cancel our tour guide, re book our flights and pack.  Ron and John were going to meet us at the airport and we would be on our way south.  In the midst of all the evacuation confusion I got an email from my parents, my dad had been diagnosed with a form of lung cancer.  Which meant that he and my mom would not be coming to visit me in November as we had planned.  My dad need to have special test done and treatment need to begin as soon as possible. Emotionally this was the straw that broke this camels back.  I broke down in that hotel room in Cambodia and sobbed. My head hurt from crying, my heart hurt because of so many things at this point and my body was physically tired...and yet I had to get myself back to Thailand with in a few hours.


We arrived in Hua Hin and stayed in one hotel from Thursday October 27 to Sunday October 30th and then had to transfer to the Marriott, where I am currently.  I had moved in and out of four hotels in two countries. in less then a week!


Day 8, Monday October 31  - Halloween was forgotten and we all tried desperately to log on to the internet, the cyber ghost must have been having a great time messing the internet connection , it is sporadic at best but on Halloween it was down right scary!  Living overseas and away from family the internet is a life line and when it is severed you feel lost and frustrated.  I wanted to talk to my dad, I wanted to hear his voice so that I would know that things were going to be okay.


November 1, the day my parents were set to arrive my emotions were close to the surface, I haven't been able to find a quiet location to really study my scriptures or even to pray - I like my alone time and I have not found much of it the last 10 days. Physically I have been running to try to keep my mind clear, but that day my body decided to run a fever instead and my body ached - along with my heart.  I had planned for months for my parents to come and visit me and now that November had come, they were not.  Emotionally, physically and spiritually I was worn out.  I could do nothing but lay in bed with the dark curtains closed blocking out all the sunlight.  I just wanted to go home.


Wednesday we learned that we would be staying here until Monday, November 7th with the possibility of staying another week.   Coca Cola is taking good care of us, but I miss my home and the normalcy of life.  I can't complain, even with the sad news, the moving around, the trips not taking place - I still have a home, family and friends.  I faith in my Savior, Jesus Christ, and in His immense power to care for us even when it feels like the SUN isn't shining in our lives.  It is He that is SHINING and it is He that will help us overcome all the obstacles that life throws in our path.
  
Today finds me realizing how much can change in such a short time, but then it also got me to thinking how much I could change in such a short time.  I need to find some quiet time for myself, I need to talk to my dad and mom and tell them again how much I love them, I need to let my friends know that they are valued and appreciated, I need to exercise my mind as well as my body, I need to reflect upon the tender mercies in my life, I need to be happy with the family time I have- whether in person or though Skype, I need to remember for me, as a cancer survivor, that each day is a gift. 


I have watched the sun set, and I have felt the darkness of night, especially the last ten days - but in the morning the sun will rise and I will be reminded again of all that I have in my life, and that I can make happen in Just 10 Days!

Hotel Sweet Hotel

The executives at Coke decided that it would be wises to move all the families that live in our neighborhood, Nichada Thani, to higher ground.  So, we packed up our bags and left for Downtown Bangkok.

When Coke moves you to higher ground, it was a lovely view too.  We relocated to the St. Regis right in the heart of the city!  Five Stars and we are almost in Heaven!

Here is the 'KIDS" room....

And now for my room and view...

Oh and how could I forget the pool - lovely by night and a great place to relax during the day.  It really was Hotel Sweet Hotel...

We left to go back home today, as the threat for flooding for our area has gone down.  Even if the St. Regis was a pretty sweet place, I love my home and am glad to be back.  Home SWEET Home.

Keeping it DRY

The word on the street is that Thailand is FLOODING, and for the most part that would be correct.  In todays BANGKOK POST the headline read...

"Flood Arrives in Bangkok".

All the areas in red are flooded and more continue to flood everyday.

Google Earth shows the same thing only in blue on a satellite  map.


That is A LOT of H2O...


We are some 25 miles north of Bangkok so we will be hit with the flood waters first.  Areas that are less then 2 miles north of us were flooded this afternoon - so we were asked to prepare.








The Nichada Thani Group, the area we live in, decided to put up walls to control the flood waters and have virtually blocked our way in and out of our sub division.


Laura and I took the golf cart for a spin and this is what we saw...

We were asked to move out car to higher ground, which is the neighborhood that houses US embassy employees.


We are to have at least a five days worth of non perishable food available and drinking water, a gallon per person for each day.

We then were asked to move all valuable items to the second story along with all electronics.

Coca Cola has about 5 executive families that live in this neighborhood and they have a evacuation plan in place for us.  Two vans are standing by with drivers on call ready to transport us to a hotel.  We will have a few hours notice and then we will need to leave.

It is not so much the flooding but the lack of electrical power and the ability to leave if necessary that they are concerned with.

Coca Cola does take care of its employees and it is great to have a plan in place to help us if we need it.

With all this said, the motto for this week is "KEEPING IT DRY". 

Let us  prepare for the worst and pray for the best. 

 Still, living here is an adventure that I am grateful to be experiencing.

"NOAH" where art thou...

Thailand is experiencing record flooding, the kind that happens only every 50 years.  The next four days the government thinks that we will see a  rise in the river of another 2-4 meters and that means more flooding.  And it is raining again tonight!



I decided to go out and take a few pictures of some of the areas that are close to our home that have been hit already by flood waters. Our neighborhood might find it self surround by water, so today was my chance.


A young monk being rowed from the flooded temple to higher and drier ground.


I don't think the even the dog was willing to go for a swim in the newly created river on the street in front of his home!

The Rains came down and the FLOODS came up!!

Boys will be BOYS - no matter the weather or water!!

The major problem is that the sand bags don't always hold back the water.  They are in constant repair and damage come quick if the bagged walls break.

This is a picture of my maid, Lek, on the right.  She is with her two friends that are helping those effected by the flood in their neighborhood.  It is amazing to see the smile in such a time as this!