Travel to the Middle East

August 10, 2014

 

 It’s that time to blog again when I get ready to travel and have those crazy dreams again.  Those who like to listen to my stories and rant…thank you!! It’s nice to be able to share my adventures with someone for free, LOL.  I’m now at DCA getting ready for trip to the middle east.  I go to Chicago then off to Amman.  Stay overnight at a very nice hotel. Off to Baghdad next morning.  Stay overnight there and then, off to Basrah so two nights of hotel stay, 3 days of fun travel.  Too much funny stuff going on the last few days.  From my crazy drive to pick up Alyssa in Binghampton, NY from my in-laws to sending a few last days with Jason and Alyssa in Virginia.  It has been a nice adventure to say the least.

To make it short, I dreamed of John the Baptist, an important person in Christian bible.  Why I dreamed of speaking to him was weird..I was trying to prove to Jason (a non-practicing Catholic) of believing in him by the miracles he performed.  Although it was Jesus that performed miracles.  I dreamed of being in control of airplanes as if I were one of the stewardess/copilots…I dreamed of going away lunches with my colleagues---- all that speaks of departure and new adventures.  I also had the most night of sleep (12 hours of sleep) having traveled 10+ hours by car in just two days.  

I got to do the bike share in DC with my brother.  We were supposed to do the Arlington loop but my brother got tired biking from Pershing before we even got there! I told him last take off from Reagan initially and he said that, “No, there’s a bike rental close to my apartment.”  After consulting with my biker friend, I thought that road from my apartment was perfect.  We realized later that, driving through the city was giving my brother stress so we’ll have to try again.  Oh well, it was fun and something new.  Having biked in Brussels on the streets, I think I conquered that fear.

Bike Share

I loved living in the Arlington/Ballston area for a few weeks.  The apartment was clean and close to the Metro (Madison Ballston) however it was like one big house.  The way it was built, it just wasn’t sound proof. You can hear people using the bathroom, walking above you, yada yada.  The BOQ remote support was helpful but rarely got back to you in the nick of time. I guess it’s a work-in-progress and I think I like it over the community at Oakwood.  Oakwood has been around forever, but it just wasn’t easily accessible to FSI or the mall, or the restaurants.  Having lived in Paris, I love being able to go everywhere by foot!  I love walking around..besides it’s more green then driving around.  I could walk to McDs/Pops/Thai Restaurant/Malls/FSI and last but not least, Zumba classes (both at mall) and by bus and the Catholid Church on Cathedral Lane.

I am now at Terminal 5 waiting for my departure to Amman, Jordan.  Looks like the hotel is a 5-star and nice spot to look at…Should be fun!  OK, the scary part is flying into and out of Bagdad as I head to Basrah Monday morning.

In the airplane

Here I am two hours away from my 1^st destination.  I see a baby in a carriage and it reminds me of Alyssa on her first trip from Brussels.  I had sooo wished I took her picture with her sleeping so peacefully.  I suppose now I missed a chance but here is what I got.  She was a young traveler (4 months old).  The hotel I’m staying at should be nice.. Tomorrow will be a rough day, going to rough territories.  First time in middle east so I hope it won’t be too much of a shock.  I already got some of the words we learned it’s been two months so need an Arabic refresher. 

Babies do Travel! 

Well, I have arrived in Amman and so far people are friendly and helpful.  However, my luggage is lost and who knows where it is… hope it is found and not in the hands of an evil L  Well I guess there is a first to everything…after traveling with State for 15 years, this IS the first.  I was a diplomat but I got to go through the security line…and just only waited 2 hours until everyone got their luggage and went home..go figure.

Well this is it for my blog..I’m done, tired and hungry!!  Thanks for reading :P

Heading back to DC for Funeral…and Training and Etc.

Getting On with Life 

June 22, 2014

The time is finally here.  Mom has been in a coma/veg state since April 24, when she suffered a cardiac arrest.  Mom had all sorts of health issues from diabetes/high blood pressure/to bipolar disorder.  This past year she has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and was hospitalized a few times from lack of oxygen and trouble breathing.  She started dialysis back in December because of her kidney failing.  What took her life after brain injury ultimately was kidney failure as we discontinued dialysis since May 27^th.  She died July 18, 2014 way longer than anyone thought.  Thank goodness it happened before I left for Baghdad and of course after I left Swaziland.  I went to visit her in April and was thinking she would die within the three week time period I was there.  There is no rushing mom’s death.  We did not believe in euthanasia and she left no health directive.  It has been rough, to say the last.

 July 28, 2014

Back in DC for consultations..what fun.  Running into all these Washingtonians and shuttle drivers.  Man, I can never get enough (not).  I guess the best part about being here *again* is having more time to spend with family and friends.  Went for Dim Sum yesterday…yummm.  Then meeting up with my cousin who I haven’t seen in a while with his girlfriend.  Last but not least, being here for my brother to support him and to help him get over the lost of mom.  She is in a better place..I started subscribing to the Bereavement e-mails from the Rest Haven web site.  I am trying to get more people to post tributes but I guess it’s more if you are close family.  Either way I always want to get an impression of what people think of her..Most likely they’ll say she was a kind person.  She came across that way.  She did come across a few manic episodes when I was in Ottawa (Canada), but she had a good heart and soul.  I know they say to remember the good times, but it’s the bad times that also stick out..Such as the time I got mad at Alyssa for misbehaving, and yelled at her, and unintentionally trying to move away, Alyssa grabbed my hand (not to let me go) and accidently fell.  My mom cried at me, and speaking with tears, she said, “you are mean to us because you know we love you.”  She really is like me, sensitive and caring and did not want me to get angry, especially at my daughter.  She wanted me to be gentle.  But as much as I always gave her my troubles, she still forgave me.  BTW, yes that was in my speech.   

Everyone is welcome to share a memory -- please, do not feel obligated to send money or flowers, just post a memory or thoughts if you will on the tribute tab.  Just Be sure to check out photos and videos I've already posted as well.  Thank you, from the bottom of my <3. 

 http://www.rsthvn.com/obituaries/Kanya-Choonit/#!/

 

Home, Sweet Home in Sunny Florida

June 13, 2014

Well the two weeks in Florida have flown by.  I guess I really miss it here, not just the family but the weather and atmosphere.  In a way, it has helped me keep off my mind of poor mom, who is now in hospice care at Lorien.  I’m not sure why she is hanging on so long but we will find out whether this life, or after life.  I think about the times we enjoy together and it makes me feel better, than the state she is in now.  I got to do playdates and have lunch with co-workers and friends. Sunday, got some time at Stephanie and Rachael’s and it was good to see Alyssa having some buddy time.  I haven’t gotten a good hour for myself either Zumba or nails but that’s OK.  I'm sure I'll get back into it at some point.

The first week was so much fun with babysitting the kitten, Oreo.  I had no problems with the cat..I used to have a cat.  It’s a dog that is more high-maintenance, but I guess one day I’ll be a dog owner and will know what it’s like.  Before that happens, I hope I will have a second one but who knows..If God wills it, then it will happen.  I really like Sunday's service.  We had a priest from Ghana come in today and he not only blessed Alyssa he blessed her “pets” too which was cute.  Alyssa said, “what about them?”  She’s too funny.  The fact that she takes interest in going to church with me weekly is a good sign that she’ll do well in CCD classes.  I went to a Catholic school pretty much “all my elementary years.”  I didn’t go in 5-6 grade or during high school, but yet the Catholic religion never “sunk in.”  Studying the bible is more food for the soul and thank goodness for the people who helped me get my Christian faith back.  After all these years, I finally am understanding the meaning of Christ because before to me it was only going through the motions and doing “duty.”  It’s so true that you HAVE to have a relationship with Jesus and the only way is through fellowship because Jesus lives in all of us and we learn so much from being among his brethren.

Fun keeping up with the FIFA world cup 2014.  The spirit of world culture all in one…Alyssa loved it when we were at the Johnny Rocket’s restaurant and there were a bunch of Argentina fans there.  Daddy has always been into soccer, so she got into it.  She’s been the athletic type thanks to dad.  I tried getting her into dance but she never liked it the way I did.  She would dance and teach moves to the nannies but she prefers to burn energy playing sports so I guess that’s a good thing.  Learning team and leadership through sports is a great thing. 

Alyssa learning about compassion by pet-sitting kitty Oreo

 

 

 

 

Hoping to have a few more fun times before my next adventure begins. 

A Few Weeks "Back Home"

Home Away from Home

 

June 27, 2014

Well my training is done and I'm on my way to see family for a week weeks, more training!  It just keeps getting more fun.  I enjoyed my time in DC and I'm actually getting well versed in driving around the Arlington area since it's been my home away from home for years now.  Ask my brother for the best way home and I forgot 355 existed!  Today's commute home was torture as I left school in Arlington at 2:50 PM to arrive at Frederick around 4:30 PM.  Normal commute is 52 minutes with no traffic.  The I-66 was jammed and there was a blockage on I-270 going toward Frederick.  Enough about that..I'm just glad to see mom and spend some time with her.  She slept well and looked comfortable, I think she enjoyed my presence. 

One thing I will not miss about DC is the traffic and the rush-rush attitude I run into. 

 Looking forward to getting together with my cousins I haven't seen for the longest time.  With the illness of mom, I think getting together and the closeness with family was a huge plus.  Since grandma passed in 1997, it seemed everyone went their own ways.  She was the diplomat's wife; she always arranged get together for the family.  She kept us together and when she went, no one took that on.  I miss her but I really wasn't there during her last days.  My cousins who lived in the same household were more close so they had much more tougher time during her last days.

Well, with all this chaos, comes some sweet quiet time and a DEE-LISH dessert from the Cheesecake Factory (Chocolate Raspberry Truffle).  It's a tradition that my friends and I do, after our dinner..we take home a piece of heaven :-)



A layer of chocolate frosting, a layer of chocolate mousse, a layer of cheese cake and last layer of chocolate crust... topped with fattening whipped cream.  You have to experience ALL the layers to fully enjoy it.  Thank goodness I don't eat there so often. 

I think I've gotten in my American fixes this week..Breakfast at iHOP, Olive Garden Alfredo scallops pasta and my favorite Frozen yogurt Cookies and Cream at Yogi Castle.  Sunday started rough, as I got lost but we made it in time for church at St. Mary's Chapel and was present when they asked for prayers for Kanya Choonit during "Prayers for the Faithful.". I can only hope her suffering truly will end and she can recover.  Let it be done according to Jesus's will.

Made it to P'Tan's house and had my favorite Thai dish, Kao Man Gai...which is a Thai classic dish.  Along with Lad Na and Pad Thai, that ranks quite high for me so glad she can cook this in my request :)  Grandma used to make it all the time.  Here's my beautiful and smart older cousin Narada... and the one who wished to be present, my sweet younger cousin Pim there by spirit :)

Bo, P Tan and Pimmie

Well that's it for this week!  Can't wait to be back in town to visit other friends next time :)

 

Traveling Again

Back in the USA

 

June 12, 2014

Well, my journey in Swaziland ends today.  Again, I am traveling, venturing into new territories and perhaps making new friendships and contacts again.  Life is a journey and last night’s dream prove to be so.  I dreamt that I was in a cruise and during this adventure, not only did I have such strong emotions, there were twists and turns and sites of new cities as well as feelings of broken promises and missing old friends.  I really love the joys of traveling but dislike the pains of leaving behind what has been established.  I will miss this city and the people I’ve met but they have all changed me, as I hope I have changed or inspired them. 

In last night’s cell bible study, we went over the program, 5 love languages by Gary Chapman.  Interestingly enough, I read this book while I was in Florida and each bit of it made sense that once I started reading it, I couldn’t put the book down.  Well yesterday they spoken of two types of people – the one who talks (babbling brooks) and the one who listens or doesn’t talk (the dead sea).  I knew for certain that I was a “babbling brook” although not in the first sense that you meet me, but that I happily express myself and to great detail, like to make known, what and how I feel (thus many people feel frustrated when I don’t finish listening).  I feel like a babbling brook in the sense that as my husband puts in, “you don’t have to tell the whole story” but I feel the need to be expressive so that people can “understand” me.  But then last night’s dream revealed two things to me – that I’m not necessarily one or the other, but I am a bit of both.  I do keep certain feelings inside, those that are very strong to me and that I never feel safe to reveal.  So yes, like the dead sea I do have a reservoir, just like they said.  I think to a certain extent everyone has one but they would know which one they lean toward the most.  I like telling stories..It’s what can be recorded and can show what was once lived.  Scrapbooking is one means of recording that story for me.  I know certain people like to live in the moment, never record a thing in their life, but know it is all “up here” in their heads but everyone has a finite time on earth.  And with that, a lost of precious memories.   

What’s important to a person? To leave that history behind or to take it with them when they depart earth?  I guess that is the question and one cannot (and should not) persuade an ideal on another, for we are all different (created in God’s images) and special that way.

 3:21 PM Johannesburg Airport

Here I am killing time at the airport.  Driver had to get me here early so he can return to Swaziland by daylight.  Anyways, I survived the long wait as I’ve just enjoyed a two-scoop cup of delicious Haagen-Dazs ice cream.  What better way to use up my remaining RAND.  Got some souvenirs too..one for the little one, the hubby and for mom/Batt.  Haven’t been in touch with them over a day and it will be two days by the time I arrive Friday morning.  Funny how time flies fast when you are traveling & waiting.. Just like that book by Dr. Seuss.  We are always just waiting..waiting for a train to come or a plane to fly   (Oh the Places you’ll go).  I saw mom last few times on Skype and she looked so very weak and near death.  It’s so sad when I think of the things she enjoys like the magnets and buying souvenirs, all these things makes me want to cry.  She was my mom, good or bad; weaknesses and strength.  She is my mom, and she did the most wonderful thing one can do – give me life.  What makes me want to cry very much is knowing when I talk to her, even on Skype she seemed to open her eye as much as she can and try to talk – how can one say that a person’s condition like that has “no brain activity?”  She is in God’s hands now.

5:15 PM

Now at the gate, done going through the too familiar security check at the gate and just waiting to board.  Almost 1 and a half hour of listening to Mark’s Gospel while looking for pictures of grandma and Alyssa on my laptop’s Memory Manager.  I love how I can find pics quickly according to timeline and subject.  I know by the time is Alyssa is older, her memories with grandma will soon be long forgotten.  I think it will be a good memorial for my mom.  I don’t want to be selfish but I want mommy to either recover in full, or go to God.  When I land, I will find out from daddy, what the verdict is.  I know she will always be with me. 

During my last few weeks in Swaziland, I’ve had the joy of Skyping with Alyssa and it was like I was touching her hair.  I thank God for this new technology.  I’ve been away what is now almost two months although it does not feel long at all.  The pain of my mother in this vegetative state/dying condition, the anxiety of going overseas, and a daughter being cared for without me is probably enough to keep me on the edge.  What has helped me is my faith in God to take care of Alyssa.  She was born to be my daughter and I, her mother.  There was a purpose for Alyssa in this world and I hope that God can continue to guide me.

Pic of Alyssa here – Skyping w Momma

 

 

June 15, 2014

I arrived in DC and things were not so smooth the first few days, for me emotionally/phsycially.  Mom is still in hospice and had her moments where it looked to be pain.  But now back to comfort, as I left the hospital.  Suffice to say, God has helped me as I prayed hard and hope that he will continue to guide and save us.  It’s the day before training so I end this blog entry here.  Til next time, check back as my travel continues!!  Thanks for your time and hope you continue to enjoy reading.    

32,000 Miles in One Month

Visiting Mom During her "Last Days"

 

May 25, 2014

Well, it has been way too long since I’ve updated my blog.  It’s been a whirlwind with all the festivities going on.  Since the last trip, my daughter and I just returned to Swaziland from a 3-week Rest and Recuperation travel to Florida.  I just recently spent three days in Washington DC to see mom and try to do some business at State Department.  Well, not even three weeks, I hear news that mom is in the hospital.  But this is not just the usual hospitalization that she’s been admitted due to low-oxygen/shortness of breath.  My brother and dad are terrible at communication.  It wasn’t until three days later that I realized she had a serious cardiac arrest resulting in a coma/brain injury – when I called the hospital from Swaziland, the doctor in ICU told me that it was severe, and recovery is low.  Mom had sustained a anoxic brain injury and will not recover – and even if she did, she would not be what she was like 2 weeks ago.  This was terrible news.  I was confused, hurt and angry.  The next day I went to work and told my boss.. He said, “I’m so sorry Bo to hear that.  Go home, go see your mom.”  Coming from Bill, I was surprised.  I didn’t even know that State Department paid for emergency visitation travel – so much for my knowledge about rights and policies.

I dragged my six year old daughter and packed bags at last minute, and we were on our way again across the ocean.  This time because it was a government paid trip – there was a direct flight to Washington Dulles with a stop in Dakar for gas.  My daughter has had ENOUGH.  She was whiny, disrespectful and just in general misbehaving the whole trip.  Who could blame a girl who has to go through all this travel stress AGAIN in less than 3 weeks.  The first trip was not so great with two connections but she did great then.  We finally made our way and saw mom – she looked horrible.  Her whole lower mouth sagged and her tongue stuck out of the mouth.  The nurse said it’s because her whole face is relaxed.  Well when the higher-brain no longer functions those muscles don’t work.  As the day progresses, the tongue reduced.  After a week passes, a committee met with us and sort of made us head in the direction of hospice care.  My brother and I agreed..we were in for a surprise as we were not fully informed about what hospice care was about.

The first day in hospice, mom’s tongue bled profusely.  We had no idea what was going on.  We thought maybe it was the trach cut in her throat maybe it was the lungs..something.  All we knew was that it looked to be a horrific way to go and all the hospice nurse can do is to drug her more with morphine.  They said in hospice care ALL meds were stopped, except for feeding tubes.  As I was oblivious to what was going around me, the trauma doctors and nurses in ICU saw what was happening and had to intervened when they saw how distraught my brother and I were, emotionally.  I was praying to St. Faustina for intercession and miraculously that was what happened.  In order to find out what was causing her an apparent “bleeding to death” was actually her teeth bighting on her tongue, causing a thick ball of blood in her mouth.  Now the doctors had it under control, she remained in acute care.  They said after a follow-up meeting we can still move her back to hospice and letting her die naturally from kidney failure (no more dialysis) which was actually least painful.  My brother and I were still not in acceptance and hoped and hoped that she would wake up.  Well, one month later after acute care and mom looking SO much better, denied nursing homes from two that almost took her, we again gave up.  I thought I gave her a chance, but it’s time we let mom go.

'

She looks peaceful now, like she’s sleeping.  Her last dialysis was Friday.  So we will see how her body will deal and what will happen this time.  I still trust in God and know that if he wants to bring mom back to full recovery, he can.  He can work miracles.  We had a priest come in to anoint and forgive her sins, we had the latest healer come to talk to her today, just before I left.  We’ll here I am, on my flight home without my daughter and ready to face a new future, a new assignment and unknown territory.  It will be hard but I know I will adapt.  I’m strong mentally and I know what I need to do to seek help.  I don’t let anxiety or depression get to me too long.  I guess that’s how I differ from my brother.  He was alone and mom was all he has.  I’ll just have to continue to pray for him.

Going to Baghdad is going to be a good experience for me – not only will I have a chance to take care of myself, I’ll be able to have time for myself to study hopefully do some soul searching while serving America.  The boss I’m going to work for sounds like he’s in sync with my work values.  I think it will all work out.  I will keep you posted.  And without the little girl, I should have more time to blog among many other things I hoped to have time for (spiritual development, exercise). I’ll miss her immensely but she is strong and so am I.  So here to another 16,000 miles (for my return trip to Swaziland and back again for training in the USA).

Back to Africa: Travel Woes

April 9

After three fun-filled weeks in the states, we return to Swaziland.  Alyssa and I had a long trip and to deal with the stress of traveling, she came up with a cute idea.  Her carry-on luggage became her family and so did the big pieces.  It was cute everywhere she went, she called my carry-on her “big sister” and her princess carry-on her “baby sister.”  This made walking through the long terminals, going through customs and security checks at four major international airports bearable (and fun).  Everyone that came into contact thought it was cute as well.  “C’mon baby sister let’s go.”  She played with her, danced with her, sat on her “neck.”  When we got to the hotel, she also brought it into bed!  My poor girl..She really wants a sibling!  Well if you could call Alyssa “excess baggage” you certainly can call the rest of our bags our brothers and our sisters.

Travel woe number two.  During the long airplane ride you are always bound to hit turbulence.  Every time we do, Alyssa says “mommy are we landing?”  She knows that every time we land, it’s a guarantee that the plane shakes, rumbles and roars.  My little seasoned traveler.  If I were to count the many times she’s traveled, I’m sure it’s over a dozen by now, since the time she left Brussels at nine months.

Trip 1, 2008: 9 Months from Brussels à Canada.

Trip 2: Canada à DC.

Trip 3: DC à FL.

(2008-2013) And in between from flying back to Canada, taking a long car ride from Maryland back to Florida in 2009 and taking planes back to DC for Christmas..Quite a few. I lost track.

Recent

Trip 2013: FL à  DC for 8 week’s, momma’s training

Trip 2013:  DC à  Atlanta

And Atlanta à Johannesburg (JNB) and car ride to Mbabane, Swaziland

Christmas 2013: We drove three hours from Swaziland to Johannesburg then caught a plane to Cape Town.

JNB à Cape Town

Cape Town à JNB

January 2014

Mbabane à Johannesburg (domestic flight)

JNB à Mbabane

March 2014

JNB à London Heathrow

London à Newark

Newark à Fort Lauderale

April 2014

Fort Lauderdale à Newark

Newark à Frankfurt

Frankfurt à JNB

SO… Just counting all the planes I tracked this year and last year plus when she departed overseas is already 16 plane rides (each leg) total!!! So Alyssa, a seasoned travel has certainly done at least 25 plane rides (12 round trips) total.  Easily… And not once has she been Afraid.  Except today when she didn’t sleep for 10 hours and would not take the antihistamine pill because it was “yucky.”  By the time we were two hours away from landing she started freaking out saying she couldn’t yawn and thought she was “dying.”  What she felt was probably extreme tiredness crossing time zones, dehydration from the 10+ hour flight and the 6+ hour flight the day before.  My poor girl. I hope that my traveling days will wind down.


Welcome home to your new master bathroom.  Some work was done at our house while we were gone.