OK... this is the story of coming home from Canada this year... it's a bit long, but it was a very memorable experience... goods and bads, and through it all God provided... here's what happened:
The trip home was full of ups and downs (LITERALLY!)... but through it all God really provided for us!
First, things in Toronto went well, as did the first 3/4 of the flight. Near the end they warned us of turbulence but didn't say why. I heard a flight attendant say that they all had to go sit down quickly because it was going to be very bad... I had yet to be sick, but had started feeling unwell.
All but one flight attendant said it was their worst landing ever, and the other one was an old guy who said in 35 years it was one of the worst and he'll never forget it. We were bouncing up and down in our seats, and I was violently ill throughout the whole landing - in my seat, holding barf bags, bouncing up and down trying not to drop it or miss... >.<
Ryan was amazing and helped me as much as he could - and later admitted the landing was so bad he almost tossed HIS cookies too!
In that time I begged God to let me rest in Japan for a night, because I truly felt that I could not fly again that day... when we got to Japan we found out that all flights out were canceled due to a major Typhoon. After we landed I got up and ran to the plane toilet and the winds were so bad the plane was swaying - while parked! I stumbled out of the bathroom, and must've looked like death because they had a wheel chair waiting for me and a girl who helped me through the airport!
She even took me into the bathroom and rubbed my back while I was ill! I couldn't believe it... I never got her name, but I wouldn't have made it far without her help!
She took us out through immigration, baggage claim, and to the departures desks - where there were lines out the doors and thousands of people waiting! We had the choice to wait in line for 3-4 hours, or find a hotel and phone the airline - we chose #2. Out of a list of nearly 10 hotels, all but 2 were fully booked, so we stayed at the Hilton - which was nice but expensive. Again, God provided for us and we JUST had enough money to pay.
I was ill throughout the shuttle bus ride to the hotel, so the next day I was praying that I wouldn't have to get back on that bus again - when we checked out we were told the bus was full, so the hotel would provide us with a taxi for free. Again, an answer to prayer!!
At the airport things were calm and orderly with about a kajillion fewer people, and the airline was looking for people to upgrade their seats for a fee. The fee was only about $40 per person, so we decided just to pay for it and get the better seats - but when Ryan went to pay for the upgrade the man at the counter told him not to worry about paying. So we got free upgrades!!
Also, I'd been ill through the night and still very ill in the morning (I don't want to go into too many details, but I've never vomited like this EVER! Unstoppable, uncontrollable, and pulling all the muscles in my back, abs, shoulders and neck! I honestly was terrified to leave our hotel room!) so I was praying that I wouldn't be ill again until we got home... well we checked out at noon, and I was sick at around 11am and not again until we were in Incheon airport, through immigration, and Ryan was collecting the baggage. I also made it through the car ride without being ill - but was again once I was home.
So, God answered ALL our prayers - even the most specific ones! Makes me think I should've been more specific with that last prayer and asked not to throw up again until I was in our apartment... but it all worked out!
Thanks be to God who answers when we call... <3 style="font-family: webdings;">
Friday, 20 November 2009
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
25 weeks! whoa...
So, I intended to write more often, but once I missed a few weeks I felt like I couldn't write again until I had time to write everything! Which is totally the wrong idea...
So, I have many interesting stories from the past few months to share, like:
-Our August trip to Canada
-morning sickness from hell
-the flight to Japan where I thought we would die
-the birth of many babies at our church
-our weekend trip to Sokcho beach and Sorak mountain for Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)
-feeling the baby kick for the first time
-working like mad for Lotte Hotel for several weeks
-some highlights of my hotel employee interviews
-Ryan feeling the baby kick
-seeing the baby move!
-Ryan catching swine flu
-our weekend away on Jeju island
-Ryan's resignation from work
and much more...
These days I'm done with the insane work hours - which is good because I was really drained.
Ryan was home several days recently because he had the H1N1 virus. He was fine, a brief flu was all - though the Tamiflu treatment had side-effects worse than the flu itself! It was tough at first because I really couldn't be near him, to avoid getting infected... but at the same time I'd just worked several weeks of long hours and really wanted to be able to spend time with him... >.<
The last two days we just ignored staying in separate rooms in the day (though we slept in separate rooms for 2 weeks!!) and spent time together. We also began to change the apartment around to prepare for the baby.
We have 2 bedrooms, but used one as an office. We decided to change it into a baby room, but our apartment has SO MUCH furniture, it's been difficult. We finally agreed to leave the love seat and ottoman in the living room with the desk, computer and book shelves (which were all in the office before), and put the large couch in the nursery... because that's the only place it will fit!
The new set-up isn't terrible... but it's hard to have many people over now.
We did get the chance to have our friend Jason, as well as the new OEM pastor, Mike, and his family over for dinner the other night. I guess it's a good thing we're in Asia, as it's perfectly acceptable to have people sitting on the floor here.
What's on my mind these days? Cribs and baby stuff... ugh... I have no idea where to begin to look for these things here... and I have no idea what to get. Right now I'm trying to decide what I like by doing some web research, and then I'll price things in Korea... hopefully it doesn't take too long... but at least we still have 2-3 months!
(I hope...)
So, I have many interesting stories from the past few months to share, like:
-Our August trip to Canada
-morning sickness from hell
-the flight to Japan where I thought we would die
-the birth of many babies at our church
-our weekend trip to Sokcho beach and Sorak mountain for Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)
-feeling the baby kick for the first time
-working like mad for Lotte Hotel for several weeks
-some highlights of my hotel employee interviews
-Ryan feeling the baby kick
-seeing the baby move!
-Ryan catching swine flu
-our weekend away on Jeju island
-Ryan's resignation from work
and much more...
These days I'm done with the insane work hours - which is good because I was really drained.
Ryan was home several days recently because he had the H1N1 virus. He was fine, a brief flu was all - though the Tamiflu treatment had side-effects worse than the flu itself! It was tough at first because I really couldn't be near him, to avoid getting infected... but at the same time I'd just worked several weeks of long hours and really wanted to be able to spend time with him... >.<
The last two days we just ignored staying in separate rooms in the day (though we slept in separate rooms for 2 weeks!!) and spent time together. We also began to change the apartment around to prepare for the baby.
We have 2 bedrooms, but used one as an office. We decided to change it into a baby room, but our apartment has SO MUCH furniture, it's been difficult. We finally agreed to leave the love seat and ottoman in the living room with the desk, computer and book shelves (which were all in the office before), and put the large couch in the nursery... because that's the only place it will fit!
The new set-up isn't terrible... but it's hard to have many people over now.
We did get the chance to have our friend Jason, as well as the new OEM pastor, Mike, and his family over for dinner the other night. I guess it's a good thing we're in Asia, as it's perfectly acceptable to have people sitting on the floor here.
What's on my mind these days? Cribs and baby stuff... ugh... I have no idea where to begin to look for these things here... and I have no idea what to get. Right now I'm trying to decide what I like by doing some web research, and then I'll price things in Korea... hopefully it doesn't take too long... but at least we still have 2-3 months!
(I hope...)
Monday, 28 September 2009
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
weeks 10-13
Well... it's been an interesting few weeks.
I had been feeling pretty good, then morning sickness hit me... hard! We'd been planning a trip to Canada to visit our families. At 11 weeks we left on our trip...
We left early in the morning, and had parked our car at a friend's place, so we had to walk the short distance up the hill (mountain!) to the Hyatt Hotel to get the airport shuttle... in the pouring rain! We both ended up tired, soaked, and covered in blue ink from a pen that exploded in a bag. >.<
On the bus I held back being sick, but not long enough. Eventually (after hearing a man hoark behind me) I pulled out a trusty ziplock baggie and silently puked in the bus... within 5 minutes of the airport!
The first flight to Tokyo was uneventful as I managed to sleep through it (praise God!)!! But the 11 hour flight to Toronto was killer... I puked more times than I can count. I used up all the sick bags from 2 bathrooms and had to get the flight attendant to find more. I arrived in Toronto 2.5 kilos lighter than when I'd left Korea!!
Now we've been in Canada for nearly 2 weeks and our trip is coming to an end... my sickness is bouncing back and forth. Some days I'm fine, hungry and wanting to eat everything... other days I'm sick and can barely eat.
One of the big changes and strange things is that although I've lost a TON of weight (8+ kilos) my regular pants have stopped fitting... what a bummer! Though I've got to say that maternity pants are SO comfortable!!!! hehehehe...
I'm not looking forward to the flight back home, but we'll see how it goes.
I had been feeling pretty good, then morning sickness hit me... hard! We'd been planning a trip to Canada to visit our families. At 11 weeks we left on our trip...
We left early in the morning, and had parked our car at a friend's place, so we had to walk the short distance up the hill (mountain!) to the Hyatt Hotel to get the airport shuttle... in the pouring rain! We both ended up tired, soaked, and covered in blue ink from a pen that exploded in a bag. >.<
On the bus I held back being sick, but not long enough. Eventually (after hearing a man hoark behind me) I pulled out a trusty ziplock baggie and silently puked in the bus... within 5 minutes of the airport!
The first flight to Tokyo was uneventful as I managed to sleep through it (praise God!)!! But the 11 hour flight to Toronto was killer... I puked more times than I can count. I used up all the sick bags from 2 bathrooms and had to get the flight attendant to find more. I arrived in Toronto 2.5 kilos lighter than when I'd left Korea!!
Now we've been in Canada for nearly 2 weeks and our trip is coming to an end... my sickness is bouncing back and forth. Some days I'm fine, hungry and wanting to eat everything... other days I'm sick and can barely eat.
One of the big changes and strange things is that although I've lost a TON of weight (8+ kilos) my regular pants have stopped fitting... what a bummer! Though I've got to say that maternity pants are SO comfortable!!!! hehehehe...
I'm not looking forward to the flight back home, but we'll see how it goes.
Sun safety: ways to keep your skin healthy
Exposing your skin to sunlight exposes your skin to Ultraviolet (UV) light. On Earth we are susceptible to both UVA and UVB rays. UV rays expose us to radiation from the sun. This leads to problems such as sunburns, discoloration, and cancer.
The radiation damages the skin cells as well as the DNA, leading to long term health risks. With large doses of radiation DNA is altered and often mutates leading to cancer. Skin cancer at an early stage is treatable; however, many people aren’t educated on how to examine their skin and therefore leave the cancer untreated which can spread to other parts of the body.
What is important to know is first, how to protect your skin from exposure to UV rays. Second, people need to know how to treat over exposure to sunlight, and finally to be aware of skin changes and do regular self-checks.
1) Protection
Sunscreens work by absorbing, reflecting or scattering UV rays.
Physical sunscreens form and opaque film that reflects or scatters the UV light before it can penetrate the skin. They contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which provide protection from both UVA and UVB rays. These sunscreens used to leave a white or colored film on the skin after application, but many are on the market these days that blend more with the skin tone.
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays using chemicals such as avobenzone or oxybenzone. To broaden the protection, chemical sunscreens often combine multiple ingredients for added protection.
The effectiveness of sunscreens can be decreased if it is applied too thin, your skin type, how often it is applied, and how intense the UV rays are that day. Other factors to consider are humidity, sweating, swimming, drying off with a towel, or skin contact. Be sure to apply sunscreens before going outside, and then reapplying several times throughout the day.
Other options include wearing UV protective clothing and hats. These are especially helpful for people with very sensitive skin or pre-existing sunburns.
While many sunscreens contain chemicals, preservatives, fragrances and other irritating ingredients, there are several companies that produce safer and gentler sunscreens. Read labels thoroughly to understand the ingredients as well as the directions.
While sunscreens are important, it is also advised to simply stay out of the sun during peak UV ray hours – 10am – 4pm. If you see a UV index that is high for the day plan indoor activities, or do your outdoor activities before or after that time.
Several nutritional factors that can provide added protection. Antioxidants protect against lasting damage to our DNA. Many of these nutrients build and maintain healthy skin.
Studies have also shown that a selenium deficiency hinders our skin’s ability to prevent damage, so increasing selenium intake can provide added protection.
Increasing consumption of foods containing Beta-carotine, Vitamins E and C, caotenoids, lycopene, and lutein will protect skin, prevent sunburns, and prevent lasting damage. In addition Essential fatty acids and flavinoids will further protect your skin.
Recent studies have shown that white tea offers significant protection to sun-induced skin damage. Creams and skin products containing white tea have been found to protect against the destruction of Langerhans’ cells in the epidermis. White tea not only protected from UV ray damage but also from longer term DNA changes.
2) Treatment
• Keep the area cool. Taking a cool, but not cold, shower or bath will help. Using a cold, wet compress will also provide relief from the pain.
• Cover the area with slices of cucumber or aloe which are cool as well as soothing.
• Apply aloe gel several times a day.
• Never pick peeling skin or blisters – this could lead to infection and scarring.
3) Self skin checks and treatments
The following link from mayoclinic.com contains a slide show with pictures of sun-damaged skin: http://mayoclinic.com/health/sun-damage/SN00021
This slideshow contains pictures of melanomas to help identify skin cancer: http://mayoclinic.com/health/melanoma/DS00575
This page contains up-to-date and concise information on skin cancer from the Mayo Clinic: http://mayoclinic.com/health/skin-cancer/DS00190
This link is for the Canadian Cancer Society. From this page you can select pages for melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancers: http://www.cancer.ca/Canada-wide/About%20cancer.aspx?sc_lang=en
References:
• Barbara E. Gould, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS, Elsevier Inc. Page 251 – Radiation
• Mayoclinic.com, SUNBURN: FIRST AID, http://mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-sunburn/FA00028
• Mayoclinic.com, SUNSCREEN: ANSWERS TO YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS, http://mayoclinic.com/health/sunscreen/SN00044
• Alive.com, WHITE TEA PROTECTS AGAINST SUN DAMAGE (taken from the Health Supplement Retailer, hsrmagazine.com, January 30, 2003), http://www.alive.com/5523a16a2.php?subject_bread_cramb=74
• Lisa Petty BA, RHN, RNCP for alive.com, SUNSCREEN ON YOUR PLATE, http://www.alive.com/1865a5a2.php?subject_bread_cramb=284
The radiation damages the skin cells as well as the DNA, leading to long term health risks. With large doses of radiation DNA is altered and often mutates leading to cancer. Skin cancer at an early stage is treatable; however, many people aren’t educated on how to examine their skin and therefore leave the cancer untreated which can spread to other parts of the body.
What is important to know is first, how to protect your skin from exposure to UV rays. Second, people need to know how to treat over exposure to sunlight, and finally to be aware of skin changes and do regular self-checks.
1) Protection
Sunscreens work by absorbing, reflecting or scattering UV rays.
Physical sunscreens form and opaque film that reflects or scatters the UV light before it can penetrate the skin. They contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which provide protection from both UVA and UVB rays. These sunscreens used to leave a white or colored film on the skin after application, but many are on the market these days that blend more with the skin tone.
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays using chemicals such as avobenzone or oxybenzone. To broaden the protection, chemical sunscreens often combine multiple ingredients for added protection.
The effectiveness of sunscreens can be decreased if it is applied too thin, your skin type, how often it is applied, and how intense the UV rays are that day. Other factors to consider are humidity, sweating, swimming, drying off with a towel, or skin contact. Be sure to apply sunscreens before going outside, and then reapplying several times throughout the day.
Other options include wearing UV protective clothing and hats. These are especially helpful for people with very sensitive skin or pre-existing sunburns.
While many sunscreens contain chemicals, preservatives, fragrances and other irritating ingredients, there are several companies that produce safer and gentler sunscreens. Read labels thoroughly to understand the ingredients as well as the directions.
While sunscreens are important, it is also advised to simply stay out of the sun during peak UV ray hours – 10am – 4pm. If you see a UV index that is high for the day plan indoor activities, or do your outdoor activities before or after that time.
Several nutritional factors that can provide added protection. Antioxidants protect against lasting damage to our DNA. Many of these nutrients build and maintain healthy skin.
Studies have also shown that a selenium deficiency hinders our skin’s ability to prevent damage, so increasing selenium intake can provide added protection.
Increasing consumption of foods containing Beta-carotine, Vitamins E and C, caotenoids, lycopene, and lutein will protect skin, prevent sunburns, and prevent lasting damage. In addition Essential fatty acids and flavinoids will further protect your skin.
Recent studies have shown that white tea offers significant protection to sun-induced skin damage. Creams and skin products containing white tea have been found to protect against the destruction of Langerhans’ cells in the epidermis. White tea not only protected from UV ray damage but also from longer term DNA changes.
2) Treatment
• Keep the area cool. Taking a cool, but not cold, shower or bath will help. Using a cold, wet compress will also provide relief from the pain.
• Cover the area with slices of cucumber or aloe which are cool as well as soothing.
• Apply aloe gel several times a day.
• Never pick peeling skin or blisters – this could lead to infection and scarring.
3) Self skin checks and treatments
The following link from mayoclinic.com contains a slide show with pictures of sun-damaged skin: http://mayoclinic.com/health/sun-damage/SN00021
This slideshow contains pictures of melanomas to help identify skin cancer: http://mayoclinic.com/health/melanoma/DS00575
This page contains up-to-date and concise information on skin cancer from the Mayo Clinic: http://mayoclinic.com/health/skin-cancer/DS00190
This link is for the Canadian Cancer Society. From this page you can select pages for melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancers: http://www.cancer.ca/Canada-wide/About%20cancer.aspx?sc_lang=en
References:
• Barbara E. Gould, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS, Elsevier Inc. Page 251 – Radiation
• Mayoclinic.com, SUNBURN: FIRST AID, http://mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-sunburn/FA00028
• Mayoclinic.com, SUNSCREEN: ANSWERS TO YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS, http://mayoclinic.com/health/sunscreen/SN00044
• Alive.com, WHITE TEA PROTECTS AGAINST SUN DAMAGE (taken from the Health Supplement Retailer, hsrmagazine.com, January 30, 2003), http://www.alive.com/5523a16a2.php?subject_bread_cramb=74
• Lisa Petty BA, RHN, RNCP for alive.com, SUNSCREEN ON YOUR PLATE, http://www.alive.com/1865a5a2.php?subject_bread_cramb=284
Thursday, 30 July 2009
9 weeks
I know it's been a while since I've written anything... but to be honest, it's been so difficult to do anything! Morning sickness has hit, and it's a real bummer... it's not as bad as many others have it, and I'm not throwing up THAT much, but I sure feel like I'm about to every other minute!!
On top of that I feel like I can smell every bad smell within a kilometer... and I've recently decided that my bedroom is the only room that doesn't have strange smells (it's also the room with the most openable windows). So each day I've been bringing in my laptop, a mini table, and all my books and setting up a work space here. >.<
All the books and websites advise people to eat dry foods like crackers often... but I am very much hating eating anything. Last night Ryan had to guilt me into taking my vitamin. (to the baby: I'm so sorry that I'm not eating much now, but I really am trying hard!)
I was reading yesterday that in this stage of pregnancy I really have control over nothing... not over how I feel, what I can or can't eat, if I can keep food down, how I act (or overreact!), or what my mood will be... and that it should be a blessing! What?!? you may ask... but it's in these times that we have no control over how we feel or over the development of a little one that we already love so much, and only then can we fully lean on our Father to be our support and provider.
I desperately worry that things won't go well, but I know that through whatever circumstances that I will be thankful for God's leading in my life, knowing that in all things He gives me strength and that He works for the good of those who love Him. Which means that good days and bad, He has a plan for me. So I will keep rejoicing in Him and trusting in His plans...
And this is yet another time that God continues to teach me patience and trust. I wonder if it will ever stop being so hard for me....
On top of that I feel like I can smell every bad smell within a kilometer... and I've recently decided that my bedroom is the only room that doesn't have strange smells (it's also the room with the most openable windows). So each day I've been bringing in my laptop, a mini table, and all my books and setting up a work space here. >.<
All the books and websites advise people to eat dry foods like crackers often... but I am very much hating eating anything. Last night Ryan had to guilt me into taking my vitamin. (to the baby: I'm so sorry that I'm not eating much now, but I really am trying hard!)
I was reading yesterday that in this stage of pregnancy I really have control over nothing... not over how I feel, what I can or can't eat, if I can keep food down, how I act (or overreact!), or what my mood will be... and that it should be a blessing! What?!? you may ask... but it's in these times that we have no control over how we feel or over the development of a little one that we already love so much, and only then can we fully lean on our Father to be our support and provider.
I desperately worry that things won't go well, but I know that through whatever circumstances that I will be thankful for God's leading in my life, knowing that in all things He gives me strength and that He works for the good of those who love Him. Which means that good days and bad, He has a plan for me. So I will keep rejoicing in Him and trusting in His plans...
And this is yet another time that God continues to teach me patience and trust. I wonder if it will ever stop being so hard for me....
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
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