I'm writing this entry in with my head held high, shoulders up, and flipped hair. I can't help it, I'm just so proud because next weeks schedule must include a trip to the American consulate office to get (huge smile) extra pages tagged onto my passport because there is no room for my oh so beautiful (and flippin' expensive) mainland China visa.
Thank you. Thank you very much!
On May 16th-20th I'll be heading up North to Beijing, China. OK- I'M SO EXCITED! History majors back me up, Tienamin Square, The Forbiddin City, and you know that thing called The Great Wall. (Me pushing up my glasses) I can't wait for the educational experience. The $30ish visa and $150ish plane ticket will be worth it. (At least thats what I keep telling myself now that my bank is empty.)
Sidenote: Ignorent me thought, "Oh I'll travel all around mainland China when I study abroad in Hong Kong. I can take weekend trips to Beijing and Shanghi. Heck, why not take a pit-stop to Japan? DUH BECKY Beijing is a 24 hour train ride away from Hong Kong. It's like being in Atlanta, GA, and wanting to visit NYC for a day. It just ain't happening.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Ladies Lunch
Two Sundays ago Rosalyn, a woman from the Philippines who is in my evening Bible study, saw me coming back into the church after catching the Youth I's bball game outside.
"Becky, have you had lunch yet?"
"Well no actually I was just about to..."
"Why don't you join us?"
I walk into a classroom (and the choir of angels sing halleluiah) and see the table filled with homemade food from the Philippines. I thought I was going to intrude but the women treated me like a celebrity.
"Hey Becky nice to meet you! We're so glad you joined us! Rice?" Sure!
"This is chicken adobo. Here is steamed broccoli, so healthy! Fresh fruit. Sticky rice. Fresh fish...."
The next thing I knew my plate was packed to the max and I had coffee and silverware. How did they do that?! Gosh I love this hospitality!
The women were anxious to hear about my life and introduce themselves.
"Hi, I'm Julia. Like Julia Roberts." or "Hi, I'm Joy, like Joy to the world!" Luckily I had a scrapbook in my bag (you know, to show those 5 students who were going to come to my Sunday School class) and when "Joy to the world" laid eyes on my younger brothers she said, "Oooo they're SO handsome! Can I come home with you?" Her face turned bright red and we laughed and laughed when I told her how old they were. Joy's response, "Well, you can't stop love!" LOL
Simple joy in life: Women fellowship
"Becky, have you had lunch yet?"
"Well no actually I was just about to..."
"Why don't you join us?"
I walk into a classroom (and the choir of angels sing halleluiah) and see the table filled with homemade food from the Philippines. I thought I was going to intrude but the women treated me like a celebrity.
"Hey Becky nice to meet you! We're so glad you joined us! Rice?" Sure!
"This is chicken adobo. Here is steamed broccoli, so healthy! Fresh fruit. Sticky rice. Fresh fish...."
The next thing I knew my plate was packed to the max and I had coffee and silverware. How did they do that?! Gosh I love this hospitality!
The women were anxious to hear about my life and introduce themselves.
"Hi, I'm Julia. Like Julia Roberts." or "Hi, I'm Joy, like Joy to the world!" Luckily I had a scrapbook in my bag (you know, to show those 5 students who were going to come to my Sunday School class) and when "Joy to the world" laid eyes on my younger brothers she said, "Oooo they're SO handsome! Can I come home with you?" Her face turned bright red and we laughed and laughed when I told her how old they were. Joy's response, "Well, you can't stop love!" LOL
Simple joy in life: Women fellowship
Sunday School
The past two Sundays I've taught Youth I Sunday School. Miek (youth director/role model/great guy) talked me into filling in for the teacher while he was away on business. I willingly obliged under the assumption that 5, 10 tops, Youth I (13-16 year olds) would come. I was shocked when over 20 kids walked in the room. WHAT A BLESSING!
Now, let's get real, it's teenagers. So...
WHAT A BLESSING I have some of my moms patience. lol I forgot just how 'high on life' middle school aged kids are. All-in-all I really enjoyed it, especially talking with them after class or watching the pick-up game of basketball on the court outside the church. They have a weekend camping adventure this Friday-Sunday and needed leaders- you bet I jumped on the opportunity!
(Side note: I really missed being a mentor. I've been learning all sorts of things here and it just feels so good to give back and be a teacher/mentor.)
Now, let's get real, it's teenagers. So...
WHAT A BLESSING I have some of my moms patience. lol I forgot just how 'high on life' middle school aged kids are. All-in-all I really enjoyed it, especially talking with them after class or watching the pick-up game of basketball on the court outside the church. They have a weekend camping adventure this Friday-Sunday and needed leaders- you bet I jumped on the opportunity!
(Side note: I really missed being a mentor. I've been learning all sorts of things here and it just feels so good to give back and be a teacher/mentor.)
Manic Monday
"It's just another manic Monday
I wish it was Sunday
'Cause that's my funday
My I don't have to runday
It's just another manic Monday"
-The Bangles
I woke up this morning and (as much as I hate admitting this) wanted to go back to bed. It's the last week of school and I'm just about burnt out on lectures. Call the whaaa bulance, right?!. Anyways I wake up, and head off to the library because of course I didn't do my class readings for Monday over the weekend. I head to the main desk and ask for the readings which were on reserve and guess what?! Someone beat me to them. Argh. Then I return my notebook computer that I rented over the weekend and SURPRISE I got slapped a $50 HKD library fee.
I got so mad at myself for thinking it was due on Monday not Sunday that I had to take a 'calm down Becky' breath. Don't act like your dad with Video Warehouse late fees.
One more week of school. One more week of school. I've been repeating Coach Gray's wisdom in staying strong past the finish line, "through not to" or Coach Bullett's advice of "holding the follow-through"
I wish it was Sunday
'Cause that's my funday
My I don't have to runday
It's just another manic Monday"
-The Bangles
I woke up this morning and (as much as I hate admitting this) wanted to go back to bed. It's the last week of school and I'm just about burnt out on lectures. Call the whaaa bulance, right?!. Anyways I wake up, and head off to the library because of course I didn't do my class readings for Monday over the weekend. I head to the main desk and ask for the readings which were on reserve and guess what?! Someone beat me to them. Argh. Then I return my notebook computer that I rented over the weekend and SURPRISE I got slapped a $50 HKD library fee.
I got so mad at myself for thinking it was due on Monday not Sunday that I had to take a 'calm down Becky' breath. Don't act like your dad with Video Warehouse late fees.
One more week of school. One more week of school. I've been repeating Coach Gray's wisdom in staying strong past the finish line, "through not to" or Coach Bullett's advice of "holding the follow-through"
Last month here
Tomorrow is May 1st and I leave Hong Kong on May 21st. AHHHH
Since I only have t-minus 20 days left I've been packing the schedule tight and checking things off the 'to-do' list.
Tomorrow-Shopping for cheap shoes in Yuen Long with locals
Wednesday-Dinner at a locals home
Thursday-Last basketball practice & hot pot gathering
Friday-Sunday-CAMPING!
Since I have such a short time till I return to the US, "home" has been in my thoughts. I've been thinking of things, and making a list, of things that I'm looking forward to returning home to. Obviously talking face-to-face with my family and friends ranks #1 on the list and having dinner at El Ranchero ranks number #2 (you have to be from the 'burg to understand) and then I've got odds-and-ins stuff that follow (weird stuff that I never thought I enjoyed so much, like cooking or sitting on a couch). The bottom line is: being away makes you appreciate things on a new level.
Although I love and miss these things on 'the list' I'm not going to spend time boo-hooing over it. I know it's a privilege to be here. I don't want to mess things up and have any regrets of my time here in Asia. I'm going to make the most of my last month as a study abroad student living in Hong Kong.
Since I only have t-minus 20 days left I've been packing the schedule tight and checking things off the 'to-do' list.
Tomorrow-Shopping for cheap shoes in Yuen Long with locals
Wednesday-Dinner at a locals home
Thursday-Last basketball practice & hot pot gathering
Friday-Sunday-CAMPING!
Since I have such a short time till I return to the US, "home" has been in my thoughts. I've been thinking of things, and making a list, of things that I'm looking forward to returning home to. Obviously talking face-to-face with my family and friends ranks #1 on the list and having dinner at El Ranchero ranks number #2 (you have to be from the 'burg to understand) and then I've got odds-and-ins stuff that follow (weird stuff that I never thought I enjoyed so much, like cooking or sitting on a couch). The bottom line is: being away makes you appreciate things on a new level.
Although I love and miss these things on 'the list' I'm not going to spend time boo-hooing over it. I know it's a privilege to be here. I don't want to mess things up and have any regrets of my time here in Asia. I'm going to make the most of my last month as a study abroad student living in Hong Kong.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
I LOVE IT HERE
Today was one of those "Gosh I'm so glad I'm here" kind of days.
Tonight for dinner my good friend Carrie contacted all Lingnan students who are in some way connected to West Virginia University (basically if they have studied abroad at WVU or will study abroad next semester at WVU). About 15 people showed up for Pizza Hut pizza, frisbee, and Mountaineer talk. I mean really, who could ask for more?! I loved showing them the WVU convocation video and hooking them up with WVU gear. And yes...we had WVU story time. (Thanks again Alana for the scrapbook!)
Then (drum roll please) Tom and Tim wished my older sister Happy Graduation.
I'm begging the future WVU Lingnan students to come over early and stay a week or two at my house. I cherish every moment we get to hang out.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Culture Shock
Yesterday I hit the one-month-mark till I'll be returning to the US-of-A. It's crazy how time goes by so quickly.
Culture shock upon returning to our home country has been the topic of the week for study abroad students. Basically we're all scared of reversal culture shock. See when we arrived in Hong Kong drinking tea, eating with chopsticks, seeing people everywhere, walking by huge skyscrapers, and hearing Cantonese, caught us off guard. But now these things that seemed so foreign to us at the beginning of the semester are now part of our everyday routine. The culture is now part of us.
Culture shock upon returning to our home country has been the topic of the week for study abroad students. Basically we're all scared of reversal culture shock. See when we arrived in Hong Kong drinking tea, eating with chopsticks, seeing people everywhere, walking by huge skyscrapers, and hearing Cantonese, caught us off guard. But now these things that seemed so foreign to us at the beginning of the semester are now part of our everyday routine. The culture is now part of us.
Panny's Home
I just got back from dinner with my b-ball teammate, Panny, and two other of her friends. Let's take a moment of silence to be thankful for Thai food. (Amen.) 
Although dinner was incredible, checking out Panny's house was my favorite part of the evening. I'm (again) so thankful that the locals are taking me under their wing and showing me a side of Hong Kong that I was afraid I would miss being here for only 5 months.
Here's a video of her place:
ps- I decided to give my WVU bball jersey that Sarah sent me to Panny. She'll enjoy it more and I think Joe Alexander would be proud to know that people in Hong Kong are rockin' WVU #11 jersey.
Although dinner was incredible, checking out Panny's house was my favorite part of the evening. I'm (again) so thankful that the locals are taking me under their wing and showing me a side of Hong Kong that I was afraid I would miss being here for only 5 months.
Here's a video of her place:
ps- I decided to give my WVU bball jersey that Sarah sent me to Panny. She'll enjoy it more and I think Joe Alexander would be proud to know that people in Hong Kong are rockin' WVU #11 jersey.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Overload
It’s 5:41am and I’ve yet to see zzzzz’s. Looks like another night spent in the 24 hour study room at Lingnan University. Go me and my ability to consistently put off homework. (Like right now…)
I’m dodging responsibility and blogging because I can’t compute anymore filler sentences to make this paper 2,000 words. Poor Microsoft Word Count tool. I’ll write like three words and magically think if I chant bippity bop it de bo and wave my pen that it can turn into +300. So far, no luck. Any suggestions?!
Let me digress…
The school set-up is so different here. Take my History of Islamic class, the only "work" we’ve had all semester is lectures and one dinky multiple choice quiz. But this Friday we had an individual 5 minute presentation, test, AND paper due. And this end of the semester overload is a popular trend. My teachers have recently started class with, “Ok now don’t forget EVERYTHING is due this week.” Ya know, I was always a fan of a well prepared, spanned out marathon not an unexpected, brutal last minute sprint. (Can you tell I'm sick of writing papers?)
But on the upside it’s perfect for study abroad students because you can easily skip classes in the beginning of the semester (cough cough) and just OD on coffee and Circle K cheap study snacks to get you through.
In the meantime, I’ve gotta buff this current 1,812 essay to 2,000-2,500 word essay. Hummm. Does Microsoft Office sell word steroids? “You-hooo Mr. Paperclip man…”
I’m dodging responsibility and blogging because I can’t compute anymore filler sentences to make this paper 2,000 words. Poor Microsoft Word Count tool. I’ll write like three words and magically think if I chant bippity bop it de bo and wave my pen that it can turn into +300. So far, no luck. Any suggestions?!
Let me digress…
The school set-up is so different here. Take my History of Islamic class, the only "work" we’ve had all semester is lectures and one dinky multiple choice quiz. But this Friday we had an individual 5 minute presentation, test, AND paper due. And this end of the semester overload is a popular trend. My teachers have recently started class with, “Ok now don’t forget EVERYTHING is due this week.” Ya know, I was always a fan of a well prepared, spanned out marathon not an unexpected, brutal last minute sprint. (Can you tell I'm sick of writing papers?)
But on the upside it’s perfect for study abroad students because you can easily skip classes in the beginning of the semester (cough cough) and just OD on coffee and Circle K cheap study snacks to get you through.
In the meantime, I’ve gotta buff this current 1,812 essay to 2,000-2,500 word essay. Hummm. Does Microsoft Office sell word steroids? “You-hooo Mr. Paperclip man…”
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Haroun and the Sea of Stories
You seem to encounter REALLY random things when you study abroad.
Like tonight I saw fellow study abroaders and local students perform in a school drama, Haroun and the Sea of Stories.
Top 5 random things about the play:
1. Seeing Mark, a beloved Sri Lankan in his costume.
2. Puppets doing a dance
3. Being asked to participate in the ending fight scene and wear black noses
4. Trevor & Kerensa's rap and 2-kool-4-skool outfits HOLLA
5. "Rood" aka Rod from Scotlands steller performance.
Good job guys! whoot whoot
Like tonight I saw fellow study abroaders and local students perform in a school drama, Haroun and the Sea of Stories.
Top 5 random things about the play:
1. Seeing Mark, a beloved Sri Lankan in his costume.
2. Puppets doing a dance
3. Being asked to participate in the ending fight scene and wear black noses
4. Trevor & Kerensa's rap and 2-kool-4-skool outfits HOLLA
5. "Rood" aka Rod from Scotlands steller performance.
Good job guys! whoot whoot
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Alana's Package
My dear friend and co-worker, Alana, recently sent me a package filled with candy, CDs, and a really cool scrapbook with pictures of Morgantown. I can't even tell you how much it meant to me! For starters it came at a perfect time. I was a bit down after hearing about the VT shootings and I'm convinced there is nothing that can pick up your day quite like hearing from friends and family back home. Then the candy gave me a sugar rush to stay awake during my classes. (btw- Alana I forgot how much I love Sour Patch Kids!) Finally, the cds, well I'm jamming to them now. THANK YOU ALANA!
Here is me giving "Morgantown Storytime" to my classmates:
Here is me giving "Morgantown Storytime" to my classmates:
Rachel's B-Day Dinner
Rachel, my Thailand travel buddy, recently celebrated her 21st at a local Thai restaurant. Click here to check out the video.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Panny's Birthday
After the team dinner we headed out to celebrate Panny's birthday near the Lan Kwai Fong district. I was so confused when the 15+ of us went inside this random apartment looking building and went to the 4th floor. What is going on?! It finally sunk in when I saw 'Private Party' on the door. YESSSSS!
I'd read about these private parties before and how they're popular in Hong Kong but (obviously being an exchange student) wasn't expecting to actually be part of one. 'Private Parties' come complete with karaoke, games, and an open bar (with plenty of non-alcoholic options). And yes for all of you wondering...I made my karaoke debut with Westlife. haha It was so much fun! So much fun that I didn't get home till 7AM!
Side note: I love being able to come home at 7am. I love being this age, single, with no huge responsibilities that wouldn't allow you to come home that late (or early depending on how you want to think of it). Trust me, I'm going to soak it in while it lasts.
Here's a picture with Panny and her sister.
(Sarah, I miss you!)
I'd read about these private parties before and how they're popular in Hong Kong but (obviously being an exchange student) wasn't expecting to actually be part of one. 'Private Parties' come complete with karaoke, games, and an open bar (with plenty of non-alcoholic options). And yes for all of you wondering...I made my karaoke debut with Westlife. haha It was so much fun! So much fun that I didn't get home till 7AM!
Side note: I love being able to come home at 7am. I love being this age, single, with no huge responsibilities that wouldn't allow you to come home that late (or early depending on how you want to think of it). Trust me, I'm going to soak it in while it lasts.
Here's a picture with Panny and her sister.
(Sarah, I miss you!)
Dinner & Birthday
I won't shut-up about my basketball team because I really enjoy the friendships I've made with my team on and off the court. We recetly had our end-of-the-year Lingnan sports team banquet, basically a shin-dig where all the schools sports team come together for a buffett dinner with THE President of Lingnan. (Students here are CRAZY about the president) I was cracking up when the boys were playing their video games before. Click here to check out the video (If you pay close attention you can see the keychains they add to the gameboys. Hillarious!)
Anyways, I snagged a shot with the boys team. Ow ow! Aren't they so good looking?! :)
I also won a $100 HKD gift certificate to Park-n-shop grocery shop
After the dinner we suprised Panny with a birthday cake
Anyways, I snagged a shot with the boys team. Ow ow! Aren't they so good looking?! :)
I also won a $100 HKD gift certificate to Park-n-shop grocery shop
After the dinner we suprised Panny with a birthday cake
It's the small things
How do small tasks explode into huge ordeals??? I had a 1,500 word homework assignment due today for my Contemporary China History class. The requirements for the paper were simple: find two online journals that are based off the same topic then compare them. Now, tell me why after 6+ hours searching Google Scholar like a mad woman I still didn’t have “the” articles I want. Then someone please tell me why printing out “the” articles has to be such a frustration??? I had (no joke) three octopus cards and one student ID card which I thought all had money on them. NOPE. Wrong-O Becky. You are the weakest link. Good-bye.
Argh. It was the little things that put me in such a bad mood. I was certain that the aura around me was, “Don’t mess with me OR ELSE!” The worst part of it all was the fact that I didn’t even care. My point of view: I was in a bad mood, so get over it!
Well what do you know it was nearly 10pm and I’m still at the (insert a nice word) library livin’on a prayer’ with my assignment due in the AM. Then out of no where my friend Dan comes over, taps me on the shoulder, takes two steps back, and asks, “Hey, are you ok?”
Let me digress:
(Do you know when you’re having a bad day and you haven’t been able to complain about it to anyone so you’ve got the response engrained in your head just waiting for someone to ask if everything is ok?! Well when Dan asked I already knew my response: ARGH Dan you have Noooo idea what kind of day I’m having. Do you know I still don’t have my flippin’ articles? Google- what is all the hype about anyways?! Then the &*% printer won’t accept my student ID money and I literally just put money on it and….Wait a second…wait a second….did he just took like two steps back?!…OMG (chuckle) I must REALLY have a bad aura.
I couldn’t help but laugh and think, this guy didn’t get into Cornell Law for nothin’ he’s got enough common sense to stay an arms length away if I get too out of control. My response after my laughter died down, “Yeah Dan, I’m fine. Just loosing my mind, that’s all.”
It's the small things that really get you down...
It's the small things that bring you right back up.
Argh. It was the little things that put me in such a bad mood. I was certain that the aura around me was, “Don’t mess with me OR ELSE!” The worst part of it all was the fact that I didn’t even care. My point of view: I was in a bad mood, so get over it!
Well what do you know it was nearly 10pm and I’m still at the (insert a nice word) library livin’on a prayer’ with my assignment due in the AM. Then out of no where my friend Dan comes over, taps me on the shoulder, takes two steps back, and asks, “Hey, are you ok?”
Let me digress:
(Do you know when you’re having a bad day and you haven’t been able to complain about it to anyone so you’ve got the response engrained in your head just waiting for someone to ask if everything is ok?! Well when Dan asked I already knew my response: ARGH Dan you have Noooo idea what kind of day I’m having. Do you know I still don’t have my flippin’ articles? Google- what is all the hype about anyways?! Then the &*% printer won’t accept my student ID money and I literally just put money on it and….Wait a second…wait a second….did he just took like two steps back?!…OMG (chuckle) I must REALLY have a bad aura.
I couldn’t help but laugh and think, this guy didn’t get into Cornell Law for nothin’ he’s got enough common sense to stay an arms length away if I get too out of control. My response after my laughter died down, “Yeah Dan, I’m fine. Just loosing my mind, that’s all.”
It's the small things that really get you down...
It's the small things that bring you right back up.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Virginia Tech
This morning I received an e-mail from my sister:
"22 dead on Virginia Tech campus...really atrocious story...check the news"
My heart sunk as I watched CNN video clips. The shootings are all over the news here in Hong Kong too. Questions of concern followed from local students asking, "Why do people do that?" or "Does that happen a lot in America?" or "Does everyone own a gun?"
We're also effected by the tragedy of Virginia Tech halfway across the world. You can tell somethings happened by the way the teachers call off class a bit early, or by the way things are a bit quieter...basically we've been reminded how precious life is.
VT my thoughts go out to you today. May you find peace and understanding, calmness and security.
"22 dead on Virginia Tech campus...really atrocious story...check the news"
My heart sunk as I watched CNN video clips. The shootings are all over the news here in Hong Kong too. Questions of concern followed from local students asking, "Why do people do that?" or "Does that happen a lot in America?" or "Does everyone own a gun?"
We're also effected by the tragedy of Virginia Tech halfway across the world. You can tell somethings happened by the way the teachers call off class a bit early, or by the way things are a bit quieter...basically we've been reminded how precious life is.
VT my thoughts go out to you today. May you find peace and understanding, calmness and security.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Lord please open our eyes
Meet Nathaniel, a recent addition to my Sunday morning Bible study. He's a refugee from Liberia and has quite a story to tell. For starters his father and mother were murdered during the Civil War that boke out soon after his birth. After his parents tragic death he moved in with his grandmother who died a couple years later from breast cancer. With no family and shelter, he was forced into the military and at a very young age was taken into the deep jungle area and taught how to shoot guns and obey authority at all costs. "I had no other options. I wanted to leave but they would have killed me." He fought in the army for 3 years till he escaped after being sent on a task to get medical supplies. (Much more on that story)
He then caught a bus to the city and found a group who promised they'd take him to America if he paid them money. He gave up everything and trusted them knowing he had no other options (his commander would hunt him down and kill him if he stayed any longer in Africa). He was betrayed and sent to Hong Kong at age 15 and left with no ID, money, or familiarity of surroundings. Was left on the streets for 6 days till he ran into a couple from the church who took him to the UN to get refugee status. (I'd love to meet and thank this couple someday.)
But it's still no walk in the park. He'd been living in Hong Kong for 2 1/2 years then was arrested by the Hong Kong police for lack of ID. (The UN is still in the process of getting proper identification which evidently can take years due to lack of resources). He was confined to a high security prison "with no sunshine" and was released 4 months later when they were able to have proof that his papers are still being processed.
I'm nearly in tears blogging our conversation out.
How can this happen??? How can someone grow up in such warfare yet I live in complete security surrounded by family?? He has no one, NO ONE. Can we fully grasp that?! Being completely alone in a foreign country where you don't fit in, wanting to return home yet knowing if you do you risk your life?!
Nathaniel's story is so uplifting because even after his tragic past he still has dreams.
He dreams of being an accountant and having the opportunity to go to school (he's yet to step foot in a classroom).
He dreams of returning to Liberia and running for president to "look after the welfare of my people".
He dreams of happiness and security (he still has anxiety of his commander coming to hunt him down and kill him).
Who is going to help him?!?!
Brothers and sisters we need to open our eyes and hearts.
Verse of the day: Matthew 25:40
He then caught a bus to the city and found a group who promised they'd take him to America if he paid them money. He gave up everything and trusted them knowing he had no other options (his commander would hunt him down and kill him if he stayed any longer in Africa). He was betrayed and sent to Hong Kong at age 15 and left with no ID, money, or familiarity of surroundings. Was left on the streets for 6 days till he ran into a couple from the church who took him to the UN to get refugee status. (I'd love to meet and thank this couple someday.)
But it's still no walk in the park. He'd been living in Hong Kong for 2 1/2 years then was arrested by the Hong Kong police for lack of ID. (The UN is still in the process of getting proper identification which evidently can take years due to lack of resources). He was confined to a high security prison "with no sunshine" and was released 4 months later when they were able to have proof that his papers are still being processed.
I'm nearly in tears blogging our conversation out.
How can this happen??? How can someone grow up in such warfare yet I live in complete security surrounded by family?? He has no one, NO ONE. Can we fully grasp that?! Being completely alone in a foreign country where you don't fit in, wanting to return home yet knowing if you do you risk your life?!
Nathaniel's story is so uplifting because even after his tragic past he still has dreams.
He dreams of being an accountant and having the opportunity to go to school (he's yet to step foot in a classroom).
He dreams of returning to Liberia and running for president to "look after the welfare of my people".
He dreams of happiness and security (he still has anxiety of his commander coming to hunt him down and kill him).
Who is going to help him?!?!
Brothers and sisters we need to open our eyes and hearts.
Verse of the day: Matthew 25:40
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Aww Dad
Yesterday I called my dad to thank him for looking over a recent homework assignment and after we caught up on things he asked, "So...when are you coming back home?"
Oh man, he TOTALLY misses me! I soaked in the moment for what it's worth because my dad hardly shows weaknessness.
For those of you who haven't been blessed to meet THE "Randy" Lovell let me describe him to you. He's:
-Mr. I grew up on a farm in Oklahoma and don't show emotion
-Mr. When you were born my first words to you were, "When you're 18 you're out of the house."
-Mr. Why are you calling me??? Fix your own darn tire!
-Mr. For your college move-in day I kicked your boxes to the kurb and drove away saying, "Two down...two to go!"
Now to you see why I'm soaking in the moment?! Mr. I'm glad you're half way across the world wants me to come home. You bet I'm going to rub that in when I return.
Oh man, he TOTALLY misses me! I soaked in the moment for what it's worth because my dad hardly shows weaknessness.
For those of you who haven't been blessed to meet THE "Randy" Lovell let me describe him to you. He's:
-Mr. I grew up on a farm in Oklahoma and don't show emotion
-Mr. When you were born my first words to you were, "When you're 18 you're out of the house."
-Mr. Why are you calling me??? Fix your own darn tire!
-Mr. For your college move-in day I kicked your boxes to the kurb and drove away saying, "Two down...two to go!"
Now to you see why I'm soaking in the moment?! Mr. I'm glad you're half way across the world wants me to come home. You bet I'm going to rub that in when I return.
D=Domination
Yesterday we had an awards ceremony for the Presidents Cup innterhostel competition. Yea yeah Hall D!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
I <3 You Tube
I'm cruising You Tube and randomly came across this neat video. Click here to check it out! Really, why did it take me so long to find it?!
Video Diaries Videos
The video diaries are officially in and complete! Click here to check out my videos. (Scroll through the pictures in the top right corner and click on my picture)
I enjoyed looking through the final videos but I can't get over how ditsy I sound! AHHH! Here's a fun game:
~Count the number of times I say the word "like"
~See if I laugh more or actually speak more in the videos
Props to WVU for undertaking this project. What a great idea! One of the millions of reasons why I bleed blue & gold.
(ps- there are 10 Lingnan students coming to WVU next semester! wha what)
I enjoyed looking through the final videos but I can't get over how ditsy I sound! AHHH! Here's a fun game:
~Count the number of times I say the word "like"
~See if I laugh more or actually speak more in the videos
Props to WVU for undertaking this project. What a great idea! One of the millions of reasons why I bleed blue & gold.
(ps- there are 10 Lingnan students coming to WVU next semester! wha what)
Rachel!
Remember way back when I went to a Cantonese concert with the girls from my basketball team and I was so glad that a girl named Rachel won the contest?!
Well I later found out that Rachel was my RA! (Pretty cool, eh?!)
Let me digress:
When I met Rachel at the floor meeting I was like a teenager meeting NSYNC' and went CRAZY! lol Here's a preview of how our introduction went:
AHHH OMG you're like THE rachel. You're SO AWESOME! I saw you at the concert and I think you're going to be the next big star! Can we be best friends?! What's your zodiac sign because I can tell that we're going to get along SO well, BFF. You're awesome. Want to go shopping? Have dinner? Just tell me when you're free and we can hang out. Gosh I can't believe I'm meeting you!!! Can you sing for us please??? LYLAS!(lol ok it wasn't that bad but she was a bit freaked out by my 'I'm your biggest fan' introduction.)
Rachel recently e-mailed me the video (upon request) of her at the concert. Check it out, she's awesome!
Well I later found out that Rachel was my RA! (Pretty cool, eh?!)
Let me digress:
When I met Rachel at the floor meeting I was like a teenager meeting NSYNC' and went CRAZY! lol Here's a preview of how our introduction went:
AHHH OMG you're like THE rachel. You're SO AWESOME! I saw you at the concert and I think you're going to be the next big star! Can we be best friends?! What's your zodiac sign because I can tell that we're going to get along SO well, BFF. You're awesome. Want to go shopping? Have dinner? Just tell me when you're free and we can hang out. Gosh I can't believe I'm meeting you!!! Can you sing for us please??? LYLAS!(lol ok it wasn't that bad but she was a bit freaked out by my 'I'm your biggest fan' introduction.)
Rachel recently e-mailed me the video (upon request) of her at the concert. Check it out, she's awesome!
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Letters from loved ones
Ok ok so this will be my last post for tonight but I wanted to give 'shot-outs' to my friends and family because there is nothing life coming home after a trip to see your mailbox packed with letters from loved ones.
Favorite quotes from recent letters:
"Hello Kuzin Becky."
Thanks Dyland/Tanner/G. Tom (and Nana) for the Destin postcards.
"I'm seriously considering going to Spain sometime before I graduate, especially after hearing stories from you and Sarah."
Thanks Amy for the sweet WVU beads from New Orleans.
"Buona Sera!"
Thanks Sarah for the postcard from Italy.
"Why is the WVU President's Office a Man's World?"
Thanks Sis for the DA articles and random singing card
You guys ROCK!
Favorite quotes from recent letters:
"Hello Kuzin Becky."
Thanks Dyland/Tanner/G. Tom (and Nana) for the Destin postcards.
"I'm seriously considering going to Spain sometime before I graduate, especially after hearing stories from you and Sarah."
Thanks Amy for the sweet WVU beads from New Orleans.
"Buona Sera!"
Thanks Sarah for the postcard from Italy.
"Why is the WVU President's Office a Man's World?"
Thanks Sis for the DA articles and random singing card
You guys ROCK!
Easter
The Easter holiday isn't as commercial as Christmas or New Year but it's still a recognized holiday. For example, we got Thursday-Monday off of school and in the local markets you can find Easter candies.
Blessings on everyones Easter holiday back home!
Blessings on everyones Easter holiday back home!
Back home
Last night Corin and I went out to celebrate her 21st birthday. Oh la la. The evening started with dinner at a Brazilian buffet (you can get any kind of food you want here in HK) and headed to Lan Kwai Fong district 
and danced the night away...literally. I didn't get back to campus till 7:15am. Corin was great to party with because
1. She knows all the bouncers so we got into all of the clubs for free
2. Since she knows all of the bouncers, we got free drinks
3. She can translate "She doesn't drink." which meant I got hooked up with sparkling water, pepsi, and OJ -hola-
Side note: Clubs and dancing are WAY different here. A good different
And I'm sure you're wondering the same question that my sister had, "So, ugh, how do they dance in Asia?" Well most of the popular dance clubs in Asia are PACKED so most dancing is just the stepping side to side thing maybe doing something with your arms if you're crazy. So, when we went dancing I had to control my horrid dance moves to "keepin' it at home" I'll let the Hitch clip explain:
and danced the night away...literally. I didn't get back to campus till 7:15am. Corin was great to party with because
1. She knows all the bouncers so we got into all of the clubs for free
2. Since she knows all of the bouncers, we got free drinks
3. She can translate "She doesn't drink." which meant I got hooked up with sparkling water, pepsi, and OJ -hola-
Side note: Clubs and dancing are WAY different here. A good different
And I'm sure you're wondering the same question that my sister had, "So, ugh, how do they dance in Asia?" Well most of the popular dance clubs in Asia are PACKED so most dancing is just the stepping side to side thing maybe doing something with your arms if you're crazy. So, when we went dancing I had to control my horrid dance moves to "keepin' it at home" I'll let the Hitch clip explain:
Ko Chang beach
After Chiang Mai we headed on a 12 hour sleeper train to Bangkok (btw sleeper trains are the way to travel. For starters, you get to see local areas as you pass by AND you don't have to fork out money for a hostel) then immediately caught a taxi to the E. Bus Terminal and caught a 5 1/2 hr. bus to Trat. THEN (it was a travel filled day) caught a truck taxi to the ferry THEN caught a boat to Koh Chang beach and FINALLY caught a crammed packed truck taxi with 10 others to the 'White Sand' beach area. A shower was the first thing we wanted to see after all that travel.
We arrived late yet Rachel (she's awesome) found a beach front bungalow for cheap (about $6 USD for each of us) Check out the view from our deck
The next day we booked a tour to visit nearby islands to go snorkeling and kayaking. Check out all the fish
The last two days on the beach were spent doing a whole lot of nothing. (Which is how we wanted it to be) My favorite memory of our stay was watching the movie Win a date with Tad Hamilton and in the clinching last seconds of the movie (when he was about to say the 'I love you' line) the movie screen froze. LOL We were quite upset.
We arrived late yet Rachel (she's awesome) found a beach front bungalow for cheap (about $6 USD for each of us) Check out the view from our deck
The next day we booked a tour to visit nearby islands to go snorkeling and kayaking. Check out all the fish
The last two days on the beach were spent doing a whole lot of nothing. (Which is how we wanted it to be) My favorite memory of our stay was watching the movie Win a date with Tad Hamilton and in the clinching last seconds of the movie (when he was about to say the 'I love you' line) the movie screen froze. LOL We were quite upset.
Chiang Mai
Now that I've vented about the things I hated about Thailand (cough cough men from my own country) let me tell you what Thailand has to offer:
In Chiang Mai we went on a package tour (about $12 USD) and rode elephants, swam in a waterfall, visited local hill tribes, and went bamboo rafting.
In Chiang Mai we went on a package tour (about $12 USD) and rode elephants, swam in a waterfall, visited local hill tribes, and went bamboo rafting.
Enough is enough.
At first I tried to ignore the 'Teen Massage' businesses in Thailand or look away at restaurants lined with women in provocative clothing who NEWSFLASH: weren't there to serve you your food. I also tried to brush off couple after couple of 15 year old girls with 60 year old men but after a while it starts to get under your skin. Enough is enough. I'm just so sick of older, white, Western men coming to Southeast Asia for immoral reasons like exposing poor, young, women and children who are forced into the sex trade.
More on the "couples":
After seeing couple after couple of these -20 year old girls with 60+ old men it made me want to throw up (or even better yet, throw up in the 60+ year old mans face)
UGH it's not even these respectable, cream-of-the-crop men it's the balding, beer bellied, coke glasses men who are lit with weird tattoos (the gecko was my personal favorite) and sporting Harley tank tops, hair bulging out at the neck line and wearing shorts that are so short I'm convinced should be universally banned.
Ok ok maybe they are in love after all. Maybe the American man actually just decided to up and leave for Thailand because he thought it would be a great place to visit. Then on his two week tour he randomly met a local at a coffee shop and the magically fell in love over a cappuccino. Aww.
THEN WHY AM I NOT SEEING IT THE OTHER WAY AROUND?! In my nearly two week stay in Thailand I didn't see one white, western woman with a local Thai.
Love...I think not.
Dear Western Men in Asia,
Thank you for warping my image of your gender. The nunnery never looked so appealing. Please start to work on controlling your Y chromosome. Thanks.
-Becky
ps- This 'whatever happens in Thailand stays in Thailand' attitude may seem perfect for you. But guess what else stays in Thailand?! The young girl whose dignity you just wrongfully ripped from her.
More on the "couples":
After seeing couple after couple of these -20 year old girls with 60+ old men it made me want to throw up (or even better yet, throw up in the 60+ year old mans face)
UGH it's not even these respectable, cream-of-the-crop men it's the balding, beer bellied, coke glasses men who are lit with weird tattoos (the gecko was my personal favorite) and sporting Harley tank tops, hair bulging out at the neck line and wearing shorts that are so short I'm convinced should be universally banned.
Ok ok maybe they are in love after all. Maybe the American man actually just decided to up and leave for Thailand because he thought it would be a great place to visit. Then on his two week tour he randomly met a local at a coffee shop and the magically fell in love over a cappuccino. Aww.
THEN WHY AM I NOT SEEING IT THE OTHER WAY AROUND?! In my nearly two week stay in Thailand I didn't see one white, western woman with a local Thai.
Love...I think not.
Dear Western Men in Asia,
Thank you for warping my image of your gender. The nunnery never looked so appealing. Please start to work on controlling your Y chromosome. Thanks.
-Becky
ps- This 'whatever happens in Thailand stays in Thailand' attitude may seem perfect for you. But guess what else stays in Thailand?! The young girl whose dignity you just wrongfully ripped from her.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Thai people LOVE the king. You'll find shirts and yellow wrist bands with "Long live the king". Plus pictures are everywhere and the national anthem is played in public facilities like the bus terminals, airports, and even huge markets.
They love him so much they shut down You Tube:
BANGKOK, Thailand -- The Thai government blocked access to YouTube on Wednesday after complaining that a short clip on the popular video-sharing site is insulting to the country's beloved monarch.
Hence no video updated on my blog recently. grrrr.
They love him so much they shut down You Tube:
BANGKOK, Thailand -- The Thai government blocked access to YouTube on Wednesday after complaining that a short clip on the popular video-sharing site is insulting to the country's beloved monarch.
Hence no video updated on my blog recently. grrrr.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
DANGER: Thai Massage
We’re in Thailand; why not get an infamous Thai massage?! It’s harmless and would be fun to pamper ourselves. Plus, it’s only $3 USD for one hour. Gosh it will feel good to just lie down and relax a bit. Good quality R&R. WRONG!
I don’t even know where to begin with how bizarre a Thai massage is. For starters, it hurts…and not just a little bit…I’m talkin’ it hurts a lot. Seriously, during the massage I was embarrassed by my facial expressions of pure pain (the veins in my neck were able to explode) that I covered up my face with a blanket and gave myself pep talks to help calm the nerves.
“Pain is weakness leaving the body.”
“Becky, you wanted to do this. Suck it up and take it.”
“No pain no gain.”
Hummm. How to describe the hour of Thai massage?!?! Well you know you know all those moves you used to beat up your younger siblings with like elbow to the thigh, tying their arms behind their back, or the karate chop?! Well all those moves are alive and kickin’ in Thai massage. Whew. I’m cringing just thinking about it. Guys, it really hurt!
It was such a weird experience for all of us that once the massage was over, we changed as quickly as possible and didn’t say a word. We wanted to forget it ever happened ASAP. We checked it off the life’s list, and we don’t plan on doing a re-run.
I don’t even know where to begin with how bizarre a Thai massage is. For starters, it hurts…and not just a little bit…I’m talkin’ it hurts a lot. Seriously, during the massage I was embarrassed by my facial expressions of pure pain (the veins in my neck were able to explode) that I covered up my face with a blanket and gave myself pep talks to help calm the nerves.
“Pain is weakness leaving the body.”
“Becky, you wanted to do this. Suck it up and take it.”
“No pain no gain.”
Hummm. How to describe the hour of Thai massage?!?! Well you know you know all those moves you used to beat up your younger siblings with like elbow to the thigh, tying their arms behind their back, or the karate chop?! Well all those moves are alive and kickin’ in Thai massage. Whew. I’m cringing just thinking about it. Guys, it really hurt!
It was such a weird experience for all of us that once the massage was over, we changed as quickly as possible and didn’t say a word. We wanted to forget it ever happened ASAP. We checked it off the life’s list, and we don’t plan on doing a re-run.
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