.

.
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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

ABC Wednesday: K for Kilt




New Zealand is a country of diversed ethnicity. The Maoris came, then the Pakehas meaning foreignors. Among the British stocks are the Scottish. My Sisiter-in-law Karen originally from Christchurch has Scottish ancestry. Dunedin proudly claims to be the the most Scottish city in New Zealand.

New Zealand is one day ahead from and yesterday, we celebrated St Andrew's day with Scottish Bagpipes, Drums and men wearing Scottish Kilts.

St. Andrew's Day is the feast of Saint Andrew, celebrated on 30 November each year. Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland and St. Andrew's Day is Scotland's official national day,

Very little is really known about St. Andrew himself. He was thought to have been a fisherman in Galilee (now part of Israel), along with his elder brother Simon Peter (Saint Peter). Both became followers (apostles) of Jesus Christ, founder of the Christian religion.

St. Andrew is said to have been responsible for spreading the tenets of the Christian religion though Asia Minor and Greece. Tradition suggests that St. Andrew was put to death by the Romans in Patras, Southern Greece by being pinned to a cross (crucified). The diagonal shape of this cross is said to be the basis for the Cross of St. Andrew which appears on the Scottish Flag.

http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/home/scotland/standrew.html

*** A per-verbal question: What is underneath that Scottish Kilts? A news broadcaster Tamati on National TV refused to confirm or deny what was under it.***




http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.com/

my book


This is the first draft of my manuscript.

Dear all,

I started a new site; http://annkitsuetchin.blogspot.com/.
Here I figure my book. If you like to read, do pay it a visit and comment.

Diary of a Bereaved Mother
From the conception of my first blog http://annkschin.blogspot.com/ I had shared with you about my late son Andrew.

In October 2010, fellow blogger Ginny inspired me to write my book about having Andrew. Since then, I had shared with Betsy and George. They have been pivotal in encouraging me.

The book is almost done, my editor suggested that I post some parts of it and I welcome your comments.


This book is not just a soppy and maudlin story of my tragic life. This is non fiction, and the genre is: Self Help/ death and dying/child’s death/survival


The book is my journey of having a baby who died in Auckland National Womens' Hospital and suggestions to help bereaved parents, their care givers and doctors.

It has been edited: It is a wonderful account, written from the heart.

Comment:I know that no words can adequately express sympathy for this tragedy. You must be a very brave woman to come through this ordeal and write about it.

My pastors wrote this introduction in my Forward: Ann’s account of losing her infant son Andrew will resonate with anyone who has had the misfortune to give birth to a child who has struggled to live. As pastors at Ann’s church and as bereaved parents ourselves we felt for Ann through these recordings of her journal.


The first post is my synopsis.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Yellow Mellow Monday, Thursday Theme Song. Truckie

I grew up in Borneo.
When I went to school.
I rode in a small bus.
Joy came, when we had the first long bus.
Since then,
I have fallen in love with big trucks.
One day, I was stuck in a jam.
Some truckie dropped bales of hay on the Auckland harbour bridge.
I was late for work.
Come on, come on.
I looked into the rear mirror,
What did I see?
It was a Mack,
I had been watching out for.
My day wasn't so blue.
He was behind me for half an hour.
I was imagining my truckie singing,
I would follow her,
Follow her where ever I may go.
(Well, I will do this song another time.)










http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com/




hootin--anni has a new meme.
IT'S ALL ABOUT MY NEW MEME THAT I HOPE SOME WILL FEEL LIKE JOINING IN ON THE CHALLENGE AND THE FUN [at least I hope the weekly challenge will be fun!]. It's loosely based on song lyrics [recorded songs since the beginning of time to today] and associating them with photos of yours...as I've done in the past...If you click on the link above, it'll take you to the Meme's Homepage for rules and buttons. There will be a Mr. Linky Widget for each individual week also. Do consider joining me sometime. Hope to see it flourish in time.
http://hootin--anni.blogspot.com/
David Gordon "Slim Dusty " Kirkpatrick AO, MBE (13 June 1927—19 September 2003) better known as Slim Dusty was a legendary Australian country music singer-songwriter and icon,with a career spanning eight decades. He was the first Australian to have a No. 1 Hit song with Gordon Parsons (Pub With No Beer).[1


Slim Dusty - Lights on the Hill lyrics
Oh-hoh-hoh-hoh-yeah
Its a long straight road and the engine is deep
I cant help thinkin of a good nights sleep
And the long long roads of my li-ife were a callin me

These rough old hands are a-glued to the wheel
My eyes full of sand from the way they feel
And the lights comin over the hi-ill are a-blindin me

Its a long tough haul from a-way down south
A mans gotta find a little bread for his mouth
And a home for a girl as swee-eet as my honey can be

So its down through the gears, shes a-startin to pull
The gauge on the tank is a-showin theyre full
And the lights comin over the hi-ill are a-blindin me

Theres rain on the road and I can feel the load start a-shiftin
I-i-in a dance
Too late, I see the post and I havent got a ghost of a chance
Ah-hah-hah-no

The windscreen wipers are a-beatin in time
The song they sing is a part of my mind
And I cant believe its a-really happenin to me

Oh, but Im over the edge and down the mountain side
I know theyll tell about the night I died
In the rain when the lights on the hi-ill were a-blindin me
Hey!

Theres rain on the road and I can feel the load start a-shiftin
I-i-in a dance
Too late, I see the post and I havent got a ghost of a chance
Ah-hah-hah-no

The windscreen wipers are a-beatin in time
The song they sing is a part of my mind
And I cant believe its a-really happenin to me

Oh, but Im over the edge and down the mountain side
I know theyll tell about the night I died
In the rain when the lights on the hi-ill were a-blindin me
In the rain when the lights on t
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http://www.mp3rocket.com/mp3/-1_00/Slim-Dusty-The-Lady-Is-a-Truckie.htm,

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Thursday Theme Song: The Pie song

sl
My friend Julie made this apple pie. She grew up in Philippines, and whenever we have a function, she always made apple pie. Now she lives in New York.

This post is for you Julie.


Don't You Cry (The Pie Song) :
When the world is gray and bleak
Baby don't you cry
I will give you every bit of love that's in my heart
I will bake it up into a simple little pie…

Baby don't you cry
Gonna make a pie
Gonna make a pie with a heart in the middle
Baby don't be blue
Gonna make for you
Gonna make a pie with a heart in the middle.

Gonna be a pie from heaven above
Gonna be filled with strawberry love
Baby don't you cry
Gonna make a pie
And hold you forever in the middle of my heart.

Baby here's the sun
Baby here's the sky
Baby I'm your light and I'm your shelter
Baby you are mine
I could freeze the time
Keep you in my kitchen with me forever

Gonna be a pie from heaven above
Gonna be filled with strawberry love
Baby don't you cry
Gonna make a pie
And hold you forever in the middle of my heart.

Gonna bake a pie from heaven above
Gonna be filled with butterscotch love
Gonna bake a pie from heaven above
Gonna be filled with banana creme love

Baby don't you cry
Gonna bake a pie
Hold you forever
Hold you forever
And hold you forever in the middle of my heart.
When the world is gray and bleak

Baby don't you cry
I will give you every bit of love that's in my heart
I will bake it up into a simple little pie…
Baby don't you cry
Gonna make a pie
Gonna make a pie with a heart in the middle

Baby don't be blue
Gonna make for you
Gonna make a pie with a heart in the middle.
Gonna be a pie from heaven above
Gonna be filled with strawberry love

Baby don't you cry
Gonna make a pie
And hold you forever in the middle of my heart.

Baby here's the sun
Baby here's the sky
Baby I'm your light and I'm your shelter

Baby you are mine
I could freeze the time
Keep you in my kitchen with me forever

Gonna be a pie from heaven above
Gonna be filled with strawberry love
Baby don't you cry
Gonna make a pie
And hold you forever in the middle of my heart.

Gonna bake a pie from heaven above
Gonna be filled with butterscotch love
Gonna bake a pie from heaven above
Gonna be filled with banana creme love

Baby don't you cry
Gonna bake a pie
Hold you forever
Hold you forever
And hold you forever in the middle of my heart.




hootin--anni has a new meme.
IT'S ALL ABOUT MY NEW MEME THAT I HOPE SOME WILL FEEL LIKE JOINING IN ON THE CHALLENGE AND THE FUN [at least I hope the weekly challenge will be fun!]. It's loosely based on song lyrics [recorded songs since the beginning of time to today] and associating them with photos of yours...as I've done in the past...If you click on the link above, it'll take you to the Meme's Homepage for rules and buttons. There will be a Mr. Linky Widget for each individual week also. Do consider joining me sometime. Hope to see it flourish in time.

http://hootin--anni.blogspot.com/

Friday, March 25, 2011

Photohunt: March 26th : Caged



http://tnchick.com/

This photo is 21 years old, but it came to my mind when I thought of this topic, caged. This was at an indoors McDonalds family restaurant. We were celebrating my eldest daughter's 5th birthday.

weekend reflection: Bathroom vanities




http://newtowndailyphoto.blogspot.com/

In many public places, your are not allowed to take photos in the toilets.

There was no notice here. I really like this reflection photo, so I was very discrete, took my camera out quietly and risked being thrown out of the bathroom.

There are some silly kids who photograph people in the bathrooms and post them on youtube. I remember when I was in Laurie Hall, a female only hostel of Windsor university in Canada. One of the girls poked her camera into the shower stall when her friend was showering inside. She thought it was fun, but one never knows what would happen if the film got into the wrong hands.

I guess that is why there is this "No camera" policy.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Skywatch Friday: New Zealand






http://skyley.blogspot.com/


Today, a student from Tanzania shared with my class the Citizenship ceremony she went to make her a Kiwi or New Zealander. I too, more than 20 years ago underwent this ceremony and chose this country to be my home.

You may have read my previous posts that I not only became a New Zealander, I became a Maori as well. Through my association with the NGATI WHATUA O ORAKEI. on Waitangi Day, on the invitation of their Heritage & Resource Manager Ngarimu Blair, I sleep in their Marae, learn the culture , eat their food, and help in their Zero Waste program. Their chief told us that we were now Maoris.

Maoris were the first people to come to New Zealand. Maori is one of 3 official language. At Pt Chevalier School, we are very lucky to have Mr. Matua Emerson Nikora to impart his knowledge and skill of the Maori language and culture.

The video includes: Tutira mai action song, toia mai action song , haere mai action song and ka mate haka

In time, our students will be singing and dancing like the professional dancers. Thanks Matua Emerson. http://ann-mythoughtsandphotos.blogspot.com/2010/10/abc-wednesdaythursday-theme-song-new.html

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

ABC Wednesday: Jump






http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.com/


The kids in New Zealand start up with vertical jumping. When they turn 16, they are allowed to do the proper bungy jump. Both my daughters had done that. While they were jumping, my heart jumped to my mouth.

Monday, March 21, 2011

mellow yellow monday/Thursday theme song: I am sailing




http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com/
As New Zealand has water all round her, it is important children know how to be water wise. Our school takes students out to the beach for their lessons. They use an Optimist boat. They brought it back to school one day.
The Optimist is a small, single-handed sailing dinghy intended for use by children up to the age of 15.



hootin--anni has a new meme.
IT'S ALL ABOUT MY NEW MEME THAT I HOPE SOME WILL FEEL LIKE JOINING IN ON THE CHALLENGE AND THE FUN [at least I hope the weekly challenge will be fun!]. It's loosely based on song lyrics [recorded songs since the beginning of time to today] and associating them with photos of yours...as I've done in the past...If you click on the link above, it'll take you to the Meme's Homepage for rules and buttons. There will be a Mr. Linky Widget for each individual week also. Do consider joining me sometime. Hope to see it flourish in time.
http://hootin--anni.blogspot.com/




Rod Stewart won our hearts in New Zealand when he sailed across the sea to marry our beauty queen Rachel Hunter. However, he broke our hearts when he sailed away from her.

Still, we like his sexy voice.

I am sailing, I am sailing,
Home again cross the sea.
I am sailing, stormy waters,
To be near you, to be free.

I am flying, I am flying,
Like a bird cross the sky.
I am flying, passing high clouds,
To be with you, to be free.

Can you hear me, can you hear me
Thro the dark night, far away,
I am dying, forever trying,
To be with you, who can say.

Can you hear me, can you hear me,
Thro the dark night far away.
I am dying, forever trying,
To be with you, who can say.

We are sailing, we are sailing,
Home again cross the sea.
We are sailing stormy waters,
To be near you, to be free.

Oh lord, to be near you, to be free.
Oh lord, to be near you, to be free,
Oh lord.

photohunt: License plate.




http://tnchick.com/

My dad's first car was a fiat, it's license plate was S899.
In Chinese 8 sounds like prosperous, 9 sounds like forever.
899 therefore was prosperous for ever.
9 kids were packed in the little car. Money wise, we are not rich. But we are rich in character.

This car wasn't that special car.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Weekend Reflection: Nuclear


nuclear free New Zealand


http://newtowndailyphoto.blogspot.com/

Where were you on Wednesday, March 28, 1979 and the days after?
I was in my Economics lecture in Auckland University.
We diverted our normal lecture and talked on the Three Mile Island accident.
Breaking news were: Nuclear accident in USA, Nuclear reactor.

Where were you in 1984?
I remembered well, It was the year my oldest child was born. Prime Minister David Lange barred nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed ships from using New Zealand ports or entering New Zealand waters. As a result, New Zealand suffered embargo. Ronald Reagan wasn't happy with us.

Where were you on 10 July 1985?
I remembered because I was feeding my first born.
We heard the French had bombed the Rainbow Warrior in the port of Auckland. The Rainbow warrior was a flag ship of the Greenpeace which were going to protest the French nuclear test bombing in Mururoa in the French Polynesia.

Where were you on 26 April 1986?
I remembered well because I was glad I was feeding my first born New Zealand milk. We heard that the milk in Europe were tainted because of the Chernobyl accident. People from Europe were importing untainted New Zealand milk or coming to New Zealand to buy our milk.

Where were you just last week in March 2011?
When the earthquake and tsunami struck Japan? I was at home late in the evening. Not again, it's so recent after our own Christchurch earthquake.
What can you say?

In 1979, I remember writing against nuclear power, quoting the Three Mile island accident. I thought I wasn't going to join the band wagon and write another post. It is good to reflect. My heart goes out to everyone in Japan and all the families of the foreigners who have family in Japan.

I spoke to a mum whose child comes to my school.

I asked,"How's your family in Japan?"
She said," They are alright,but I feel very guilty."
I replied," Why are you guilty?"
She said," I am safe here, and Japan is not."
I said," Don't feel guilty."
She said," I didn't know the dangers of nuclear, I come to New Zealand, I know, but I never say anything. That is why I feel guilty."


This morning, my youngest brother Dr. Henry Chan, an anthropologist, sent me his email. I post it here.
Dear all,
my friends and I in the Asian Public Intellectual program have written an open statement urging our government to reconsider putting up a nuclear reactor for power generation. The project was never let known to the public. Despite what happened in Japan, it still wants to go ahead.

Please have a look into the statement which has been published in an internet newspaper Malaysian Insider. If you are agreeable, please endorse it.

We are also launching a campaign to have a nuclear free for Southeast Asia. For those of you who are using Facebook, go into No Nuclear in Southeast Asia, sign on to it and propose to your friends to also sign onto it.

Regards,
Henry

Rethink nuclear power — Asian Public Intellectuals Group and Sociologists without Borders Malaysia
MARCH 17 — The tragedy unfolding in Japan following the massive earthquake and ensuing tsunami is heartbreaking. It is an unfolding crisis.
It is tragic that panic over radiation leaks from the Daiichi plant is diverting attention from other threats to survivors of the March 11 9.0-magnitude quake and tsunami, such as the cold or access to fresh water.
We should draw a lesson from Japan which is now fighting a lethal peril right after the earthquake and tsunami. The Tokyo Electric Power Company reactors in Fukushima are releasing radioactive materials into the environment. Radiation levels near the quake-stricken nuclear plant are now harmful to human health within a radius of 20 kilometres, Japan’s government says after explosions and fires at the facility.
We have now had four grave nuclear reactor accidents — Windscale in Britain in 1957, Three Mile Island in the US in 1979 and Chernobyl, Ukraine in 1986. The dangers from exposure to radiation are well known, such as long-term health problems — cancers and hereditary defects. Contamination of the environment and agriculture, etc all pose many risks for people, animals and plants.
There are major concerns on the safety of nuclear power stations. The risks far outweigh the benefits. Millions of dollars of investment in nuclear power have the potential to turn into trillions of dollars of liability and environmental nightmare.
The lesson from Fukushima is that nuclear energy is inherently dangerous. As Eugene Robinson wrote in the Washington Post recently: “We can engineer nuclear power plants so that the chance of a Chernobyl-style disaster is almost nil. But we can’t eliminate it completely — nor can we envision every other kind of potential disaster. And where fission reactors are concerned, the worst-case scenario is so dreadful as to be unthinkable.”
Countries like Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and others have responded quickly to Fukushima Daiichi by reviewing their nuclear plant operations or plans to construct new reactors.
Given the current Japanese experience (and other similar incidents elsewhere in the world), we urge the Malaysian government to abandon its plans to build nuclear power plants. There are viable alternatives such as solar/wind power, etc which are both safer and cleaner. Importantly, energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption are better alternatives to harnessing nuclear technology.
If the competent and technologically brilliant Japanese cannot build a completely safe reactor, can we?
In this regard, the Malaysian government should also put a stop to the ongoing construction of the rare earth refinery plant in Gebeng near Kuantan as the radioactive elements associated with its industrial procedure are indeed a cause for public concern.
Fukushima is a reminder that when nuclear reactors fail, we cannot control what is unleashed. Malaysians, particularly the federal government, owe it to the present and future generations to stop the building of nuclear plants. Earthquakes know no boundaries.
This statement is endorsed by the following fellows of the Asian Public Intellectual Programme:
Dr Phua Kai Lit
Dr Hezri Adnan
Dr Henry Chan
Assoc Prof Mustafa Kamal Anuar
Josie M. Fernandez
Dr Yeoh Seng Guan
Datuk Dr Toh Kin Woon
Professor Dr Tan Sooi Beng
Salma Khoo
Dr Wong Soak Koon
Dr Shanthi Thamiah
Dr Colin Nicholas
Assoc Prof Dr Fadzilah Majid Cooke
Chi Too
Loh Yin Sang
Dain Iskandar
Dr Lam Suan Beng
Sharaad Kuttan
And Sociologists Without Borders-Malaysia Chapter
Published in the Malaysianinsider.com
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/print/breakingviews/rethink‐nuclear‐power‐asian‐public‐intellectuals‐group‐and‐sociologists‐without‐borders‐malaysia

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Skywatch Friday: Auckland remembers Christchurch victims of earthquake.





http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Tens of thousands of people turned out for a memorial service at Christchurch's Hagley Park today. Prince William came from England and brought his message from his grand mother, the Queen.

Here in Auckland, in an hour, we will meet at the Cenotaph in the Auckland Domain to join in with our Christchurch people, in telling them that we care.

News Advisory - Office of the Mayor

11 March 2011

Christchurch Earthquake - Auckland Memorial Service

An outdoor memorial service for the victims of the Christchurch Earthquake will be held at the Cenotaph in the Auckland Domain on the evening of Friday 18 March.

The ceremony will follow the National Memorial Service in Christchurch , which the Mayor will attend on behalf of the people of Auckland .

The hour-long Auckland memorial service will take place at 7pm.

Aucklanders who attend will be encouraged to lay flowers at the Cenotaph after the ceremony.

Len Brown says it is important we remember what happened in Christchurch as we continue to work with the people of Canterbury as they rebuild.

Aucklanders can also leave messages of support in condolence books at Auckland Town Hall and Auckland libraries.



Auckland Transport Media Release

16 March 2011

FREE BUSES PROVIDED FOR CHRISTCHURCH MEMORIAL SERVICE

Auckland Transport, NZ Bus and Ritchies are providing free bus services for people attending the Christchurch memorial service in Auckland Domain this Friday.

Both the LINK and a special shuttle bus from downtown to Auckland Domain will be free.
The outdoor memorial service for the victims of the Christchurch earthquake will be held at the Cenotaph in front of the Museum in the Auckland Domain at 7pm on Friday.

The free shuttle bus from stop D11 outside the Mercure Hotel on the corner of Customs St east and Queen St in the CBD will run every 10 minutes from 5.30pm to 7pm and after the service from the domain between 8pm and 9pm. Passengers can wave down the bus from existing bus stops on the route along Customs St, Anzac Ave, Symonds St and Park Rd.

Alternatively people can travel free on existing LINK services to and from the Domain between 5.30pm and 7pm and after the service from 8pm until 9pm.

Auckland Transport says the free buses are a small gesture to help Aucklanders take a moment to reflect and show their respects for those affected by the earthquake.

The hour long ceremony will follow the National Memorial Service in Christchurch .
Auckland Museum will remain open until 9pm following the ceremony.
Aucklanders can also leave messages of support in condolence books at the Auckland Town Hall and any Auckland library.
Auckland Transport thanks NZ Bus and Ritchies for their support in providing the free services

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

ABC Wednesday: Letter I





This little boy cools his feet in ice cubes after running 8.4 km.


http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.com/


On Sunday, I took part in our annual Round the bays Run. There were 70,000 Iron men in training. There were some very serious runners, and some just went for fun in support for the charities. I was awed by some very senior citizens in their 70s. They were incredible, as some walked with their sticks. They inspired me to finish the course.

Monday, March 14, 2011

mellow yellow Monday: generator







http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com/

After the Round the Bays Run, these young energetic boys and girls were queuing up to climb this about 5 storeys tall bouncy mountain. The rungs were yellow, and this generator keeps the mountain full of air.

You have to admire them, it was hot, and after 8.4 km, my legs were made of steel, but not these kids.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

weekend reflections: Round the Bays Run

Do click on the photos to get a better picture.

Reflection of runners at Kelly Tarton under water world.

The waterfront was a winding 8.4km dragon.

The start of the race was like a stampede.

One hour forty minutes later, I finished at last, you can't imagine the satisfaction. All in all, I had done this Fun Run 3 times. 30 years ago, I ran twice. At that time, it was 11.5 km. Of course, I was much younger then.



http://newtowndailyphoto.blogspot.com/

Today I joined 70,000 Aucklanders as we ran/walk/ or walk and ran (me) the 8.4 km along the picturesque waterfront Tamaki Drive in our annual Round the Bays fun run for charity.

I was pretty proud of myself, all in all I walked/ran 11.6 km for the following recipients.

Two children's dialysis units for the new dedicated Paediatric Haemo-Dialysis Unit at Starship, which is being built to ensure children always have preference for dialysis units.

Kidney Kids currently looks after 1,353 children nationally and is the only renal organisation in NZ dedicated to caring for children with kidney and urinary tract diseases.

Visit www.kidneykids.org.nz for more information on this organisation.
Koru Care

Funding for two children to go to Disneyland in October 2011 as part of the Koru Care programme which aims to make dreams come true for seriously ill, disabled and severely disadvantaged children.

For more information on Koru Care, visit www.korucare.co.nz.
Waitemata Harbour Clean-Up Trust

Formed in 2002, the Waitemata Harbour Clean-Up Trust is a charitable organisation that oversees the removal of litter from Auckland's Waitemata Harbour and inner gulf islands, and promotes the concept of clean, clear rubbish-free waterways.

Waitemata Harbour Clean-Up Trust

The staff scoops up a wide variety of rubbish from the Waitemata Harbour including plastic wrap and tyres. Kayaks or a flat-bottomed punt are used to clean along the shoreline and beaches as well as in estuaries.

This can be a reflection post on how we can collectively help others. There were old people, parents pushing strollers, children in scooters. We all motivated each other to finish the course.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Scenic Sunday: Japan




href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-899-CzXQWItUfFyjSFOjxOGTEkQROWseDRIH7E7c9vaS4cU9uY0dAvNwmXzEF3utxzHVq1OPmL1XKT3YtWP1_Y3xCVsYQlOtJdAYWoaTaJ-tSZW375nF4eqFVAr-h783_IcGshSyI0Bu/s1600-h/scenic+sunday.jpg">
http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/

My heart goes out to the people of Japan. It is not even a month ago when we had our earthquake in New Zealand. The memories and hurt are still raw. Now, we hear an even worst one and Tsunami has hit Japan.. A metre high Tsunami even came to New Zealand.

I have many Japanese friends, students and fellow bloggers. I empathize with you and my thoughts and prayers are with you.

The Japanese Urban Search and Rescue came to our help. Now, it is our turn to reciprocate.

As many as 6000 New Zealanders could be in quake-stricken Japan, says New Zealand's ambassador there.

These two photos are from my archives. They were taken in 1988 when the Japanese cultural group came to visit us in Auckland. My sister Helen had been to Japan as an English teacher. The young girl is my oldest daughter.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Skywatch Friday: Crops for Christchurch











http://skyley.blogspot.com/

How do we explain to young children why there are trials and tribulations? How do we explain the devastating earthquake that killed so many? It's hard, but one thing I can see is, it mobilised the whole country from big organizations to small groups, to open their hearts and show love to the victims of the quake.

My church Mt Albert Baptist Church had a collection drop centre. The whole Mt Albert Community, not just the church has dropped off so many things for us to send down to various teams to distribute to those in need. We had a gazebo at the car park where people could drop their stuff. Ka Pai Jeff and your workers.

At Pt Chev School, we raised almost $2000 when we wore black and red last Friday. We also collected a hamper to some 100 evacuees who came up to Auckland. Under the leadership of Nicole and Keren we had 'Crops for Christchurch' which started this Friday. We explained to the children about the produce they could bring from home to sell to raise funds. There were a lot of contribution and the draw card was ORGANIC. Becky, a parent and some students helped in selling. Paki Paki to all who brought their produce, and who bought.

The sky was good, it was a fine day, and the weather was warm.

This is just the first market day, Nicole says it will continue. Thanks to the principal,Sandra for allowing the school to become a market.