The Greatest Gifts Parents Could Give to Their Children

I was sad to learn of the passing of Tod's father. Last Saturday Joseph and I went to the Grace Church in New Market to attend his father's memorial service.

The service started at 10:30a.m. and we got there around 10:12a.m. By then, the church was almost packed. It was a big church with traditional wood paneled ceiling. But instead of long wooden pews fixed on the ground, there were padded chairs arranged in rows in the sanctuary.

I had never met Todd's wife or his family members. As the service progressed, I got to know most of the family members and the senior Mr. Rodman after family members went up to the altar and took part in the program to honour him .

It was a beautiful meaningful service as Todd and his brother shared what they remembered about their beloved dad. Todss's brother wrote a poem to express his feelings while Todd shared with us his thoughts eloquently.

Todd remembered three things about his father:

1 .His dad taught him how to build things with his hands
2. His dad instilled in him the value of doing his best in everything he did which helped Todd develop his good work ethnics later on in life.
3. His dad always put other people first and lived out Jesus' love. Todd recalled how much his dad loved his mom and would do everything for her. Todd acknowledged that he learned how to love his wife from his father.

It was a touching ceremony and I was deeply touched by what Todd said about his father and the things he had learned from him. As a parent, I reflected on what Todd said about his father.

To me, there is no greatest gift which parents could give to their children than teaching them the words of God and helping them to build a strong faith in Christ. Parents ( and friends) leave us eventually no matter how much they love us . However, if our children believe In God, they could always turn to Him.

Have I done a good job like Todd's father did? Todd's father has left indelible marks on his two sons' lives and made significant and positive impact in the development of their spiritual lives. Have I helped my two sons to know God and build their faith? Would my sons be able to follow God and have such strong faith in Him?  Can my two adult sons see Jesus' love through my daily live and be compassionate and caring to others like Christ?   Have I done my best and be great parents to them?

I admit that I made many mistakes in child rearing and my biggest regret was not reading and teaching God's words to them when they were young. Now that our sons have grown up and live away from home, I pray that God would give us opportunities to share His words and pray with them whenever they come home to visit.

I would consider we have given our sons the greatest gift if they could see and learn the love of Christ from our lives just like Todd has from his dad;  they would do their best in everything they do and be compassionate and helpful to those who are less fortunate than they.

May God help us and parents everywhere!

R.T. Toronto

Tired of Winter? Try Ice Fishing !

Canada has a long winter but it does not mean that Canadians are staying  indoor all the time.

There are many winter activities we can enjoy outside. For those lucky few who live in the countryside, close to a lake, there are many fun things people can do once the lakes are frozen over, usually in January ad February.

A Winter Farm Scene - Keswick, Ontario

Today we visited a small lakeside town, Keswick, about fifty km  north of Toronto  People young and old were out there in the middle of the frozen lake doing different winter activities.

Snowmobiling - A Favorite Winter Sport in Canada

It was a beautiful winter day with crisp fresh air caressing our faces. The temperatures were around minus 7, but we were dressed for our winter walk - boots, long warm winter pants, gloves, hats, scarves and layers of clothing which kept us toasty warm.



For those who enjoy the thrill of speed, snowmobiling is a favorite sport for them.

 As we were walking towards the lake, three snowmobiles sped by us.

Having Fun on the Frozen Lake!

With the lake frozen over, there is a complete different landscape on the lake.

Dotting the surface of the frozen Lake Simco were numerous snowmobilers racing across the lake as well as small ice fishing huts with die hard fishermen in them huddling over the ice fishing openings.

Ice Fishing Hut in Keswick, Ontario

Each ice fishing hut is registered and labelled clearly with a number above its door and the huts have to be removed off the lake by a certain date.

Ice fishing is a winter sport many Canadians enjoy in our long winter season.

Drilling a Hole for Ice Fishing

In Keswick, you'll need a fishing license to fish regardless whether it is summer or winter.  With the purchase of a fishing license,we were told that you could catch up to 50 fish a day!

To do ice fishing, one will need to drill a hole through the frozen lake.    Using an auger,  the ice fisher drills a hole about 8 inch in diameter through the frozen ice to get to the water below.

The drilling takes about five minutes before the auger reaches the water.

Getting the Ice out of the Opening

A large ladle is used to remove the ice pieces a few times from the new opening. Voila! the opening is ready and a fishing line can be dropped into the opening to catch the fish.

Setting Up a Tent on the Frozen Lake

 Instead of renting and paying for a ice fishing hut on the lake, there is another option.

Some people prefer to bring their own tents and set it up right on the lake.

Protected from the Elements in the Tent

With the tent set up, the little ones ( and the big fellows alike) can take a rest,  be sheltered from the cold temperatures and enjoy the fun activities our Canadian winter has to offer!

Having Fun on a Frozen Lake - Flying a Kite on Skies

The most interesting winter sport we saw today out on the lake was a couple of people on skies and flying a colourful kit at the same time.

( Not sure what it is called - ski kiting, maybe? I'll need to look that up.)

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If you are tired of winter and staying in your comfortable house, why not come out and enjoy one of the many winter sports?

Once you have experienced the beauty of the winter scenery and the refreshing outdoor air, you will enjoy and look forward to our winter!

R.T.  Keswick, Ontario, Canada

Celebrating the Year of the Snake

Chinese New Year Dinner at the Mandarin Buffet Restaurant

The Lunar New Year! A time for families to get together and millions around the world to celebrate this weekend! Our family is no exception as we all got together and celebrated the Lunar New Year with all the members of the extended families as well.

New Year - A Time for Family Get Together

Mom treated everyone to the Lnuar New Year dinner at the Mandarin Restaurant on Steeles and Woodbine Ave. in Richmond Hill. We all decided on the Mandarin as our families are multicultural with different races and diverse eaters such as vegetarians and vegans. We wanted everyone's dietary needs be accommodated.  With its buffet style and wide variety of food choices, why not?

We were told that there would be two seatings. One at 5:30pm and the other at 8:00pm. We chose the 5:30pm seating since there were a few little ones attending. Though expensive, the restaurant was busy! Many families were there for their Chinese New Year Eve dinner too.

 This yearly family reunion dinner is an important Chinese tradition. It was reported on BBC news that China has the largest migration in the past week as 200 million Chinese were trying to get back home for the family New Year Eve dinner.

Married Relatives Getting Ready to Give Out the Red Pockets

There are many interesting Chinese New Year traditions such as cleaning one's house really well before the New Year, buying and wearing new clothes on the day, decorating the house with flowers and seasonal writings and every kid's favorite - the giving of the Red Pocket to children and the unmarried people.

On Christmas Day in North America, families receive and open presents whereas on Chinese New Year's Day, Chinese kids and unmarried people will receive Red Pocket from their parents and married relatives.

Receiving the Red Pockets from Married Relatives

Red Pockets are envelopes with money in them. According to tradition, only married people can give them out. The contents of these red pockets could be from 25 cents to $10, $20 or any amount, depending on the giver's generosity and his/her affordability. It is important that the receiver does not open the red pocket in front of the giver as not to embarrass the giver if the amount is small.)

In our family, we don't let the people receive the red pocket without making an effort for it. Each receiver needs to go up to wish the giving relative with a new year greeting in Chinese!

Sally\s First Red Pocket!

It could be a challenging task if one does not know the language. Each kid and adult knows to practice a few sayings before heading to the New Year Dinner.

Kids are usually all dressed up in red or in their new year clothes for the Chinese New Year Dinner and are excited and look forward to receiving these red pockets!

Look at all the Red Pockets I got!

Look at my grandniece's take from just one dinner!

As for me,I always love family dinners. I am also glad that I have a second chance to make my New Year resolutions!

I might have broken the resolutions made on January 1, but each year, I can have another opportunity to make them again during the Lunar New Year. I just pray that I would be able to keep them and achieve my goals!

R.T. Toronto

A New Canadian Citizen is Born!

Saif - Celebrating with Tim Horton's

Feb.4, 2013

"I am now a Canadian!" with two boxes of Tim Horton donuts in his hands, Saif said excitedly as he entered the company's lunch room this afternoon.

Saif, a young man in his twenty's, one of our colleagues at the company where I now work part time, was away this morning. I was wondering if he was sick or away on a business trip for the company.

He came bouncing in, full of energy, excitement and happiness. I have worked with Saif for the past couple of years and I haven't seen him this excited! He is also about to get married so this might explain why he was in such high spirit this afternoon.

Saif Showing off his Maple Leaf Pin

" I went to the Canadian Citizenship Ceremony this morning.  I got sworn in before a judge with many other new Canadians. My family was there to see me and they took pictures. The judge gave me my citizen certificate, shook my hands and congratulated me afterwards." Saif shared his joyful experience of becoming a Canadian as he showed off his brand new Canadian maple leaf pin to us.

It is exciting for new immigrants to take part in the Citizen Ceremony and become a Canadian. Being a citizen of Canada - is something we are very proud of. Canada, a country of freedom, opportunities and equality. With so many parts of the world in turmoil politically and economically, Canada is viewed as the heaven and refuge for many around the world. Yes, as Canadians,  we enjoy many benefits of what this great country has to offer, namely freedom, democracy, high standard of living and free universal health care. But Canadians also have our responsibilities to live up to - paying taxes, which, many are not happy about.

I am upset whenever I go shopping and hear some shoppers bargain with shopkeepers saying, " Give it to me cheaper, I don't want to pay any taxes." Recently, we had some annual maintenance work performed on our home heating system. Upon completing his work, this employee asked me to pay him cash so that I could save on paying taxes to the government. I recognized this employee because he was here doing the same service call and he asked me the same question last year. I was speechless !!! How could a proper Canadian company blatantly asked and encouraged its customers not to pay taxes!!!

I was visibly shocked by his questions and the intent to evade taxes which pay to support the many services and benefits Canadians enjoy. I took out my cheque book and told him that I would pay taxes because I support Canada and believe in our tax system. I was upset enough that I called this company and complained to the management about this. I have not heard back from the management yet. But I intend to follow up on this issue.

Being Canadians have many benefits and resposibilites. I enjoy this great country and I intend to honour my responsibilities!

R.T. Toronto

In the Midst of a Serious Snow Storm in Toronto

My Car Stuck on the Driveway today

It has been snowing really heavily since last night! We have over 23 cm of snow in a day. I did not go anywhere today. I am still in my nice warm housecoat since this morning. Why bother changing into regular clothes as I would not be going anywhere today?

My car is stuck in our drive way. The snow is so high that I would not be able to drive it out on the road. So I decided to just stay in our house today instead of going out.

Glad I was Inside today instead of driving in the snow storm!

I made myself some coffee and warm toasts. Sitting in front of the living room window and looking out, I saw a beautiful winter wonderland picture:

Everything is covered in clean white snow including the bird houses, tree stumps in my garden to trees, branches and benches to the few cars moving slowly on the street, while snow flakes dancing around and winds whirling. I love it!

Our Bird Houses Blanketed with Snow

With a cup of hot coffee warming my hands, a beautiful winter scenery outside, and my laptop computer, I am enjoying the quietness and beauty of a Canadian winter in the middle of February!

While I am singing and enjoying this beautiful scenery, I thought to myself that I sure am glad that I am not the one driving on the roads or traveling anywhere by plane because it has been messy on the roads, traffic congestion everywhere with some major exits blocked on the highway.

A Picture of Calm and Tranquility - from My Perspective

It has been more than five years since southern Ontario has seen so much snow. Many school buses cancelled and go buses delayed. Some schools have been closed and there have been flight and bus cancellations.

Ontario, along with other places in the U.S.: New York, New Jersey and Maine are in the path of this snow blizzard. It has been a travesty walking or driving on the roads. The temperature currently is - 11degree, with winter snow storm warning and very low visibility.

Enjoying the Winter Wonderland Scene from Our Living Room Window

This tranquil snow scenery I am admiring from my living room window contrasts sharply with the road conditions elsewhere which makes me realize one thing: We all have different perspectives on what happens in life from where we are. What I see is a beautiful winter wonderland picture from the warmth and comfort of my home is a nightmare for travelers, drivers and passengers out on the roads. I thank God for reminding me that next time when I hear people complaining about certain things which I don't agree with, I need to take time and see things from their perspectives  because what I think is wonderful could be really ugly and miserable for others.

R.T. Toronto, Canada
In the middle of a severe snow storm

Persian Palace, Richmond Hill, Ontario

Persian Palace, Richmond Hill, Ontario

The best part of living in Toronto, a metropolitan city in Ontario, Canada, is the diversity if cultures and foods one can experience.

I have made many good friends with Canadians from the four corners of the world. My husband and I were invited to a Serbian wedding in Serbia last August and we loved the experience.

Last week we were invited to a Persian restaurant where we were treated to food, music, and entertainment from a very different part of the world.

The Persian Palace is a restaurant located on Yonge Street in Richmond Hill, a recently opened restaurant.We got there at e8:30 p.m  knowing that there would be music and entertainment starting at 10 p.m.

It was great meeting our friends, and catching up with each other of what we have done in the past little while.

The Persian Palace is a beautiful restaurant/ banquet hall decorated with many statues and sculptures from the country of Iran.

 After a little rest, our friends from Iran took us for a tour of the restaurant and explained to us the meaning of the many statues and shared a little bit history of their country with us.

It was interesting indeed as if we had our own personal tour guides from Iran!

 We have an English saying that " The way to reach a man's heart is through his stomach."

I think the more appropriate saying should be " The way to reach anyone's heart is through his/her stomach."

 The Persian Palace has a menu with dishes catering to different tastes. It has kebobs, stews, steaks and seafood. Since we have had kebobs many times before, we decided on something which we never tried before - Persian meat stews.

Our Hosts - Introducing us to new food & cultures!

Morteza and Mitra ordered us an appetizer plate with various dips, pickles and bean sauces, as well as salad and different kinds of kebobs.

That was our first Persian dinner and our taste buds were introduced to a variety of flavours and delicious food that evening!

Great Music & Entertainment at the Persian Palace

Around 9:30p.am, a couple of musicians came on the stage and entertained us with their beautiful Persain songs.
Though we did not understand what they were singing, we enjoyed the melodic music. One by one, restaurant patrons were up and dancing on their feet in no time.  We did a little dancing ourselves too!

Unlike regular restaurants where most tables and booths are set up for parties of four people, there were many long and large tables set up for large groups and family gatherings from ten to twenty people.

Stan and I were surprised to see kids joining their families in these late night dinners, dancing on the dance floor and having a great time with adult family members as well. What a pretty picture of a family getting together, having fun and celebrating!

A Graceful Dancer on the Dance Floor

 Of the many people dancing there that evening, one gentleman really stood out among the crowds. He was about late fifties, slender built, dancing away on his own, moving his body according to the beats of the song, raising his hands above his head  and clearly enjoying himself.

 Everyone in the restaurant was awed and mesmerized by his graceful moves. We just sat there and enjoyed his dances.  Deep down, we were wishing that  we could have the confidence, courage and grace to dance in public just like him. Bravo!

Tasty Persian Dessert!

  It was a fantastic evening! It was really interesting not just learning about another culture but actually experiencing it right here in Toronto, without traveling anywhere. This is what we love about Canada, a country where people from cultures and countries around the world come and live harmoniously together, all respecting others' differences and customs.

We are fortunate that we have made friends beyond our own cultural group and our Persian friends took the trouble and  introduced us to a whole new culture, food, music and entertainments.  Canada is a great country where its citizens can celebrate and embrace diversity of people, cultures and religions freely and share them with others.

For this, we are grateful for friends from different countries. We are grateful for being Canadians!

R.T. Richmond Hill, Ontario

Second Post on An Affordable Christian International School in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

I was surprised that when I googled the article which I blogged and posted about an affordable international school in Phnom Penh, Cambodia last November, the search took me to the site but then it said this article did not exist anymore. I complained about it to Blogger and Google a few times but I heard nothing from them. So here is the article again and hope that when people want to find an affordable school in Phnom Phen, Cambodia, they will find this article.


An Affordable Christian International School in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

One of the main purposes of my visit to Cambodia is to assist the staff and support the Christian International School in Phnom Penh. This is a non profit kindergarten and elementary school operated by a Christian church in Cambodia and supported by a number of Christians and churches in Canada.

Some School Staff and I did a community Outreach to Inform Parents.

School Open House Flyer in Khmer Language

The school staff and I have been working diligently since my arrival here last Thursday. We made a number of changes, re-assigned some classrooms, had great discussions at our teacher training workshops, planned programs together and got many things accomplished.







The school has been preparing for its opening and we are hosting an Open House next Saturday to inform parents in the community about our kindergarten programs.  




There is an urgent need in Cambodia for schools to deliver quality education to its children. Though there are public schools that are free for children, many parents prefer to send their children to schools  where they could  receive a bilingual  ( English, Khmer) and sometimes even trilingual education ( Khmer, English, Chinese).





  However, the cost at these school is often prohibitive. Currently, there are over one hundred and forty private schools in Phnom Penh but most are beyond the reach of ordinary Cambodians.

Kindergarten Playroom at the Christian International School

The School's Kindergarten Classrooms

The Christian International School has been planning its opening for the past two years and they are now ready to receive students. The teachers did a community visit last Saturday afternoon. Armed with  school flyers written in three languages: Khmer, English, Chinese, we formed three groups and went visiting residents in the immediate community.





While most international schools in Phnom Penh charge a hefty sum of between US$ 180.00 - $ 250.00 a month for student tuition fees, Christian International School is a non-profit Canadian International School that follows Canadian curriculum and standards.

The school is committed to offer Cambodian and expatriate students a high quality yet affordable trilingual education. All our teachers are university graduates, certified with teaching training and experiences.









It is our mission to level the playing field for children in Cambodia so that Cambodian parents who wish to send their children to receive an excellent education will be able to do so without sacrificing their livelihood.

We also believe strongly that when our students graduate from our school in the future, they will be fluent in two out of three languages of their choice, English, Khmer, or Chinese as to enable them to enrol at universities or higher education institutions at home in Cambodia, go overseas to continue their studies in English speaking or Chinese language countries.









 
We are delighted that our dedicated teachers and staff will be able to help prepare and equip the next generation of Cambodia leaders.







Information regarding the school's Open House is as follows:

                                                  Christian International School
                                       
                                                              Open House

                                                Saturday, November 17, 2012
                                                     4:00p.m. - 6:00p.m.

                                               #99, Street 294, Boeng Keng Korng
                                                     Chamkamorn, Phnom Penh
                                                                 Cambodia
           
                                               



R.T.  Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Nov. 16, 2012