Home and Bahay

Observations on Saipan

Chelo — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:46:27 +0000

A while back, I had written ten things about Saipan. My family and I have been residing on the said island for 90 days and since then I’ve made several observations:

Climate is the most obvious difference. My husband is Virginia born and bred. I myself have lived there for over 6 years. So we have experienced and enjoyed the four very distinct seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Here in Saipan there are two seasons: Wet ( it rains a lot) and Dry (very few chances of rain). It is always hot. It is very often humid.

Convenience most shopping stores on island close between 6:00pm – 9:00pm. There are no Wal-marts and CVS’s. Most store items on the island are imported from Asia or the States, so there is the challenge of items running out of stock. For instance, we had to stop by a couple of stores in order to purchase a diaper rash cream. We have one store (used to be called Price Costco) where people could buy in bulk. We buy our frozen meats there. But they have also run out of a certain brand of cheese (hubs fave) and frozen blueberries (mj’s fave). I have yet to find regular yogurt on island. There is one store that we’ve found that sell spinach.

Fresh produce is in abundance (not spinach though). We enjoy the abundance of fresh produce that we buy from a farmer that sells on the side of the street. We’ve enjoyed watermelon, squash, yellow corn, mangoes, and a variety of tropical fruits and vegetables that would be quite expensive or unavailable in the States.

There are no such things as “drive-thru bank” or “drive-thru drug store”; in fact, the only establishment that has a drive-thru is the McDonalds on the island.

Unless of course we count the gasoline pumps; we don’t ever get out of the car to pump gas. There are workers that do just that. An island convenience: “drive-thru gasoline pumps”.

Geography we are five minutes walking distance from one of Saipan beaches, 10 minutes drive from Mt. Tapochao, the highest point in the Island. But about 20 minutes to get to our church, any good shopping areas, restaurants, and hotels, tourist beaches, and what my family and I basically labeled the town in general.

We have gone to the American Memorial Park (the best park on the island) a couple of time to take a walk but we haven’t quite (yet!) explored the island because of Betsy’s expiring health (Betsy is our car) and because of gasoline prices.

Prices

Gasoline prices are astronomical ($5.15/gallon) but I’m sure the same cries would come from friends in their respective parts of the globe. Electricity is expensive. We don’t have/use an air conditioner but ocean breeze helps with the nighttime heat. Once, in absence of a good breeze, my creative husband have moved one of our electric fans outside blowing cooler air (and bugs) through the screened window (note: we have since purchased a box fan to bring in cooler night time air sans the bugs).

There is no consumer tax on the island. If we buy an electric fan at the store and it costs $30 bucks. We pay $30 bucks. If we purchase a $4 smoothie at McDonalds we pay $4. No tax.But almost everything sold in the stores are more expensive compared to the stateside price. For instance, I’ve seen picture frames of the same kind you’d find at a Dollar Store and it would cost $5 here.

People

There are more brown than white and there are more whites than black. Generally speaking, the islander locals (Chamorro) are friendly sort of people–easy going and easy to talk to.

In Virginia, there were very few times I bumped shoulders with a kababayan (fellow countrymen). In Florida it was more often. Here in Saipan, I see a kababayan pretty much every time we go out and we also fellowship with Filipino brothers and sisters in the church every week.

We miss being close (a few hours drive) to friends and family, especially our baby girl’s grandparents. But we are also building friendships with our church family and the local people on the island.

Aside from language and culture, people are the same no matter the place. There are offenses and blessings given to one another. We have received both but more of the latter.

Help Our Kababayan: Jordan Ocampo

Chelo — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 15:01:30 +0000

I first “met” Cora when she commented on my post about Filipino Traditional Games.

She’s a kababayan.

I never would have imagined the burden Cora bears until this past week; when our common friend posted this.

You see, Cora has a son. He’s two years older than my baby girl. His name is Jordan and he has a Chronic Kidney Disease. Cora and her family, church family, and friends are raising money for a kidney transplant.

I understand that we all have our struggles and troubles in life. My only request is that you would please stop by my friend, Christa’s blog and read about some ways you can help Jordan.

These Days

Chelo — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 14:18:13 +0000

On Some days, the word “productive”, for me, could mean one thing— and on some, entirely another.

There was a day when it meant an 8 hour work shift, a clean functioning home, date with the hubby, shopping date with a girl friend, plus x number of miles run in the fresh outdoors’ air; A day when Planners and To-Do’s lists were filled and checked off easily.

My productivity these days consists of tending to my family and my home. Cultivating relationships with people, wiping blueberry stains off the floors, and washing dirty diapers. And for the hundredth’ times, reading how Mr. Brown Can Moo! and saying “Goodnight” to the Moon at any given time of day (usually midday). These days, there are 6 items my To-Do…to cross them all out by six o’ clock? that would be quite the luck!

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

(Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV)

I’m thankful for this season of my life. I am thankful for my little family and the privilege to spend these days with them.

What season of life are you in these days?

Books I Read in 2012: February and March

Chelo — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 23:51:06 +0000

It’s been a while

since I updated my reading progress. These are books I read in February and March; some of them I read while traveling across the Atlantic

‘The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzzane Collins (YA Modern Fiction)After I read about the main plot of this book I originally thought it would be quite a violent and dark topic to venture into. The kind that might give me nightmares—I have close to zero tolerance for scary, gory violent stories. But seeing in the top list of bestsellers for a long while, I decided to venture into it.As a reader, I found myself easily drawn into the struggle of Katniss Everdeen (the protagonist) and her people of district 12. One thing I could not help but deny is Suzanne Collins’ artful talent in creating a cliff hanger at the end of every chapter and therefore it would drive one to simply keep reading.

I’ve also read a number of harsh comments as to the dangers of reading this book (or the trilogy) and I respect their own convictions. I personally did not find Collins’ Hunger Games trilogy offensive. In fact, I thought the topic to be very timely and would make for great discussions with teenagers. This review by Nathan Huffstutler nicely sum up my thoughts of the book. And this link from Focus on the Family gives a review as well as some questions that may be good to discuss with Young Adults.

Decision Points
by George W. Bush (Memoir/Biography/American History, Non-Fiction)

After receiving US Citizenship earlier this year, I thought reading the 43rd President’s memoir would be most appropriate way to start learning more about American History. I “read” this book in audio format (as I do most of the books I read at this season of life). As well as the fact that his writing flows in an easy pattern. The book itself if written not chronologically but each chapter deals with a specific topic that was a major “decision point” in the former president’s life. Listening to George W. Bush read his own writing was an added interest to the book!

Knowing God by J.I. Packer (Theology/Christian Living, Non-Fiction)

This was yet another audiobook that I received free on Christian Audio . I went through this book slowly because of its nature. It is one that I like to really plug into and ruminate with my mind. It is not at all a hard read but more like a devotional challenge for one to really seek to KNOW the God of the Bible that we worship. This is a book that would go into my “Favorite” shelf.

One Bite at a Time (Homemaking, Non-Fiction) Is an ebook by Tsh Oxenrider; the writer of the blog that I frequent: Simple Mom. This is a great resource that covers topics on eco-friendly living, intentional living, finances, organization, time management, and personal relationships. The book is divided in “52 Projects for Making Life Simpler”. It is also replete with online links and resources related to the topics she discussed. I found this book helpful!

Organized Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach to Intentional LivingOrganized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenrider (Homemaking, Organization, Non-Fiction)

I read this in electronic format (would love the binder paper copy ) and it is another good resource for the home manager. This book focuses on the aspect of simplifying the home through “the clutter-free approach to intentional living”. Another book that is filled with great resources including home made recipes for cleaning and toiletry. Along with printable templates for home organization and time management. Highly recommend this book to homemakers

I wish to write a more detailed review for each of these books even for my own benefit. Perhaps as time will allow me How about you, what have you been reading lately? Would love to hear recommendations.

This post includes affiliate links to Amazon. If you purchase the book through the link I provided, I will get a small commission. So go for it

Contemplate: “Then Spake I”

Chelo — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:15:39 +0000

I said, “I will guard my ways,
that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth with a muzzle,
so long as the wicked are in my presence.”
I was mute and silent;
I held my peace to no avail,
and my distress grew worse.
My heart became hot within me.
As I mused, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue:
(Psalm 39:1-3 ESV)

The writer convinces himself and wrestles within himself to silence his mouth and simply think.

He thinks about his circumstance, he is silent, he thinks some more. He meditates from different angles. He thinks so much that he is about to burst into flames. I am beginning to paint a worrier in my mind as I pore over this Psalm. Until I noticed two things when he finally opened his mouth.

1) Humility before God in asking for God’s perspective:
“LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days,
what it is; that I may know how frail I am.” (v 4)

2) Dependence on God in asking for His deliverance from his sin (notice it was no longer about his circumstance but his own heart before God): “And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee. Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish” (v. 7-8)

Image Source

So many times, in my prayer to the Lord, I can be mechanical. I am uttering empty words. This Psalm is a challenge for me to do much contemplation. Not simply worry but meditate in accordance to God’s perspective.

“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in you.
(Psalm 39:7 ESV)

Read: Psalm 39

Originally published through Blogger on September 3, 2oo9

Kusina Tips: Ice Cubes Sans the Icemaker

Chelo — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 22:45:47 +0000

One of the most invaluable luxuries we have while living on a hot and humid island is the thirst quenching, heat slaking power of ice! But what to do if your refrigerator/freezer is something ancient like ours?

Update the fridge/freezer (not happening!)
Buy ice (they come in big bags. No space in the fridge unless we do said option above)
Do without (ice)

But alas! There is one more choice.

It only takes less than 5 minutes of your time. All you need is ice cube trays and a freezer bag or container. Fill the ice cube trays with water and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the ice cubes into the freezer bag/container that also stays in the freezer. Refill the trays and repeat the process. I’ve made this into a habit that I’m able to fill the bag of ice every 3 to 4 hours. This way we have a continuous supply of ice

Guest Post: Grown Up Mac & Cheese

Chelo — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:00:10 +0000

Happy Monday to you!

Today, I’d like to introduce you to Yiqian.

She recently started her own blog called “Luminositie” where she aims to enlighten and inspire. Be sure to leave her a comment especially if you try this amazing recipe!

Oh by the way, guess where Yiqian and I met?

——————————–

Forgive me, but I’m not originally from the land of mac & cheese, so I don’t usually volunteer myself to it.

My wonderful husband got me a subscription to the Food Network Magazine this Christmas, and it’s been a source of inspiration! I’m venturing out to try new recipes.

While I was flipping through the pages of the most recent issue, I noticed an appetizing picture — I just look for the cool pictures — and the recipe looked easy enough so I decided to give it a try. Yes, although it is called “mac & cheese,” it certainly did not possess the look or the blahness of the ordinary kind.

So, I made it, with some changes…as usual. Food Network’s version is called Cajun Mac & Cheese, but I did not have cajun seasoning, and instead of peppers, I had some baby bok choy, along with some other minor changes, so the following recipe is my version:

Ingredients

salt
12 ounces wagon-wheel pasta
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Hillshire turkey sausage, half of the package, diced
2 cups full of baby bok choy, chopped
1 tablespoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon red pepper powder
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Directions

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 1 minute less than the label directs. Reserve 3/4 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta.

Meanwhile, combine the olive oil and sausage in a large skillet over high heat and cook, stirring, until the sausage starts to brown, about 2 minutes. Cook the bok choy in another skillet until soft, about 2 minutes, then combine with the sausage. Add the paprika, red pepper powder, flour and cook, stirring, 2 more minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue whisking until the sauce is thick and smooth, about 5 more minutes.

Add the pasta, cheese and reserved cooking water to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce and melt the cheese, about 1 minute.

She’s Alive!

Chelo — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:37:34 +0000

That’s the number of days since I last posted on Home and Bahay!

Many things have transpired since then.

Moving to the other side of the world is one of them. Yes, we safely made it to Saipan! I am just loving the fact that our little family is together again.

Island life, in so many ways, is not so different from the States yet in so.many.ways. so very different! I’d like to share with you more about life here (eventually) as soon as I can take control of the ever growing weeds in our backyard, win the battle against the fire ants from taking over the house, resolve a workable housing compromise with the lizards and geckos.

Regular posts (recipes, book reviews, videos for the Nanas and Popops, etc.) will resume very soon.

In the meantime, here are some pictures I’ve taken with my Ipod. If you follow us on Facebook some of these aren’t news!

Getting ready to take off!

First family dinner after a looong long time. (This was a actually breakfast!)

One of the said residents at our house

And an addition to our little fam-fam is a puppy, Marcus, who match the floor tiles in our house.

Some of the fresh produce we bought all for five dollars. What a deal!

She loves the water! Doing some hand washing with her Mama.

The view right out a window. My favorite blue skies and small puffy clouds.

Hope you all have had a safe and pleasant winter! We sure are enjoying breezy days here on the island but pretty soon we’ll be facing the heat and humidity!

Bring it on!

See you soon

~Chelo

A Radical Thought: Pray for Enemies.

Chelo — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Rad⋅i⋅cal

Definition: Extreme, especially as regards change from accepted or traditional form.

In other words, it is so different that it’s just out of this world!

I was reminded of a radical concept tonight. As Jesus Christ went on that mount, people followed him and gathered around him. One of the things he said in the series of teaching was “You have heard that it has been said, you shall love your neighbor, and hate you enemy.” (That sounds reasonable. It is definitely a common practice) But then he goes on… “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Wow. That’s radical.

Do I have an enemy? Hmmmm. Maybe a better question would be, “Do I know of anyone who”:

1) Have a grudge against me?

2) Have hurt me?

3) Have mistreated me?

4) I feel does not like me?

Whether or not I consider them my enemies, if there is no doubt of their hostility, they probably would fall on that “enemy” category. If that is the case, then I probably have enemies even now because we, being sinners, constantly offend others (intentionally or not) and are constantly offended—especially in a church and family relationship.

So what does God say again?

1.) Love

2.) Bless

3.) Do Good

4.) Pray for Them

That sure sounds very radical! But then again…this is coming from my Savior, Jesus Christ. He is One who definitely is without sin—therefore no possible reason to sin against anyone—Yet the same people who were followers of him turned against him. Some verbally inflicted pain. Some exacted physical pain. He was completely clean but still publicly humiliated and despised. But what were his words while on the cross? (Luke 23:34) “Father, Forgive them for they know not what they do.” Wow. That’s radical.

The TRUTH is, I am utterly selfish by nature. When I hurt, I usually want the deepest apology from the other party and justice and punishment! Or I would probably pray along the lines of, “Father, please show so and so how wrong so and so is!” and feel very spiritual and Christ-like that I am praying for the person who “wronged” me. But this will only spiral downward on my own heart and lead to wrong thinking. The radical way is to bless them: desire good for them as I pray for them (maybe that their flowers would grow more beautiful this spring, maybe that their tax return would be abundant, maybe that they would be encouraged and comforted and blessed in God’s Word today etc.) This is definitely not a natural urge (maybe that’s why Jesus commanded it). I must keep my heart on guard and being filled with Holy Spirit to respond to inevitable “enemies”.

Jesus Christ not only taught it…He is the supreme example of the radical precepts he taught.

Today: Love, Bless, Do Good, and PRAY FOR specific “enemies”.

I wrote this exactly 3 years ago while going through a very though time in my life. I am amazed at what has changed since then. And it is good to be reminded of what the LORD has taught me in His Word.

The “LOVE TEST”

Chelo — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0000

I am currently reading 1 Corinthians in my personal devotions. In studying chapter 13, I am amazed (and ashamed) at how different God’s love is from my very self-serving love. But it is encouraging that He enables us, through His Spirit, to love as he does.

This is an APPENDIX from Changed Into His Image by Jim Berg.

I thought it appropriate to share with you this Valentines Day Eve.

GOD’S LOVE VERSUS SELF-LOVE

By Ken Collier

“Just two choices on the shelf—loving God or loving self.” –Ken Collier

I Corinthians 13

GOD’S LOVE	SELF-LOVE
1 )suffereth long (v.4)—sacrificing self to wait for God’s way and timing; is patient; has the divine power to wait; is long-fused; doesn’t retaliate even when it has the power; gives to others not what they deserve but what God gave us!	1) desires own way and own timing; suffers if can’t have its way now! Is impatient; resents any departure from own schedule; won’t wait for God to work; snaps at people. “I want it this way, and I want it now!” “I will teach him a lesson he won’t soon forget!”
2) is kind (v. 4)—sacrificing self to meet other’s needs; has a passion to be active and useful in the lives of others; is kind in words and deeds; does the unexpected, undeserved, and unrewarded.	2) is nasty and hurtful in words and deeds; acts in favor of “me” instead of others; always puts conditions on other’s love. “Why should I do that for them? They didn’t do it for me.” “Others? It’s all I can do to keep up with my wants and needs.”
3) envieth not (v.4)—sacrificing self to cheer for or weep with others; does not “boil, seethe, or stew”; is content with God’s control; doesn’t compare for the purpose of looking “down on” or “up to”.	3) envious; boils, seethes; laughs when others weep; weeps when others laugh; resents and wants what others have; wants to be what others are; is displeased by prosperity of others; judges others’ worthiness by comparing it with his own. “It’s not fair! I should have that.”
4) wanteth not itself, is not puffed up (v.4)—sacrificing self to remain small; doesn’t “parade to gain applause”; is not proud; points to God, not self; doesn’t brag or boast; doesn’t inflate self.	4) is proud; a “windbag”; praises self; will become anything so others will notice; brags; attempts to impress others; tries to appear to be what he is not; never admits he is wrong; is mad when others are too selfish to notice; points to what he’s accomplished. “Hey! Look at me!”
5) doth not behave itself unseemly (v.5)— sacrificing self by being a lady or a gentleman; doesn’t present the love of God in an ugly, misshapen way; is proper and courteous; does the right thing at the right time.	5) is rude, crude, boorish; draws attention to self by being loud, silly, moody, harsh, or having poor manners, inappropriate actions, words, timing; giving too much attention to fashion (fads) or appearance (flashy or dowdy). “I can’t help it. That’s just the way I am.” “I do what I want when I want to do it.”
6) seeketh not her own (v.6)—sacrificing self by not demanding rights; is not selfish; is a servant; gives; is not grasping for “my rights, my time, my money, my comfort, my things” (Romans 12:10; Philippians 2:3)	6) is selfish; rejects God’s way for own way; seeks to please self. “I demand my rights.” “I am right!” “I want my way!” “What I want is more important than what you want!” “It’s my____; I’ll do what I want with it.”
7) is not easily provoked (v.5)—sacrificing self to be calm; is not soon angry for its own causes; is not oversensitive and touchy. (Hebrews 10:24)	7) explodes; is an earthquake in the spirit; reacts in anger instead of acting in kindness; retaliates; is given to sudden outbursts; is angry for selfish reasons. “You can’t do that to me and get away with it” (Proverbs 13:10)
8.) thinketh no evil (v.5)—sacrificing self by not keeping score; is not jealous; does not take permanent account of something for the purpose of bringing it back up; believes the best about a person; gives the benefit of the doubt; forgives	8.) uses “indelible ink”; builds a case for evil; enters wrongs into a ledger so that they can’t be forgotten; jealous; thinks evil; won’t forgive and go on. “I remember when he…” “You always/never do that.” “I know what kind of person he is.” “I know what he meant when he said/did that!”
9)rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth (v.6) —sacrificing self to love what God loves and hate what God hates; is excited to do the biblical thing; doesn’t take iniquity by the hand and escort it into some other area of life. “If God hates it, I’ll hate it; If God loves it, I’ll love it.”	9) rejoices in iniquity; entertains sin; escorts it right into his life; gets a thrill out of sin— his own or someone else’s. “It’s my life; I’ll do it if I want to. I’m strong enough to handle it.” “It’s my body; I deserve a little pleasure!” “Did you hear about what—did?”
10) beareth all things (v.7)—-sacrificing self to cover other’s weaknesses; covers, supports, protects; covers anything it can righteously cover; bear, not bares.	10) uncovers and exposes someone’s sin to other unnecessarily; bares, doesn’t bear sin. “I don’t mean to gossip, but…” “Did you hear about ____? She did a terrible thing! Don’t tell anyone but it’s a fact that….” “Well, my mom/dad has her/his faults too…!”
11) believeth all things (v.7)—sacrificing self to believe the best about God and others; puts the best about God and others; puts the best interpretation on events; believes in the best outcome; doesn’t look to condemn; looks to save, not to judge.	11) wants to judge; condemns; plays up the doubts; believes the worst; is cynical, suspicious. “I told you he was no good!” “I know what he’s thinking.” “I know why he did that!” “So what do you want from me this time?” “He said he would change once before, but…”
12) hopeth all things (v.7)—sacrificing self by not giving up; anticipates a good outcome when God’s truth wins out; hopes in every situation, against all evidence; confronts people with the truth in the hope that they will obey and change. As long as God’s grace operates. Failure is never final.	12) acts hopeless; talks hopeless; feels hopeless; gives up; quits praying; doesn’t trust God or allow His way. “He’s hopeless.” “Why try? He’ll never change!” “That’s just the way I am. I’ll never change!”
13) endureth all things (v.7)—sacrificing self by staying put when feeling like quitting; bears all things at all costs; digs a trench and stays put; stays when feels like running.	13) quits; “I’ve tried, but that was the straw that broke the camel’s back.” “I’m not sticking my neck out there again so he can chop it off!” “I’ll cut and run while I still have some dignity.” “I can’t handle it anymore!” “You wouldn’t be able to handle it either if you were on my shoes!”
14) never faileth (v.8)—always accomplishes God’s work on earth and in heaven; is supernatural in its origin and its results.	14) always fails! (Galatians 6:7-9)—“He that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption.”

I am thankful for this passage of Scripture. God doesn’t leave us to fend for ourselves but provide us with necessary tools to live a life that gives Him glory.

May His love be our standard in loving others. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” (John 13:34)