Sunshine Organization

The weekend before last Meg and I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Sunshine Organization. We went in small groups and delivered bags of food to elderly people living in the Central district of Hong Kong.  Our group delivered bags to four individuals, three women and one man.  Three of these individuals were thrilled to see us and so happy to tell their stories.

One of the women was grief stricken.  She had lost her husband three years ago and has one daughter who never visits her.  She suffers from health problems and was so sad that she had several of us near tears.  She had a very difficult time getting around.  I was happy to hear her say that the westerners who live in her building do offer to help her frequently.

The other three individuals appeared to be in great health and none of us would have ever guessed they were as old as they were.  Each of them was very happy.  Their children visited.  One woman told us she has dinner with her son twice a week.  The only thing she was sad about was that her son and his wife don't want children so she will never be a grandmother:)  All three of these individuals told us they exercise for two hours a day.  They were all well into their eighties!  The gentleman of the group had worked at many different jobs including for an American hotel, so he spoke English.

All four people communicated with us through our group leader who spoke Cantonese.  It was so interesting to hear their stories and to see how they live.  Our group leader told me that he believes they all own the flats in which they live.  They were very simple flats, but had everything you would need.  Three of the four were quick to turn on their small air conditioners when we entered.  The woman who was so sad said she can not afford to run her air conditioner.  Therefore she keeps her windows open and has trouble with bug bites.  Three of the four have one child, however, the gentleman has six!  Very unusual for Hong Kong.  His home was filled with pictures of his children and grandchildren.  His wife passed away 20 years ago.  He was such an inspiration.  At 85 he was happy, healthy and full of life.

I would say that the biggest difference I saw between these four individuals and many of their age in the States was the exercise.  My lesson, and Meg's as well, was that it is important to exercise everyday and children should visit their parents:)  Meg promised she will always visit me.

Bad Hair, Pit Stains and Monkey Butt

Aww, the rainy season.  With it comes humidity that would make even a southerner cringe.  I just returned from walking our cooler two complexes up the street and I'm completely soaked.  It looks as though I will need another shower before attending the "pre-prom party" this evening.

I'm not sure why I take the time to wash and blow dry my hair.  After two minutes outside it is a complete mess.  It is usually wet from sweat, sticking to my head with all of the little grey hairs sticking straight out.  It is good that I am not a vain person because everyday is a "bad hair day".  PJ and Meg sweat like their mother, so they usually have wet heads as well.

Meg came home from school yesterday and said, "Mom, would you please get me more white uniform shirts?" "Why?"  She lifts her arm and says, "Because this is embarrassing." That is why I stick to sleeveless shirts.  No pit stains.  PJ texted me from school a few days ago, "Mom, please bring me a new shirt." "Why?" "Because mine got soaked walking to school."  It wasn't raining that day.

Our dear friend, Tim Lorge, taught us the term "monkey butt" (I won't tell you what Dave calls it).  Well, I am in a constant state of "monkey butt" these days.  I can't bring myself to use powder they way I did with my kids when they were in diapers.  Instead, I have decided that it is best to wear loose clothing and not sit down until I have had a chance to cool off in the air conditioning.  Otherwise it looks as though I suffer from bladder control issues.  I'm old, but not that old!

The funny part of all of this is that we seem to be the only ones with these issues when we're walking down the street.  A cousin recently asked me, "Don't the Chinese ladies sweat?"  Apparently not.  They wear pants, or shorts with tights, and long sleeves and there are no signs of sweat on them. Some might say you get acclimated and you won't sweat as much.  We lived in Chattanooga for two years and I can tell you that I never stopped sweating.  So my guess is that I won't stop sweating here either.

I will keep drinking my water, stick to loose clothing (or workout clothes), seek out the air conditioning, and make sure I shower before seeing any of you:)