Up Hill Battles

Well, the United Nations survived another week: fighting against the odds against us, choosing battles that were important, and yet still standing to fight another day.

Spain is starting to get back in the game. America thinks the country has found new purpose in being a part of the United Nations and participating in all the things Spain is participating in and even finding new things to become a apart of. The outlook is most definitely good (but obviously not without it's challenges). Spain may one day choose to trot the globe after this experience and that, to America, is most important. Spain has also found a renewed sense of vision for the future and America is also really happy about that!

Korea keeps plugging away with homework all sorts of consistency. Korea has been fantastic at not only keeping up in her homework but doing well in it also. It is hardly noticeable that she struggles with the language in this area. Korea has also been able to spend time with the countries allies in school and has been looking forward to the Freshman-Sophomore Banquet that will be happening in a couple weeks. The biggest discussion with her has been where to get the hair and make-up done so that Korea looks her best.

Both of these member countries had an International Affair put on by the Student Council (a dinner for the International Students). Both Spain and Korea thought it was a great night and they both were able to talk to and meet people. They both came home raving about the good time, Spain even mentioned something about the boys dressing up as girls and the girls dressing up at boys. America did not ask details but is sure that it was mocked.

The issue of leaving earlier in the morning was, once again, tabled by Korea. It was a bit puzzling to America as to why. The last time it was tabled and discussed, the UN-mobile was running a bit late for school. Lately, however, the UN-mobile and all member nations have been on time. No one has reported tardies or anything like that. The UN (okay, it was America) decided that this was not an issue and that the UN-mobile would continue to leave at 7:30. Korea and Spain both get defensive when this is brought up and poor America has to stand in the middle of two very tense nations (okay, when has America ever shied away from that???) but all America has to say about that is that it is different in a car. Both countries are very self-controlled, much more than America ever was at that age (and probably more than Fiji was at that age too), and not volatile so once the decision was made, that was that.

Today is EPA-Day (Environmental Protection Agency/Action) and it was the first EPA-Day that the four member nations have been home since the last incident. Spain has a 24-hour extension on his contribution to the environment because he first discussed it with the host-nations and America voted in his favor because America (and the other host nation) felt it was a good cause (Spain is spending time with the first host American and doing some much needed shopping for the colder months ahead, then off to an American College Football game with relatives tonight).

Sad day yesterday, Calvin lost their football game and now the season is over for Spain.

And today America is thankful for Japan because it is the first Saturday in many weeks America is able to spend a little time with the UN's Sony TV.

Over the River and Through the Woods...

It has been a long few/several days or week here at the United Nations. Several things have come to a head in the house, mostly regarding Spain, and America senses that the worst may just be over but is not betting the farm yet.

Oh the farm! The United Nations packed up, headed north and visited unfamiliar and "uncharted" territories owned by the motherland and uncle-land (the nation we choose is...drum roll please...the Netherlands — shocker!): the TeBos farm. This was actually Korea's second trip to the farm but first a first for Spain. It was truly a United Nations affair too! Even though Fiji did not join us, we were also joined by Germany, Sweden, several Spaniards, and my fellow Americans. Everyone got their hand sucked by calf (as posted in the last blog), nearly got pooped on by a cow milking, and some were even able to play around in the hay. Oh the fun!

Spain was able to go Kayaking with another Spain and nearly got swept away in the fun. My silly Spain handed the paddle to this America and then let go of the dock that had been keeping him from floating down the river. Well, another America yelled for this America to grab Spain and prevent him from floating away (boy what a problem that would have been!). America was able to grab Spain in time and prevent him from being too swept away but in the process Spain's kayak took on a little water and created puddles and got Spain's leg wet. It could have been worse.

Dinner that night was over a fire where the United Nations (the extended UN still) proceeded to fight the international Mafia and bring peace to the world. Every time Korea was accused of being the Mafia and Korea had to defend itself, Korea always said the same thing, "I'm not mafia!" Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't (never trust a quiet country!).

Overall, a shower took care of the stench and we were back on the road home to face the week ahead. Good times were had by all and Korea and Spain went back to school, dragging their feet as usual Monday's go.

From My Point of View

I just have to say:

• I run the dishwasher every day.
• My prof in grad school was right, I can live without coffee, though it is not preferable.
• I have found the joy of a day off.
• I like it in so many new ways when the kids go back to school.
• I enjoy shutting the TV off for dinner...so much!
• It is so nice when there are people in the house that appreciate things I do that are barely noticeable.
• I have loved changing my hair and seeing the reaction of others who never saw it coming!
• I find relief going to work and dealing with other people's problems (most of them anyway).
• I love to bake even more!
• I enjoy making ethnic foods.
• I can let go of a few things...favorite TV show and facebook.
• I don't need to watch the News.
• I like watching people be brave when they do things I take for granted.

I often smile at life because I enjoy it so much. And when I laugh at things that are mundane what I'm really doing is thanking God for the amazing amount of blessings that He has so abundantly given me...for no reason that I can tell. I see the whole spectrum of life. In the eyes of my clients there is terror and horror and in the eyes of those who live here there is great joy and a ton of love. Even on both ends of this spectrum, I find God working in the lives of everyone around me and I think that is the most amazing of all.

So today, I am thankful for everything!

Life Goes On for the United Nations

(This whole United Nations theme was only meant to be that one post...it has morphed. Didn't realize it would be so popular.)

The peace resolutions have worked so far. There have been some blurred lines since the UN didn't physically write them out but that is being worked on. So life is happy once again. It has been a month since the four nations first convened (nearly two since Korea joined).

The member nations are getting along with life both in and out of the house. Spain still feels overwhelmed at life and America is getting more and more clarity on what exactly this means and, along with Fiji, is taking some decisive and painful corrective actions. I'll spare you the details but there has to be changes. I can't imagine what that feels like — well, I guess I can and so can Don because we've both been through it and because we see this day-to-day — but going through this at 18 just has to be horrible. Pray (hard) for this...mention of these changes sends chills up Spain's spine! Korea is doing better than Spain. Korea has friends and allies at school, people who have invited the country to hangout (which fell thru for various reasons) even though speaking the language still seems to be a bigger struggle for Korea.

Speaking of the language, Spain also doesn't realize why America doesn't know the difference in infinitive verbs (there is such a thing???). Spain mentioned at dinner the other day that English was simple because objects were not masculine or feminine. America piped up and said, "Well then, why do you seem to have so much trouble with it?" (Zingers go back and forth between America and Spain because the one thing both countries have in common is sarcasm.) Oh, FYI, Spain thinks that the country of Spain (himself) is "beauty" and that it is "perfect". And therefore, has no qualms about not needing a grandmother. Obviously he has never seen the beaches in Fiji, the mountains in America, or the beautiful traditions in Korea.

It's funny because both countries voice their struggles with the language in different ways but their struggle (one in comprehension and the other in speaking) has not in anyway been reflected in their grades! Shocker!! Both get better grades than America ever did in high school (America has added another reason as to why she should have tried harder in high school.)

As for the zingers, Spain really did not realize what was said when at dinner (the same dinner as just mentioned) Spain speaks up and says, "Now is when America can shut up" while looking America directly in the eyes and with a serious tone. Korea busted a gut because the meaning penetrated the boarder (that should have penetrated Spain's). There was an audible gasp by Korea just as Fiji walked into the room and inquired about the imposition. Fiji was filled in by America in shock, and then he said, "That does not get said." Spain didn't know what had just happened. So the words "shut up" were explained in various contexts. No apology was granted. (If America would have remembered at the time, Spain also wouldn't have gotten the fresh dessert that America had made earlier in the day.) Spain has been doing more of those not-so-nice zingers lately. Since America packs food for the hungry member nations for school, Spain may just find something unwanted in the peanut butter and jelly sandwich one day. Oh the power America has! Never has it been more enjoyed.

Today, America is thankful that Fiji has impressed upon the country the importance food has in uniting people from all over the world!

The United Nations Peace Resolutions

Well, after the other day's fiasco between Korea and Spain and the intervening United Nations, America and Fiji banded together to resolve some of the issues in the house. For instance, over the weekend neither country contributed anything to the preservation of the environment and America and Fiji did not want the environment to be unhealthy (granted, America and Fiji did not do as much as they could but international territories were most definitely well taken care of).

During the UN hearing, Spain resolved to work on somethings, expressing a sense of being overwhelmed by being a new addition to the UN — mostly the drastic difference Spain is adjusting to is being free to abide by Spain's own sense of time and that required by being a member nation at the UN (okay, America's sense of time only because the house is located in America). Let it be said too that Spain does not think that the expectation is unrealistic. Korea laughed at the fact that the environment was neglected and also resolved to work on it next time. America and Fiji promised to call this a warning but that they would be implementing sanctions on the two other member nations if the environment continued to be neglected. America has also resolved to "let go and let God" a little bit more when it comes to something not going exactly to plan. Fiji was unusually vocal in the discussion about the environment which means that this was a very important issue to Fiji (the environment is always an important issue to Fiji but after a visit to Fiji, particularly the Lami Dump, one would wonder what Fiji does for the environment in reality).

Peace in the house. ...For now at least. America is also learning and has intended to refocus on how best to bring out the best in both of these countries, working with their strengths and helping them in the struggles. After all, it is the goal of the UN to empower these countries to be independent and to give them the tools and the resources that will help them resolve international conflicts that they may experience in the future.

Oh yeah, America brought Spain before the WHO yesterday and found out the foot is sprained, not the ankle and the WHO recommended no running/football practice for 7-10 days and then to get it checked again. This morning Spain tried to get America to say it was okay for football practice. Spain has been around long enough to make an independent decision but America fears that the foot needs someone to stand up for it's interests (after all, the one foot cannot stand on it's own, it needs a buddy).

Today, America is thankful that Columbia (or whatever country Biggby Coffee comes from) aids in international relations!

Hello Korea, Meet Spain

Every one knows that there are differences between countries that go far beyond the languages we speak. And when someone considers the differences between countries, language is a fairly easy one to overcome (although a tedious process at times). It's the other concepts that we have difficulty with, probably because sometimes we don't know what to ask about and have no idea what a realistic expectation can be for the self and others. There is the concept of time, sarcasm, titles, family roles, taking turns, social ques, and so much more...

I know these things and so does Don. We both moved overseas and have gone through the pain of missed social ques, being obviously late (or early), not knowing where to sit (or how to sit in some cases), what to call different people, how much food to eat (or not to eat) and why, and the list goes on.

There are distinct difference between the kids in our household and thankfully America and Fiji have a strong alliance and are ready to face the challenges Korea and Spain bring to what is now the United Nations. For instance, let's just look at the views held by these countries on the world of academia and then you will understand implications on international politics:

I will start by saying: Korea, Meet Spain.

ES1 (Korea) informed America (me) that tutoring was no longer needed. The non-verbal communication suggested that the tutor was not qualified to lead Korea because the tutor was a fellow student. America thought that Korea ought to give it more than one day before making such a drastic decision but the message was probably lost in the translation (our translators at the UN are, sadly, not the greatest). Korea however, is a nation on it's own (freed by America back in the 50's), and is able to decide what is best for itself. America chose not to fight that battle because Korea's grades did not reflect a huge need for the tutor, but decided to keep an eye on the battle field anyway (typical America).

ES2 (Spain) only shrugged off notion of Pre-calc and it was clear to America this was not a favorite topic to discuss. Later America found out that maybe this topic needs to be tabled at some point. Spain has, however, managed to dodge all the academic bullets and is immune to the infamous GPA. America is therefore, caught in a catch-22 and wonders just how to handle the situation. Fiji (Don) will probably be consulted and they may just engage their alliance and confront Spain regarding Pre-Calc.

In the grand scheme of things, Korea probably thinks that Spain has lost all the marbles so long ago that it is surprising Spain is still breathing. Yesterday Spain told me that Korea needs to adjust the expectation, close the school books, and watch a movie. America understands Spain and sometimes wishes Korea would watch that movie with the rest of the world but America also wishes that studying would have been a bigger part of (American) society than it was prior to grad school. Fiji, however, has no conflict with anyone and seems to be totally oblivious to the issue and tension between Korea and Spain and is just floating by to a separate tune lost somewhere in the ocean (and if you've ever spent time in Fiji outside of a resort, this is exactly what the country of Fiji is like).

America tediously tries to smooth over relations between Spain and Korea. America works to explain to each the differences in priorities, expectation, culture, and the like, while maintaining the dignity, differences, and beauty in each. America, of course, wants to please everyone at the dinner table, make sure there is perfect harmony between all countries, and sustain the overall economy for the benefit of itself (after all, the house is located in America, America is located almost in the middle of the two, and America has interests to protect). America is also finding out that this is an extremely difficult thing to do when Spain is running five minutes late for school, Korea is sitting in the car waiting (long enough to get out of the car, walk back into the house to see what is holding the nation hostage), and America bandaging up the wounded (Spain sprained the ankle last week and America is attempting to rebuild or at least mend the injury).

Korea, on the way to school, learned relaxation techniques after Spain inquired about the difficulty level America had in dealing with the America-Spain relationship (never mind the Korea-America-Spain relationship or the Spain-Korea relationship).

With exactly one minute left before the warning bell rang, the United Nations-mobile pulled into school. Spain was debating with itself whether or not it ought to wake up earlier in the morning. This issue has been on the table at the UN for two weeks and has been openly discussed with all four member-nations present over the weekend as well as being discussed here and there with the three member nations that are directly involved. Meanwhile, Korea about had a natural disaster. But of course, America prevented it.

America has been advised by it's Peace Corp that it should contact the WHO (World Health Organization) and consider implementing "World Cultural Awareness" nights that involve more than just national dishes presented by member nations to the dinner table. America also fears that Korea may have a nuclear meltdown if that happens, so the UN may just stick to dinners presented by member nations on a more frequent basis and the member nations will just have to deal.

At 7:53am the United Nations-mobile had taken the 12-minute journey to school and back and America had nearly exhausted all of the energy it had stored up for the day: it had fed the hungry, found the lost, gotten everyone ready for their own tasks, and managed to look fabulous while doing it (okay, so all but that last statement relates to real international politics). Anyway, all America is thankful for today is that the Middle East is NOT involved with this one!

House Smells Good!

Saturday we all pitched in and cleaned the house. It was fabulous! I felt good, refreshed as I always do after a good clean. We went about the other things of the day and when the day was done. The house smelled.

I'm not talking a good Lysol-slash-Swiffer clean smell. I'm talking about a nasty-putrescence smell (watch the Princess Bride for a context of 'putrescence') wafting from my nearly spick-and-span house. Hummm....

Everyone takes daily showers in my house. We had a fire in the backyard but the putrescence smell was not at all campfire. It most definitely not the neighbors (we would have mentioned it to them and you before).

And then, walking around the house, I found the source. I could NOT believe it! The fish tank (that got unusually dirty, unusually quick) was wafting this stench! Don was asked to clean the fish tank Saturday but did not get around to it.

O my 'lanta! I took the fish out, drained the water, and did what everyone tells you not to do: I used soap (and LOTS of it)! The tank decoration was scrubbed in warm soapy water with a toothbrush and new gravel was put in. The poor fish, when I took it out, I realized it's nose was a bright red (normally orange, for my perfect little gold fish), the veins were clearly visible in it's tail, and I noticed there were two growths coming out of it's head (small to me but sizable for the size of the fish). I can tell the fish is happier that the tank is spotless but he is not as happy as he could be, clearly!

My mom said to flush it. I just didn't have the heart. As irritating as it is begging Don to take his turn and clean it, I just couldn't part with my day-time companion. Here's hoping and praying that either he'll die a quick and painless death or be healed quickly. And if he dies, at least it will be clean for the next one!

The odor is now out of the house!