The Moon

Faith noticed the moon tonight as it was setting. I told Wifey that it'd be good for our children to understand astronomical & meteorological phenomena. Too many of us city-dwellers have relied on clocks and calendars that the passing of time is but an artificial construct in our minds. Being in Shanghai, with the changing seasons, has put me in touch with the rhythms of nature. I have begun to appreciate traditional calendars. It feels more real, more human to be in touch with the seasons. I want Faith to be human.

March, June, September, December. These are but words we use to mark time. They are insignificant if we don't try to make some sense out of it. After all, there is more than just prettiness behind phrases like spring thaw, summer rain, autumn fall and winter frost.

Have you looked up at the sky tonight?

Vernal equinox

and we marked Earth Day Hour in Shanghai with turned-off light bulbs from 8.30 to 9.30pm.

After four months, all I can say about the state of the environment here is that it feels like a war zone. Mounds of earth and construction debris everywhere. Grey and smoggy, feels like the immediate aftermath of a major artillery duel.

Never missed pristine air until now.

Educating my kids

Thinking about home school.

I was sitting alone along the corridor last evening, filled with the noise of kids around me. Observing their interactions, I was transported back to my own schooldays. It suddenly occurred to me that school was and still is an intimidating environment for those who choose to do things differently.

My Faith is different. Like me.

I want the best for her and I'm afraid school doesn't cut it.

English literature

or should I say literature in English. Finally got my copy of National Geographic magazine. Been starved of reading material since landing in Shanghai. It's the most cosmopolitan city in China and I can't find anything decent in English to read.

Never knew how important having something meaningful to read is until now. Six articles should last me until the May issue arrives. It's funny. I get National Geographic channel 24/7 on the satellite dish but nothing beats a good read with spectacular photographs.

of viral infections...

So my pastor in Shanghai is down with pneumonia the same weekend my Windoze PC got hit with the conficker virus. Crappy on both counts. The wet weather doesn't help with moods either. Persistent rain and sub-10 degrees temperatures.



Well, on the bright side, I'm seeing the inside of a church more regularly than back home. And Blogspot, Facebook and other websites that I'm addicted to seem to load faster these days.

Shall read the Gospel of John this week as I've reached the last entry of the last copy Our Daily Bread. I don't think they deliver here. Darn atheist state...