Aurora Borealis in Fairbanks, Alaska
There are so many wars in this world and it is disheartening that we as human beings are still not able to live in peace. The apocalyptic picture in Gaza is heartbreaking. How can anyone live in such inhumane conditions? While news of Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, and now Syria dominate the news daily, let’s not forget about the people in Sudan, especially hunger that prevails daily in Darfur.
I only volunteered once this year, during February with the Islamic Association of North America (IMANA) for the Syrian refugees in Madaba and an orphan center outside Amman, Jordan.
The liberation of Syria is good news for Syrians and the many Syrian refugees scattered all over the world.
In the fall, I missed volunteering in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene with Project Hope and South Lebanon with MedGlobal, the former because of conflict with my schedule, the latter because they already had many healthcare persons who responded. I do hope there will be more opportunities for me to volunteer.
After volunteering in Jordan, I went on an eight-day trip from the northern part of Jordan to Aqaba, visiting desert castles in the northwest of Jordan close to Syria and then north overlooking Israel, Nebo Mountain where God led Moses to see the Promised Land where he would never set foot. I floated in the Dead Sea, then explored Petra, the Lost City, enjoying the sunset and sunrise at Wadi Rum, a jeep tour, and a camel ride, ending in snorkeling in the Red Sea in Aqaba. I swam in the Red Sea, fully clothed, not wanting to offend anyone.
In March, Scott and I visited Mel’s parents, Jim and Melody in Taiwan, followed by a 2-week tour of Japan, hurtling down in a Super Mario cart through Shibuya Crossing in Toyo, the world’s busiest intersection, taking time to enjoy the Hanami. The sakura were just heart-breakingly beautiful.
I returned from Japan on April 7. The next day, despite jet lag, I got up early and drove three hours to Burlington, Vermont, to see the total solar eclipse, staking out a corner of the beach by Lake Champlain. It was worth every minute.
In August, on a whim, I visited the Arctic, Greenland, and Svalbard to see polar bears. Read about my adventures here.
Scott and I visited our son Tim and his family for Thanksgiving in Fairbanks, Alaska, the temperature dipped to -33 degrees F. I saw the magical aurora borealis and would love to see more.
I retired at the beginning of this year, but even before then, I had been busy writing and would continue to do so.
Publications:
The Strait Times, a Malaysian newspaper included my memoir, The Girl Who Taught Herself to Fly as one of the ten books to read in October 2023.
Feb: A Nebulous Identity
published by Vine Leaves Press 50GOT (50 Give and Take)
Winter 2024: The Liminal Space and Time: A Doctor’s Reflections on the Pandemic
Published by Women Raise Our Voices: Lifting Our Spirits in Chaotic Times
Synapses: Spring, 2024: Melting into the Milky Way
Painting on Pages 14-15
based on a photograph taken by Charles FitzGibbn
Sept 18, Persimmon Tree
A poem inspired by my visit to Greenland and Svalbard.
Listen
The swishing of the paddles
Through the ice floes
Feel
The smooth gliding of the kayak through the soft ripples
In front of the majesty of
the Waltershausen Glacier
Kaiser Franz Joseph Fjord
The crunching of ice chunks from the icebergs
hitting the hull
Listen
The quietness,
Interrupted by
The squawking of birds
Then…
Far away, a deep long rumbling thunder
Enormous chunks of glacier broke
Crashing, falling
Plumes of snow and ice
The crushing whooshing of tsunami of waves
Rocking
The lonely kayak In the wide expanse of the glacier sea ice
Shattering its peace and tranquility In Greenland
In the Arctic.
December 18, Persimmon Tree
December 19, Vine Leaves Press 50GOT (50 Give and Take)
Appearances:
May: Tiger Talk
Helen T. Lin Legacy
virtual
September:
Bookbar open mic talk
Panethnic Pourovers, Quincy, MA
Interviews:
May
An interview about my memoir, The Girl Who Taught Herself to Fly, and about my writings
July:
An interview about my book, Into Africa, Out of Academia: A Doctor’s Memoir.
In July, the whole Lai FitzGibbon clan vacationed in our beloved Cape Cod haunt, Wellfleet. It was a joyful time to unwind with three generations present.
This Christmas is going to be the quietest. Tim, Ju-Lin, and their twins, Luke and Sam are in Hong Kong, visiting Ju-Lin’s parents. Cara, James, and Huck will be in Florida visiting James’ parents, leaving Charles and Mel to spend part of Christmas day with Scott and me, before they too, fly to Taiwan to see Mel’s parents. We are such an international family.
Here is wishing you all a Happy Holiday, and a wonderful New Year.
Let there be peace on earth.
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