Did you know that in America you cannot pruchase health insurance for the first time if you are over 64 and 1/2...don't forget the half! This should be a wake up call for all Americans living overseas long term, and planning to come home for retirement. Unless you only plan to travel back/or to the US for three to six months and can get coverage via Travel Insurance, you could be stuck indeed.
USA health care always begins with insurance. It's that time of year for my husband and I to change countries, from the UK to the USA; and so uppermost in our minds is health insurance. As I am under sixty five, we almost didn't purchase travel insurance for me, thinking I might just find an American health policy and get started making those payments. My husband, however, is over sixty five so there was no policy available for him to buy in America. This limited our travel to the six months for which we could find UK travel insurance coverage for him. My husband, being kind, didn't want to just buy insurance for himeself and not for me- and it was a good thing he did!
We arrived in Florida on Tuesday and on Wednesday I developed a dental emergency that seemed to require a root canal. We thankfully also have a church we attend when in this part of the world (Fisherman's Net Revival Center) and our pastors Jim and Joy McInness recommended a dentist Jim had used and liked. The dentist, Dr S.... was friendly, professional and able to help. Only we learned that a root canal and work afterwards would not give us much change from $3,000!
I had a good look at my tooth. "Are you worth $3,000?" I asked my tooth? "No," was my conclusion. If it were a lovely twenty year old tooth just two weeks before my wedding, I would opt for the root canal. But at this price, this tooth would have to go! So, for $289.00 I had it extracted. I definately want a new tooth....and apparently I can have it in any colour I want. Pink. Purple. White even.
Thursday, 30 June 2011
Monday, 13 June 2011
English RE Curriculum comes Alive with Orizon!
Pupils at the Weyburn School in Farnham, Surrey are in for a treat today! Orison is hosting a day of interactive, multi-sensory prayer spaces....and that means a time out of the classroom to meet some very important RE (Religeous Education) Curriculum targets, indeed.
My husband and I joined some of the youth workers in Farnham for a taster experience this past Sunday afternoon and we were impressed both by the quality of learning station experiences as well as the enthusiasm of the staff that hosts the event.
RE with the Orison team becomes more that just "reflecting on beliefs, teachings, world issues and ultimate questions," (Curriculum targets) it is experiencing these questions and reflections in a way that engages teens. For example, there is a wire cage where you can climb in, and then read questions such as, "Who is caging you in?"
Teens can explore the "zones" at their own pace, such as the "Image Zone," where there is a chance to consider their "image and identity," a World Zone, where they can pray about what is going on in the world, a "Sorry Zone," where they explore forgiving and being forgiven, as well as letting go of past hurts. There is also a "Bubble Zone, " which is a chill out zone complete with bubble tube, symbolizing sending up their prayers to God.Post-it notes with prayers everywhere!See the comments the pupils have made on previous experience days, by going to their website listed below.
Check out the Orizon website: www.orisonschools.org.uk
My husband and I joined some of the youth workers in Farnham for a taster experience this past Sunday afternoon and we were impressed both by the quality of learning station experiences as well as the enthusiasm of the staff that hosts the event.
RE with the Orison team becomes more that just "reflecting on beliefs, teachings, world issues and ultimate questions," (Curriculum targets) it is experiencing these questions and reflections in a way that engages teens. For example, there is a wire cage where you can climb in, and then read questions such as, "Who is caging you in?"
Teens can explore the "zones" at their own pace, such as the "Image Zone," where there is a chance to consider their "image and identity," a World Zone, where they can pray about what is going on in the world, a "Sorry Zone," where they explore forgiving and being forgiven, as well as letting go of past hurts. There is also a "Bubble Zone, " which is a chill out zone complete with bubble tube, symbolizing sending up their prayers to God.Post-it notes with prayers everywhere!See the comments the pupils have made on previous experience days, by going to their website listed below.
Check out the Orizon website: www.orisonschools.org.uk
Monday, 6 June 2011
Teens Make Movies
A young friend of mine, Claire (age 16), loves film/movie making has been trying out some new skills on a virtual school site called "skoolabarate".
Me: So, Claire, how does it work?
Claire:the company that make the site is called, "Second Life," and they have created a teen environment for schools called "Skoolabrate." This is a virtual world where you can meet teens from all around the world from other schools and you can work together on projects, such as making movies.
Me:Can you do this at home, or is it only through your school?
Claire:You can go on it (the site) at home, but you have to get involved through the school to make sure you are approved entry.It's secure as any school site, because it is part of school. Only teachers that have been approved are allowed on it- those teaches are the only adults."
Me:So what have you done on this site?
Claire:Lots! For example, I have created machinimas.A machinimas is an online virtual movie, which we make as a team with students from several countries. There are also human rights projects where you learn about human rights, and then create a project on a specific topic. We did one called Tapestry, where you have images of different human rights events and wrote about these events on the back of the Tapestry, which is like a big wall.
Me:What do you get out of doing this virtual school work?
Claire:You get to meet and collaborate with loads of people that normally you would never get to meet. And while making a machinima you can share your experince of what life is like in your country. I met a girl from Chile who was studying English and because I am from England we've been talking and keeping in touch. This has helped her improve her English and I've started learning Spanish from her; and who knows, out of our working together on new techniques and skills we may just have a film to show the world....or at least the other teens connected to 'Second Life'.
If you are interested in the future of global education, check out Claire's favourite site in the link above and see some of the other projects teens are developing today.
Me: So, Claire, how does it work?
Claire:the company that make the site is called, "Second Life," and they have created a teen environment for schools called "Skoolabrate." This is a virtual world where you can meet teens from all around the world from other schools and you can work together on projects, such as making movies.
Me:Can you do this at home, or is it only through your school?
Claire:You can go on it (the site) at home, but you have to get involved through the school to make sure you are approved entry.It's secure as any school site, because it is part of school. Only teachers that have been approved are allowed on it- those teaches are the only adults."
Me:So what have you done on this site?
Claire:Lots! For example, I have created machinimas.A machinimas is an online virtual movie, which we make as a team with students from several countries. There are also human rights projects where you learn about human rights, and then create a project on a specific topic. We did one called Tapestry, where you have images of different human rights events and wrote about these events on the back of the Tapestry, which is like a big wall.
Me:What do you get out of doing this virtual school work?
Claire:You get to meet and collaborate with loads of people that normally you would never get to meet. And while making a machinima you can share your experince of what life is like in your country. I met a girl from Chile who was studying English and because I am from England we've been talking and keeping in touch. This has helped her improve her English and I've started learning Spanish from her; and who knows, out of our working together on new techniques and skills we may just have a film to show the world....or at least the other teens connected to 'Second Life'.
If you are interested in the future of global education, check out Claire's favourite site in the link above and see some of the other projects teens are developing today.
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Relocation Support Team Final
Single friends of mine, going on overseas work assignments, whether for corporate, missionary, or for non-governmental agencies (such as my stint in the Peace Corps) have often talked of needing, "a wife," and as I wrote in my book "Parents on the Move!" they "are not talking about getting married.
For me, when I was single, this might have included a cook (this meant ready-cooked meals when I had no time to cook), a laundry (thank you for all the services in the world where you can drop off dirty clothes and collect or have delivered at the end of the day!), and a house cleaner (blessings to all who have ever helped with keeping the home front sane)."
Today's blog is the final installment on developing your own Relocation Support Team list.
Number 8
I suggest that the eigth person on your list is someone to assist you with "Time Off." Before you say, "wait a minute, I haven't even started working yet and you are talking about time off?" The time off I am talking about here is more about building margins into what can be a crazily hectic life when you move from one country to another. Support Team Number Eight on one of my previous client's lists (and I must say I have adopted for myself especially when I carry my own luggage) is a message therapist!
My client said she "would travel anywhere if her husband promises this recovery therapy."
For others, Number 8 on your list is someone who can show you the golf course, but for all of us we need to find a way to build a Sabbath-once-a- week rest. We were made to need this rest. The person who can help you meet this need is important.
Number 9
Though you can list your support team in any order, parents with children that have special needs often need someone on their support team to help with food issues. You need real and honest information when it comes to finding food to avoid nut allergies or provide gluten free items at a reasonable cost. Families without these issues still need assistance when it comes to healthy food choices in a new location.
Number 10
Number Ten on your list is to leave room for "Other." As you go through the list and look at the advice you have received on developing your own support team, you will see that there is always room for someone unique to your own needs. Take time to pray, asking God if there is someone else you should add to this list and then wait to hear what He has to say. Pray for divine appointments; those times when someone crosses your path, and you just know God is providing an answer to prayer.
I pray that all who are reading this blog as part of their preparation to move across town or across the world as part of what Jesus Christ is asking them to do, that you will go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which passes understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Remember- relocation is a team sport!
For me, when I was single, this might have included a cook (this meant ready-cooked meals when I had no time to cook), a laundry (thank you for all the services in the world where you can drop off dirty clothes and collect or have delivered at the end of the day!), and a house cleaner (blessings to all who have ever helped with keeping the home front sane)."
Today's blog is the final installment on developing your own Relocation Support Team list.
Number 8
I suggest that the eigth person on your list is someone to assist you with "Time Off." Before you say, "wait a minute, I haven't even started working yet and you are talking about time off?" The time off I am talking about here is more about building margins into what can be a crazily hectic life when you move from one country to another. Support Team Number Eight on one of my previous client's lists (and I must say I have adopted for myself especially when I carry my own luggage) is a message therapist!
My client said she "would travel anywhere if her husband promises this recovery therapy."
For others, Number 8 on your list is someone who can show you the golf course, but for all of us we need to find a way to build a Sabbath-once-a- week rest. We were made to need this rest. The person who can help you meet this need is important.
Number 9
Though you can list your support team in any order, parents with children that have special needs often need someone on their support team to help with food issues. You need real and honest information when it comes to finding food to avoid nut allergies or provide gluten free items at a reasonable cost. Families without these issues still need assistance when it comes to healthy food choices in a new location.
Number 10
Number Ten on your list is to leave room for "Other." As you go through the list and look at the advice you have received on developing your own support team, you will see that there is always room for someone unique to your own needs. Take time to pray, asking God if there is someone else you should add to this list and then wait to hear what He has to say. Pray for divine appointments; those times when someone crosses your path, and you just know God is providing an answer to prayer.
I pray that all who are reading this blog as part of their preparation to move across town or across the world as part of what Jesus Christ is asking them to do, that you will go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which passes understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Remember- relocation is a team sport!
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Relocation Support Team- Part Two
Your Relocation Support Team List
Number Five
Number five on your Relocation Support Team (RST) is "Driver!" Two weeks ago I wrote about having a driver to take you around on your research trip, so that you are on time for your school appointments. A driver can also show you good neighbourhoods, and places to shop. If a professional driver (check they know school locations and not just business locations)is just too expensive for your relocation budget, and the Tom Tom is a challenge too far, then pray for someone who will be on the end of the phone to help you resource what you need.
Some of us, with map reading ability at zero, need some one who can simply draw a clear map. Think through the assistance you require to find who, what and where your needs are located in your new location. A new friend who knows the territory and doesn't mind giving you time to let you know the location of grocery stores and reasonably priced school clothes is a must on your support list!
Number Six
Number six on your RST is "Housing Advisor." Long after you have had your wonderful estate agent/ realtor find you a place to live, you need the contact details for what ever you need to look after your new home. Plumber? Repairman? The Housing Advisor has all the numbers! In the states, your realtor is often more than helpful with assisting you in this area. In the UK you may need to dig a little further to get someone to advise you. Remember, when you are renting you can't just call anyone to come in and fix the toilet, no matter how desperate you are; you must call in approved workers.
Number Seven
A Finance Advisor is a very good person to have on your list of support. This is not your accountant, but someone who is happy to advise you on purchases such as furniture or groceries. Note that this person is often the one who spends recreational time just hunting for bargains. Check if she (usually) is up for a chat over lunch- and have her recommend a good place. She will often know the best and yet most reasonable restaurant in town!
Asking for help
I was recently reminded by a friend that some cultures, such as the British, find it incredibly difficult to accept help even when offered. "Take up every offer of help at this time!," said this relocating mother. This is no time for pride; but very much a time to be gracious in accepting help as part of your welcome into your new community. Who knows? It might not be long before you know your way around and assist the next new person to the neighbourhood.
Tomorrow we complete the support list for your successful relocation...
Number Five
Number five on your Relocation Support Team (RST) is "Driver!" Two weeks ago I wrote about having a driver to take you around on your research trip, so that you are on time for your school appointments. A driver can also show you good neighbourhoods, and places to shop. If a professional driver (check they know school locations and not just business locations)is just too expensive for your relocation budget, and the Tom Tom is a challenge too far, then pray for someone who will be on the end of the phone to help you resource what you need.
Some of us, with map reading ability at zero, need some one who can simply draw a clear map. Think through the assistance you require to find who, what and where your needs are located in your new location. A new friend who knows the territory and doesn't mind giving you time to let you know the location of grocery stores and reasonably priced school clothes is a must on your support list!
Number Six
Number six on your RST is "Housing Advisor." Long after you have had your wonderful estate agent/ realtor find you a place to live, you need the contact details for what ever you need to look after your new home. Plumber? Repairman? The Housing Advisor has all the numbers! In the states, your realtor is often more than helpful with assisting you in this area. In the UK you may need to dig a little further to get someone to advise you. Remember, when you are renting you can't just call anyone to come in and fix the toilet, no matter how desperate you are; you must call in approved workers.
Number Seven
A Finance Advisor is a very good person to have on your list of support. This is not your accountant, but someone who is happy to advise you on purchases such as furniture or groceries. Note that this person is often the one who spends recreational time just hunting for bargains. Check if she (usually) is up for a chat over lunch- and have her recommend a good place. She will often know the best and yet most reasonable restaurant in town!
Asking for help
I was recently reminded by a friend that some cultures, such as the British, find it incredibly difficult to accept help even when offered. "Take up every offer of help at this time!," said this relocating mother. This is no time for pride; but very much a time to be gracious in accepting help as part of your welcome into your new community. Who knows? It might not be long before you know your way around and assist the next new person to the neighbourhood.
Tomorrow we complete the support list for your successful relocation...
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