#MarchForLife Rally 2020 in Washington DC

On January 24th, we participated on the 47th Annual March for Life Rally in Washington DC.   My daughter’s school, Madonna High School, spearheaded this effort.  This is one of the annual activities that they participates into as part of the continuing effort of marching for the unborn.  This year, they invited St. Joseph the Worker students to join.   My son wanted to go too so I decided to participate as well.  My husband and I originally planned on going together but he was just getting over his sickness and we also have our dogs to take care to so he stayed behind.

I had to attend an online training and be certified before I could go.  It’s one of the requirements in Madonna for chaperoning.  This never came up at St. Joe’s when I had to chaperone for my daughter during their trip to DC so I didn’t know but glad I  am now certified.  It’s an-hour online course and it’s actually very enlightening, I’ve learned things about safe rules on children’s safety and legal ways in handling things.

Anyway, we left Weirton at 1:30 in the morning of Friday.   I wasn’t able to sleep in the bus at all.  We arrived at iHop in Frederick Maryland around 5 am.  The school have made the reservation for us back in December, we thought we had plenty of time to eat our breakfast and continue with our trip.  We met a stumbling block at iHop, they only have 2 servers and it took so long for them to serve the food.  We even ordered the special they offered as they said it would be easier if we all order the same thing.  Two of our students, including my daughter, didn't get their food.  We didn't have much time to wait so we left disappointed with their service.

The first part of this journey is the Youth Rally at Capital One Arena.  As I checked in, the security guard questioned me for the camera I had with me.  She said that professional cameras are not allowed inside.  She advised me to leave it our car but since our bus has already left, I couldn't do that.  She then took me to the guest information office so I can leave my camera there but luckily, the lady there said that there's no problem with me having the camera inside the arena, phew!  

I found this rule ridiculous because the reason why they're not allowing pro-camera like mine is that it can record video, well if that's the case then all cellphones won't be allowed since almost all cellphones can do that as well.  Glad I dodged that problem and got it resolved.

The youth rally was almost over when we arrived due to the issues we've faced early on so all we witnessed is the mass where there are so many priests from across the country have celebrated.  The arena was packed with young generation from different states.  Our parish priest said in all the years he has attended this event, that arena has never been filled like this year.  I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that we have a Pro-life of a President in the White House who value the right to life of the unborn.

My pride and joy right here.  They inspired me to join as well and make a stand.  This is the first time I went somewhere with both of them without my husband.  This will be one of our fondest memories to cherish.  I am super proud of both of them. 

It was a nice time also to be able to learn a little bit about the new bishop bishop in our diocese.  I think Bishop Brennan is very down to earth, he seem to genuinely care .  His vibe is so different from the disgraced  former bishop, Bransfield.

We lost the bishop towards the end of the march but glad that he found his way back into the bus safe and sound.

Fr. Dennis Schuelkens is truly a good leader of our church.  He leads us the way a priest would in his community.  I have nothing but good praise for him.

I was very glad to be able to share this experience to two of the moms I am close friends with from school.

My son, did not have any issues falling asleep in the bus so he was fully energized during the march.

My daughter on the other hand did not catch a wink.  She's like me who find it very difficult to sleep in those kind of setting so she was exhausted and I can tell that she was already feeling sick.

This group of kids from St. Joseph are the pioneer in joining this big movement for the first time.  I am glad that Madonna High School decided to invite them.  Their religion teacher, Ms. Moore was with them.

The freshmen group of Madonna have stepped up their game also.  This is the first year where the majority of the participants are from the first year students.  Way to go class of 2024, we are very proud of you!

My son was my bus-buddy, it was great riding a bus with you Bud.

Coming home from DC, I was feeling sick.  My throat was painful and I was coughing.I think the lack of sleep and exhaustion from the trip got to me.  Both my daughter and I were sick for a week.  Despite the sickness, I would definitely do it again, it's a great cause and if nobody will fight for the right to life of the unborn, it would be terrible.  I thank the organizers at Madonna especially Mrs. Granato for letting us join and for ensuring that every one of us were safe during the trip.

"Together, we are the voice for the voiceless.  You stand for life each and everyday.  You provide housing, education, jobs, and medical care for the women that you serve.  Today, as the President of the United States, I am truly proud to stand with you.  We're here for a very simple reason: to defend the right for every child, born and unborn, to fulfill their God-given potential.  Young people is the heart for the March for Life.  It's your Generation that is making this a pro-life nation.  You are powered by prayer and motivated by pure unselfish love."

President Donald J. Trump

Best Cities in the World for Expats with Families

It used to be that moving abroad for work was daunting and a massive challenge, especially for those with families. As the world has become more globalized, more and more international cities have made themselves far more attractive to expat families. 

Companies need foreign expertise all over the world and so it’s important that they create an environment suited to precious employees that have a family. This has included offering free healthcare, subsidized education, helping your partner get a job, free housing and free transport to and from work. 

In this article, we look at the best cities in the world for expats with families.

1. Taipei, Taiwan

Photo by Thomas Tucker on Unsplash

Taipei is friendly, modern, safe and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The Taiwanese are amazing people who work hard, play hard, and respect their city and their environment. 

96% of expats that live in Taipei said they feel safe living there and 94% say that national healthcare is way above average. Expats report feeling at home and find it easy to integrate with locals. The Taiwanese are genuine and hospitable people who welcome foreigners with open arms. 

Taipei is a large international city that has all the amenities an expat family could ever want. The transport here is fantastic making it easy to travel around and you are never too far away from a trip into the local nature including a dormant volcano. 

Taipei also has an amazing food scene with its own unique cuisine plus access to quality international foods. Nightlife is varied and fun including a big focus on music, art, and dance.

2. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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A combination of historic cultural buildings with brand new modern spaces makes up the wonderful and exciting city of Kuala Lumpur, or KL, as expats call it. KL is a melting pot of different ethnicities where local and foreign cultures intertwine with one another creating a unique and interesting scene.

The city has seen immense growth over the last 20 years and today still continues to expand exponentially. KL is an Asian metropolis defined by its wide range of Asian cuisines, fusions, street foods, and fine dining.

Expats feel at home here and the city has been designed to cater to a business lifestyle. Amenities are plentiful and of great quality with easy access via a solid infrastructure that allows people to move around quickly and freely. 

Families will enjoy the large number of fun things to do here and the chance to explore Malaysia’s stunning tourist hotspots like Penang, Langkawi and the Perhentian Islands in the north of the country. 

3. Kemang (South Jakarta), Indonesia

Photo by Muhammad Rizki on Unsplash

Indonesia is quickly becoming one of the best places in the world for expats to live. Why? The country is currently experiencing a boom with buildings going up everywhere, foreign investment pouring in and tourists arriving for the Indonesian experience. 

Kemang in South Jakarta is the number one place for expats in Indonesia and for good reason. There are tons of quality international schools here and private perumahan (housing) areas designed with expats and their families in mind. 

Kemang is also home to some very active expat communities that will help you get settled and show you all the best things to do in the country. Entertainment is plentiful with modern super malls, entertainment centers, and restaurant areas. 

Kemang is also home to some wonderful works spaces where expats can meet other people, network and collaborate on projects.

4. Lisbon, Portugal

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There is an international buzz about Lison right now. It’s considered one of the hottest cities in the world and dream city to live in by millions. The reasons for such popularity are easy to find. 

Lisbon has had a recent economic revival which has created a huge spark in the business and cultural scenes of the city. Quality of life here has grown massively over the last decade with 96% of expats saying they feel safe and 74% saying they feel right at home.

Lisbon is far cheaper to live in when compared to other expat cities in Europe or North America, it retains its western feel at an affordable rate. Expats living here will be exposed to a different type of city living, one that is very relaxing, that moves slowly and is focused in work/life balance.

Those with kids will be happy to know that the beach is not too far away, the food is simply sublime and the number of entertainment choices is limitless.     

The Rules of Taking Children Abroad'

Believe it or not, it isn’t always as simple as you think to be able to take your children away with you on vacation. There are a few little traps that some parents face when they plan to take their children abroad. A lot of parents don’t start to realize that this is something that could be an issue whether you are planning a quick trip abroad or a long trip away. One of the things is that consent is needed from both parents if you are separated parents. So there are a few different things to think about. 

So, if you are planning to take your children abroad, then you might need to check a few things before you. You might need the help of a child custody lawyer if you are their other parent are separated, so it isn’t something to take lightly. Here are some things to be thinking about.

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Different Surnames

You may have a different surname from your children, which can happen for a variety of different reasons. You and their other parent could not be married or you might still have your passport in your maiden name. This is something that can be checked up on by immigration officials, so it is important to think about, even if it hadn’t crossed your mind before. It is a good idea to think about having some ID documents with you, such as their birth certificates or your marriage certificate, for example. This is going to be very needed if you are traveling alone with the children, without another parent. You could even think about getting a letter from the other parent, if that is easy to get. Just an extra thing to be thinking about when you plan your vacation.

Relocating abroad with your children

There are a lot of things to think about if you are thinking about relocating with your children to a different country. Both parents, together or not, need to be involved in the decision to relocate with the children as it is something that can mean a large disruption to their life. It can really mean that they are going to be far away from one parent on a long-term basis, if their parents are separated or divorced.

When you need to take children on a vacation, it is actually against the law to remove a child from the country on a permanent basis without the consent of both parents. So no matter what dreams and plans you have, it won’t be possible without full consent from the other parent. You could look into going to court in order to do so, but it can be a long process. 

If you have some questions about taking your children away on vacation, especially if you parents are divorced, then it is a good idea to seek some help from a lawyer if needed. You don’t want to run the risk of anything happening, so ask the questions and get prepared ahead of time.

Taking Your Newborn On Your Travel Adventures?

Just because you’ve got a new addition to your family, doesn't mean you have to pitch your tent. You can still travel to your heart’s content, but you’ll need to be ready to take on some challenges. Newborn babies are inherently fragile, but they’re not so fragile that you can’t travel with them. You just need to be mindful of the usual things, such as skin rashes, restlessness, loud places, flashing lights, and hot and cold temperatures. The only concern is, some of these issues can be exacerbated when you’re traveling. You never know what kind of condition your hotel or motel is going to be while on the road. Packing certain items with you will allow your newborn to stay comfortable and allow you as the parents, to adapt to almost any situation. Some of the issues will be minor and others will be major, but if you follow these guidelines you’ll be right as rain.

Sleeping soundly

While on the road you should seek to give your newborn a sleeping environment that is as close to home as possible. The reason for this is, you don’t want your baby to always be confronted with a new setting. Changing rooms and locations can be stressful for adults and children, let alone a newborn child. Therefore, it's in your best interest to look for a travel cot. These portable cots offer a similar sleeping environment that you would find at home. Some of the best travel cots are enclosed, made with mesh so air can freely flow through, and use a fabric that is both waterproof and windproof. They are portable but to varying degrees. Some are easily folded up and others you’ll need to give a bit more space to not damage the structures by excessive bending. Overall, travel cots aren’t that heavy either as the weight should be around 2-3kg. You may also want to buy earplugs for your baby. This way, the sounds of the room and outside environment can be drowned out. This is going to help your baby get a good night’s sleep if you’re in a busy city that never slows down, like New York. 

Germs attach easily

While traveling to new and wonderful places, we must be aware of germs and bacteria that might be lurking around. We’re so transfixed with the amazing sights and views, that we forget we may not be used to the germs that are floating around. Your baby’s skin is especially vulnerable to these things. This can cause acne for your child as dirt and debris, mixed with natural oils create a messy concoction. But don’t worry because it's not difficult trying to treat this. Here are a few ways of overcoming baby acne. Using cleansing water is one way to gently rub the irritation and clean the area without much pressure. Don’t rub the area with a piece of rough fabric. Keeping all kinds of clothing away from the face is advised. Using creams and lotions will only add to the problem. The skin is overly oiled and thus, the germs are able to be transferred around easily. Whatever you do, don’t pop the spots. You have to be patient and allow the inflammation to slowly die down of their own accord. 

Avoid crowded places

You may want to go and visit Times Square, but with a newborn baby in your hands, that’s not the wisest thing to do. You can travel with a newborn, but going to crowded areas is not recommended. You don’t want to put your child through undue stress. The whole time is going to be challenging. First off you may need to use public transport to get to such areas of interest where there are lots of people. This means you’re in confined spaces with hardly any room to breathe most of the time. Thus, you will be putting your baby through a lot of stress. Your baby will also be crying when there are too many things happening at once. Overloading their mind is going to make newborns scared and frightened. 

If you are going to travel to places where there are lots of people, it's best to visit them at a distance. Instead of going to the inner city of New York, you could visit the suburban neighborhoods where there are fewer people but much the same vibe. Not taking public transport is a given, so booking a rental car or hopping into a taxi is something to consider.

Energy at the ready

While you’re traveling the world, your newborn should never be hungry. That’s why packing baby food that won’t necessarily go off so easily, is highly recommended. Fruit purees are at the top of the list. Due to their acidity and other ingredients, they remain edible for a long time. They’re also sealed so no air can filter into the bottles. Fruit purees have a long shelf life without the need to have any chemicals inside them. Boiled vegetables are close to the top because they offer your baby a lot of nutrition and aren’t that complex to digest. You can buy local vegetables wherever you are and boil them in your hotel room. The boiling temperatures will kill any germs, making local produce safe for consumption. You don’t need to add anything to the vegetables either, as they will be naturally sweet and flavorful. Oatmeal is simple, easy to make and highly inexpensive. Oatmeal is naturally soft when cooked right, thus there’s also no choking hazard. Add a little sugar and milk, and your baby will have a full meal in no time at all. The great thing is, oats can be stored almost indefinitely. Since they are dry, they won’t go off and you can use how much you want whenever you want.

Traveling with a newborn baby is challenging but it's not impossible. Your life doesn't have to stop when you bring your child home. Just be warned that having a portable cot with you is going to save you many sleepless nights and aggravated early mornings. 

Why Canada is the Perfect Place for a Family Vacation

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From vibrant cities to rural, rugged landscapes, Canada has everything to offer. If you’re looking for a family-friendly holiday destination, this sublime North American country should be top of your list. No matter what your interests, you’ll find a wide range of attractions, excursions, and expeditions.

The Calgary Stampede

For an authentic Canadian experience, it’s hard to beat the annual Calgary Stampede. If you’re vacationing in July, be sure to plan a visit to ‘The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’. As well as world-class shows, you’ll have fairground rides and stalls to explore. The carnival-like atmosphere is ideal for families and the wide range of exhibitions, shows and attractions mean there’s always something new to see. 

When you’re planning your trip to the Calgary Stampede, you’ll want to arrange accommodation well in advance. With a handy hotel in Airdrie, Alberta, you can base yourself close to the venue and near to other attractions too. Amenities, such as indoor pools, fitness centers, and saunas mean you’ll have the perfect place to relax after a long day at the Stampede. Over 1 million people visit the Calgary Stampede each year and it’s one of the most popular events in the country, so be sure to plan your trip in advance and book your accommodation early.

Calgary Zoo

Home to over 1,400 animals, Calgary Zoo has impressive facilities and enclosures that are designed to mimic the animals’ natural habitats. With bears, hippos, tigers, gorillas, pandas, penguins and much, much more, it’s easy to spend an entire day wandering around this fantastic environment.

Routinely described as one of Canada’s top family-friendly attractions, there are interactive exhibitions for children of all ages and regular events too. Throughout the festive period, the Zoo runs the ZOOLIGHTS program, which is filled with activities, such as Wizarding Wednesdays and Potions Class. If you’re planning a winter break, it’s an ideal venue for families and young people. 

Canada Olympic Park

Now open to members of the public, the whole family can enjoy themselves at this spectacular Olympic Park. Winter events include the Acura Tube Park, ice skating, skiing, snowboarding and hockey and you can also try summer bobsledding, zip line tours, free falls, skyline luge, mountain biking and mini golf throughout the summer. 

Designed to be a family-friendly experience, there are activities aimed at all ages, and you can even book lessons or courses to hone your skills. Whether you want to explore the outdoor slopes, take a scenic ride on the chairlifts or free fall from eight stories up, the Canada Olympic Park has it all. 

Planning your vacation to Canada

In a country that covers 10 million square kilometers, you’re never going to run out of places to visit. From the magical national parks to the urban life of the cities; you’ll find family-friendly activities in every location. If you want to keep toddlers busy or make sure teens are entertained, Canada is the perfect place for children of all ages, and grown-ups too.