Being Mindful (July 16, 2007)

I often receive e-mails saying how busy my friends are. I notice how everyone in each families have their own events and activities. The world is very busy.

When I walk around the garden, I am "mindful" of what is transpiring in each and every plant I have. I notice blemishes in leaves, browning of stems, and growing buds among my plants. I enjoy the moments I have in my little piece of seclusion and peacefulness.

When people busies themselves with the way of the world, they lose something in return. Stop to smell the flowers. Take a moment longer to appreciate life. Life is beautiful.

A Precious Commodity (July 15, 2007)

Water is one of the most important resources we have on earth. It is a precious commodity that most of us take for granted. I remember the days when we can actually drink the water from the tap. Nowadays, we resort to bottled water for fear of diseases and viruses from tap water.

I realized the importance of water when I visited Inner Mongolia. For those who are not familiar, water is scarce in Inner Mongolia so people actually bathe only twice a year. They clean themselves up but not in a way we use water when we do our own bathing.

We were scampering for water as we need to use the washroom one morning. It dawned on us the importance of water as a source of energy, a cleansing element, and a life-giving commodity. We should treat nature gently, they will not always be there.

Flying (July 14, 2007)

One of the many plus points of being independent is the chance to visit different places and countries around the globe. My travels to Europe and Asia are some of the highlights of my life. Though I travel three to four times a year, I still dread taking airplanes. Two hours or eight hours of flight are no different to me. Airsickness is my name.

I had an anecdote about one flight I took many years ago. Since I fear being sick, I always make it a point to bring some medication and take one, half an hour before boarding a plane. So I pop one in my mouth, drank some water and got ready to line up. All of a sudden, I heard, "Ladies and Gentlemen, the flight will be delayed for an hour and a half. Please remain seated for the new boarding announcement."

Half an hour later, I was so drowsy at the departure area I wanted to sleep. Many hours later, I was on the plane's lavatory throwing up while the plane was literally landing. I can hear the flight attendat knocking and blurting out, "We're landing. Hold on tight. Are you alright sir?" I wanted to shout, "Leave me alone!!!!" I arrived safely while inside the lavatory.

Still I enjoy exploring new places, seeing different cultures, and meeting good people. I am leaving again this month to two countries. I might encounter another boo-boo or another heart racing adventure. C'est la vie!

Beginnings (July 13, 2007)

Twenty years ago, I was asked by a friend to be an assistant in a Chinese school. I was told that the school will have to decide first because it will be their first time to hire a male teacher. I was escorted to the room where I have to assist. When the door of the classroom opened, three children who were crying immediately hugged my legs. The principal immediately told me that I am hired.

I do not remember the three children who hugged my legs. But they were instrumental to my beginning as a teacher. That was many years ago and I am still a teacher, not just an ordinary one, but someone who loves what he is doing. A teacher who had been instrumental in the lives of many children.

The Joy of Teaching (July 11, 2007)

I am to share one of the best letters I received in my many years of teaching. The letter is outstanding in a sense that it is visibly honest and thoughtfully written by my student's parents. It inspires me to further improve my craft.

Well, it seems that it isn't so easy to say goodbye especially since you are such an important and special person to our son.

The first years of a child's life are very important to the formulation of character, emotions, behaviour and actually the child's very personality. because of you and your special qualities as an educator, we have been able to raise our son with confidence and knowledge. We are very proud of our son and you have a large part in that!

You will always be an important part of our lives and especially our son's life.

This is what makes teaching more than a profession, it is a vocation.

Lesson from a Mouse (July 10, 2007)

As a teacher, I enjoy telling stories or reading literature to young children. Some of the books have been passed from generations to generations but until now, are popular reading books for children.

One fine example is a Caldecott Honor Book named Frederick. It is about Frederick, a mouse, who is a dreamer among the little field mice. As Bruno Bettelheim commented, "It suggests the psychological truth that when we are in dire need. it is our dreams of happier times which alone can sustain us...A story about the glory of the human spirit."

My happiest moments in life are played like a broken record to remind me of the goodness of life. I make it a mantra, "that life is good, life should be enjoyed, life is a box of surprises".

Lighthouse (July 09, 2007)

I am always fascinated by lighthouses. I thought of them as guardians of the seas. I like the way they shine forth their lights and illuminates the horizon at night. They are towers with certain purposes. Their powerful flashing lights show ships where to go and warn them of dangers.

In our daily living, we are confronted with many problems and trials. Some can be dealt on our own but some are just too difficult to handle. So we resort to other things, or someone else, or to prayers.

One of the lighthouses of my life is my aunt (from the father's side). She is an inspiration. She gives the most valuable lessons. She gives real love. Another lighthouse of my life is my sister. Though stubborn at times, she is a great motivator. She is a fighter and an honest commentator. But the sturdiest lighthouse of my life is Our Creator. He is the source of my strength. He is my Saviour.

Crying (July 8, 2007)

Crying, a girl thing? Not with me! I cry all the time. I cry when I watch a movie, when I see my plants had been eaten up by snails and caterpillars, when I lose my temper, when I receive e-mails from unexpected friends and relatives, when I am down, when my students leave after an entire school year with me, and even when I miss a friend.

But when I receive news about death, I don't cry. For me death is the culmination of life. It is the end product from the long process of struggling, enriching and making our lives worth living. It is the path to peace, a meeting with our Creator.

Crossing (July 7, 2007)

I was spilling my mind thoughts about the cycle of poverty and how people are doing great things to get out of this cycle. Some have raised themselves from the ground. Some have lifted their spirits to new heights. Some have given new hopes to themselves and their children.

But when others succeed, there are those who are not that fortunate to better themselves. Maybe for some internal reasons, or from external factors affecting their lives. Some circumstances cannot be controlled. Some are beyond our means.

Ups and down. Highs and lows. But there is always a way. I like the idea of building a bridge. To gap the differences. To let us cross. To let us pass to a new road.

So for those people passing these turbulent times of their lives, let the bridge of hope and determination helps you cross so that we can continue to be better and stronger. There is always a bridge somewhere. Open your eyes. It is always there.

Cycle of Poverty (July 06, 2007)

I got to interview my student's driver when he drove me back home. He is the oldest in a brood of four and all of them finished grade school. When I asked why only till grade school, he told me that the school is ten kilometers away from his house and that they have no transportation to bring them back and forth. Aside from being poor, they need to help the household earn money.

So now he is in the city trying to earn more than what he will earn in the upcountry. Both husband and wife are saving money to send their only son to school. They wanted to give to their son what they didn't get when they were young.

If all people will have the same determination to free themselves from the cycle of poverty and illiteracy, then we will see a better future for our youngsters. As an educator, I pity the poor children doing street work as they are too young to be peddling or offering car cleaning services. They should be given the chance to go to school.

I am no president of a country nor a philanthropist who have the power to change not only an individual but a society. I am a mere observer and a listener to one of the many plights of the ordinary people. The only thing I can do is to listen, and encourage them to make their lives better.

Differences (July 04, 2007)

What is it with people who cannot respect other people's culture or differences? The mere fact that we are now living in a multi-cultural or exposed to the amalgation of various ethnic groups that I would supposed that people will respect and diversify their thinking and acceptance. I am wrong!

We still live in a world where a distinct difference in accent is frowned upon. A world where color is an issue, tolerated but not accepted. We are still in a world of indifferences despite the many exposure and information gathered.

I hope to educate people about tolerance and acceptance. I hope to make this world a better place for each and every individual. I do believe that there is no second class, third class citizens and that we are all equal in the eyes of God.
How about you, have you accepted the differences amongst people?

On My Own (July 02, 2007)

I am always a loner since I was in my elementary days. You could always see me sitting on a bench by myself, reading a book in the library, or staying in my bedroom drawing pictures. I wonder why I chose to be one. It is a choice that until now I embrace.

I am still alone, fending for myself. I go to work, tutorials after school, gardening at home, watch television shows and check e-mails. It is an everyday routine, quite boring.

It is awfully sad to be alone in this world. One time I was very ill so I packed my things in advanced coz I knew that I will have to be admitted in a hospital. It was a pitiful sight but brave enough of me to stand strong.

Each one has a destiny and mine is to lead this life, on my own.