Maybe, A Series Part 1 (October 09, 2007)

A friend sent an e-mail and it contains some of the most inspiring quotes about living:

Maybe . . you should dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go, be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you dream of, and want to do.

When I left teaching many years ago, I ended being an interpreter for a factory interpreting for three different languages. It was a short lived job as I went back to teaching after three months. It was called burn-out from the usual stuff. So interpreting was just an outlet.

In my short stay, I met one young man who was so inspired of my life story that he wants to follow my footsteps. It was heart warming to have met a person like him. He told me he wanted to attend university, finish a degree, be a teacher or work as an administrator and learn many languages. He saw life. He saw a future. He was inspired.

I do not know where this young man is now but he is a fine example of a determined individual who knows what he wants and will go for it. There will be struggles but they can be used as inspirations rather than hindrances.

Go forward and do something good. It is for you and His Glory.

Little Angel, Big Heart Part 2 (October 06, 2007)

I always have sweet little angels in my class who gives me a welcome hug in the morning, a smile every now and then, or a smile and goodbye at the end of the day. Just days ago, a parent commented how she had observed the relationship the children have with me. “You are loved by the children.” I just smiled.

During our show and share session, a boy aged four forgot to bring his item for showing. Instead, he took out a small package from his bag and gave it to me. I asked him what’s inside and he told me they were three pieces of chocolate cookies.

“It’s for you. I have my show and tell for you only.
I wrapped it myself at home.
I am giving them because you are good to me.”
I thanked the child, gave him a hug, and turned my back to wipe the tears in my eyes. Another heaven sent.

I feel empty for the past few days but these moments will surely give me the strength to go on. The will to live, for others.

Little Angel, Big Heart (October 05, 2007)

Many years ago in my travel to Europe, I’ve encountered a situation that became a lesson for me. I was robbed of my money in broad daylight. The robber used a knife to scare me and I willingly, though with some debating, gave my money. After the incident, I immediately called via phone the only one person I know (a parent of my former student) who resides in that country. I needed someone at that time to console me, someone just to be with me at that time.

I met the mum at the train station and she was with my student, a three year old girl at that time. I was sipping tea when I spotted her. She was holding a big rose and a bag of cookies and then she approached me. And she said with her big smile, “Good afternoon, Teacher Jonathan.” I was teary eyed and I gave her a big hug. I felt better.

Sometimes the worst moment of our lives is upset by the best moment. It just reassures us that not everything in this world is bad. As always, there is sunshine after the rain.