i speak in silence

Monday, June 10

Another School Year Ends

It's the time of the year once again when we have to say our good byes to the fives and fours in my class. They will be moving to a bigger school, a much more different set-up from the loving, home-styled nurturing they knew and had been used to.

My personal reflection for this school year was not of praises and joyous moments. It is to recollect the learning experiences and transform them into positive changes for the next school year.

I may sound like a broken record, but I sincerely appreciate your support--of me, of E., of so many in our community. You are a guide and a help to people small and large, and that help is noticed and appreciated. Once again, I send deepest gratitude. (Udagawa family)

Again, thank you for everything including how you look after our kids throughout the year. I really hope we will be in touch even if you move somewhere in the future. (Richter family)

Thank you for all you have done for C this year. You have played a huge part in making her first ever school experience a positive one. She has flourished so much over the year and a lot of it has to do with your love and concern for C, and of course, your expertise. Thank you! (Reid family)

Jonathan, thank you for everything you do for our children. You teach from your heart and it shows. You have been such an important part of my children's lives and education. You truly have made us all better people. (Marinos family)

We would like to thank you for all your hard work and dedication during the last school year of P at ELC, Samakee. P enjoyed being in your class, and was always sharing us what she learned. P has improved significantly since she started learning with you. I am so glad that you are P's teacher. Thank you so much for your patience, kindness, and effort to our child.
(Ngamsirijit family)

If there is one thing making me stay in teaching , it is in how the parents and children show me their love and appreciation. I wish everyone a pleasant summer.

I need a vacation badly.

Thursday, June 6

Journey of the Raindrops

Drooping branches welcomed me that morning.

I was mildly roused because of the gushing rain outside the house. I don't hear the pitter patter of rain because the sound was more of a tap being turned on by God to wash the dirt off the world. The sound awoke me but later lulled me to sleep. I was just tired.

The early morning light woke me up before I even hit the alarm button. I had been waking up earlier so that I can beat the alarm which is very ironic. It is just me, a man of many complications and quirks.

When I went to see what the rain brought in the early dusk, the whole garden was soaked with freshness and the smell of orange jasmine permeated the air. It seemed that another work of God cleansed my soul as the garden is my spiritual abode.

A raindrop is weak and as it scattered rain at the start, it builds its momentum. Later on, the raindrops become heavy rain and the water gushes forth as if quenching the thirst of the earth. Meanwhile, the trees, with their many branches, succumbed to the weight of the rain, not by breaking themselves, but by bowing as if they accept their surrender without losing the fight. It was a bow of respect, acknowledging the strength of the rain. It was a bow of thanks, providing the trees and flowers with nourishment. It was a bow of grace, finding the right time to shine forth by giving way to others.

I am a raindrop and I am looking for other raindrops to fill the earth with respect, love and abundance. I am talking not of earthly matters but one from the heart. A sense of reverence to our fellowmen so that we can live in harmony. A little sprinkle of love in what we do to others, whether a smile or a friendly gesture. A life of abundance to share in the form of positive words, acknowledgement and gratitude.

Sometimes, we need to humble ourselves so that we can see what we are missing in life.