12-21-01

Today is the last day before winter break. There was a closing ceremony for the students marking the end of their second semester. The principal gave a brilliant speach on "ningenkankei", human relations. He told the students, it is from human relations that both the suffering and joys of life will come about. Furthermore, he read a few poems saying, "In life there is a lot of suffering. Think of these sufferings as learning, push yourself. It is that when you grow the most. You should challenge yourself without being told by others." Parts of the speech were a bit morbid. He dwelled on the inevitability of suffering too much. They are Middle School students! However, he also empowered them. I too would like to take these words into heart for this coming year.

"Think of suffering as learning."

"It is from human relations that your greatest suffering and greatest joys will come.

There have been many challenges and blessing this year. I would like to take the time to reflect upong them, file them and finish the year.

Most importantly, I thank everyone for all the love and support.

Take care then.

Much love to everyone. Take care

This is hanako signing out..