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February 21, 2005 - I had hoped to keep my going away activities to a minimum because I know I will be back in the Philippines in the future. I have too many friends that I look forward to seeing again. I also like to tease the girls to invite me to their weddings. But my school put on a special program anyway and I enjoyed it very much. To your left, Jessica and Jhanelle sing a song for me. Below, I also got a special treat, thank you cards from all of the students I have worked with - from my classmates in grade 3, to students in grades 4,5 and 6. Very sweet. |
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The 5th grade class sang a song called "the greatest love of all" with these lyrics:
I believe the children are the future,
teach them well and let them lead the way,
show them all the beauty they posess inside,
give them a sense of pride.....
Try sitting through that without shedding a tear.
In my two years here I have loved the children I have had the pleasure to know. It was touching to watch my students cry and then tease each other for doing so. What a joy to be young and unable to control how you feel inside. |
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Below is a picture of Mourelle and I. Mourelle is 14 now and in my opinion, a fine young man (as Michael Gurian would say). Life is neither perfect nor easy for him, but I know he will do well. He is bright, handsome and has strong faith. I have learned a lot from him, he became the younger brother I never had. I will miss him and I will miss being his "kuya" (older brother).
At the end of every Globe Trekker show (my favorite show that follows travelers as they explore different countries), the travelers provide a personal insight on |
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the journey they have taken. In my dreams, I imagine myself like that (though I am not cool like them), so here are my parting statements:
Economic development is a good thing - I am a nature lover, but I now appreciate what develpoment brings - more and better paying jobs. If it takes logging, mining or using the resources of the earth to improve the lives of people, I am all for it. It is easy to idealize the rural and sustainable farming and fishing communities, but rural environments can limit individually, freedom and personal empowerment. After knowing personally empowered people, especially women, I cannot help but wish that it could be true for all people. |
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I lead a priviledged life - As I sit here in Summerlin, "America's best planned community" in Las Vegas, Nevada, I realize again what a lucky person I am to be born in America. I am thankful for the chance that I have been given to "pursue happiness." For me, that means building friendships and sharing fun events. I have had the chance to pursue work that I found fulfilling. I have friends that will miss me (picture left). Life is good and I am thankful. |
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| Jobs are key to childrens' education and womens' rights - In the past I was skeptical about the merits of multi national or large corporate entities. Now I respect business much more because it brings jobs to people. Jobs can allow families to send their children to school and allow women with jobs more freedom. So I would be happy to work for Unilever, San Miguel or Jollibee. Because their growth means more happiness for consumers and more jobs for people. I recognize that as one way to help people and the world. |
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What an interesting 22 months as a resident of Carigara, Leyte (April 03-Feb 05). The friendships I made will always remind me of the time I spent there. Time well spent in my life.... |
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