Right or Wrong

Like this red melon among the greens, the world has to see the difference in us. In a surrounding where dividing line between good and evil isn't that apparent-everything is but a norm, then do something at least. No one dies by making a gentle stand. Let the right be wrong.

Border to Border

For as long as my life evolves in this place I called second home, a visa run is hope against hope detachable-where drama or miracle or favor or hassling happens at random-bound by policy and yet it is like a loose-leaf which grace comes in freely, abounding.  

I got used to this non-negotiable and a-must-to-do list of my life-going in and out of borders wish never exist. But things have changed suddenly including my strength and health. Now laziness is also interfering because I am completely in the opposite side of the world. It will take me two days back and forth to fulfill this significant task. Like I said, just have to deal with it-it is a must-it is never more than necessary.  

Teenagers

"So you're not in school? Are you?" I asked the teenager who works for a small coffee shop. "Nah, tenth grade was enough. Besides, school isn't really for me." He expressed his personal opinion. Wish  I could prove him wrong, but he is earning and sends money back home. Unlike many schooled teens I know who can't even tell diligence and laziness apart-all they do is waste time. Part of the program we do here in empowering young people including dropouts and marginalized is highlight alternative learning. Find things they are good at or want to explore so that they have something to use to put food on the table. House keeping, receptionist, agriculture, tutorials, cooking, translator, and tourist guide are only few of the examples. 

"I want to be a doctor or a scientist or a teacher or la lawyer or an engineer. And I want to be an agent of change.'' They say. "Yeah, right, but changes begin a home. Start with simple things like make your bed before leaving for school, put back the stuff where they belong after use, flush the toilet bowl, wash your own dishes perhaps, clean your surrounding, tidy up your room-these are essentials too aside from holding books and pen." I say. How can you change the world when you couldn't even change your home including yourself? Transformation occurs when your are able to handle booth small and big responsibilities. Again it starts in you, at home. 

Sleeping in Pagoda

I am not the man of the world-no, not yet, but my immersion in Buddhist countries including their cultures and education for almost seventeen years taught me respect, acceptance, and deeper grace. And so I couldn't imagine how rude it turned out if I refused an invitation from a monk (my new boss) to sleep in Wat or pagoda. Why would I do that!? You heard me right. My two new superiors, the teaching staff, and myself spent the night over on Mount Ta O Wat in Kirivong. After all, it didn't make me any less of a child of God. 

Although it was my first to have such experience, but I've been to many temples for countless chances. Besides, I had taught English classes to monks in the past. So I don't mind. To tell you the truth, I don't find them intimidating but very kind.The first time we went up to the mountain was by car. The second time around we rode our motorbikes-the better and exciting. For two reasons: I enjoy stargazing and listening to the sound of creations in chorus at night. Yes, I slept in pagoda two nights in a row-much more comfortable than my tiny quarter. 

  

Endeavor

Over the mountains, lakes, villages, and fields, it is my utmost desire to bring an integrated education-the ESL and holistic social action to the greatest distance my feet can go. I am not so alone with kind of good deeds, but have known many individuals to be honest. This may not be the most amazing feat of human endeavor, but I consider this a noble gesture still-a not selfish way to engage with the Master's business.

Right here at the very foot of the mountain, my life will be busier again for the next six months. I pray for wisdom and strength from everyday mental and physical exertion. This is my new home and environment, but not the work in itself. I am currently doing a project-training local teachers, teaching classes by examples, and also designing programs/curriculum for this N.G.O. in particular. And oh, do please remind me, living together with new faces and friend is for sure a challenge and a joy. I might as well shoot for the moon, but it is not for selfish gain-I'm sticking to my utmost desire still.    

Over The Moon Conversation

Not done with the father and son scenario yet. And here I come again so over the moon from a conversation with one of my sons last night. "Director of Studies is so huge. And it took me a few years after grad school to attain such position". I told this young man who is a year three student in the University. "I may have surpassed you, but I wasn't all alone after all-we did it together."He commented thankfully and modestly. 

For a mentor or a teacher or a father or all of the above, there is no greater joy I think than seeing a learner succeed. They can surpass me even a million times-bigger, higher, farther-it doesn't bother me at all. Like the rest of my kids and learners the past years and now are living dreams, my prayer is that this son (who was once my learner as well) will continue to be on top...humble and kind. As an assiduous educator in this diminutive world of mine, I only receive friendship over and above staple-neither wealth nor praises. Never mind for I have let my selfish desire gone with the wind. .

New Home

It was already late at night when my team got here from hours and hours of traveling on Sunday evening. For that reason, I couldn't really see or even predict what the whole village was like. As an old habit, wherever the journey brings me, I prefer not to expect big time-it is never my instinct. "Surprise me!"I said a few words, a self-talk, then bade the world sweet dreams.

Morning came and woke up so excited wondering what the has something to brag...a bolt from the blue or the irony of it all-piqued my curiosity still to the fullest. I started eyeing on the ordinary what the common villagers or strangers perhaps don't notice. Lo and behold, as one of the staff toured me around, before me stand extraordinary creations. I was in endless awe, This is just my standard, the rest of the words I'll leave it to you to judge the sceneries yourselves. Thank God for this new home.