The Truth About Suicide

Missed hugs.
Missed kisses.
Missed words.
Missed kindness.
Missed life.

The picture was still vivid which seemed like it just happened yesterday. Blood from a slashed wrist as a result of attempted suicide by a family member. In between sobs and painful words, she expressed her desires to end her suffering. Yet, I could not understand. I don’t think I ever did or I ever will. And there the problem lies, the lack of understanding.

Suicide is a very sensitive topic that no one wants to discuss, but it is a prevalent problem that needs to be addressed. A recent study shows that over the last 30 years the suicide rate in young people has more than tripled.

What drives a person to end his/ her life? It is easy to make judgment that the problem that precipitates it is probably so mundane. However, I always believe that people who were driven to end their lives were lost in the abyss of confusion, pain and anger in an unfathomable depth.

It is REALLY a sad situation.

A person might have everything including success, fame and wealth- Kate Spade, Robin Williams, Anthony Bourdain, to name the few- but nobody is spared from the sad reality of suicide.

According to the WorldHealth Organization (WHO), an approximate of one million people die from suicide, which represents global mortality rate of 16 people per 100, 000 or one death every 40 seconds. It is predicted that by 2020 the rate of death will increase to one every 20 seconds.

That ‘family member’ who tried to end her life several times surpassed that period of struggles in her life. She got a degree and faced the demons that plagued her for so long but I am still at a loss of completely understanding the battles she fought.

Although the truth remains that 90 percent of people who commit suicide have a mental illness at the time of their death, we can still make a difference by being a sincere listener, offering a gesture of humanity, and giving a gentle smile. We don’t know what each person is going through and a small act of kindness might save a life.

Farewell to the beautiful souls who perished during the times when their hearts were clouded with sadness and despair.

If you or a person you know is thinking about suicide, here's a number you can call:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Call 1-800-273-8255
Available 24 hours everyday

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The Best Ways to Deal with People Who Hurt You

Through the years, I had this important realization. The greatest human frailty is simply being human- weak and more often than not, acts on impulse emotionally not rationally. I used to be deeply affected when people are rude or they say mean words. Through the years however, I managed to be more of in control how I react on situations. I perceived it as simply toughening up with the harsh realities of the world.

1. Breathe. Negativity was just hurled. Instantly, the air turned hostile. Taking a deep breath several times while reminding myself to cool off always works. I think just by simply doing this, I get the moment to reflect on what just happened and if it is worth to say or do something.

2. Pray. A long time ago back in Naga City, a very dear friend told me not to pray for the other person who act unkindly to me but pray instead for myself. I pray that I may be enlightened and not harbor ill feelings. I pray that I may find forgiveness in my heart. I pray that the pain would not last for a long time. I pray that I would be strong enough and be kind enough to understand what that person is going through.

3. Forgive. Concealing negative feelings toward others would be more detrimental to one’s self emotionally, spiritually and physically. Forgiving is not forgetting. It simply means choosing not to dwell on the why’s. I have no control about how others would behave toward me but I always have control about my own behavior. By forgiving, I refuse to be carried in the abyss of negativity.

After doing these three steps, I still find myself sometimes broken hearted, hurt, and deeply offended. That’s just another human frailty. However, at the end of the day, I remind myself that by following these steps, I choose to be in control of the situation.

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How to Handle Separation Anxiety?

The first few days of school could be both exciting and traumatic for parents and kids. It is a period of big change that when not handled properly might bring so much stress to the family. After all, who would want to leave their kids screaming on top of their lungs because they didn’t want to be left in school? It is then followed by that nagging feeling of guilt the whole day anticipating the pick-up time.



Although there is probably nothing that you could tell a child to stop him from crying, there are some ways to handle the situation before it goes out of hand.

1. Establish a Routine
For kids, it is all about routine. The more stability you give, the better it would be. If you drop the kids off at a certain hour, stick to it so the child would not keep on wondering what is the next thing that would happen that might make him feel more anxious. Making the drop off time earlier than the other kids might help, too. Chaotic environment with so many kids worsens that feeling of separation.

2. Give Special ‘Security’ Stuff
A new place will always be overwhelming for kids. Allowing your child to bring something familiar would help to calm his/ her fears. It may be a stuff toy, a necklace with your picture, or anything special that you know might help to pacify him/her.

2. Be Positive
Talk with enthusiasm about meeting new friends and playing with cool stuff to build up excitement. Do not make going to school like something that the kid should dread. Taking that leap into something new is difficult for anyone even with adults. When you are nervous, your child could feel it and build up his anxiety.

4. Say a Short Goodbye
A fist bump, a kiss, a hug, or a combination of everything is all part of routine. Once you say your good-bye, do not linger because the child would feel your hesitation. Saying the same phrase every day might also help.

5. Make a follow-up
During pick-up time, make sure to follow-up from the teacher how your child handled the separation. Some kids snap out of the anxiety as soon as their parents leave. Others however can’t cope well and spend a long time crying. This would give you an overview of how the day went and plan for a better start the next day and lessen the guilt of leaving your child behind.

There is no exponential secret to make the first few days of school easier for our kids. However, there are always ways that we could try to make going to school an enjoyable experience.

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Pay it Forward

 

Each act of kindness has a ripple effect throughout society and can affect people who we do not even know.

Early start on a beautiful Saturday. Larry with Dad and David.

I once heard that to do good must be a vocation of every person. When my husband and I decided to get married at Jakarta, Indonesia without any family members around, we relied on the grace of having good friends who helped us with everything we needed. The same thing was true during the processing of my papers coming here. Hence, when the time came for us to be able to do something for a friend, we knew we got to do it.

I met Larry, our neighbor, when I was in Indonesia talking to my husband through video call. He was still strong and working then. Unfortunately, it didn’t last for long. He was only in late 30’s yet he was inflicted with illnesses including diabetes. At this age and already on a wheelchair, my husband and I knew that it is undoubtedly hard and painful for him. Yet, he stayed strong and tried to fend for himself without asking anyone for help.

The house before painting it.

So, David and I decided on painting his house for him. My husband would come from whole day of work and continued to work on his house power washing and caulking. At some point, I needed to remind him that it was already 9:00 p.m. and he was still out working. Finally, the house was ready to be painted. Last night, we were off on our regular Friday date night buying the paint for his house.

We’re so thankful for Dad who drove all the way here to help, our neighbor also bought wood to cover some bad area, and Alex came as well to help in painting. Above all, I am so proud of my husband who worked tirelessly on this project. I am blessed to marry someone who would stop at a stranger to buy him some food, or jumped out of the car to help push another person’s car.

The look of happiness on Larry’s face made me believe how the good nature of people can bring so much joy to others. The collective effort of small group of people created so much change through act of kindness.

Larry, our neighbor, looking at the newly painted house.

Fresh coat of paint to the whole exterior.

To all the people who did something good for us, we are paying it forward. Kindness is free, spread it.

Update:
Unknowingly, the day we painted his house was actually his birthday. Sometimes, things work in mysterious ways and it will be done through YOU.

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My Husband is the Best

Flowers from the best husband in the world. 

This is supposed to be a very special day to celebrate with my husband. Three years being married fill us with beautiful memories and inexplicable love. But, as fate would have it, I am stuck in the house with on and off fever and extreme pain in my right ear.

Not to be deterred by the circumstances, he went out of his way to make me feel better by constantly checking on me while he was at work. He also came home with a take-out from Asian Buffet since I was too sick to even go out for dinner.

Thankfully, we had an early celebration at Chicago last weekend and he even gave me flowers and cards in advance! At night, he was up so late trying to reduce my fever by washing my face with towel. Though we spent the night not exactly as planned, I’ve felt so much love from my husband and this is definitely the best wedding anniversary I could ever ask for- unconditional love and care.

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A Touching Surprise!

My husband surely knows surprises. I came home from work not feeling well so he ran at the store to grab medicines and of course he came back with these beautiful flowers and card!

Our 3rd year anniversary (tomorrow) reminds me of so many reasons why I made the decision to marry him. More than his thoughtfulness, he showers me each day with love and care more than any wife could ever dream of.

He’s probably the only husband in the world who wakes up early each day just to prepare my breakfast and lunch! He helps me with household chores without qualms- doing dishes, laundry and folding clothes, and even sweeping/ mopping/ vacuuming the floor!

Three years ago, my dreams and priorities were different. I’m glad they all changed because my heart is finally home- in the arms of my husband who loves me unconditionally.

Happy 3rd Year anniversary, Beb and looking forward for more travels with you. I love you to infinity and beyond!

“You are the answer to every prayer I've offered. You are a song, a dream, a whisper, and I don't know how I could have lived without you for as long as I have.” -Nicholas Sparks-

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Happy Birthday, Ms. Dina!

There are three events that would always remind me of Ms. Dina. She was my former co-teacher at El Shaddai International School where I worked before at Jakarta, Indonesia and probably one of the two Indonesians who touched my life the most (The other was my former school director).

The first event was during the most painful time of my life. After seven years, my first relationship ended and of course I was heartbroken. Even without telling her what really happened, she was the person who was there for me the most. She comforted and prayed for me without judgment. She opened her house for several days so I could be out of the city and take a breath. During the days that I was just going through the motions of life, she paved way so I could still function and try to ease the burden. Without her, it would’ve been doubly hard to just simply surpass that moment of my life.

The second was during my most memorable birthday in Jakarta. I’ve been hinting to her how I would love a particular recipe of fish and during a surprise birthday party for me, she went through so much just to bring me that giant fish exactly as I wanted it!

The third was of course the happiest day of my life in Jakarta. When I chose to get married so quickly, some people were not so happy about it. She on the other hand chose not to judge and simply showed nothing but love and happiness for me and David. During my wedding, her family was there as well.

Needless to say, she will always occupy a very special place in our hearts.

My Dear Ms. Dina, 

Thank you so much for everything that you have done for me. I would never forget during the time that I was in dire need of a friend to lean on, you were there for me. How could I ever forget how you simply invited me in your house and allowed me to be part of your wonderful family? We had so many memorable memories together and even during the time that I made the biggest decision of my life, you supported me without questions.

Thank you for everything and wherever I go, David and I will always remember the kind heart you have shown us. Indonesia will always be a very special place in my heart because of you and your family.

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Life’s Greatest Lessons from the Preschool

Choosing the path to be with the four and five-year-olds could be full of plethora of challenges but it’s definitely refreshing to listen to their words and experience their sweetest gestures. Almost 14 years of teaching and here in their small world, I learned life’s greatest lessons from little people with big hearts.

On Being Different

Five months of working at the preschool, not one kid asked me why I look different or why do I have an accent. There was only one time that my being ‘different’ was mentioned. I was reading the book entitled ‘It’s Okay to be Different’ to a five-year-old kid, when I pointed to myself and said, “Your hair is blond and mine is black. We’re different.” He looked at my eyes and told me with all the sincerity he could muster, “I like you because you’re different.”

On Friendship and Forgiveness

A kid screamed and I asked what happened. She said that her best friend told her that ‘She’s breaking up with her and they’re no longer friends’. I tried to explain that when she says those words, she hurts her friend’s feelings. She answered me, “It’s okay. I only said it but I still love her.” After a while, they were playing happily again. For them, forgiveness comes easy.

On Marriage
For being small, they could be very persistent.
1st Kid to the 2nd Kid: I love you and I will marry you.
2nd Kid: I will marry you, too!
3rd Kid to the 2nd Kid: No, I will marry you!
4th Kid to the 1st Kid: What about me? I will marry you!
5th Kid: My mom and dad got married yesterday. I will marry, Ms. Nina!
Me: I’m already married.
5th Kid: I don’t care. I will marry you.


On Love
The purest love that you could ever receive will come from these little people with big hearts.

A five-year-old boy almost asleep takes my hand, puts it on his heart, and hugs it, “I love you and you’re my family.”

A five-year-old girl was talking excitedly about going to her grandma’s house, “My grandma has the best house! Can I bring you with me, please?”

On Settling an Argument
Three kids were talking after an argument.
Kid 1 to Kid 2: You hurt my feelings. That was not so nice.
Kid 2: No, you hurt my feelings!
Kid 3 to Kid 2: Stop it. You’re hurting her feelings. You’re being mean.
Kid 2: No, you’re being mean.
Kid 1: I’m sorry. Let’s just play.


On Death
Death is simple. It's about losing but looking at the brighter side of things.

Kid: Ms. Nina, you have four dogs, right?
Me: No, we have three.
Kid: So, if one dies it's okay. You will still have two.

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10 Months, 4 Seasons, Countless Life’s Lessons

Autumn
The memory was still vivid like it happened not eons ago- multi-colored works of arts, a riot of colors mostly shades of yellow, red and orange, and views from above with objects that glistened like lilac hue. It was autumn and the scenery was painted distinctly on my mind since it was my first time in United States. 

The smell of ripe earth and the feel of mellow, golden sun on my skin left that taste of nostalgic reminiscences of so many firsts as soon as the plane landed on the airport. The joy was immeasurable when I saw the ‘Michigan’ sign. The first few days were days of tears as my husband and I would stare at each other still in disbelief that we were finally together.

Winter
The frigidity of winter rain came so fast as soon as I had my first ever celebration of Thanksgiving. Not surprisingly, it was also marked by another first- my first taste of turkey.

Soon, I watched my boots over the frozen sidewalk. Not long after, my first glimpse of the white snowflakes as they fell from the sky. My husband watched me as my eyes grew huge in bewilderment, and like a child, I jumped up and down trying to catch the soft pieces but they ended in my mouth instead.

My first Christmas with my husband couldn’t be more perfect- carols playing softly, his arms around me, and miles and miles of trees blanketed in snow.

Spring 

Just as I thought it couldn’t get any colder, the snow melted away. From the once barren brown trees sprang new signs of life. The air was scented with flowers blooming. The air was warmer and the cold breeze finally became gentler and breathed new life to once desolate landscape.

Again, my first glimpse of the magical fairy tale where brilliant rays of new life emerged. It was also my first birthday here marked by another first with a ten-mile-walk at Pictured Rocks and an eight-mile-bike at Mackinaw Island- two of the top destinations in Michigan.

Summer
The old adage hit me with reality again. Time indeed flies so fast. As I basked at the scorching heat and the ball of fire in the sky blazed a brilliant amber, there was this dawn of realization that summer completed my four seasons. Though the word ‘firsts’ probably capped off everything, I could not deny the fact that my new life here is also a collection of new learning experiences.

Countless Lessons
Yes, there were myriads of lessons. Cleaning the table after eating at fast-food restaurants would be on top of the list. Then the rest could just be summed up with the seasons- raking leaves during fall, plowing snow during winter, and mowing grass during spring and summer. Yes, starting anew was a bit scary and definitely was not easy but so long as you fill your hearts with faith, hope and love, then life is worth basking in the beauty of the four seasons. Officially celebrating my ten months here in the U.S.A., four seasons, and countless life's lessons. 

"This life is an enduring and complex journey, but finally I have reached the point in my story where I am appreciative of where I've been, proud of where I am, and excited about where I have yet to go.”

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Instructions for Life (Dalai Lama)

The Miracle of Five Minutes

On average, a teacher spends about 45 minutes with the students every day. However, with the aim of completing the required lesson plans and the overwhelming number of students in each class, teachers are usually guilty of failing to make a REAL teacher-student connection.

Several studies have shown that a teacher has great impact in the trajectory of students and a constructive relationship can build a strong connection for learning. Specific lessons are easily forgotten but a student does not forget how a teacher makes a difference in his life.

Recently, I noticed my students interrupting me at the middle of discussion so eager to share about variety of things. Sometimes, they are totally off the topic and it has something to do more with their struggles and exciting news they have for the day. That’s when I thought of giving them five minutes before the start of the lesson to write everything they want to share. The result was amazing. Writing for five minutes gives them a moment to be quiet and think about their day. In the same way, it also enlightens me about what they are going through. The next day, I usually give them encouraging short notes which is related to what they wrote the previous class.

The activity obviously makes them feel more important and their class participation is a lot better. Kids want to feel that they are not only noticed because they have done something wrong but because a teacher cares. I am sure that they will treasure more the five minutes I gave them than the rest of the time I discussed the lesson. Remember, "Students do not care how much you know until they know how much you care".

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Are you a Korean?

More than a month of teaching here and I am already collecting unforgettable memories. My students range from 1st to 6th graders and they are so adorable! Here are some of my memorable and sometimes hilarious experience with them.

Scene 1 (With the 6th Graders):
Student 1: Ms. Nina, are you a Korean?
Student 2: No, she’s not. She’s a Japanese.
Student 3: No. She’s Chinese.
Student 4: No. She’s an immigrant.
Student 5: So, you don’t like Trump?
Me: (Poker face) Let’s continue answering page…

Scene 2 (With the 1st graders):
Student 1: Ms. Nina, where are you from?
Student 2: Are you from Korea?
Me: From the Philippines.
Student 1: Where is that?
Student 2: Do you have TV there? Do you have electricity? Do the people speak English?
Student 1: Is that in China?


Scene 3 (With 6th Graders):
Student 1: Ms. Nina, do you know that I can tell the future?
Me: Oh, really? So, you can see my future?
Student 2: I know what I want to be in the future.
Us: What?
Student 2: A teacher because I want to help kids learn like what you are doing to us.

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Real People Amassing Fortune Online

There’s fortune in online work. It may seem like a scam but that’s the reality. Here are the people who are making a wave online while amassing thousands/ millions of dollars in online work.

1. PewDiePie. He made a big name in YouTube with over 54 million subscribers in just seven years. The Sweden born YouTuber created a channel out of boredom back in 2010. It is hard to believe that he gave up University and worked in a Hotdog stand just to fund his videos. Since then, his success is unstoppable. His videos range from commentaries, comedy and vlogs. He got involved in several controversies but his fame continued to soar. Due to his success, he was named as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World and his monthly earning is estimated around 1 million dollars. 

2. Itsjudytime. If you want an inspiration to start an online work, Judy Travis and family might be the best choice. They are ordinary family doing nothing but traveling and enjoying life. Judy and Benji are both successful vloggers who have millions of followers. Though their number is not as high as PewDiePie, their channel is an example that showing even an ordinary life can make you successful in YouTube. Their latest achievement was being able to raise more than 500,000 dollars in less than one month for charity. What makes their videos extraordinary? Nothing, really. Judy is a beauty guru and uploads makeup tutorials but it is the videos of everyday activities of her family which lure viewers and entice sponsors. Judy has several channels but it is ‘Itsjudytime’ which is raking a lot of money- an estimated 3,700- 59,000 dollars a month!

3. MarkDawson. Money online is not just from YouTube videos. Take for instance the success of this self-published entrepreneur. Amazon pays him 450,000 dollars a year and his success is mainly attributed to his book series about an assassin called John Milton. Most of the best sellers in Amazon are actually self-published.

4. Timothy Sykes. He is one of the most successful in the online world and is getting about 150,000-180,000 dollars monthly for his sideline job which is blogging. He uses his success from stock operation in creating inspiring articles about investments, finance and the like. In fact, he makes millions just teaching people how to write articles! 

5. MichaelArrington. He has a monthly revenue of about 500,000-800,000 dollars for being a tech guru. Technology lovers get almost minute to minute update from his site.

If you want more inspiration to start your own online work, check this list of top earners in YouTube, Blogs, and Amazon.

TopTen Bloggers
Top50 Earning Blogs
TenBest- Selling Self-Published Authors
TopTen Richest Youtubers

If you want to know more how to start an online job and where to get revenues, subscribe and join my mailing list for the next article. Learn the steps of earning online!

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Filipino Wife- American Husband Dream Valentine's Day

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY BEB!
By: David

Finally, we are together on Valentine’s Day. It is now our third valentine’s day that we have been together but it’s really our first one being together physically! It is so surreal that you are here and we are not apart anymore. I remember how sad we were being apart last year it was really hard on both of us, and the video you made of us last year made me teary!

I just feel so very blessed to have u here with me beb and am happier than I have ever been. Thank you for sticking by my side through all the crazy stuff we had to endure to be with me love! Happy valentines day Nina, I love u!!!

Love,
David

A Dream Come True
By: Nina

Three Valentine's Day thousand miles away from each other and we're so excited that finally we would be able to celebrate it together! Unexpected circumstances happened though. We were both sick since last weekend. I had body pain and high temperature (again) while my husband has terrible sore throat and stuffy nose.

However, David said that we have waited this day for so long to just simply let it go as an ordinary day. When I got in the car after my class this morning, his gift and card surprised me. Despite of not feeling so well, he ran in to Walmart while I was in school to join the queue of husbands wanting to get something for their wives. My husband defies the odds when it comes to proving his love and I can't thank him more than enough. I love you, my forever, beb. There's nothing that I can ask for because having you means having everything in life.

Happy Valentine's day!

Love,
Nina

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Love from Afar

The first time we saw each other! 

Hello, everybody. This is David, Nina’s husband. I am not much of a writer but I’d like to talk a bit about our adventure. I think our love story might be an inspiration to other couples since it is almost Valentine’s Day.

The way I see it, the person you will spend your life with should be your best friend and the time that I met Nina was the time I needed a good friend. She was there for me night and day. After a year of talking six hours a day on the phone, we decided that I should come to Indonesia and with me was a ring and I had already made up my mind that she was the one for me. It was the most terrible plane ride I could ever imagine and I never had any experience flying before so I was like a scared cat with my claws digging to the seat every time the plane experienced turbulence. But, the second I saw her when I was coming out of the airport, I knew she was the woman for me.

People say long distance relationship usually does not work out but I disagree. I feel that we know more each other because all we could do was talk. Most people jump into a relationship so fast and they don’t even have time to get to know each other. Our relationship is based on our feelings for each other not just by physical attraction but much deeper.

I think we know each other so well and that’s what helped us through such a long process that most people would not be able to endure. Most people would have given up but I saw something amazing in Nina that I would have waited a lifetime for. God has blessed us with a love that only people can dream about. And after waiting for more than two years, we are together for our first Valentine’s Day. So, I’d better get her a good gift. Lol.

I hope I didn’t bore everybody because this is not the first time I will be writing in her blog. Lol.

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Busiest Day Ever!

It's been a day of running around. I can’t drive yet and I am just so blessed to have a husband who patiently caters to all my needs ALWAYS. The program director of the center even commented my husband is so sweet!

Anyways, seeing the dawn of understanding on the face of one of my students is the highlight of my day. When you know that you are making a difference no matter how minuscule it is, a teacher’s heart will always swell with pride.

Dani got to ride with us when I attended the staff meeting. 

Being an expat teacher for several years and learning various culture probably makes the adjustment easier. Not that there’s much difference from what I got used to. Strange as it may seem, I always feel like everything’s the same especially observing some of the teachers. But, there’s always some lesson you can learn along the way. Each day, I am meeting more people and I feel blessed to be in a place where I believe everybody’s accepted!

So, starting the day with the first class at 6:50 a.m. and ending it with the staff meeting at 6:30 p.m. wasn’t really that bad. Dani, one of our dogs, even got to ride with us when I attended the meeting!

Every day, we have a lot of opportunities to be stressed, frustrated or worried. But, we can always opt to take the positive side of things.

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The Man Who Redefined Humanity

It is easy to be swayed by the false pretext of what embodies humanity. However, one man changed everything.

 
At the time when so much hatred is going all around us and it is easy to spread the endemic of negativity, we can take refuge with the story of the man who redefined humanity in its entirety. Sir Nicholas Winton, the man who saved 669 children before the outbreak of World War II. It would have been easier for him to simply ignore the darkness looming since he had the comfort and the means as a stockbroker. Instead, he chose the road less traveled by.
 
He organized the rescue mission of the children and raised money for their travel. The rescue of the children from the imminent danger of the war did not even touch the surface of the magnanimity of his compassionate heart. For decades, he chose to keep silent and he did not even tell anything to his wife. Watch the videos and find out more about this man who embodied not just benevolence but humility and kindness beyond explanation. At the time when the world is so divided, we can learn a simple lesson from the legacy Sir Nick left.

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First Day Back to School!

My first time back to work last week. I started my training at the center under Sylvan University.

The biting cold chilled my fingers in a freezing temperature as we waited for the school to open. The frigid wind made me shiver as I told my colleagues that I was never out that early since arriving in Michigan. I don’t know if it’s because of the excitement or what but I woke up earlier than what I planned. It was 6:50 a.m. but the whole school was still enveloped in darkness.

Taken this morning at the school where I am teaching part-time. 

Well, today officially marks my first day back in school so I guess I was excited about it. Technically speaking, this isn’t my first day of teaching here since I have started tutoring at the center last Monday. It is only temporary but I was a bit anxious about how the day would go.

The thousand times I was inside the classroom did not help to lessen that familiar adrenaline rush only teachers would understand. I needed to remind myself that my job is not just to teach but to experience the journey and joy of learning with the students. So, yes, it was an unforgettable day. I can’t wait to discover what else is in store for me in this place!

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The Best Husband!

The journey of life can be challenging at times. While we have this fixation of a ‘perfect’ life, it can’t be at all times. The truth is, facing hurdles is a daily part of life and nothing satisfies but having a relationship with mutual trust, understanding and respect.

Thankfully, I’ve been blessed with a husband who patiently teaches me each day that amidst the difficulties of life, we have each other to lean on. Today’s one of those challenging days and my husband being so sensitive with my feeling, simply hugged me in my silence. No words, just a loving embrace.

While others think that love can be equated by the butterflies in their tummy, I do believe that sometimes, it’s doing small things for each other. Like my husband waking me up with an elaborate dinner because he wanted to enliven my spirit.

We may not have a perfect life but I believe we have a perfect love. Yes, I do have the best husband and I thank God for this greatest gift of my life!

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