The Lord of the Flies--- Flying Through New Horizon

     With the rapid change of economic situation, it is not a big wonder to discover that everything else increases prices too. One of the most affected is the prices of books. Majority of the hard copies on the shelves have increase prices that the luxury of owning a copy of some most favored title becomes a luxury. It is true that e-readers become the latest trend however, as an educator who supports the culture of reading, I still believe that no one can beat the lasting values of hard copy books.  Hard copy books can last longer and can benefit many people. Reading through the printed page allows the readers to explore and dig deeper into the soul of printed text. Passing a copy to another person also communicates personal love and care. The book that is being handed down often transformed into the language of love and care in promoting education and caring for the well being of the next reader.
      With this, I still influence my students to own books and share them to each other. Most likely, this becomes our culture inside our classroom. As we keep acquiring and exchanging our copies we also tried to explore several possibilities where we can purchase our copies for cheaper price but with greater return.Eventually, we found an amazing collections of fiction books from http://canadapost.ca/shopper/literature-fiction-books/sc/905.  The site carries almost complete collections of classic and contemporary titles. It also provides an array of choices from other different online stores which gave a chance to compare prices. The free shipping privilege is also very remarkable. It might be a tough economy we are having now but the site provides an alternative to ease the financial burden of books' prices. I strongly believe that with their reasonable services, there is no excuse that we can not continue upholding the culture of reading.
     Acquiring proper and usable materials need not to be expensive. With a little patience of searching and knowing the right place to order and get them, new wonders will be opened. Knowledge is not hidden from a far. They are just lying somewhere in one corner waiting for someone to discover it. The after effect of nuclear bombing in Japan is not a far mystery to discover. It is just hidden on the pages of amazing books like "The Lord of the Flies". Coming into a right online page that provides reasonable rates opens the doors to fly further into the depths of the new reading horizon 
     

Healing Spirit of Chiricahua National Monument

     In the heart of Chihuahuan Desert hid a  breathtaking and relaxing "World of Rocks".  It is a short drive from the town of Wilcox, AZ. The drive is often exciting due to the entertaining beauty of the desert that will eventually led to the welcoming aura of Coronado Forest. The knowledge of the history of Apache Nation, Cochise Life and Struggles and The Western Civil War make every communion in this community alive. There is an alluring magic intertwined within the spirit of the great people and nature that makes Chricahua National Monument a haven of peace and sanctuary to all souls who look for solace and freedom. This is my experience that made me love and come back to this amazing work of Nature.
     It's an hour and a half drive from my place to Chricahua but the drive is always worthwhile. I am always filled with joy given by the beautiful scene of Highway 82 passing through Patagonia, Sonoita and Elgin. The beautiful landscape brings to life the image of America I used to see in the books when I was a little girl in the Philippines. I always stop by the Amerind Museum and Texas Canyon. This place is a fountain of knowledge and wisdom of Native American history.  As I  enter this territory, I am imagining Cochise, Geronimo and all the Chricahuan Apaches traveling these mountains and climbing the beautifully formed rocks. Along the monument's entrance, I usually stop to touch the rock with the monument's name. It is my way of telling the place that I am back again and I am thankful. Adding to the beauty of the place are the different wildlife that commune with human along the way. The black tail deer, skunks and squirrels are just some of the wonderful pluses. The diversity of flora and fauna makes the place true haven too.
     In one of my visits, I was truly excited when I came face to face with a coatimundi near the organ pipe formation. It was one of my unforgettable encounters with the natural residents of Chiricahua. I was literally jumping for joy because I actually laid my eyes to the animal that is considered endangered in AZ. Most of all, I recognized it and it showed itself to me for sometimes. The lullaby of bird's chorus near the Massai Peak is a priceless gift of nature too. These are just some of the little treats I receive with my many trips to the place.
     Every return I make, I always  have a great anticipation for a wonderful surprise waiting for me at the peak of Massai. Standing tall at the peak and looking at the forest of rocks gives me the feeling that I truly conquered all the weaknesses I have. It gives me a temporary relief from the stresses of a busy lifestyle. I totally forgot the race of life I am living down in the plains. Sitting on the rocks and looking down at the gorgeous nature makes me deepen my love and appreciation of our Creator. This is a feeling that I can never bargain for any materialistic pleasure that this world will offer. Chiricahua has a spirit that heals the wounds caused by plains. It provides an opportunity to be alone with myself, our Creator and our mother Earth.
    I am literally drunk with  life from the breast of our loving Mother Earth. I am being lulled to sleep by the gentle breeze of its breath. I am being calmed by the soothing voices of its birds. I am being transported to the bosom of love that no human can ever give. I learned from the footprints and wisdom of our ancestors who depended on the bounties of this luscious kingdom for life.  Most of all, I am being healed by the spirit of the land that it give to all its children who come home for rest. Chiricahua makes me love life and appreciate the beauty of simplicity that our Creator has given freely.
  

Life as We Knew It

      My short exchange of hi and hello with my sister informed me that our former principal, Sir Boy, passed away yesterday. I told my sister that maybe he had already accomplished his purpose so the time for him to go home to the bosom of Allah had came. After the conversation, I sat and recalled my memory of Sir Boy. For sure he was never been a perfect school administrator. He was just a mediocre professional from a minority Muslim group in Mindanao. He was one of those lucky few who found his way under the care of Catholic Missionaries who eventually sent him to school. Later, he worked hard in order to complete his university years to become one of the pioneer teachers of Isulan National High School. He was then married to another Muslim teacher who also grew up with another Catholic Missionaries. In one way or another, the influence of Christian upbringing can be seen in their ways within their household. Islam is dominantly practiced by many of their ways are related to Christian. Sir Boy was my mom's friend so I saw how he tried to beat all odds in order to climb the professional ladder of education in the Philippines.  I also saw how some Muslim royalties disobeyed his authority as a school principal because of the stereotype that he just descended from an orphanage. Despite of everything, he remained calm and tried his best to address every issue. He was always with a fatherly smile.
      Sir Boy was also the person who opened the first door of opportunity when I was struggling with my teaching career. I remembered when one afternoon I met him along the fish market in our town. He stopped to ask me if I am his friend's daughter. I confirmed and he again asked me if I was still interested to become a teacher in his school. I was truly amazed when I said yes! He then told me that he will expect me to his office the following morning. I did report to his office and he led me without questions to "my classroom". I was so delighted but I still asked him if he needed to require me some documents and interview. Before he left, he told me that he already had them and he knew that I am a great teacher. I found confidence and even if the position is temporary, I did my best to become a great teacher. When the school year ended, Sir Boy decided to keep me which created a very big issue within the board. He defended his decision and stood to keep me in my teaching post. Several staff had shown me unwelcoming gestures and I found support from the group of other Muslim teachers. Several gossips against me arose but Sir Boy supported me with an assurance that he trusted my capacity as a teacher. Again, I did everything I can to deserve my principal's trust.
     The time came when  national permanent items for teachers were released. Sir Boy did his best to get one for me. However, politics and money defeated his noble purpose. He tried his best to fight my cause to the superintendent's office but his cause was trampled down. We lost my item but he taught me a deep sense of integrity through his actions.  The hypocrites who were watching had celebrated my failure. It was painful but I took courage from the integrity of my principal and my pains. I decided to leave our place and seek employment at the university in the city. I was given a chance and in the university, I gained enough experiences and trainings that qualified me for a teaching position in US.
      While completing my US application, I again went back to Sir Boy to ask for his recommendation. He expressed his dismay that I was leaving the country to work with foreign students. Still, he willingly gave me his support through the recommendation letter. Before  I stepped out of his office, he reminded me that if in the future I will decide to come back, he will still willing hire me. I smiled and he stood to lead me to the door. That was also the last time I saw Sir Boy's fatherly smile. Occasionally, he sent his regards through my mom which I gladly returned by saying that I am fine.
    Sir Boy is an example of a person whose heart's desire is just to find a decent place for himself and his family in this world. He just wanted to improve his identity and fulfill his dreams of becoming somebody that people will recognize through his worth as human. He succeeded to beat the challenges of ignorance and poverty but the quest for society's  acceptance had been a constant battle for him. Several members of society refused to accept that a once an orphan made it to the race that very few people finished. Sir Boy's life was bombarded with gossips, intrigues and lies inflicted by people who suffer from professional jealousy. However, despite of everything, Sir Boy remained calm and compassionate. He had never keep anger or hatred to anybody. He tried his best to be nice to everyone---both Muslims and Christians. Personally, I will be forever grateful to him for believing in my abilities and for taking the pain of opening the doors of my professional journey.


                           ---------- SALAAM SIR BOY and ENS-AH ALLAH!!!