I normally reserve these letters for a topic that in some way relates to Voluntourism or Linguatourism. Sometimes I have to stretch it, but I'm usually OK with the final result.
For this letter I've decided to highlight one of my daughters. She, like her younger brother, are home and therefore impacted by my significant travel schedule The two older children have been out of the house awhile and my absence in their lives is by agreement. They have agreed to pursue their lives and I have agreed to let them. I admit to butting in more than they like, but overall, we have an amiable agreement in place for them to be adults even when they behave like children. But when I go away, mostly they just don't know it. But the two little ones...they know when I'm gone.
Molly, my ten year old, gave me this Father's Day card she made. I thought it was very creative. There is a candy in the USA named Pop Rocks. They are small, crackling candies that pop and crackle in your mouth when you eat them. So I was really impressed when Molly gave me this card, "10 Reasons Why My" and then the candy Pop Rocks is under that. At 58, I'm very happy to be a "rockin' pop."
Here is what she wrote inside her homemade Father's Day card:
1. He helps me with Tae Kwon Do when I'm stuck, like the morning of a test he assures us we will do great.
2. He speaks Oklahomian sometimes, which I think is really cool and funny.
3. He puts on 92 hours of holiday music. It's annoying at first but I get used to it in the end. Hey, it's a family tradition.
4. He makes the best mashed potatoes in the whole world! He makes them creamy with potato skins to make them crunchy.
5. He doesn't mind that I miss Father's Day. I have for the last three years 'cause I go to camp on Father's Day weekend.
6. We have Father's Day dinner at Mickey D's (because of me and Abe). I think he's mad but he doesn't show it.
7. He pronounces pajamas, stretching out the 2nd "a." Instead of pa jaw muss he says pa jam us. I say it sometimes like that and my mom makes fun of me.
8. He tries (I emphasize tries) to make me feel better when I'm sad. Sometimes it works and I always appreciate him trying.
9. He loves when I suck up to him. My brothers and sister all make fun of me, and I don't care.
10. He brings me loads of cool stuff when he travels like the Chinese ink set and the huge seashell from The Keys. I miss him a lot but I know he will come back soon.
Abraham Lincoln once said, "Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality." I am very proud of my children. On Father's Day, my two oldest called me from 14,345 feet above sea level...the summit of Mt. Evans in Colorado. When they were celebrating the biggest athletic achievement of their lives, they called to wish me a Happy Father's Day. My youngest gave me a hand-made card just like Molly did. They all put some effort into making me feel special. My commitment to them has never wavered. I will be the best example I can. And when I make a decision, I will make it as if all 4 of them were standing there watching me.
The commitment our volunteers and teachers make each day is nothing less. They sacrifice being away from friends and family to help others and to be a good example, an ambassador of their country. Instead of touring or sitting on a beach they are working each day for free and they are making a difference. I am proud of them all and GeoVisions is a better organization with these teachers and volunteers in it.
Happy Father's Day. And, on December 5, 2008 we will be celebrating International Volunteer's Day. More on that in another letter. But mark December 5 on your calendar and celebrate with us!
Sincerely,
Randy LeGrant
Executive Director