PFAC PALAWAN REUNION 2013

Andrew Taylor's PFAC Palawan Reunion

Greetings to the Participants

August 17 to August 22, 2013

(Transcribed by Stephen Taylor on September 8, 2013)

KEEP THE FIRE BURNING!

A big hello and hug to our Vietnamese brothers and sisters who have made it to the reunion.  I love you all and miss you.  I really wish I could come.  It's been ages since I last saw all of you but you're always in my thoughts and in my heart.  I'm glad we are all connected on Facebook and I'm sincerely grateful to the organizers of this reunion, PFAC Palawan 2013.  WE SHOULD KEEP THE FIRE BURNING!

My work in PFAC has so far been the greatest accomplishment that I've ever had in my life. It helped shape the person that I am today... strong, confident, positive, generous and kind.

For me, my service in PFAC Palawan was not a job.  It was a joy and privilege to serve the Vietnamese people and I will do it again in a heartbeat.

I came to the camp as a young teacher and I also became a brother, a father, an uncle, a friend, a family member, a councilor... and more importantly, as an inspiration to the people that I served.

I will always be a teacher, but not just a teacher.  I'm also a singer, an actor, a stage director, a poet, and a dancer.  I use the classroom as a venue or a stage to educate, inspire, and entertain other people... and my students are my satisfied audience.

I believe in putting other people first.  I wake up every morning with a smile on my face knowing that I am privileged to have the opportunity to make a lasting impression on other people's lives.

As a teacher, I never hesitate to regularly inject humor into my teaching. I always affirm and validate my students and treat them with respect and compassion.  When the students make mistakes I offer them suggestions not criticism.  Everyday, I show them that I trust them, that I believe in their potentials. 

To the teachers!  Please do what makes you happy outside of your work hours.  If you're happy outside of the classroom you will bring that energy back on the job.

To the Vietnamese (former) refugees, especially those from PFAC Palawan!   Let's be reminded of our humble beginning, our simple but strong foundation and how it has helped us shape who we are today.  PFAC Palawan, we will never ever forget you.

Enjoy the reunion everybody!  God bless you all... and God bless PFAC Palawan.  As I said, "Keep the fire burning!" 

Hugs and kisses from Van, Stephen, and Sarah.  Bye!

Recorded in Toronto, Canada on August 15, 2013

 

Images courtesy of Gemma Ledesma (HTC-PFAC PalawanTeacher)

OUR PFAC PALAWAN BOY SCOUTS (Part One) with VY DUC

The Active Boy Scouts

of PFAC Palawan

 

Van, Vy Duc, Nhan, and Phong 

Bon, Liem, Vy Duc and Nhan

Minh Chuong, Phong, Luan

PFAC PALAWAN BOY SCOUTS

*****

***

*

It was Definitely a Blessing Having Had YOU in My Class, Minh Chuong!

These pictures were taken at Miles High Park in Orange County, California during our class reunion on December 26, 2007.

PFAC Palawan

June 19, 1992

Dear Sir!

"No guide. How can you succeed?" This is what I translate from a Vietnamese proverb that I learned when I was younger. It's right, Sir! If I hadn't had you, Teacher Benny, and Teacher Babes, and all the teachers in HTC-PFAC School, what would I be like now? I know I'm not the first one who benefited from your class, but what I gained helped me shine in my own azure sky. I couldn't ask for more. I'm satisfied by it; it is an extra dream of mine.

Before I thought I was living in vain. "Every single night and day is passing by. Where is the place that I am". I thought I couldn't point it out. In my lifetime the light was less than the dark. I was frustrated. Fortunately I have met you. You're like the torch to enlight and the key to unlock my way.

I thank God he gave me a chance to come to HTC School and especially to your class. Whatever I got from you I will keep it in my heart; I will treasure and protect it; I will cherish it. One day I was your student. I'm still and will be forever. Finally, I wish you success in whatever you do. Wherever you go I will pray for you. Have a good luck and a happy trip back home.

Your student,

Minh Chuong