With the on-going war among nations, specifically what happened to Syria, I could only wish for this prophecy to be fulfilled in earliest possible time...

It's my 34th Birthday and I truly had a blast starting with the surprise party given to me by my former advisory. 

I am deeply touched by my student's thoughtfulness. These bunch of ''kids'' can either make or break your day. They can be rude at times, they can be seems irresponsible, immature BUT they have this tendencies to melt your heart, to make you cry, to make you feel special.

These bunch of ''kids'' are just kids who maybe deprived with so many things in life yet they manage to stand and stay strong. Their behavior may seems unruly but when you try to get into their heart, there you can find an ailing soul, a broken heart, a disturbed spirit.

These are the bunch of ''kids'' who needs more understanding, more patience and more unconditional love...

If you try to get to know them better you might see what I saw in them, and you might feel what I felt for them.

That is why I love them very much and I am so proud to say that somehow my love for them was equally reciprocated, not just for today but everyday.

AND YES, I consider them as "kids" because they need more guidance.

To them, thank you for making my day!

Recently, news from Bob Parsons GoDaddy founder, reported that the foundation he and his wife operated, the Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation, had donated to an organization that few people may have heard of, but one they found to be critical to healing those who had been abused. The Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona organization helps heal homeless and abused children through artistic expression.

History of Organization

In 1993, Elda Unger and Margaret Beresford, both art therapists, met to discuss a program that Ms. Unger had founded in California. The program, Free Arts for Abused Children, used creative arts as a tool for healing in children who had been abused. Ms. Beresford, along with Stephanie Small, who became the Executive Director of the Arizona program, gathered others who with a passion for the arts as well as healing and children. With an initial $30,000 budget and five volunteers, the program began with 60 children, the two women launched the Arizona program.

Significant Growth

Since that small beginning, Free Arts for Abused Children in Arizona has grown to 13 paid staff members, more than 550 volunteers and a budget of more than $1 million. More than 8,000 children receive therapy through four core programs. In 2015, the organization was awarded the National Society of Arts and Letters Arts Advocacy Award. In 2011, they were given the Governor’s Arts Community Award and named the Arts Organization of the Year by the Arts and Business Council of Greater Phoenix. They are the only group to win that award twice and is the only non-profit organization in Arizona to bring therapeutic creative arts programs to homeless and abused children.

Benefits of Art Therapy

The creative process required in artistic self-expression can help individuals physically, emotionally and mentally. In addition, art therapy has been used to resolve conflicts, develop interpersonal skills, reduce stress and manage behavior. There have been studies conducted that indicate that art heals by changing attitudes and physiology. As the individual expresses themselves through art, their physiology changes. They become more relaxed, less fearful and more in control. Science has shown that art and music can change brain wave patterns, affect the autonomic nervous system and balance hormones. Children, in particular, respond well to art therapy as it helps them with problem-solving skills and increases cognitive ability. Students who are exposed to art classes in school are often more successful academically in some areas of math and reading.

Group Therapy

In addition to individual therapy, the organization also promotes community-based art programs to provide socialization to those who may be isolated. These community programs provide an outlet for those who need to work through every day problems without feelings of judgement. For lower income children, art offers them the ability to express themselves while also increasing positive relationships with adults, developing motivation and helping them create their own identity.

Free Arts for Abused Children in Arizona’s core values are that art heals, that every child matters and that mentoring works. They believe that creative arts transform lives, that children have every right to be respected and cared for. They also believe that mentoring builds self-esteem, social skills, trust and the ability to express feelings in a positive way. Their vision is to be the premier resource for healing children through art.

As a College Instructor for almost a decade now, I met lots of students with different personalities. There were those students who leaves a lasting imprints in your life, those who made , in one way or another, a difference that somehow made me, as  teacher, to become more humble and genuine. 

I do learn a lot from my students. I gained much lessons in life from them. It's varied but somehow unique in their own little way.

That is why, when one of my best students passed away, I really can't help but cry. It's a great loss but knowing the fact that he is already at peace in heaven, it lightens the burden within us, somehow though at the back of our mind we could only hope and pray and wish he could stay a little bit longer. But again, it was written in the Bible, Many are the plans of man but it is the plans of GOD that SHALL prevail.

To you, Jake, thank you for making a difference in our lives. We'll surely miss you and your unique but awesome personality.

Enjoy your day with the Lord always.

Rest in peace.

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Things are getting complicated lately, so does my responsibilities as a teacher, a mother, a wife, and a blogger! Honestly, with so many things in my mind, and so many tasks to be done, I am quite confused how to begin and what should come first. Of course, you might say, as a Mom and a wife, my family should be on top of my priority. As the breadwinner, I might say, I should prioritize my job. Well, by strength coming from God, I was amazed how I could get things done simultaneously.

Maybe because PERSEVERANCE is the key. For me, I could define this word as doing things slowly yet surely. God never failed to amaze me with the strength and wisdom that He bestowed upon me. He is simply amazing