Queens & Kings

There's a place befiting Queens & Kings
An Altitude only Eagles can attain
A class of Nobles, ahead of the crowd …
That's where you belong
Have a gud9t. Luv u

From NANA

As the sun rises and the beautiful birds fly into the air

All they do is to twitter for beautiful creatures like you

to wake up from your sweet sleep

Good morning

I was shocked when my request was turned down

I requested for an angel to watch over you

But the angel said it can't be possible

Because angels don't watch over angels

I never knew you are an angel

Have a sound sleep my angel

And have a good night

Hope you doing good

and you looking so bright, so tight, so nice, so right

like the shinning star in daytime

Infact you are as wonderful as the sunshine

Have a good day

How re doing?

Hope u gud

bcos u re so precious like a treasure without any measure

so special like a decimal in numerals

special like stars at night.

Good night.

What Billy tells

"The minds of Billy Milligan"

It is the documentary non-fiction novel, published more than 10 years ago.

But it teaches us thousands of lessons still now.

The author succeeded in letting readers know not only the cruel truth that child abuse bring to the victims, but also the facts that everyone can have many personalities within. Someone who is damaged his heart creates the other personality within his mind. To avoid the severe pain. Not to hurt anymore, because it's too painful to live.

Each coexisting personalities have remarkable talents. One can speak British English, another has a Slavic accent or Brooklyn. Some of them are children, naughty, and good at painting, but some are so mature that he can control his mind, even adrenalin! And to survive under mad living conditions, some undertake hatred and improve violence and intelligence. Moreover each personality has his own perfect background, homeland and sex.

As some mental doctors stated in the story, his consequences might help science reveal human beings. And my suggestion is that he can be chemistry of science with spiritual phenomenon. His personalities prove that acquired circumstances do not coincide with actual identities completely. How could you explain that Billy knew well some strange land where he had never been to?

He gave us lots of lessons, whether we accept his merciless living history and inconsistent of spirits. It goes without saying that physical social problems should be dealt with adequately, his spirits show that there are certainly some invisible matter that is too complicated for modern science to demonstrate. But now we human beings need to awake to this new and old idea to bring a deadlock to an end.

I believe that these INDIGOs are surely messengers for human beings to get noticed.

He is a true silver lining of our cloudy & uncertain future.

Don't you think so?

Homestay @CHIRAA in Sunyani

Good afternoon, everyone.

I’m Shoko Mori, who joins JOCV and is going to work for Forest Service Division in Sunyani, in the middle land of Ghana, as a rural community developer in order to improve the livelihood of local people who live around forest reserve area.

I gave a presentation as a final report of assignment. So, I’d like to talk about my home stay program in Chiraa. First is the aim of this home stay program. Second is my host family, the third is my assigned place, Chiraa and Easter Holiday, which is the biggest event during the homestay program. The last is Sunyani, where my office is located.
(But I'm sorry that I couldn't put my slideshow I used in my presentaion.)

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I stayed with local family for 2 weeks from 4th to 18th April 2009.

This program aims to learn local language and local culture. Moreover Volunteers are required to build relationships between recipient agency and local people who live in their assigned place.

I spent peaceful & moderate time with my host family. There 5 people & 1 dog. Host mother’s name is Madam POKUAA. When I introduced myself, I always said “ Me te aunte POKUAA Fie.” That means ‘ I live in Madam POKUAA house.’ She & her daughter manage a small boutique, so everybody know her name.

I spent a lot time with Sister JULIET. She does all housework by herself. She taught me not only TWI language (local language I’m going to use) but also the reality of African women.

Her little brother ADAMS is 29 years old, but he’s not working and always sitting on a bench in the garden, though he can speak English fluently. Actually, he is quite mysterious person for me.

PAPAYAO is a son of Juliet who doesn’t have a husband, and he is honesty and charming senior high student. And Watch dag BADDY is our important family member, he became attached me at last.

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CHIRAA is small town, it takes 30 minutes by taki from Sunyani where is capital city in Brong Afafo region and 9 hours by bus from Accra, capital of Ghana.

All of the people in Chiraa are so kind & heartwarming.

When I waked alone, I met a boy, Richmond. He guided me to Roman Church, Presbyterian Church, Mosques, markets and so on. This picture was taken with his family. Behind POKUAA house, there are Methodist schools, such as kindergarten, primary school, and junior high school. Next to the kindergarten, Mad POKUAA’s boutique is located.

And my host family goes to this Methodist Church every Sunday, as well as Easter Holiday.
I went there with my host family on Easter Sunday. Everybody wore formal dress, sang hymn and danced. I attend with Ghanian clothes with Naomi, who is my colleague and roommate. I was surprised to see many religious people and really enjoyed the sacred event.

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The last is about SUNYANI, one of the biggest city in Ghana and my office is located in.

I went to Sunyani sometimes because there are big markets in center of Sunyani. And my new house is located besides Highway from Chiraa to Sunyani. Plenty forest lies along the highway.

To preserve these forests with local community people, JICA implemented the technical project for 5 years. Now I’m joining to them to improve Income Generation Activities. I’m looking forward to working with them.

So in this home stay program, I learned TWI language and Ghanian culture through my host family.

And I’d like to enjoy my 2 years in Chiraa.
Thank you for reading.

Dearest CHIHIRO

Hi★Chihi!

Long time no see!

How have you been?
I’m so sorry that I didn’t visit to Kyoto and greet you before I left.

I finished my training in Nihonmatsu in Fukushima prefecture. (Actually that was also marvelous, I made many friends and I’m sure you’d like some of them! Their background and personalities are too various to express. Some joined Working Holiday in Australia or New Zealand, went abroad to study development , worked in finance or consultatnt, traveled around the world, and so on!)

And now, finally, I’m coming GHANA!!!

As a Japanese Overseas Cooperation Volunteer,
my assignment is Rural Community Developer.

Moreover, here in Ghana, I enjoy (rather, should enjoy?) my survival life.

Water supply and electronic power are often cut off, and I’m accustomed to seeing big cockroaches and lizards gradually and going outside without makeup & sunburn.
I experienced home stay in my assigned place, rural small town in the middle land of Ghana, it takes more than 9 hours by bus from capital city Accra.

And now I’m waiting in Dormitory in Accra, because my new house is under construction.

Before I left Japan, I went to Aoyama to visit our university with Tomo-tomo.

Main path from the gate to the library, maidenhair trees besides the approach, the benches where we talked all the time, the Wesley Chapel, classrooms, study office, pedestrian bridges in front of the university… Everything made me remember my student life.

You know, we talked many things!!! From International politics, Conflict resolution, such as election of the president of USA, Iraq War, the UN charter; the way we are and going to be in the futures, our dreams; to cute & sweet café, shops, boutiques, & of course LOVE!!!

Chihi, you are one of the most respectful friends. You believe your own way and senses, keep strong will and enjoy feminine life as well as other F4 member, Sachi & Rinko!

You always inspire me & I believe we are friend forever wherever we are, even though we can’t contact so often. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

P.S.
I apologize that I can’t go to Buenos Aires with you!
& we can keep in touch anytime if you joined FACEBOOK.

With a lot of Love XOXO!!!

Sincerely,
Shoko

Mole National Park

Good afternoon everybody. My name is Shoko Mori. I’m going to go to Ghana as a rural community development officer. My assignment is to help improve the livelihood of local people who live in forest reserve area. Today, I’d like to talk about 2 topics relating to nature conservation; Mole National Park, and the project of environmental preservation of JICA. National parks in Ghana have important roles in nature conservation. In addition, JICA’s forestry project will last end next month where I am going to go. My presentation will take 10 minutes and is divided into 4 parts; 1st is location of Mole national park, 2nd is wildlife in the park, and 3rd is about other attractions. Finally, I will talk about the JICA’s forestry project. If you have any question, please keep them until the end of presentation.
Shall we start? OK, let’s start with part one.

First, I’d like to talk about location of Mole National Park. ( with map)
There are many national parks in Ghana. Ghana has a variety of natural areas, such as tropical forests in the south, savannahs in the north, and a transitional area between them located in the center of the land. Mole National Park is located in northern savannah area, and from 170 kilometers west of Tamale which is the 3rd largest city in Ghana. The park is 4840 square kilometers the largest game reserve. It takes 12 hours from the capital city Accra to Tamale, and 6 hours from Tamale to Mole by bus. The roads are difficult to reach, but a stunning panorama awaits you!

Second is about the wildlife in Mole. (with pictures)
You can see more than 90 species of mammals, 30 species of reptiles; such as snakes or lizard, and 300 species of birds in the park. The mammals include 600 elephants, 2000 antelopes, 3000 hartebeests, 4000 waterbucks, (actually, these 3 mammals are similar herbivorous which have big horns and run very fast) 5000 buffalo and 6000 warthogs. It is also home to uncounted leopards, hyenas, and various monkeys. But the last lion, discovered in 2004 and was been killed by poachers. And you can go on a walking or car safari with an experienced and armed ranger for each group. It is strictly prohibited to walk outside the motel without them. But this trekking safari lead you the direct contact with nature!

Third is about other attractions. (with pictures)
There is a beautiful water fall in the park, Kintampo Waterfall. And on a way to Mole from Tamale, you can drop at in Larabanga. You can find well preserved mud and stick Mosque. Local people believed that it was the oldest mosque in Ghana and is still a precious place for them. And you can see this kind of beautiful mosque more in Upper West region. So, Mole National parks contribute to preserve not only a variety of wild life, but also the natural resources and the cultural heritage.

And finally, I’d like to talk about the forestry project held by JICA in the middle of the land, called the Transitional area between tropical forest and savannah. This area is very important natural resources to protect from desertification. So JICA has been conducting forestry project about 10 years in Sunyani city, in Brong Afaho region where I am going to live and work. The project is named PAFORM, Participatory Forest Resource Management Project in the Transitional Zone. PAFORM is not only the project of forest resource management with local people, but also giving the opportunities of plantation around the forest reserve area, and income generation activities. I am looking forward to participating in these activities successfully.


To summarize my presentation, one point is that Mole National Park is the largest eco-tourism site in Ghana and plays an important role in preserving the natural resources. The other is that JICA helpes to conserve nature with local people in Ghana. My assignment is to help improve the livelihood of forestry in preserved areas. Development and environmental preservation are one of the most difficult global issues, as related to the MDGs are said so. Do you remember the 7th Goal? The answer is ‘ENSURE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY’. Sustainable development is our hard but common goal. I believe that we can find a way to work out in your own host countries.

Thank you for listening.

My professional background is...

The title is of an short essay that I wrote in English class
to introduce myself briefly
It might be helpful when I do so in my host country GHANA
So, I'd like to upload

***********************************************************

I have a B.A. in International Politics and Economics.
The events of September 11th 2001 motivated me to pursue this degree.
Initially, my major was International Politics.
Moreover, economics also piqued my interest.

After receiving my degree, I began a career in finance.
I was an executive assistant for the Foreign Bonds Investment Team
for 3 years at a Japanese Investment Bank.
Financial markets are so dynamic and fascinating,
it’s like a living creature.
The financial crisis of 2008 was the busiest and most dynamic time
in my career.
I was a number cruncher, but gradually, I came to question
if this financial capitalism would work better with financial problems of the developing countries.

Finally, I decided to volunteer and became a JOCV to do what I can do now in the field of sustainable development in Ghana,
not the corporate world.

In summary, I studied International Politics and worked in finance.
Global issues always inspire me. I look forward to my 2 years in Ghana.

Do not stand at my grave and weep

Damion, who is my English teacher in NTC, gave me a one special poem
when I had to return for a while because my grandfather passed away.
He read it in class, and I couldn't listen to it without tears.
It reminded me of my father rather than my grandfather.
The poem is famous in Japa as 'SEN NO KAZE NI NATTE'.
If you faced hardships or great grief,
please remember this poem
& it would help you someday.

From Mary Frye

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.

From Margaret

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.


She passed away on September 15, 2004, aged 98.
The following is the latest version that she never published or copyrighted the poem, which over the years became subject to small changes.

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

My last B-Day

My B-day is on the 26th of December.

So, before coming to NTC,
(Nihonmatsu Training Center for JOCV)
I was celebrated by many friends at parties
together with a Christmas party,
farewell party,
and year-end party.

All of the parties were fablous memories.

On 26th Dec 2008,
I had dinner with my special friend
at Japanese-style restaurant in Aoyama.

And he told me his first abroad trip was to Kenya and JOCV had been his dream once.
We enjoyed tasty 'Kaiseki' cooking and talking about each others.

It was my latest & best B-day memory so far!

Family

It is a dairy with Damion, who is my teacher in NTC for JOCV.
Some topics are very personal things,
but I'd like to introduce some of them for someone who might be affected to.

Family Introduction

My mother is a widow, who is very strong & optimistic, and also likes valleyball.
I respect her. And I have 2 siblings.
One, my younger brother is studying to teach in elementary school,
who loves classical music & UK rock.
The other is a student in university, who is a volleyball player, too.
In addition to them, we welcomed a new cousin
because she goes to University in Tokyo, actually I graduated too!
So now, she lives with us.
And the most important person for my life is my father,
who passed away 3 years ago.
For 10 months he fought against his disease was very important quality time, I've ever had, sharing difficultiess and we know how strong our family bonds.
So, he always inspire me.

Nelsom Mandela

Quoted by Nelson Mandela at his inauguration

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Marianne Williamson

First of all

From 'The Gift from God',
the book which my special frends presented to me.


Divine Love and Peace be with you.

Yukio Yamamoto