Work, Teach, Help, and Live...

The Education of Life

2011-07-01T21:55:00.000-04:00

What is the must important type of education? one would normally ask. As one goes around and talk to young and old, the answers can can be mixed with many options. I have had the opportunity to talk to young people that drop out of school at an early age to learn a trade and start working, others dropped out of college after feeling disappointed as to what the world had to offer in terms of education and decided to follow a more technical area where they can be train at work or simple earn their living, must importantly every one I spoke to often times refereed to their decisions to stay in school or follow another approach as being motivated to achieve their goal. The part that has me puzzled is that based on my experience I can not tell this people not to follow their dream or that the decisions they took where wrong, each individual has its own vision or concept about success and that is the goal to reach.

I can not imagine going though a four (4) year University degree to later find out that the program I desired to complete is not really what will help me achieve my goals, or after working so hard to prepare my self one's goals and plans shift in a way that any approach previously taken would have been for nothing.

I recently meet a couple of newly weeds that after completing their first degree when-on to start a complete new area of study that will take them another four years to complete. I ask the question, why? - because we want to be well prepared' missionaries, to be able to give people the best we have to offer, they answered. I think their answer shattered all my other questions. Their answer really challenged the way one looks at education. I think this makes one think about the true incentives or motivations of our actions. Ellen G. White in her book Education, she characterizes education as the process of growing in the image of God. Students oat to seek the blessings that are offered as knowledge is imparted, information or experiences that if implemented toward our goal, day by bay work creates a pathway where small peaces of our goal can be lived daily.

The vision that students would need to be imparted is not only what would they be able to do on the completion of their program, but let them put in practice for the service of others what they are learning day by day. The Hands, Hearth and Mind idea that Seventh-day Adventist Institutions concept that is imparted throughout the world should do more to shape the goals and vision of success that student have to a more service and purpose oriented ideals. Ideals that will allow students to enjoy the strict rules and unique regulations of our institutions in the light of heir new shaped vision, a vision where day by day they meet God and are able to see the blessings of service and education.

The way one learns of receives educations, either it may be in formal instruction, technical training or simply on the job learning - of the goal to reach, if the mission and motivation is guided by our need of God and oriented and becoming more like Him. One can be assured that success may be easier and closer then expected.

Back on track after many moons.

2011-07-01T06:50:00.000-04:00

To all my friends, family and well-wishers. We are slowly getting back to normal and now taking some time to give you an update on our status and whereabouts.

After months of intense movement and crucial decisions we are happy to let you know that we are settling nicely in a nice apartment in the Adventist University of the Philippines where if God permits we will live for at least three years.

To some of you this news may come to a shock, I understand, things were very fast and not everybody got the "MEMO" !!! :) But to make a long story short I want to let you know that among other things my wife and I are primarily enrolled in doing our Master Degrees here in the Philippines. AUP (Adventist University of the Philippines) is a nice and developing University, this year it has been nominated within the best Universities in the Philippines and is one of 7 Universities that enjoy autonomous status in the country. The language of instruction is English although the local language, (tagalog) better known as "Filipino", is also spoken in the streets and among friends. This University and its community has open its arms to us, their worm and politeness have impacted our hearths incredibly.

We would have never imagine this will be our location at this point in time. The road that tool us here was not easy. To leave friends and family in Trinidad and even in the Caribbean and close by regions that for the past four years formed part of our life.

I will start populating my blog again with the development of my education and work here in Southern Asia. I will love to read your comments as we move forward to serve our church and work for God.

We are also re-organizing our website www.riospablo.com where you will be able to follow our personal development, as we expect the arrival of Brandon Nino Rios we will upload photos and more information there, the webside www.riospablo.com will be our connection with family and friends for personal matters, we also encourage you to signup for google plus (google +) where I will also be posting live images, videos and information to our circles of friends. Google+ is a need new social structure that give us more control over our information and adds a nice way to interact with friends and the internet.

In closing. I want to keep on encouraging every one of you to keep close to God. to seek his guide and wisdom and with this, step in faith and reach for your dreams as He has made a promise that he will prosper us and bless us.

Until next time.....

Traveling from St, Lucia

2010-11-01T17:31:00.000-04:00

The time may have come for me to leave St. Lucia, On my way to the airports more and more stories what is happening in the island came to my attention. People and authorities are now seeing the damage and destruction of Hurricane Tomas.
The reports are that at least 4 deaths have been confirmed in the South West of the Island, where landslides destroyed several homes. Even here at the airport many of the workers showed their concern for colleges that had lost everything due to the Hurricane.
I meet two persons that had no heard from their family members in a town on the South West, communication has not yet been restored and may be several days as rivers have destroyed bridges, poles, lines and several utilities and services centers.
One can see that the people around care and are worried about the wellbeing of everyone in the island. I am not sure if it is their inclination for hospitality as a Caribbean island, but a smile even when they are hurting themselves.
I see so much foreigners (Tourist may be) concern about leaving the island of saving some money on hotels or complaining about they services available - when what ever we could be going through will shortly be forgotten and we get back to our homes with air-conditioning and cable tv, they have to work hard to rebuild what they have lost and some may never be replaced.
Interesting the reactions of different people under similar circumstances, we are alive. Sure I miss my wife and can't wait to see her, hug her and kiss her, but I wonder how many people may not be able to see their love ones for many more days or know if they are even alive right now.

We are call to be patient and to have the capacity to feel other people's pain, and be able to adapt in order to seek the best outcome for everyone.
I am sure one can be astonish to know the difference that a smile or a gesture of kidneys can do for a person. I tell you that it is in these circumstances one learns the incredible value of care.

This can even be experienced in our personal life, with our spouses and love-ones, many times we don't take time to see what may be happening for them and we fail to understand how important a smile is a kiss an I love you. Even if some times we have to forget our our worries.
I pray that we may continue on learning the important things of life, learning the valuable aspects of relationships and the power of relationships. For now, let us keep on working, keep on teaching, let us keep on helping, keep on living.

When the Sky Clears Up

2010-10-31T11:18:00.000-04:00

It is now 11:00 AM of Sunday October 31, 2010. The Hurricane Tomas has passed and is now threatening to head into Haiti.
Here in St. Lucia the transportation and communication has been affected, several bridges have been destroy on the main rout to the capital and the airport. There is no power in must of the island but some radio stations started to operate, there has been no contact with the airport since lines are down. We expect operations to resume tomorrow. Reports also indicate that the Hospital has been damage along two other buildings. Several homes have been damaged, specially in the south of the island.

The day after the hurricane in St. Lucia

2010-10-31T07:48:00.000-04:00

I am not even sure as to say that the storm has passed, we are disconnected from what is happening in the island. Phone-lines are out, Radio stations are down, no electricity or water. The rain and strong winds persisted all night and even now at 7:30 am of sunday the rain still pouring down with some minimal wind from the west.
On this site of the island we can not see any mayor damage but we were told that the south of the island was the must affected. We pray that no lost of life may be reported. I will try to keep you updated, we hope radio stations may come online later today to get some more information about the situation on the ground. If you have details as to the weather forecast it may also be useful information for us.
It is interesting to see that even after last night when we though the worst was over, when things started to look better, and one thought that life could only get better from there, nature has a way to show us that constant pray and a relationship with God is the only thing that can keep us calm. Because situations can get worst, the unexpected can happen, it is only in the arms of God that we can feel save.
Things may get worst, or better, there may be people suffering right now, but our trust is that God is in control and there is hope and joy in being with hi, even when dead is at out door step, the hope of everlasting life and His second coming can give us hope and joy. Let's keep on teaching, let's keep of praying, let's keep on helping, let's keep on living..
Sent from my Mobile device. Please follow me at www.riospablo.com - Also support education by visiting www.myuniversityeducation.com

After the storm in St. Lucia

2010-10-30T18:47:00.000-04:00

The hurricane has passed in St. Lucia. Now we have no lights and no water where I am, the rain still falling and there is some wind but nothing compared to what we had 2 hours ago.
Here in the hotel there is no significant damage that I can see but the storm was strong last report I listen on the radio there was significant damage on the south of the island, power and communications where out several tries where brought down and routs were blocked. No lost of like was reported at that time but some ruffs and houses had been severely damage.
Now I seat here and wander, how impatient I am with out internet, with no computer, with no power - frustrated not being able to fly home or have a hot meal. But as I look out my door and see just darkness, feel the destructive power of nature, I feel there could be many people out there that have lost what little they had, that have nothing to eat or that are just alone, and may be even with out hope. I am reach, God blessed me with a dry place to sleep, the hope of soon being next to my wonderful wife and must importantly, even if all these where lost, I have a hope, I know my Savior will provide.
We may not be able to share what we have, one ca not prepare people for events like this one, but one thing we can do, is give people the hope, the faith that in moments like this can mean the difference between life and death. Everyday one can share this hope, one can live a life that preaches of the Hope we have in Jesus, teach why Jesus is out savior and that He will come back soon.
Let's keep on teaching, let's keep on preaching, let's keep on praying, let's keep on leaving for He will soon return for us.

Sent from my Mobile device. Please follow me at www.riospablo.com - Also support education by visiting www.myuniversityeducation.com

In St Lucia, Passing the storm

2010-10-30T13:13:00.000-04:00

The storm is not here yet, I thank the Lord that I have internet and have been able to be in contact with my beautiful wife and loving family.

It is interesting to think about being in a hurricane, It is an experience I have not had, they say it will affect mostly the southern part of the island, and I am in the north - but this hurricane looks very big. It should be here within the next hour or two, but you can already see the winds in the video, there are very scary.

As one reflects on the experience it make us remember how fragile we are, how dependent on God and others we are. I remember when they showed the images from New Orleans, how the people helped each other and many reports say that the willingness to help was changed in the american community.

On the other hand I see the way that poor (developing countries) have had a great renaissance of faith and a spiritual awakening. The church is growing and people are coming to Christ. This may just be the way that the message of a coming Saviour will get to every corner of the earth.

I wander if the human race is so hard headed that we need to see dead by our site in order to realize we need a Savior, we need God and we need to believe in something beyond this world of sin and temporary pleasures.

Well, I hope we can continue to trust God, continue to walk on his path and not wait for a life and death experience to realize we are far from him.

Keep in contact and check the blog latter for more updates.

Fireworks at POS

2010-08-31T21:08:00.000-04:00

Happy independence day Trinidad and Tobago!

I though it was going to look better from the distance, but the fireworks were too low.
Sent from my Mobile device visit www.riospablo.com for more information.

ILE graduation at the University of the Southern Caribbean

2010-08-29T17:53:00.001-04:00

ESL graduation 2010, One more step on the path to excellence.
A small graduation for the summer of 2010 from the Institute of Language education at the University of the Southern Caribbean. The English program is a four level certificate program of English as a Second Language.

Ten graduants were presented in a well organised and music filled special program at the Auditorium of the University, the program started on time at 5:00 pm.

The feature address was presented by Pr. Robert Liverpool, V.P. of student development at USC.

The students who successfully completed the ESL program and the centre of attention for this program are:

1. Yazmin Rossana Ardila Quinones - (Colombia)
2. Camilo Andres Carvajal Ospina - (Peru)
3. Jefferson Santiago - (Brazil)
4. Kevin Edson Choque Leon - (Peru)
5. Edna Jinneth Guacaneme Guzman - ( Colombia)
6. Soleimar Gomez Delgado - (Venezuela)
7. Monica Janeth Duarte Espinosa - (Colombia)
8. Rosario Maribel Urbina Huertas - (Peru)
9. Aida Palacio Benitez - ( Colombia)
10. Preeti Pilly - ( India)

Congratulations again to the ESL graduating class, may your endeavours be blessed as you continue in your professional development with your newly acquired Language certification.

Sent from my Mobile device visit www.riospablo.com for more information.

Got access to Gmail Phone call!

2010-08-26T07:57:00.000-04:00

The Call Phone icon appeared in my gmail chat box today. The quality of the call is incredible, it is a extention to my google voice account.
Google did it again, a great feature, my gmail will always be my primary email, or my only acct. Again hats off to the google team for a great product.

Sent from my Mobile device visit www.riospablo.com for more information.

Real Update

2010-08-16T13:21:00.000-04:00

Well, that is it! Lest continue to pray that does not leave a scar! But that is how I look for now! Just for now!!!!!

I am sure many did not know.... Well, don't be asking what happend, lest just say we all hope that I can be back as normal soon.

Thanks for the conserns!

Ps. I forgot to attach the photo on my last post. Also the waiting time to see the doc was over 3 hours...
Have a good day!

Sent from my Mobile device visit www.riospablo.com for more information.

Advantages of waiting in line!

2010-08-16T13:00:00.001-04:00

I am waiting, I have been waiting in line may be for over two hours. I am sure this is an experience that most of you have gone through in the past, if you have not, it will happen sooner or latter.
As I wait I see how this common lived experience can bring advantages to my life. I am not talking about the ultimate goal, given one is waiting for something one needs or desires, like waiting in line to buy the Ipad or some other commodity. Regardless of the outcome, what is the advantage of waiting?.
I can tell you that today as every other time I have had to wait I generally go through the same pattern.
The first half an hour one is ready for, the long wait. One is focused on the task at hand and will take advantage of that down time in whatever way possible, reading, chatting with the person next to you or just doing some retrospective thinking. Anyhow we all may enjoy waiting for 30 min. If that was all! But that is not the case, generally it will go for much longer and that bring us to the one hour mark.
At this time we stop "enjoying" the wait but we understand that it is normal and expected so we don't get frustrated, yet. But one would normally take out the cell phone and wish to receive a call, if we have credit we will even start thinking who we can call. But now if one has a more advance devise like a game boy or something, the game plan changes completely and we disconnect from the world around us much faster ( care about nothing and nobody - why should I? I have a Game Boy!!!!) But that is different. Generally I will say a blackberry or a game enable phone, I am not much into gaming so chatting or checking facebook would be the option at hand. Anyhow the goal is to get entertain and if possible gain some knowledge, that may apply for those that like to read and may pickup a magazine or the newspaper.
But sooner or latter that period of genuine desire to make the wait pleasurable and do something positive and enjoyable (you know what I mean).
But that time passed and you would expect that your turn will be coming soon but yet nothing happens, so one would start to show sign of impatience, one will start looking around and noticing the flows of the people, if you are in a doctor's office you may try to decipher the problems of everybody to conclude that we are doing well, if you weren't well you will have gone to the emergency section!!!!
The point Is that after one starts looking at other people, that is the point of not return, there will be no Game Boy, Iphone, Ipad on earth that will give you the same joy and desire to wait as that you felt during the first hour.
Furthermore, after that moment we start to question how much it is worthed to waith, if one really needs or wants that anymore. Sometime even loose the love and passion for your goals and deside to turn back.
I think live in general is much like the experience I just describe, there may be different cases for people with sophisticated gadgets but at the end we are all waiting for something... And depending on what it is the hours can signify days, moths or years, I guess the bigger the price the longer the wait!
But I will really give anything to be able to always stay in the mind set of that first hour, expecting to wait, prepared for it and making my time as pleasurable for me and others there.
My question is, what are you waiting for?
Why have you lost your first love for that what you desire? Why does that first hour passed so fast?
I think the advantage of waiting is that we learn to make the most out of live, to live every moment as it was our last! Waiting teach us that there is so much we can do in our lives and for those around us. But must importantly if we allow time to pass us by we will lose that passion, and we will know that the moment we start looking at what other people are doing and calling judgement on them stead of making friends and looking to give them a good time.
Well, my name just called. So wish me well, I will post more info later! But for now! Think about your life and see how can you make that first hour last a life time!
Sent from my Mobile device visit www.riospablo.com for more information.

Looking for a good webmaster

2010-08-15T10:53:00.001-04:00

Well, the search is on, I am ready to start working in 2 web projects www.myuniversityeducation.com and www.ttministries.com. The first one will be a database of Universities around the world and a free advice center for students seeking to continue into tertiary education. The second is a inspirational / internet radio site to give advice and help people. The two projects are funded by me right now, but I hope to get some sponsorship as soon as the sites are populated and reach a mature state. Well, if anybody can help, I will be very happy, so just pray for these projects and support with your visits.
Sent from my Mobile device visit www.riospablo.com for more information.

Have a good week

2010-08-14T17:43:00.001-04:00

It has been a nice day, lots of rest. I am ready for the new week ahead, who knows what we will encounter but I am sure we will ge through it just fine. Have a good week all, let me hear from you and your experiences!

Sent from my BlackBerry® device from Digicel

First Post

2010-08-14T16:05:00.000-04:00

Well, this is my first post in the Blog, I really need to figure out how to work this and my website in order to make the most out of both of them.

I would also want to drive more traffic to my site so I am not sure how to use blogger to do this. But we will be in contact.

Please visit again soon and we will be in contact.