FESTPAC Unforgettable!

My time at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Cultures (FESTPAC) in Hawaii as a member of the literary arts genre for the Guam Delegation fills me with immense pride and joy. 🇬🇺 Being surrounded by such a vibrant celebration of culture and creativity is truly amazing!  We had the opportunity to share and showcase Guam's inspiring literary works, connect with fellow artists from across the Pacific, and engage in meaningful exchanges of stories and traditions.  Every moment spent with fellow delegates and artists is priceless, fostering a deeper appreciation for our shared Pacific identity.  Even though I twisted my ankle in the endless walking throughout the daily events, FESTPAC in Hawaii will always hold a special place in my heart. ❤️🌴 Enjoy the following snapshots!

Florida Adventures

Reflecting on our unforgettable trip to Florida in late May fills me with joy. What started out as a journey to the family conference turned into an incredible adventure. Faust and I had an amazing time exploring Gatorland, where we each had the thrilling opportunity to hold an alligator and even have a snake wrapped around our necks! The Kennedy Space Center amazed us with its fascinating exhibits, rockets, space journey presentations, and more! Michelle and I also had a delightful adventure at Chocolate Kingdom. She surprised me with a chocolate bar personalized with my name, adding sweetness to our journey. Faust's excitement was boundless as he experienced the magic of Disneyworld and the thrill of Universal Studios. Despite all the walking and the heat, every experience was priceless and memorable. Enjoy the following snapshots from the sunshine state!

Let us remember...

On this Memorial Day, let us remember all those soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines, who sacrificed their lives, so that we may be safe from harm. They will always be remembered!

Making small improvements

Remember, allow yourself the kindness to embrace imperfection. Don't let the pursuit of perfection hinder your progress. It's through small, continuous improvements that we all advance. Just one step can set the momentum in motion.

 

NSBW Events

Join us as we celebrate National Safe Boating Week May 18-24, 2024! 🚤 🛟 🤗 🎉 

E Directorate DSO-PE & DCOS Meeting

It was wonderful to connect with my colleagues in the E Directorate DSO-PE & DCOS team during our monthly meeting.  Here's to reaching our goals!  

LAC - Nov. 8 & 9

Please mark your calendar for the 37th Annual Regional Language Arts Conference on November 8 & 9, 2024.  The theme, "Tulos Mo'na:  Persevering and Engaging through Literacy" is truly meaningful!  It emphasizes the power of reading and writing as tools for personal and intellectual growth. It highlights the idea that persistence in developing literacy skills can open doors to new opportunities, enhance critical thinking, and foster a deeper connection with the world. This theme also speaks to the importance of actively participating in literary activities, whether it be reading books, writing stories, or discussing ideas, as a means of building resilience and staying intellectually engaged. In essence, it underscores the transformative role of literacy in overcoming challenges and enriching one's life.

 

Happy Mother's Day! ❤️🌺

Nana

Nana….

If I haven’t told you already

“I love you so”

And always will

You have sacrificed

You have brought so much nurturing into my life

That I can’t imagine my life without you.

Even if my actions tell a different story.

So though I don’t say it all the time

Just know that I do appreciate you

For all that you have done for me

That I love you too

And I always will…

I love you mom!

Hu guaiya hao!

(c)mnrivera

 

USCGAUX Spring D14 2024 D-Train A Success!

The District 14 Spring 2024 D-TRAIN held May 3-5, 2024 in Hawaii was indeed memorable. There's no doubt that I found the training and fellowship to be meaningful.  I am also deeply honored to receive awards for the service I have done.  The highlight was when our Guam Flotilla was awarded for being the best Flotilla in District 14!  Way to go, Guam!  Bravo Zulu!  🎉

Si Yu'os Ma'ase'! Salamat! Kalangan! Kommool tata! Mesulang! Kammagar! Xie Xie! Domo Arigato! Thank you once again! BIBA GUAM FLOTILLA!  Enjoy the following snapshots!

Guam Flotilla is in all smiles as they are awarded the Best Flotilla in District 14

I received triple awards for missions including instruction, program visits, and vessel exams!

I Nana gi i Familia Open Mic Poetry - May 11

Please join us for the I Nana gi i Familia FESTPAC Literary Arts Open Mic event in celebration of all our amazing mothers on May 11, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Asiga in Hagatna.  We look forward to seeing you there!

FESTPAC Guam Delegation

It was wonderful to meet my fellow Guam Delegation members for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture 2024!  FESTPAC presents a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of Pacific Island cultures. The festival promises an exciting showcase of traditional and contemporary arts, offering a window into the diverse practices, languages, and expressions of Pacific communities. It is a chance to learn from artists, performers, and cultural practitioners, broadening our understanding and appreciation of the Pacific's heritage and its vibrant contemporary cultural life.  We are certainly looking forward to representing our beautiful island of Guam during FESTPAC 2024!  Biba Guam!  Biba FESTPAC!  Below are a few of the snapshots taken during our meeting.

Diversity & Inclusion Check-In Meeting - April 14

Hafa Adai!  It was a pleasure to meet with a few of my fellow Diversity & Inclusion Officers this afternoon!  There's no doubt that Diversity and Inclusion transcends mere acknowledgment of differences. It demands proactive adaptation of practices to create an environment where myriad skills, perspectives, and backgrounds are not just acknowledged but celebrated. It compels us to delve deeper into comprehending the nuances of individual distinctions stemming from a vast spectrum of backgrounds and lifestyles. By doing so, we harness the power of diverse perspectives, catalyzing the enhancement and enrichment of our mission's quality and outcomes.  BIBA, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION!  🎉

Diversity & Inclusion Team for the USCG Auxiliary

April Diversity Highlights

April is Celebrate Diversity Month, National Autism Awareness Month, Poetry Month, and more!  It is a time dedicated to recognizing and honoring the diversity surrounding us and the beauty of poetry that exists. It's an opportunity to embrace and learn from differences in gender, race, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation, and more, enriching our understanding and acceptance of the vast tapestry of human experience. Celebrate Diversity Month encourages actions such as being considerate to everyone, listening to people from diverse cultures, and learning more about different cultures and lifestyles. This initiative highlights the importance of creating inclusive environments where every individual feels valued and respected, pushing us out of our comfort zones to explore new perspectives and celebrate the unique contributions of all.  

Check out our Diversity Calendar for other April celebrations, such as World Health Day, National Library Week, Volunteer Recognition Day, World Creativity And Innovation Day, Earth Day, and more!  Also, don’t forget to join us for the D204 Lions International Easter Story Time Literacy Partnership event to hear meaningful and relevant stories and a special message from Coastie!