Thank you Larry , My wonderful coordinator ! You are still in my mind forever !

    I was first contacted by Larry through an e-mail message 5 years ago, he introduced himself as the coordinator for my up coming 10 month stay in Maine, USA .

                    
                 
I knew him as an outstanding volunteer in Maine.   I know that not only AFS.USA volunteers were touched by his gentle heart, but  AFS volunteers all around the world came to realize how  warm his heart was.

                    

He was always an excellent manager and organizer , and spent his life encouraging others . 

                    
 
      The last time I met him was at his adorable  home on March 31,2010 . His lovely wife ,Stephanie joined us as we spent 4 hrs. talking , having lunch and sharing ideas about creating new  exchange programs for students and teachers in the AFS Organization.  

  

 


                   Here’s a little glimpse of  Larry’s heart. 
    

                   

 “ After you went back home , I tried to support and encourage teachers to visit much more , I know you learned  a lot from visiting many different places.” 

                     
   
“  I am very happy to hear that , Larry , thank you very much.  I am sorry,  I know sometimes I did things that made you unhappy ! "

                    
   

 “ No…! You are a very good participant, I am proud of you!  

                    
      
     “Oh,  Thank you very much . I hope to meet you at the 50th Anniversary AFS Thailand celebration.

                    

Here are some phrases from our last conversation on May 3rd , on the phone 

    “ Hello Larry ,  I wanted to let you know that I am going back to Thailand and was hoping to say Good bye . I am at the O’ Hare International Airport right now.”

    “ Have a safe trip , Thank you for calling me ! See you in Thailand .”

   

   The great experiences I had those 10 months in teaching, learning and sharing cultures and traditions in Maine was very worthwhile and will not be forgotten. 


                  

                        
Thank you Larry , My wonderful coordinator ! You are still in my mind forever ! 
                          
                  * Larry Ralph is not around any more‏ *    
             
                                   ( Click for Slide Show)