Marion's First Day

"There is only one solution if old age is not to be an
absurd parody of our former life, and that is to
go pursuing ends that give our existence a meaning
--devotion to individuals, to groups or to causes, social,
political, intellectual or creative work.
In spite of the moralists' opinion to the contrary,
in old age we should wish still to have passions
strong enough to prevent us turning in upon ourselves."

--Simone de Beauvoir

Located along the shore of Port Bonbonon, Negros Oriental, One Candle Schoolhouse has often been blessed with Guest Teachers from the visiting yachts. Marion Fletcher, from the yacht TENACITY II, has most recently joined us, introducing wonderfully lively ESL games to the students.

Marion and her husband, Keith (a rock climber, chemist, and boat builder of merit), are completing their fourth circumnavigation. We first met them briefly in 2000, when they passed through the anchorage just as we were arriving. They were on their way to Thailand, and it was there that Marion discovered her talent for teaching. "Keith had noticed a recruitment advertisement for ESL teachers and said I'd be good at it...little did he know that it would become my passion!"

Seven years later, needing a safe anchorage while Keith attended to business in Australia, they returned to Port Bonbonon. "Oh, I kept hearing about your school from other cruisers," she said when we met again, and immediately offered to help.

TENACITY II will be moving onward in a few more months, but in the meantime Marion's passion for fun and education is enriching us all.