Yes & Know
Guam is not for everyone. No place is a winner for all people. Although I liked experiencing all four seasons on both coasts, I prefer Guam. After a while, the beautiful snow isn’t so delightful. Coats and boots were fun initially but then they become a pain. Still, I do miss autumn. I love the falling leaves and the gorgeous colors that paint the horizon.
But I love Guam’s colors more. The puffy white clouds, blue skies, pink and orange sunrises, purple and marigold sunsets, aqua seas, flowers everywhere, and the vibrant rainbows. Because of this, we give thanks.
We give thanks. Many incredible Guam geniuses have put the island on the map, excelling in various fields such as athletics, scientific discoveries, dance performances, music productions, international partnerships and military achievements. The Guam veterans are a very special type. With support, mentorship and opportunities, Guam is at the top of the world.
We have welcomed many families, and their diversity enriches us. While there is great room for improvement in supporting, respecting and understanding how to better work together, progress is being made. The Home of the Titans recently focused on strengthening that partnership. John Howard is a community leader whose heart and intellect guide many to focus and help.
We give thanks.
Our public school system, including the charter academies, has challenges, for sure. More challenges will continue to be highlighted as a teacher shortage looms. But the pride that emanates from each school is strong and fierce. Learners and communities know their students, families and colleagues. The Guam Trade Academy, the University of Guam and Guam Community College have built many futures for us.
We give thanks. We watch people, the stores going up, and wonder about the supply chain. It’s exciting to see businesses grow with faith, hope and love within our community.
We give thanks. We acknowledge the businesses that figured out how to keep their operations going, particularly during the pandemic, Typhoon Mawar and the consequences of those events. For those who lost, they could but needed to make the best decisions for their companies. I wish you the best. You will always be part of our story.
We give thanks. While many buildings require serious water blasting, others are being cleaned up. Paint jobs and bold signs welcome people around.
Dr. Joleen Aguon, CEO of Guam Memorial Hospital, has shared progress in cleaning up our hospital and explained why water blasting cannot occur until infrastructure issues are addressed.
We give thanks. While some offshore vendors still won’t ship to Guam, many do. You just have to clarify that the USPS delivers mail daily and that Guam is part of the United States. Mail carriers like Pete Uncangco and Lionel Camacho are efficient, reliable and happy to deliver with a smile.
We give thanks. If you don’t like seeing the same people frequently, Guam is not for you. Proximity can be challenging, but for many of us it’s a way to keep in touch with friends and family. It certainly is a support system. It’s always nice when someone taps you on the shoulder and says hi. I’m at the age where I ask them to help me remember. And they do.
We know the many people who migrated—for work, family or military reasons. The gatherings, events and celebrations they organize keep the nation alive and awesome. They’re a vibrant thread of our culture.
We give thanks to those who serve. Public service is not for the faint of heart. Police, firefighters, office holders and government workers—each strengthens our quality of life. We are grateful to crews such as the Guam Solid Waste Authority who collect our trash.
Keynoting Veterans Day last month, Chief MSgt. J.Q. Quinata spoke of those who answer the call of duty—the ordinary people who serve and sometimes sacrifice for us. We give thanks for their service. His heartfelt “Thank you so much” was deeply appreciated and warmed my heart.
Aline Yamashita is a mom, a teacher and former senator. She served in the 31st and 32nd Guam Legislatures. Send feedback to aline4families@gmail.com.