Your Mission is here in Canada ...

This is the phrase that Mrs. Izumi, the first person to ever chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo in Canada said to me last week. She gently touched my arm and looked me compassionately yet firmly in the eye and said with every fibre of her being "You're Mission is HERE in Canada." Who's one to argue with living history and one who has fought so hard with our mentor Daisaku Ikeda to create Kosen Rufu in Canada. So that's my answer to the good 'ol Clash song: should I stay or should I go now? I've been asking that question since I was in Boracay a couple of years ago and I felt like I was capable of doing something good and right in this world - and to be an example to others. This completes this whole phase where two years ago, I got myself to the Philippines - my life changed. It was this huge culture shock - I wanted so much to do something for the people there and felt guilty, angry for what we had here in Canada. But recently - I realized that if I succeed here - I'll be in a better position to help people there. To go back there at this point in time would be running away and living small. The sacrifices my parents made to get me here would sort of be wasted. It's not saying that I'll never live in the Philippines full time at some point but for now, with the series, the 2010 Culture Festival it seems all roads are leading me back to Canada. I get that now. The answer is very clear. I have to do my very best here! Be the best at what I do here ... I think I will always strive to visit there every year but will make the most of what I have here. To world peace - starting where I'm at right now.