The Big Day Is Here!!!!

As some of the members of PBH know this has been one of our special projects. Kinda a payback to the good things that have happened to us in Colombia.

The young man we have been putting through college is finished. He will graduate from the University of Florida, College of Engineering on Saturday, December 16. His degree with be in Computer Engineering, Digital Art and Design. He received a 4.0 this last semister.

Mrs. Gator and I will be there and will fly COPA to Orlando then drive to Gainesville. We have A BIG surprise for Simon. We managed to get B visas for his mom and dad so they will be our guests for the graduation-their first trip out of Colombia.

Being gluttons for punishment we are planning to sponsor a young lady next year when she graduates from high school in Jamundi, Colombia, next May.

Gee, kinda makes Christmas worth while. God bless each of you and have a Merry Christmas (¡Feliz Navidad! ) and a prosperous Happy New Year (Feliz Año Nuevo). And yes Mrs. Gator will be sure we eat the twelve grapes and she bought the yellow panties.

By Gator on Dec 11, 2006, 08:56 in Friendly Talkzone.

aztec says on Dec 11, 2006, 09:03:

Very impressive indeed! How do you select the candidates?

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billyb says on Dec 11, 2006, 09:06:

Congratulations Gator.... and to him and his family also. I believe this was the young man you mentioned in your email?

BillyB

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Colombiche says on Dec 11, 2006, 09:07:

Gator (Another colombian new years thing.... walk around the block dragging a huge suitcase)

Wow, Simon must be elated, you and your wife have really made a big difference in his life.

Congrats!

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Dec 11, 2006, 09:08:

Congratulations. Tio Gator and Mrs. Gator. This Christmas season will be a time to treasure afterwards with all the fond memories from the graduation of your young friend. I remember you telling us before about this young man who is the son of a former employeé (?). Is the girl you're going to sponsor his sister?

Cheers,
Desi

«Sé que los seres humanos y los peces podrán coexistir en paz». ( George W. Bush, Saginaw 29-09-00)

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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webmanco says on Dec 11, 2006, 09:24:

Thanks Gator and Mrs. Gator

Burrito Sabanero

...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ...

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aztec says on Dec 11, 2006, 09:31:

New Year (Another colombian new years thing.... walk around the block dragging a huge suitcase)colombiche

I hate that. My wife has me, at my advanced age no less, carrying(running) a suitcase around the outside of the house "in winter!". I just hope no one ever sees me.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Dec 11, 2006, 09:38:

Excellent! Congratulations to both Simon and the Gators! It is refreshing to see that there are still some people in the world who choose to get involved, and not just let life go on without trying to make it somehow better, if not for all, then at least for individuals. I plan on doing something similiar, with education and the youth in colombia. I only hope that i am as successful as the Gators! Education is the key which will unlock the world for many!

Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo...Listo!! Libertad!!!...Colombia es pasión!

"F.A.R.C..S.U.C.K.S"

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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Miguel_Clavo says on Dec 11, 2006, 09:56:

at Gator: how did you handle the question of location upon... graduation? Will he remain the US to work or continue his studies, or does he plan to return to Colombia? I havent figured out the best way to handle that yet. My thoughts are for the students that i sponsor to return to Colombia to in turn help others achieve the same education. That is how my father set things up. He helped my older brother in education, then my older brother helped me, then i helped my younger brother. However, a case can be made for the continued post-grad education and subsequent advantages of employment oppurtunities in the US for the sponsored student. I dont mean to hijack your thread, i am only interested in your thoughts on that issue as you obviously have "been there, done that", so to speak.

Your input will be certainly appreaciated!

Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo...Listo!! Libertad!!!...Colombia es pasión!

"F.A.R.C..S.U.C.K.S"

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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podborski says on Dec 11, 2006, 10:09:

congratulations! (to you two and to Simon) that's a wonderful thing you have done and are doing.

Seems to me a much more efficient not to mention rewarding method of being charitable (as opposed to giving to some big org that does who knows what with your money).

It's like a real life Dickens story. Good for you!

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lockheed says on Dec 11, 2006, 13:58:

Felicitaciones Congratulation and I hope everything works well with your trip.
Say hello to the gators, This is a very tough school, you should be proud.

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toneloc24 says on Dec 11, 2006, 14:43:

Congrats Gator You and Mrs. Gator have done and are doing a wonderful thing!!!!

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

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