Dear 1036: World Travels at the Computer

Dearly Beloved 1036 Clarence,

I got intensely interested in geography when I was in 2nd grade, in large part thanks to Mrs. LoCoco.

Sometime around then, when I became aware of the computer game Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? I knew I wanted it.

Mom and Dad found it at a store, the last copy on the shelf, and it was my Christmas gift.  I was so delighted that I stayed in my pajamas for a while as I got it installed on the computer and began playing.

It was amazing to travel all over the world in the computer game seeking to solve the theft crimes and learning about the various countries along the way, including some language skills.  It was a great gift that helped me appreciate the world at large from sitting at the computer.

And I'm sure that was a contributing factor to my success in the National Geographic Bee in 2005, when I placed in the top 20 in Illinois.

I'm glad that I recently found the background soundtrack music on YouTube for all the countries in the game as a way to reconnect with a great part of my childhood.

My heart is filled with gladness in the ways I reconnect and stay connected with you, for you shall not fade into the background but remain deep in my heart as that dearly beloved place:

All my relations.

With great gratitude and thanksgiving to God.

With immense joy,

God's blessings,

Paul