“All Saints Day” . . . Make it a Unique & a Classy Celebration

In the Philippines, Halloween is not given so much emphasis as Christmas and New Year’s celebration. Although, the theme that is visible on malls and shopping centers is concentrated on the horror, evil, and death. But it’s different in the western world, you just can’t take away fun from the kids. This is their time to show off.

We are used to repulsive and fearful scenes during the Halloween Season. . . the spider web, the haunted house, the Frankenstein look, the ghosts look, coffins, and others that would create an impression of a ghastly Halloween. Nevertheless, we can make it into a unique but something like a classy celebration.

 Life is not suppose to be all seriousness – to really feel that life is worth living, we need to have some fun. Pleasure, humor, leisure activities, silliness are ways we recharge, renew our energy, restore our hope and positive outlook and connect with others.

Special occasions like the “All Saints Day” or the so called “Halloween” are times for you to launch on something new, and something unique. I mean, it’s not at all conventional. We are to keep abreast on what is glamorous and classy, and sophisticated. Isn’t it exciting to realize that life is full of surprising sophistication? 

Fun creates a deep internal connection; through play we reconnect with our hearts, our childlike self and the intuitive, spontaneous part of our psyche. Be a kid sometime. Not being childish but maybe “childlike”. Enjoy without limit all the beautiful wonders around us. Be on go . . . our God is a God of wonders and fun. The power to make choices and decisions puts you in charge of your own life. You have to create a meaning in your life. Everyday is a discovery process, a learning experience, a creative event. If you have any unfinished business, unrealized dreams, this is your chance to make sure your life is everything you always wanted it to be.

Most people are unaware of the sordid history attached to Halloween. Most think of it as the eve of “All Saints Dat.” But All Saints Day was originally celebrated in May. In A.D. 834 they day was moved to November 1 to appease the Romans who honored Pomona, goddess of fruit and trees on this day. All Saints Day became wedded to Halloween with the same reverence for the departed loved ones. Halloween is considered the most important festival of witchcraft cults. The history of this day extends back to the pagan druids. Few civilizations in history have been so debauched. The druids (priests in ancient Celtic religion) may have been the builders of Stonehenge, those monolithic stone carvings on England’s Salisbury Plain. Mass human sacrifices were performed by constructing large wicker-work figures and filling the insides with living humans . . . then, set on fire.

Some archeologists believe Stonehenge was erected to calculate the sun’s movements and determine the most auspicious day to worship the earth-mother-goddess by the propitiation of human sacrifice . . .  the date chosen was October 31. This was the eve of Samhain (Lord of the Dead), the Celtic new year. Demons and ghosts were believed to spring from the netherworld. To insure fertility of cattle and crops, first-born children were sacrificed to placate surrounding this seasonal celebration, modern society has adopted the customs associated with Halloween. For example, “trick-or-treating” is a modern form of saying “offering or revenge.” Food offerings were put out to prevent the ghosts of the past year’s wicked dead from taking revenge on the inhabitants of a home. 

 Not seemingly being dramatic here, but if we take another look at the beginnings of Halloween, even the pagan influences has turned out into a Christian observance such as “All Saints Day.” How can anything founded on such principles bring glory to the God of creation? Halloween can be a fun time for kids . . . and perhaps it should be. But it can be a real source of difficulty if our children’s activities are not guided by the Word of the Lord!

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly

realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you 

may be able to stand your ground

(Eph. 6:12-13)

Teachers . . . Who you are makes a difference!

          Yesterday, was the second day of our 2-day seminar. Our theme evolved on “Classroom Management”. We tackled a lot of things, which I believed were simply our classroom experiences with students.  I was specifically focused on the second part of the lecture, that was about “Learning Disabilities and Classroom Management”.

          A teacher’s motivation is a big factor on the progression of the learning ability of the students. It is very important for  teachers to know who the students they are teaching, whom they meet every day and whom they are giving lectures with. Their roles include: keeping things in perspective; Doing their own research and become their own expert; Be an advocate to their students and they should always remember that they cannot really determine the extent to which they influence their students.

          The four psychology of the learner  is the best option to focus in order to have the development of effective teaching techniques and to be able to assess the learner’s aptitude and progress. In addition, a look at adult education would not be complete without a view of the theories shaping the way teachers learn and the way they teach.

          The seminar on Classroom Management includes learning disabilities which are multifaceted because it covers many facets, to wit: Math difficulties, language and reading difficulties, writing difficulties and other learning disabilities like ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

          An ADHD according to our speaker looks very much like a willpower problem, but it is not. It is essentially a chemical problem in the management systems of the brain. ADHD children have these problems: on sitting still, staying focused, following instructions, staying organized, and completing work. While adults who have ADHD have the following manifestations: disorganization and forgetfulness, impulsivity, emotional difficulties, and hyperactivity or restlessness.

          Indeed, a teacher’s responsibility do not cease right after school time has closed and will resume again the following day after reporting back to school. Teachers are said to be versatile and dynamic people. They should be around to extend hands and walk extra mile in times they are needed especially during election time. Accordingly, the future of a student lies on how a teacher guides and nurtures a student on the way he should go. 

Teachers,  what are we feeding into the minds and spirits of our charges? Think of the implications of molding the life and character and soul and spirit of a human being that will in retrospect, remember you because of the great lessons and values you have shared and inculcated in their minds . . . which are  to be forever treasured as legacies. A great challenge to all teachers is that to be a teacher for life! 

         But who are these teachers? Are they rational people? Are they good counselors? Or are they sincere with their chosen vocation? No matter what level these Teachers are to be placed, they are the molder and the shaper and foremost, the mentor of the students’ life, preparing them for the life ahead . . . that’s why teachers are teachers!

Instead of allowing yourself  the luxury of over-reacting, think of the 90/10 principle by Stephen Covey and consider calmly the crisis you face; then consider the alternatives. Sometimes the cold shower of truth will bail you out. If worse comes to worst, don’t attempt to cover it up, but face the situation squarely. When you really become accomplished at handling the disadvantages of life or the negatives confronting you especially with regards to classroom management and learning disability of your students, you may even graduate to the point where you’ll be able to turn them into advantages or positives!

          When things go sour, remember to keep your wits about you. If you do, you may be able to think your way out of trouble. Or at the very least be able to lessen the blow.

          

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Just Mesmerizing . . .

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When I went home the other day after school, I saw 2 suitcases on my daughter’s bed.  I suddenly mulled over why? BJ wasn’t home yet, and it dredged up on me that she was on practice at the “Life Mix” where she used to hang out with her church peers. She used to be home after practice between 8:00-9:00 PM. 

It messed me up when I arrived home and BJ is not yet around. I felt something sting inside of me. I just don’t know why, but no matter how I evade from thinking about negatives every time BJ comes home late, I just can’t be ousted away from it.  I really don’t want to feel that way, but being a mother, I guess it’s normal. 

With  the thought of the 2 suitcases on BJ’s bed, I remembered then that she would be going to Davao the following day to attend a youth seminar. She has to be there because she would be rendering a song. I texted her thrice but there was no response, I thought maybe because she has no load. She arrived home before 9:00 PM though. 

Before she left for Davao the following morning, we both embraced each other and I prayed for her safe travel to Davao. I would be missing her for a night because her group would be staying there for a night.

Every time she’s home, I felt relaxed. BJ always reminds me not to worry because God is there. She would asked me, “Mom do you trust God”? And I would say, “Of course”. Then she would say, “really”? “But it seems you are not”. I would always tell her that it’s not really safe to be home late, though she has a companion home, her church colleague who’s just a stone’s throw from home. But the feeling is different when I can’t see her around when she’s suppose to be home.

I have a hard time putting BJ to just stay home after school. She has to be home late because of school activities and of course her inclination to “Life Mix” is so much a passion for her. She’s on music ministry and as I saw it, she’s really been used by the Lord in this ministry.

BJ is grown up and it’s not the same anymore like it was several years ago. She’s 16 years old and graduating in high school. I just didn’t realize that she’s no more a kid. And that I need to have her enjoy her passion and just support her with all of her endeavors, instead of holding her on her neck as often times I do.

Her Dad was so protective which I amply understand. Though he’s not around, yet he’s following her up every now and then, and every time he calls us or when he’s online on skype.  He checked BJ’s presence at home and of course AJ, her younger brother. It happens often times.

 

Today, BJ would be home. AJ keeps on asking when her ate BJ arrives home. He’s missing her ate BJ. There are only 2 of them, BJ is 16 and AJ is 9 years old. I pray God keeps their travel back home safe and secured under the covering of the Lord’s most precious blood. Amen and Amen!

A New Perspective . . .

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We are suppose to start with our seminar at 8:00 A.M. this morning. But due to miscommunication, we started at 3:00 P.M.. Nevertheless, everything went well and I affirmed what Pastora Edna Garces said that nothing happens by chance.  Everything happens with a purpose and for a purpose.

Our afternoon session with Pastora Edna Garces was so inspiring. She talked about “Enjoying Life @ Work”. We were all enthusiastically enjoying and everyone was blessed. There was never a dull moment, and as I saw it, there was no one who felt sleepy. Every word was an awakening call, so sharp and enlightening. Every illustration struck everyone around, and that’s for sure. Those were real, and had been experienced just right.  

Yeah, it is true that “The highest reward for your work is not what you GET for it, but what you BECOME by it.” We can never grow as what Pastora Edna Garces mentioned, until we start accepting RESPONSIBILITY for our own actions and for our own attitudes. 

I realized deeper now than I did understand before that a teacher’s mission is multifaceted. A teacher has to see that life is reborn each day with new questions, ideas, passion, and friendships. As a teacher, I know that if I build with love and truth, what I build will last forever. I am now fully convinced that throughout the course of a day, being with my students, I have been called upon not only as a teacher but to be a friend, an actor, a counselor, a substitute parent, a psychologist, a nurse, a doctor, a coach, a mentor and adviser.

Everyday, a teacher is warring against responsibility, relationship, peer pressure, negativity, fear, conformity, prejudice, and apathy. But good news because  I have allies: intelligence, creativity, patience, faith, love, and laughter, all supported my being a teacher.

I never dreamed of becoming a teacher because this was not what I want in life. I always wish to be in the military field. That’s the reason why at an early stage in my life, I was grade three when I went to enroll in a Karate Club after convincing my father earnestly. Teaching was not in my nerve. But I ended up a teacher. Maybe because I declared it when I was in grade 4. 

I admired my grade 4 teacher so much that one day when she was giving the class a lecture in science, I silently made a declarative statement saying, “One day, I would be like her”. She was so smart and very approachable. She’s so intelligent and kind hearted. She has the heart of a mother and a counselor. She actually became my mentor. I met her almost 2 years before she died. That was 2003 when I was invited to speak before an audience of more or less 50 people, and she was one among them. I got the chance to talk to her and told her about everything I felt about her as my teacher. After 4 months, I received a news from her co-teacher that she died. She will always be remembered no matter what. The legacy she left in my heart will never be forgotten by time. She was a lasting inspiration.

One day in retrospect,  names might be forgotten and faces might not be recognized but whose lessons and character will always be remembered in the accomplishments of their students…… I can be very proud to say, I am a teacher!

The Boy on the Rear End of the Gate . . .

It was very unusual for my son, AJ to wake up very early in the morning. He wakes up between 5:30 – 6:00 AM during weekdays and most likely around 7:00 AM during weekends. But not this morning! It’s a marvel to see him already awake at 4:45 AM. I am used to waking up at 4:30 AM though during weekdays and 5:00 AM during weekends. 

            I was sweeping the front side of the house after having done cleaning the canal, when suddenly I heard a “pot, pot” – a vendor selling steamed “puto”(made of rice that looks like a muffin) and ”suman”(Filipino native dessert). I immediately rush to the gate along with my son, AJ and called the vendor. I got 1 pack of “puto” worth 5 pesos and 1 pack of “suman” worth 10 pesos. My son, got another 2 packs and went to the rear end of the gate and gave the 2 packs he got from the vendor to the little boy sitting, looking sad and hungry. I didn’t see the boy who looks like my son’s age, just between 8 – 9 years old. The boy was messy and dirty. 

            I felt hurt inside of me the second time I glanced at the boy. I was hurt by his situation. He should have been home with his family but why is he roaming around carrying a sack?  My mind was running very fast with many queries. Where in the world did this boy sleep last night? Who are the parents? Were they looking for their little boy? And a lot of “whys” that need to be answered. My son was talking to the boy and asking him several questions.

            My son came to me and ask for 20 pesos. He said that he will give the money to the little boy. I asked my son what did he ask the boy. He said that he asked the boy where his parents are and where he slept. The boy answered back to him, “wherever”.  He said, his mother pushed him and the other siblings to look for “diskarte” – (anything to earn money) to survive life.

            I gave my son the 20 pesos he was asking so he can give it to the little boy. I felt heavy deep inside of me . . . so hurt by the situation! He was supposed to be in school, but look at him. My son didn’t stop talking about the boy until he went to school at 6:50 AM this morning. And I bet, my son would be sharing the same story to his classmates and even to his teacher.

            How many irresponsible parents are there to allow their children to become seemingly pitiful by begging a penny and a handful of food just to survive their meal for the day. Are you mothers out there checking your children if they’re around during meal time? Or during the day? Or during bedtime? Gosshhhh . . . you should! Children are not to suffer because of negligence and irresponsibility. They didn’t choose to be reared, but you do. Your children are the ones reaping the consequence that you initiated. You are pushing your children to be downtrodden, and because of that, you are accountable! We don’t allow this to happen to our children. We don’t deprive them to pursue a promising future and a beautiful tomorrow! Let us give a life worth of them . . . they are gifts, they are treasures! Let us elevate their life to become worthy citizens of tomorrow!
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Lord, I pray, let every mother’s heart bear the responsibility

towards their children’s life & future.

No Other Nth Means Except . . .

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We have observed the cycles of life . . . birth and death . . . young and then old! In fact, we have lived through many of these life cycles. The book of Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 tells us that there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.

Love affairs are not unusual for young teenagers today. It’s not particularly surprising when such love affairs are broken for some reason or another. Normally, teens get over the hurt they feel for a broken relationship & discover that there are other “fishes in the sea”.      

  

There will come a time for all of us to cross the bar! It’s a whole lot sooner today than it has been at any time in our past. Obviously because the phase of life in our generation is faster than way back. It seems that everyone,  everything, and everybody is coping up with the demands of globalization.

Now, you see the person and then the next time, wow, a bombshell, death has corrupted a life less expected.  Just a matter of seconds, minutes, hour or a day, time after time, major devastation, pain and the like are scourging the life of man. We heard of many accidents that are so devastating, painful, and so gruesome. Unbelievably, our thermodynamic is getting messed up. Typhoon,  flush floods, earthquakes and other calamities come one after another in succession.  All resulted to killing hundreds, and even thousands of people all over the world. People are left frustrated, disgusted and even downtrodden. 

Pains, hurts, frustrations . . . Why? Where is justice? Where is fairness? Where is LOVE? Why can’t we just abstain from all these messes? 

There is no other nth means to all these queries except to get back to where God wants us to start life…it’s from Him! Yeah, it’s a big Yes! Get back to God, the author and the finisher of our Faith. With God, even if we are experiencing failures, dilemma, and other negatives, yet there is a comforting feeling of assurance that He’s always there for us.

Life may prove to be harsh and difficult. It may deny us and our dreams and starve our precious hopes. At times life may have turned fickle and unpredictable and may have taken us out from which we considered most precious. But with God, there is an answer! He is the basic foundation on which we can build or rebuild our life. 

Our world is badly out of tune. We need a Higher Power to strike the right note, a foundational note, to give us the right pitch for our lives and living. 

“Have thine own way Lord in our life”

The Ministry of an Enthusiastic Teaching!

Teaching is a vocation . . . a teacher should have the passion to communicate! Students look up to a teacher as a mentor where they are expectant to learn more and emulate values they see being actualized by their teacher apart from home and personal activity.

            A teacher has to be awesome and dynamic in every way. In one way or another, a person who can be a source to fill up the emptiness that a student is in search at home and could not find it.

            A teacher’s influence can make a lot of difference. This influence can either build their lives or ruin them, encourage or frustrate them, challenge or discourage them, or end their lives victorious ore downtrodden. A big responsibility indeed. It might be less compared to the responsibility a parent has but being a teacher is also about parenting.

            Oftentimes than not,  teachers assume that they are in a red light situation waiting for the light to turn green. But this is not in reality. Teachers have to assume, instead that they are at a green light waiting for the red light. It’s a matter of perspective and how serious we are about making what we have left in our life count.

            Teaching is considered a lifetime ministry. Whenever and whatever the circumstance  maybe. A teacher’s heart should always settle as mentor. 

            I was thinking what a teacher means . . . and I ended up with this acronym: 

T          -           eachable

E          -           fficient   

A          -           ccountable

C          -           ourageous/cheerful

H          -           eart warming

E          -           ncourager 

R          -           ewarding

            The above acronym is a challenge . . . Bear in mind that words aren’t enough. Praying isn’t enough either. It’s a balance of doing and going with the message of hope a teacher gives and of course, lifestyle.  Not only would people be interested in what we say, but how we put into action what we say and can be interpreted as living it out! A TEACHER should put the GO and the DO into teaching as a ministry. Go and

Do now!

Teachers are not only here to “teach to live” but foremost, to “live to teach".

What is a Mother Worth?

Who can afford to pay for the services a mother provides for love? Nothing compares how much a mother at home added to her family’s economic well-being by being a nursemaid, housekeeper, cook, dishwasher, laundress, food buyer, dietician, and generally, a maintenance person.

The above reality is demeaning to the mother at home because those were just relatively menial duties. There are higher status jobs every mother at home performs. She can be a teacher, religious instructor, coach, interior decorator, psychologist, analyst in every way and almost everything a mother assumes. Often, we cannot see a mother’s heart nor ever understand their inner struggles.

Mothers are one of the unsung heroines of today! Her irreplaceable services to her family are far beyond rewarding. With all the responsibilities on their shoulders, they did their job well . . . they’re exemplary!

A solid and stable home produces a solid, stable, and productive citizen who makes a difference to this world!

Mothers, you have permission to salute yourself if no one else does it for you! You are valuable, You are providing services far beyond the call of duty! You are needed! You are important!

A Thousand Accolade to all Mothers out there! ! ! 

Thank You Lord for the Beautiful Sunday!!!

Today is Sunday! I suppose to be attending the Sunday service but due to my cough and a slight head ache, I refrain and just have to rest home. I know I would be missing the message today.

Although I am not really feeling good, I was able to wake up early and pray. After I have done praying, I immediately put on a mug of coffee. While the coffee’s brewing, I do some bending and jogging in place, then take some coffee back to the sofa to watch the news. While doing so, I was thinking on what to serve for breakfast. Something new and something different, I guess.

Flavor makes my kids linger around foods. The aroma invites them to the table. Definitely, everything that goes into food goes into you, and that’s the best part of being a mom, credits get back to you as they want even more. Though how simple and light my preparation seem to be, it’s so fulfilling to know that they love what I am serving them.  Foods always make my kids’ day. There are times they would suggest on what to cook. 

At last, I decided to have “paco salad” (fern salad) and “Argentina corn beef”.  Hmmm . . . really yummy! In  a little while, my kids and I would be together to enjoy our breakfast. How we wish my hubby is around to join us. . . soon though he will!  This is the meal that brings everyone together . . . so long!

Wanna try a bite?

A Noble Attempt for a Blessed Sunday!

I need to make a serious notice today! For myself and for my kids, yeah!!!

Well,  it’s a noble attempt to make myself feel a little better though. It’s Sunday and I can’t make it to church.  I have a little fever and I am coughing hard. So, what am I going to do? 

Over the last couple of days, you may have noticed that rain comes often,  Suddenly is very severe, and then retreats quickly. At other times though extreme heat seems to scourge over our head and skin, that we are feeling a lot uneasy to go out for a walk. Some have joked that global warming is not so bad for this season.  It looks like we are experiencing another rainy season and heat season or maybe both extremes alternately. We may hear other people saying that these roller coaster extreme weather conditions are part of the symptoms of global warming, and we should expect to see more of this through all year round.

Whatever explanation everyone has to all these scenarios, whether or not acceptable, life must go on . . . and everyday must have to have something new and something different.

Ehemmm…something different, huh! Yeah, I have something different . . . My morning delight today is a “salad fern” and “Argentina corn beef”. 

Ingredients for my salad paco are: 1 pack paco (fern), 2 medium tomatoes, onion, 2 salted eggs, kalamansi, salt and sugar.

Direction: Blanch the paco or you can have it boiled for just a minute. Cut ingredients into desired sizes and mix them to taste. Put on top of the Blanched paco the mixed ingredients. Make sure it is served crunchy.

Good enough . . . everyone feels delighted! Breakfast is great!

Tough Times in the Hollow of Office Politics

Office Politics? What is this?

You don’t actually experience what an office politics is without being competitive with the rest of your office peers. Noticeably, office politics has been exponentially creeping into an office environment.  As quoted from the "Surviving Office Politics", Talent Scout, April 16, 1998,  "Eighteen percent of an administrator's time — more than nine weeks out of every year — is spent resolving conflicts among employees".

Michael Alesko, on his article,  "Office Politics: Do You Play or Pass," in Today's Careers defines office politics as, “the use and misuse of power in the workplace". It implies that “office politics” is not essentially a bad thing.  I, therefore, affirm that it isn’t always bad and certainly it is unavoidable.

It is important to know that being dynamic in the work environment we play  is an essential ingredient in how a business is run.  As a member of the working force, we are to be plausible and versatile to fit ourselves in every situation. Remember, that everyone comes from a different background and orientation in life. We cannot just put in any way our standards to others nor can others do the same to us.

In every game, there is a rule. And players in order not to be disqualified must know the rules.  We, as the players must play our respective game fairly, knowing that office politics can be the most competitive game of all. Its chances are quite high. Either way, we can keep our job or get promoted if we succeed and lose our job and may be thumping the wall applying for a new job.

There is always the good side and the bad side on playing office politics. What we are apt to do is to seek mutual benefit. We don’t bite the one who feeds us because our source of financial blessing is from them. We need to have the right attitude by knowing our job role. Another is evaluating our performance measures.  At the end, we need to consider individual strengths and abilities. Remember, no one stands alone. I may do what others can’t as well as others can do what I cannot. Everyone should focus on objectives. If there is unity and transparency in a workplace, then, we may tap the most out of our investments and potentials to become successful.

For working people, office is the second home. And the people around are the second family. As one family, the establishment of a rapport in a relationship is crucial.

Like any place, the workplace is where you bring a bunch of people together. It is a mishmash of many different personalities. There are coworkers who are easy to work with, and those difficult people to deal with. The workplace differs from  other places because even the difficult people must cooperate in order to be productive.  And one of the most serious reasons of conflicts in a workplace is gossip.

Gossip is an unavoidable presence in a workplace and of course an annoying habit. A gossiper seems to know everything about everyone. It may carry elements of truth and falsehood. In this case, you have to  examine every gossip with a skeptical eye. Take everything you hear with a grain of salt. Before you act on something you hear, confirm that it's true. A lot of what comes down the pike is downright false. And then there's the "telephone effect." Remember the children's game, telephone? You whisper something to the person next to you and then he or she whispers what he or she thinks you said to the next person, and so on. Then the last person in the chain says it aloud. The first person in the chain then repeats the original sentence which of course is quite different. Once a fire is sparked, it may affect not only the person concern but most is the work. You will be out of your concentration and your momentum would be messed about.

You can be a Chatterbox – most pleasant, friendly, but trying to harm anyone by her relentless talking that keeps anyone from concentrating their work. Rather than risk insulting your colleague, put the blame on yourself. Tell your coworker you have trouble concentrating while you are listening to her very engaging stories. You'd love to hear them at some other time, just not while you're working. Then, if you truly enjoy her company, have lunch with her once a week. 

One of your coworker can be a Complainer. There's always one person in a group who can never find anything about which to be happy. The incessant complains about anything is getting on your nerves.  Change the subject whenever the bellyaching begins. Your colleague should get the hint after you do this repeatedly.

In your workplace, there are always someone who wants to share his work with his colleagues. Those who either can't do all the work they have been given or don't want to do it. If  you already have your hands full, then you have to turn down the request. Tell your coworker you have your own work with which to deal. If team work is encouraged in your office and you have time to help your colleague you should. 

There is also one who does not acknowledge any help she receives from others. She accepts all the praise for a project without mentioning that she didn't do it alone. The first time this happens, consider it a mistake. Mention it to your colleague and ask her to let others know about your participation. If she doesn't, or if this happens again, make sure you let others know about the role you played in getting a project done. Then, unless you are mandated to work with this person, refuse to help out again.

It's really tough going along with people you didn't grow up with. However, with proper knowledge and training, you will keep yourself abreast of them and the situation. Everyone should emerge a winner! A winner not by competing through ideas, words of mouth, or fists but winning everyone around by establishing a rapport. It's a matter of a mindset, I guess!  Let's try it, so we will know . . .