Hita man taotao tåno. The chant rings through my ears like a blaring trumpet. "We are the people of the land." The effects of this very phrase will have more significance in my life than I can ever imagine. This simple phrase has such an intimate effect on all of us. Our ancestors must have been very concerned about their descendants to reassure that the land is ours. They must have known that the island we live in reflects who we are; that as a people we must be resilient to bear the burden of paradise; that we need no more than faith to look to the better tomorrow.

"We are the people of the land." Everyone uses where he or she lives to establish their identity, whether it be Japanese, Americans, or Guamanians. The land is who we are. The truth of the matter is, if...