New School

I can’t always remember what I post on here..but I do know what continues to play again and again in my mind…the power of education.
My favorite picture recently was of a ninth class girl preparing for her school's opening ceremony. She peered in the broken mirror leaning against the window....looking....and obviously full of pride, confidence, and excitement. A younger girl takes it all in, watching in admiration.
The room was buzzing with excitement. Girls were peeking through windows gazing at the approaching crowd , giggling at my awe of them. They look magnificent. Dresses beautifully fitted, hair filled with flowers, bells around their ankles, fingertips dyed with henna and make-up perfectly applied. I am not sure where these girls live or where they come from but I could tell they felt beautiful. Confidence radiated from them and they looked about five years older than they had the day before, dressed in their school uniforms. Not knowing the girls I might have thought they always possessed this poise.
As the program began the girls danced. Parents and children visited and shared experiences; supporters were recognized. But before moving to the ribbon cutting ceremony at the beautiful new building we were reminded of how the school began. It all started on the front porth of a house. Teachers not only taught content but children learned how to sit, listen, and how to come to school clean and ready to learn. What struck me the most was the question posed to parents. "How many parents can sign their name?" The majority sign with a fingerprint. Now, a generation later, their children have leanred not only to sign their name but to read, write, and speak with confidence. Watch out world.. here they come! Congratulations everyone on your new school I feel so privileged to have been there.

Not Impossible!

I believe that we will never know what a person is capable of becoming. Too often we see limitations and decide for others what they can and can’t achieve and then teach them inside the limits we have predetermined. I believe we should assume each child can succeed. We must find ways to enhance that potential by looking outside of the box.

This has become my teaching philosophy. .. and while I believe it.. my students are still young and therefore it is hard to see the results of my investment. But as a teacher, I can’t imagine the joy of seeing one of my students achieve what others said WOULD NOT be possible. As a teacher of students with special needs there sometimes seems to be a lot of “impossible” spoken around and about my students.
This week, I am staying in the home of a musically gifted family. I have been so so blessed by evening concerts and times of family singing. On Saturday, we all went to see their son perform with his college choir. He has perfect pitch and can play almost any song by ear, upon request. He is in his second year of college and will soon be preparing for his final music test. This talented young man also has Autism.
On Sunday, via skype, we were all able to talk to his first teacher, who taught him as a second grader. She remembered a boy much different from the man he is today. Her investment in this young man, and the investment of his family, has certainly paid off. This family and teacher have an unbreakable bond because both believed in the "possible" rather than the "impossible." They believed in the pursuit of a dream!

Good So Far

So thankful for a few quiet days before starting the busy teaching weeks. I always think that I am tougher than jet lag...but I am not. Today was my first day without a nap. Hopefully I will sleep tonight. I have a few updates to add and hope that I have better internet access tomorrow.

Made It!

What a long trip. I slept a lot on the way here so I was thrilled to feel wide awake as we left the airport. I was sure I could stay awake all day as they suggest. Now, about two hours later, I am SOOOOO tired. :). Had a warm welcome back, my first tea, and my first mango. Now I gotta stay awake. Thanks for all your prayers. I will write more later....when I can see straight. :)

Ready?!?!

June 17,2010

Six, five,four.... "Aghhh!" My bags are packed, they have been for a week.  I am probably more organized than ever....five phonics kits (that I had to make), morning calendar for five classrooms, at least 12 donated pocket charts, reading assessments, 90 glow bracelets for my littlest friends, and a stack of first grade books.  Marc, the son of my college roommate, picked out his favorites to share with kids a world a way.  I sound ready...right? "Ughhh!" then why don't I feel ready.  I can look back over the past three years and utilize what I have learned (when it comes to teaching) but...when it comes to my heart the same unsettled feeling is there again. I know that every year my anxiety leaves once I walk through the first check point at the Cleveland airport and I know that I come back charged and encouraged instead of worn out as I fear I will be. I am always blessed with love, friendship, and more amazing experiences than I can even imagine.  Now if only I could convince my heart to relax, trust, and enjoy.  

On the Road Again.

I can't believe that I am going to India for my fourth trip! There were many times this year when "waiting" to return seemed to drag on and on but now with only a few weeks left I have so much to get done. Keep reading here to follow the travels!

Empty Words

Since returning, every time that I share any of these stories, the words sound artificial. Even as I hear the words come out of my mouth it sounds like I am making it up. I tried taking pictures, but the feeling is absent, I have tried writing, but can’t describe it. Without the cultural context the moment described seem empty. I guess, really, some things aren’t meant to be captured. The heart is more complex than words and when it can’t be written, I guess it just needs to be treasured. But, despite this acknowledgment I still feel compelled to try to share my experience. It is like getting any gift, you want others to enjoy it, to understand and appreciate it anyway. We really are more the same than different and sometimes I forget to see that. Each time I go to India..I am so blessed to be reminded.