Thankful for What I'm Not -

On Thanksgiving Day, people generally reflect on things/people for which they are thankful.  I spent my morning thinking about things for which I am not thankful. 

I am Thankful that I'm not:

• Unloved
• Unfed
• Unclothed
• Wondering where I am going to sleep every night
• Lacking preventative medicine and accessible medical care
• Lonely for family and friends to lean on
• Living without a purpose
• Hopeless about the Now or about the Hereafter
• Lacking in opportunities for employment
• Living without a means to educate myself
• Living under a governmental control which dictates my choices and rights
• Trying to say "goodbye" to my loved ones while a disease is ravaging my body

On this day of rememberance, try to consider the things you are not.  Then take a moment and say a prayer for those who are dealing with the items on your list. 

Journaling: From Boredom to Beyond Engaged

Have you ever seen students going from acting tortured in writing reflective journal entries to not being able to stop being engaged in the journaling process?  Within the span of two weeks, I was able to witness such a remarkable transformation.

A few weeks ago, the 4th Grade classroom teacher and I collaborated to bring higher order thinking skills out of our Talented and Gifted students.  We used a reflective writing journal as a way to communicate back and forth to one another between the student and myself/classroom teacher using a challenging free choice book.  After the first two or three times we met, it was painfully obvious that they weren't enjoying the process. 

Something new needed to happen - But What?

We decided to look into an online journaling forum as a way to make it easier for them to reflect on their readings.  With the implementation of google/sites, the students are now not only writing more often, they are responding to one another's comments.  WOW!  What an added bonus. 

 

Comments Like (their words):

 

* You can actually have a conversation instead of just teachers reading it.

 

* You can share your journal with your friends and add comments to other people's.

 

* Your hand doesn't hurt and if you are good with typing, you go faster. 

 

We must remember that we are teaching students who are comfortable with the technological means of communication.  Engage them where they live and let them flourish!

 

 

photos on flickr by stOOpidgErL and *ian*

 

 

 

First Shipment Done!

How was your day?  Mine was great. Why - you ask?  Because my first delivery of educational supplies has been delivered into the capable hands of Eric Idehen, the chairman of the Nigerian Orphanage, Cornerstone of Hope.  I had the distinct honor of supplying him with thirteen boxes of supplies to be used to educate the eager minds of the orphans he cares for. 

After meeting his lovely wife and mother, we shared some inspired words of committment to those we serve.  I cried as I asked him to relay to the children my hopes and dreams for their future. 

                                                                                                                                                         It was a great day indeed.  Come with me as I continue to share the gift of literacy.  With a little effort from all of us, we can make a huge impact to those who have no voice, yet are yearning for a way out of poverty.  

               Let's be the ones who give the gift of literacy. 

Please consider donating to either my website or go to The Cornerstone of Hope and help them build the vessel in which lives are nurtured and forever changed. 

 

They did it - Why can't I?

I just finished filling up my Operation Christmas Child boxes to almost overflowing.  This yearly tradition always brings me great joy to know that a child a world away will be enjoying my small gift.  It takes little effort for me, but I know it will reap great blessings for a child who may never have opened a Christmas present.

This great ministry got me to thinking about the impact they have had on children's lives.  Since 1993, 61 million children have received the gift not only of a Christmas box, but one of Hope. 

What if I could make that kind of difference in the world?

My passion for Africa and literacy could culminate into a movement such as Operation Christmas Child.  With only a little energy from many people, we could end illiteracy in Africa.  I am reenergized with my work and will continue on my mission. 

Join me in the genesis of my movement.  Let's see what we can accomplish together!

Believe!

Do you have a firm foundation?  Are you solid in yourself and your beliefs?  Well, you better get that way if you are not.  In our times of economic uncertainty, we need more than ever to have a clear understanding of the things and people that matter to us. 

Invariably, people we care about and life itself will try to knock us off our footing.  It is important to set our feet on solid ground before those jarring moments happen.  When they do (because you know they are either here or are coming soon), we will not only be able to ride out the storms of this life with our beliefs in tact but we will be stronger in the process.

Believe in yourself and hold on!

 

 

The Power of One

I have said it before and I'll say it again, I believe in The Power of One.  One person change shift the way people view life, values, justice, etc. (Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa, Mahatma Gandhi). 

With my consuming passion of eradicating illiteracy in all parts of the world (especially Africa), I often find it difficult to articulate my passion into words.  During the conversations around Blog Action Day, I searched out websites discussing the overwhelming topic of Poverty.  To my amazement, I found a video that says what I would say to those interested in the suffering of our fellow citizens of the world. 

Even though this video focuses on the Micah Project in Australia, every country faces poverty.  Take 4 minutes and open your heart.

If you knew your voice would matter for drastic change in the world, what would you speak about? Tell me about it!

photo on flickr by noamgalai