April 12, 2010

Back To School

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” William Butler Yeats

Truth told, Back to School time at my house means an annual ritual carrying the same rote emotions.

Disappointment. The kids have been swimming and playing all summer. Summer time means vacation, BBQs, play time, down time, family time. Going back to school means play time’s over. Sleeping in is over. That’s a bit disappointing to my kids, and to me.

Anxiety. Next year is here. For our kids: new grade, new teacher, new unknowns – new fears. For the parents: where have the years gone?

Relief. Worn thin by the summer mayhem, we’re ready for the kiddos to get back to school: not because we’re really excited by how they’ll learn and grow, but because we feel ready for a break.

Today’s a different Back to School experience. School’s open at the Transition Village. Kids who’ve survived an earthquake but lost their parents got up this morning, got dressed, and readied for school. This is a day of excitement; of expectation; of a new normal. For many of the children, this is a first.

This is a spark.

Enjoy these pics:

Teachers Cheesing

Kids Praying (opening school prayer)

Look Out World, Here Comes Renise! (In white hat.)

I’m pretty well jazzed that my kids here in KC are in school as I write, and so is Pierre, Rogelin, and the rest of the crew in Haiti. So are the kids in our homes in Uganda, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, and around the world. All kids with a hope and a future.

Thanks, GO Family, for your continued commitment. Your kids in Haiti are back to school!

Faithfully yours,
Joe