Spiritual Journey Thursday - BOLD

 I look forward to Thursdays when I can publish thoughts on my spiritual journey and hear the thoughts of others on a weekly basis.  It has become a space for an encouraging and fortifying community to come together.  We welcome anyone who would like to join us!

 

For the last couple of months we have been writing about each other's One Little Words.  Please join us!  We're almost done after Donna Smith's word this week, BOLD.  One more week was added to the original schedule.  See below!

 

With Salva Dut and #ReadWalkWater co-leader, Tracy Kleis

 

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. - 2Corinthians 3:12

 

     If you follow my blog or social media sites, you know my school has been involved with Water of South Sudan for 3 years now.  We read A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park with our 6th graders and then hold several events to fundraise money to help WFSS build wells in the villages of South Sudan.  When we first began this project (which is part of a Social Injustice unit we've put together), we dreamed of sponsoring a well.  A well in South Sudan costs approximately $15,000.  To sponsor one, we had to raise $5,000.  That first year we raised just over $5,000 and were thrilled.  Last year, WFSS put out a new challenge called the Iron Giraffe Super Challenge.  The organization needed a new drill, so they put out a challenge to schools to raise $1,000 to put toward the drill, but they upped the ante for the Super Challenge.  The first school to raise $25,000 in two school years would have the honor of a visit from Salva Dut, the founder of WFSS, real live character in A Long Walk to Water, and a "Lost Boy of Sudan".

 

     Earlier this year, we got the notice that we had won!  The visit was yesterday.  Lynn Malooly, the executive director of WFSS, expressed that when they chose $25,000 as the winning goal, they didn't know if anyone could do it.  I can't possibly write everything I need or want to write yet.  It's too  overwhelming.  More blog posts will be forthcoming.  The day was unbelievably amazing and humbling. When I realized that this week's word was BOLD, I immediately knew I had to write about this experience with Salva. 

 

     Everything about Salva is bold.  His courage when fleeing for his life during Sudan's civil wars and leading a group of 1500 boys to Kenya.  His perseverance when spending years in refugee camps without a family.  His hope when relocating to America and beginning a new life.  His compassion when deciding to return to his country to help his people by bringing clean water to South Sudan.  His grace when choosing peace, not revenge or hate.  His leadership when encouraging young people to make a difference.  His humility when putting others before himself.  His  love when uniting races, religions, and cultures. Because Tracy and I spent the day with him, I can truly attest to his genuineness.  To have endured what he did when he was young and accomplish all that he has, those traits: hope, compassion, grace, leadership, humility, and love have to be bold.  

 

 

     Salva mentioned God several times during his presentations.  He gives God the credit, and points to his example.  So do I.   We can dream little dreams, but God makes them big.  He has a vision greater than we can imagine and can accomplish so much more than we can alone.  So often, we make God too small. Think big.  Think bold.  God is great.

 

 

January 14: Carol Varsalona - BELIEVE

January 21:  Margaret Simon - PRESENT

January 28:  Michelle Haseltine - SELAH

February 4:  Justin Stygles - (Blind) FAITH

February 11: Leigh Ann Eck - INTENT

February 18:  Irene Latham - DELIGHT

February 25:  Violet Nesdoly - MINDFULNESS

March 3:  Julieanne Harmatz - ADMIRE

March 10:  Holly Mueller - WAIT
March 17:  Linda Kulp - SIMPLIFY
March 24: Doraine Bennett - SHINE
March 31: Donna Smith - BOLD

April 7th: Bobbie Ann Taylor - MERCIFUL