I love linking up to a wonderful celebratory community, inspired by Ruth Ayres, every Saturday!
I'm writing this on Friday as the tragedy unfolds in Paris. It seems wrong to be celebrating the week's good things while so many people are suffering there. However, I saw this posted on Facebook and thought it was perfect, so I shared it, also. I'll share it here as well.
I'm going to celebrate the caring people in the world.
The third annual #ReadWalkWater event was held last Friday at our school. Our 6th graders were inspired to help with the world water crisis after reading A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park by raising money for Water for South Sudan, Inc. We have raised over $5,000 so far this year to add to our $20,000+ that we've raised for the last two years to build wells in South Sudan. I love that these students are changing the world. We thank Jordan Griebner, too, for donating her time again this year to teach our students about the world water crisis and her work with the Wells Project and Living Water, Int'l. She's an amazing young woman.
We celebrated our 28th Friends' Thanksgiving last weekend. These women are fabulous, and I thank God for the years of friendship, caring, and love they've provided in my life.
Not all the college kids came this year, but it sure was special to see these beauties!
As the weekend events continue to unfold, I will #PrayForParis, and while grieving for the lost and changed lives, I'll also look for and celebrate the helpers. We know they are there.
Thanks for reminding me of the Mr. Rogers quote. It is important to think about when your heart hurts. Glad to see the pictures of you and your friends. See you at NCTE?
ReplyDeleteHolly, I had the same dilemma when I was writing, but I also posted. I think our celebrating is needed in the world. LOVE that you and your students continue to support Water for South Sudan! Changing the world...how amazing!!! It looks like you had a great celebration with friends. Have FUN at NCTE! I'm so sad I'm not going. We must meet someday!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same thing this morning. Thank you so much for sharing what heals and keeps us human. Yay for Fred Rogers (a personal hero), family, friends and all you are doing at your school with water project.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to NCTE. I hope I get to meet you there.
Oh, how wise was your mother to tell you to look for the helpers. I will long remember those words.
ReplyDeleteI love that Fred Rogers quote. And I love when a book inspires its readers to do something.
ReplyDeleteHolly, love the pics from your friends' Thanksgiving. What a blessing to celebrate your long friendship. And I love what your school community does with the #ReadWalkWater event. My heart hurts for so many who sorrow this weekend. Thank goodness for the caring folks in our world.
ReplyDeleteI think these tragedies make us all the more aware of our little blessings. Your water project is so impressive. I can't wait to meet face to face soon!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding us to look for the helpers.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that many of us were finding it challenging to celebrate, but I'm glad you did, Holly. I'm so proud of you & your students & what you do to help with water. What a project you've started! And loved seeing about your friends getting together-another loving tradition.
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