“The giving of love is an education in itself.”  -Eleanor Roosevelt

Giving, without being asked, is the ultimate giving. Seeing a need. Deciding to put your own effort into creating something better. Meeting a need. An action driven from the heart, neither for reward or recognition, but the ability to make a difference in another child’s life… the giving of love.

Often times, we do not respond to the needs of others across the globe as the needs feel to big, beyond our reach. More than we can manage- financially or emotionally. We forget… how little it really takes… when we work together.

Mrs. Petty’s 7^th graders at Riverside Middle School have given us all a lesson in generosity. A couple weeks ago, they surprised us with a $382 check for our scholarship fund. We shared the stories of a couple of our scholarship recipients when we reconnected in December. Upon reflection, they decided they wanted to contribute to the education of children in Ghana. One-by-one, class-by-class, they gave a dollar, shared change from their lunch money, and did chores at home for these other children.

Collectively, each giving a little, the rewards they reap will come tenfold.

On the other side of the globe, without them knowing it, Fred and Matilda (photo above from 2010) were doing the same. Although also recent orphans themselves, they focused outside of themselves as they set out to raise funds so their older sister, Bernice, could stay in Senior Secondary (High School). We recently received this news, and that they were on their knees asking for help for the rest of the sum needed. They had raised 200 Ghana cedis (about $120) on their own!

When we received this surprise check, as we were not even informed they had set out on these acts of kindness, we shared Fred, Matilda, and Bernice’s story. What perfect timing! Fred and Matilda are rejoicing, as Bernice resumed school last week. Cross-culturally the efforts of all of these children will make a difference for years to come. It has already lightened hearts. Edge nye le jahm- our hearts our full.

Mrs. Petty shared “I am so thankful for this project and all we have learned this year. I am proud to be a teacher and know that my students have truly made a difference across the world. Not many teachers can say that.”  Hearts of hope giving us all a lesson in love, and hope, made possible.

“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.” -Eskimo Proverb

Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with the VMS and Vail community as they face the tragedy of the passing of Taft. There are never words that can ease the sorrow of an unexpected tragedy, yet our presence and willingness to listen provides healing space. Yesterday’s opening circle was the most somber we have ever experienced. Yet, the children were able to speak their sorrow from their hearts. Tears streamed down faces. We heard and shared their sorrow.

As they connected with their friends in Ghana via videos and letters, tears gave way to smiles. Connections thousands of miles away lightened these heavy hearts, if only for a while. There is power in being connected by invisible threads. On this day, connected heartstrings hold us up, reminding us we are not alone.

A candle, lit by the World Peace Flame that was shared in the Fall, glimmers in Taft’s cubbyhole. A beautiful light has left our circle, yet his impact will eternally burn on…

We invite the entire CIH community to hold his family, school and community in your hearts and prayers. 

Consider giving Hope for the Holidays!

There are three events this weekend in Atlanta that you can purchase beautiful handmade creations from Ghana which help support connecting children globally.

Out of Our Hands

A consortium of 15 artists will be displaying and selling hand-made original works including:

fiber arts, jewelry, sculpture, clothing, pottery, ceramics, paintings and drawings

Opening: Friday, December 2 – 6 to 9

Saturday, December 3 – 11 to 5 Sunday, December 4 – 11 to 5

881 Kings Court, Atlanta, 30306

Women for Women

976 Highland View, Atlanta 30306

Jingle Bell Jubilee

Friday Night 6-9

Saturday 9-5

Sunday 12:30-4

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School ~ JBJ Home

Saying goodbye is always bitter sweet, here. We watched Angel and Godfred (in their first weeks of school still under our new scholarship) stroll down the hill in the golden light for the last time.To watch the joy of children going to school, that have never been before, is a beautiful way to start any day.

At EP Primary Ho-Bankoe, we set our equipment for a slide show of the images captured in the last 4 weeks. Veronica’s class opens with “Lean on Me”. Class by class, giggles, smiles and cheers ring out across the room.  This is a rare treat to see all these images. There is a reverse papparazzi effect here- the kids always following the cameras. Serendipitously, we close with “What a Wonderful World” sung by the Leaders Group. What a truly wonderful world it is when children can connect in this way.

We attempted to say goodbye to Sokode-Bagble earlier this week, but were summoned to return on Friday for a proper send off- drumming and dancing. The kids change our of their uniforms into brightly colored fabrics, and take to the school yard barefoot. The entire school gathers, and at one point, is invited to dance. Joy abounds.

We celebrate our time together. Prayers and well wishes are spoken for a safe journey home, back to the United States and Canada. We give thanks for all the amazing work and heart of the children. Four weeks sure can fly when you are having fun!

“Hope is everywhere. Hope is always there. Hope is inside of you. You just need to find it. I feel my purpose here on this earth is to comfort the grieving and lift the spirits of those who need it. “ – Rebecca, Galloway School

The final projects were underway today from Galloway School and Summit Charter School. One of the Galloway letters shared about a grandfather, Harry Fine, who used to say “In nature and in name.”  This is poetically fitting for a culture where nearly everyone, at nearly all times, expresses being fine. Ghana is also a culture that bestows names with intention to their children, often at special naming ceremonies, with the hope that they will come embody the very nature and essence of their names – Rejoice, Beauty, Joy, Hope, Peace, Blessing, God’s Way, Proud, Grace, Angel, Comfort, Happy, Courage – to name just a few.

We are struck by the intimacy in many of the stories being shared. Hearts flowing through pencils in darkened rooms, bringing details from inner places, often kept in shadows, into the light. There are times when the pairings seem perfect. We could not have even known to match particular students with each other, yet, it happens. Often. Rebecca’s letter landed in the hands of a child in need of hope and comforting. When we inquired in more depth about the challenges expressed in his letter, we thought, how poetic he has Rebecca’s letter.

The stories seem as varied as the grains of maize abounding in the fields around us, yet the essence in the nature of the hardships is so similar. We have been quite surprised to see so many stories of suffering – beginning with those from the U.S.  Many of the letters from the United States include stories tied to ancestral history and narratives of war, segregation, and the great depression. In Ghana, the tales relate to present day struggles. We’ve even had to pull some stories for the inappropriateness in the level of detail, at times violent in words and/or pictures, on both sides. Yet, many of them speak to the overcoming of obstacles, some how (as they say here).

Our final project to be exchanged on this trip, interestingly enough, is with the Prince of Peace JHS 2 students, many of who are the seed kids for the entire CIH project. When they settle in, they focus deeply, always exhibiting their investment in this cross-cultural, peace-building endeavor. They always inquire about friends from the years that have gone by, keeping that circle, that loop, never ending. Although they all love the variety from Summit Charter School, most choose to create their own story books, enjoying the rare opportunity to use a hole puncher (many decide to make holes all around the outside of their pages). They find delight in a disposable camera and capture friendship and joy. They share of their own firsts and their own best friends.

Blessings abound on pages filled with beauty, and tears. Joy fills the humid air, and grace flows between us. It takes courage to share, and in sharing, earth angels comfort, lifting spirits to rejoice. Hope is everywhere. We find it, everyday, with these children.