We started our day by holding a paintbrush in our mouth. We painted a picture as though we didn't have the use of our hands. Most of the kids found it rather challenging but they were all good sports and gave it their best shot. Some of the kids we couldn't get to stop. They painted and painted and painted.
Later we read the book, The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews. I love to read his book to my kids because he shares how one person can change the world but if you look at their life, they made a difference because someone else made a difference in their live. If you look farther you will find a person in that person's life that impacted them. As Andy says, "what we do matters." We had a great discussion about how they will change someone's life by helping them get a wheelchair and their lives will be different from here on out. This excited the kids and they all started sharing how they are going to raise money for the wheelchairs.
This group of kids has surprised me by how accepting they are. Usually it takes the kids several days to warm up to the wheelchair being in the room but not this group. The girls were actually kissing the wheelchair and saying, "good-bye Smiley" as they went off to their next class. They can hardly wait for their turn to ride in the wheelchair!
We closed our day with talking about what it was like to paint with a paintbrush in our mouths. They all talked about how difficult it was. I asked them if they wanted to see a painting that Joni Eareckson Tada did with a paintbrush in her mouth. Their eyes were huge as they looked at the beautiful painting.
One of my favorite stories today was from a little girl that shared that she had seen a man the previous day that was missing a leg. She got a smile on her face and said, "It is ok though. He can do lots of things!" I love how they are already understanding that we all have a few challenges but we all have great gifts as well.
Tomorrow we will learn about powerful people that happen to have a physical disability. I know they will be amazed!
Deana
You, my dear, are a beautiful blessing to so many! Thank you for sharing your day with us! What an encouragement!
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