Day One: You Can Change the World!

Over the weekend I decorated the door of my classroom with butterflies, put up pictures of butterflies, and then hung a few more.  I brought in my teaching assistant, Smiley the wheelchair, and set up 30+ books I will read to my students over the next month.  The best decorations for the butterfly effect came in with the kids, however.

$116 came in first thing, on the first day of the unit.  This is almost enough for one wheelchair and we

hadn't even started.  116 butterflies were proudly hung up on the wall of the school displaying the kid's commitment to make a difference and help out another child.

The first day of the unit is much like Christmas.  I want the kids to open all of the presents and surprises all at one time because I am so excited for them.  Discovering a little bit at a time over a serious of weeks will produce the most heart change, however.

Today we talked about how everyone of them has the ability to change the world.  Even though what they do may seen small, the ripple effect can be felt around the world in a matter of minutes.  We had a great conversation about the purpose everyone has and they shared with me what they thought their purpose was...they gave beautiful answers.  

I introduced the children to my friend and hero, Joni Eareckson Tada, by watching a video from Joni and Friends Kid's Corner.  They were amazed by Joni's abilities and already feel a connection to this beautiful lady.  They shared some of the things a physical disability can prohibit but they were much more fascinated with Joni's ability to sing, paint, and write books.

I hope their wheels are spinning as they think about the conversations today and I hope their questions are endless over the dinner table tonight.  I can hardly wait for them to meet the amazing people, who happen to have a physical disability, that will enter their lives in the next few days.  

One More Time!

On Monday I will begin my favorite time of the year! I just hope I can sleep tonight. I will take my class on a journey that I hope and pray lasts a lifetime. I have no doubt they will teach me many things as well. In the next month 15 kids will learn about how to be a friend to someone with a disability. They will embrace the experience with questions, excitement, inclusiveness, passion, and sacrifice. 

Over the years so far, the Bridge Class has raised $12,000 to refurbish and distribute wheelchairs for "Wheels For the World." On Friday my students were already dreaming about ways to raise money for children that need wheelchairs, all the way from making refreshments to emptying out their piggy banks.  It is hard for me to hear about such deep sacrifice from kids, but I know how worth it the sacrifice is.  The kids will grow so much in their perceptions of themselves as well as those around them.  

It is bitter sweet that this is the last time I will do this, at least in my classroom.  The butterfly will have a special meaning for me from here on out because it will remind me of the butterfly effect of kids helping kids.  Here we go... one more time!

Austin Faith and Disability Conference

I wanted to share a great opportunity on March 3 at University Christian Church on faith and disability.  There will be a number of great speakers along with the opportunity to engage in dialogue with students with disabilities.

Bill will be speaking on, "Understanding Autistic Behavior By Looking At Neuroanatomy."

austin faith and disability

A Community Conversation

 To register go to:austinfaithanddisability.wordpress.com

Mar-gin

Bill and I have been preparing for a talk, "Grace...Margin...Without."  The name of our ministry is "Grace Without Margins" but what do each of those words mean?  As Bill prepares his explanation of 

grace, I am preparing my explanation of margins and how it would be to not have margins in our society.

Have you ever thought about who lives in the margins of our society?  I suppose on one level we all

have at one time or another.  Maybe we felt we didn't fit into the mainstream of society because of our appearance, our intellect, or our financial status.  Living in the margins of a group can be a very lonely place.

I have been reading a variety of books over the last couple of weeks and my understanding of the margins has grown.  I have often thought of the poor and disabled living in the margins but it had not occurred to me that the illiterate and the physically or sexually abused can also be in the margins.

This week when you go to church or school or a social event, look and see who is in the margins of your gathering.  Drawing someone out of the margins may completely turn their day around and give you the opportunity for a new friendship.