“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” by Mahatma Gandhi
When Arthur asked me to write something about our experience at the Copey Learning Center I didn’t know if I could put my feelings into words. I could use words like amazing, unforgettable, memorable, remarkable, and extraordinary, but it was so much more!
There are so many people to thank that it’s difficult to know where to start. Nothing would have happened without Arthur’s willingness to share his passion with a stranger on an airplane. As he shared his vision it was evident to Tamarie that this was going to be a wonderful opportunity for Meadow. So, thank you, Arthur for becoming such a force for good.
Lisa Watters, Tamarie McMullin, and Debbi Christiansen. They are the planners, schedulers, packers, idea-givers that, said simply, “Love children!” Also, the students at Meadow Elementary for their generosity when it came to bringing in a massive amount of school supplies. Is it any wonder why I love being the principal of such a marvelous school? I have been blessed!
I want to thank the people of Copey!! We were showered with love, hugs, food, and much attention. It’s the closest I will ever get to feeling like a dignitary! I know I will forget someone so I will just say, thank you for sharing your homes, food, cars, time and
goodness with us. However, the best part was sharing your beautiful children as we worked in the learning center. When all is said and done, after all, it is about the children. They literally have stolen our hearts!
As an educator I know that within each child is the potential to change the world. Nothing is truer than this, as stated by The Spoken
Word in 2002. “The power of one person to affect the lives of millions becomes clear when we think of Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi bringing freedom to India, Abraham Lincoln uniting a country divided by war, or Mother Teresa showing love and compassion for the forgotten outcasts of Asia.”
But for a moment, picture each of these as a ten-year-old child: Gandhi—shy, unsmiling, awkward; Lincoln—lanky and sober; Mother Teresa—a tiny girl named Agnes from a country many people still can’t find on the map. None was marked by any outward sign of what strength lay within them. Each seemed just an ordinary child. And therein is the wonder: ordinary folk can and do make extraordinary differences.
“Everyone can make a difference! Everyone can get involved! Don’t be afraid to give the same love we have all been given in large measure.”
I want to return to Copey, where their needs are great, but love and dedication are not in short supply. They are making such a difference in the lives of each child they teach.
Miracles happened on this trip and we felt God’s hand in everything we did. Miracles can happen in your life as well. We are all God’s children journeying together to make our world a better place for those who follow after us, our children, the most precious commodity any nation has.
“For me, the people of Copey are forever etched on my heart and I will never be the same.” Carolyn Johnson, Principal of Meadow Elementary School, Lehi, Utah
Thank you AK! Carolyn’s note brought tears to my eyes! Lin
Join the party…I have been tearful for weeks!
Thank you for your service. I understand the love for children after spending more than thirty four years as an educator. The fun began as a classroom teacher, then Special Education roles, followed by assistant principal and other supervisory roles over a period of 34 years. My greatest joy was helping children learn.
Christine Broady Clark
To Aunt Christine: Thank you for “your” most distinguished service to education. You have not only been a wonderful loving and caring aunt, but a long time educator whom I have greatly admired, respected, and loved. You have been a strong inspiration to me and others including your family to be leaders in education. Love you!
This experience shows that God can work in extraordinary ways to bring people together to do great work for the “children of His world.” God bless all of you who answered His call for action.
Your trip was filled with love and inspiration. Amen.