Friends…Endowed with Seeds of Greatness!

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”  – Margaret Mead

Kings Mountain National Military Park

My plan to join the members of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association (OVTA) at Kings Mountain was canceled. Hurricane Helene caused much destruction and chaos in the general area of North Carolina causing the Park to shut down all planned activities celebrating the historic victory on October 7, 1780. Last minute decisions needed to be quickly made to avoid traveling to the location.

Much of the Kings Mountain area and north near Ashville, North Carolina is still recovering from loss of life, property, and certainly livelihoods. Our prayers and best wishes continue to be extended to all those suffering. Several “Friends of Copey” were in harm’s way. The latest reports I have indicate our “friends” are all okay.  

God willing, I will try again next year to join my fellow OVTA members and stand among them representing my great grandfather (a slave) who shared in the historical military victory at Kings Mountain.

Aileana from Richmond, Virginia

In the recent past I have reported the interchange of messages between USA six grade student Aileana and several Copey Learning Center students of similar age. Read Post dated September 2, 2024.

Tara has done a wonderful job facilitating the messages being exchanged. And, she has closely monitored the developing relationships. Below are recent unedited messages prepared by Copey students and forwarded to Aileana by Tara. I share these to point out the variety of ways we (Friends) engage in life changing activities. Our hope is these young students and their growing relationships will become extraordinary, meaningful, and long lasting. 

Hello Aileana,

I have your messages from the student’s here. I encouraged Antony to tell something about the celebration which is observed in every town and city across the country on September 15th. I attended the public school presentation on the eve of the actual event, and include here a clip and some photos from that evening. 

Tara Fick       

*****

Hi Aileana!

September 15th we celebrated Independence Day. I really like to celebrate this every year. Some of the children walk around with lanterns, and this is a symbol of the story of how the people first came together to demand independence. I really hate the school band, though. They sounded terrible 😂

Your friend,

Antony

*****

Hello Aileana,

I am Valentina. I’m so happy when you told about your visit to Rica. I love Jaco and I like surfing. I love pizza with chicken and garlic sauce. I like other food for example salads with tomato, lettuce and other vegetables. I like beans, rice and the Chifrija is delicious. It is so cool that you are the co-captain of your team. Congratulations! I’m so happy lately because I have a new pet. It is a puppy and its name is Simon. It is so cute.   

Best Regards,

Valentina

*****

Hello Aileana!

In this moment there is nothing happening with the rabbits. Sadie is one of the cutest dogs I have ever

seen! Yes, chickens are so funny. I love them. My favorite horse is a Percheron, especially if they are black. When I go to the “tope” (parade of horses) I saw a black Percheron and fell in love. I talked to his rider and he said he had offspring, and I tried hard to get one, but obviously my dad said no. He said it was a hard job and really expensive. But one day I’m gonna have one.

Hugs, Leonor

(Teacher’s note: Leonor had mispelled “I’m going to” at first, but it was an opportunity to talk about informal usage, such as between friends. Rather than correct it to conventional spelling, we had a small class discussion about tonality in communication. I’m gonna is something I might text to my own daughter, for example. There are certain other informal abbreviations that I think is good for these students to be aware of, prolly.)

Travel to Copey Update…!     

I do plan to travel to Copey to attend the upcoming Copey Learning Center’s graduation set for November 27th. Some details are still being worked out but I look forward to being there to meet students, parents, Tara, and be reunited with many students and friends I have enjoyed over the years.

It is not too late to join me and celebrate the success of Copey students, the community, and of course the Copey Learning Center.

Volunteer Teacher Needed for 2025…!

Soon the Copey Learning Center will complete its educational services for 2024. We are grateful for the many hours of international generosity given to this project and the tremendous goodness so many have witnessed over the year. And, we are most grateful for Tara who left her Canadien home and community about eight months ago to dedicate a full school year of voluntary service to the Copey Learning Center. This is a level of commitment not seen at the Copey Learning Center for many years. 

We are eager to find another Tara to support our efforts. We are now searching for that volunteer who is willing to support the school for 3 months, 6 months, or even 9 months. Contact me or the Copey Learning Center if you are interested or wish to recommend someone. The pay is not great but the rewards are unbelievable!