Today, as I do once a week, I hiked with the children to an overlook. We do a blindfolded trust walk with the group and lead them to an outlook near the edge of a cliff. (not as dangerous as it sounds!) Then, they all remove their headbands in unison and scream the first word that comes to their mind.
After allowing the children a few minutes to take in the view, I sat down with them to discuss some ecology and to Judaism. (specifically the shema prayer which means "Hear O Israel the L-rd Our G-d, the L-rd is One." Afterward, I had the children sit and listen for several minutes. They sat by themselves and could draw or write about their observations. Many of the children drew pictures or listed the sounds they heard. Others wrote whole poems. I would like to share two of their writings:
sh...mmmm...ahhhh
I am on the top of the world.
I block out the sounds of the man made vehicles,
and I listen to the nature.
I take a breath and let the sweet refreshing sent into my soul.
I hear birds chirping.
They are joyful, as am I.
*****
The mysterious ocean and ancient life
To the beautiful butterflies
tree and plants
are growing.
Plants are being born
and People are dieing.
Animals are looking for
food and growing up.
The sky will be there always.
From the peace and serenity on a mountain top
To the hustle and bustle of the city.
The world will always be here.
That is the greatest thing.
For it is beautiful, yet mysterious but,
all these holy happenings will be there.
The Earth.
It is the most holy thing.
At Times, I feel like 4 days is a enough to learn so much about the children. We get to know their personalities, their fears, their curiousities, their dispositions and even their eating habits. And yet, reading their poetry, I am reminded of how much more they have to share - how deep their hearts and minds are.
I believe so strongly in the work we are doing here. I will miss this place... I feel as I haven't felt since France - that I have found a place that is home, and that I wish were staying that way.
I am on the top of the world.
I block out the sounds of the man made vehicles,
and I listen to the nature.
I take a breath and let the sweet refreshing sent into my soul.
I hear birds chirping.
They are joyful, as am I.
*****
The mysterious ocean and ancient life
To the beautiful butterflies
tree and plants
are growing.
Plants are being born
and People are dieing.
Animals are looking for
food and growing up.
The sky will be there always.
From the peace and serenity on a mountain top
To the hustle and bustle of the city.
The world will always be here.
That is the greatest thing.
For it is beautiful, yet mysterious but,
all these holy happenings will be there.
The Earth.
It is the most holy thing.
At Times, I feel like 4 days is a enough to learn so much about the children. We get to know their personalities, their fears, their curiousities, their dispositions and even their eating habits. And yet, reading their poetry, I am reminded of how much more they have to share - how deep their hearts and minds are.
I believe so strongly in the work we are doing here. I will miss this place... I feel as I haven't felt since France - that I have found a place that is home, and that I wish were staying that way.
2 comments:
Rachel,
I'm so happy you are enjoying your time with the kids. They are lucky to have you.
Happy Chanuka and have a great trip-I'll miss you.
Love, Adrienne
How beautiful! You have a great gift which you have shared with many children.
Try not to be too sad because more beautiful adventures lie before you and you can always return to life in the country.
Love you,
Mama
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