BEING WHO WE WANT OUR CHILDREN TO BECOME

The crisis in Haiti stands as an example for our students of the best and the worst of humanity.For now, students can be asked to observe and document this process carefully as it unfolds. There are so many issues being raised but for now, the question for every one of us and our students is what now? and where and to whom do we direct our help first? The answers to those questions ought to be considered carefully now as we look at the realities.This crisis stands as a lesson for us all and the people of Haiti impacted now have sacrificed more than anyone ever should have to in order that others learn a lesson.Telling the truth about Haiti…. have students observe and find out what that is.I’d suggest that teachers/ parents share this poem with students now as a reminder of the goodness and light that can triumph. “YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WALK IN DARKNESS” seems a message students should hear during events of this nature. Grim times like these in Haiti are not a call to despair, but rather, a call to ACT with COMPASSION and to WALK WITH COURAGE IN LOVE. Thank you Wendell Berry.A poem by truth teller  Wendell Berry written to his grandchildren. To my granddaughters who visited the Holocaust

Museum on the day of the burial of Yitzhak Rabin

Now you know the worstwe humans have to knowabout ourselves, and I am sorry,

for I know that you will be afraid.To those of our bodies givenwithout pity to be burned, I know

there is no answerbut loving one another,even our enemies, and this is hard.

But remember:when a man of war becomes a man of peace,he gives a light, divine

though it is also human.When a man of peace is killedby a man of war, he gives a light.

You do not have to walk in darkness.If you will have the courage for love,you may walk in light.  It will be

the light of those who have sufferedfor peace.  It will beyour light.

~ Wendell Berry ~

(A Timbered Choir)