Children are the reward of life ~ African Proverb

It's been months since I've written.  Not for lack of energy or ideas.  Rather, I have spent some time, sitting back, reviewing my thoughts, watching my world, renewing my spirit.  Today though, especially today, as our world spins round the wrong way, I find a story on my Facebook feed from two years ago.  We have so much to learn.  I love to learn from the innocence of children.  They keep my hope alive that we will make it through this chaos.  Here's a story from my school.  Let's share THESE stories.  Of hope.  And friendship.  And acceptance.  

I always tell people that the school I teach at is a special place. Today we had the most amazing thing happen.
Two years ago a family arrived at our school from Somalia. One of the little girls was in my ESL class. Then last year, she was in my class as a grade 4 student.
Today, a new Somalian family of 5 arrived at the school. Right at the beginning of the day, I am introduced to my new boy and I learn he has several siblings in the school. I take him out into the hall to get him a locker. His older brother is just steps away.
Just then, the girl I used to teach, is in her French class, just next door. Apparently, she gets frantic asking the teacher if she can leave the room to go into the hallway. I turn to see her enter the hallway speaking Somalian.
So, here is the amazing part. My new boy's brother, in grade 5 and this girl used to be BEST FRIENDS in the refugee camp in Somalia. Both families had left their homes in Africa and ended up in a camp of many tens of thousands of people. They met and became friends. Two years ago one family left and came to Hamilton. One year ago, the other family left and went to Ottawa, then relocated to Hamilton -- not knowing that their long lost friends were here. And today, they were reunited in the hallway of my school. The best part is that they are in the SAME CLASS now!!
Incredible. Of all the places in the world that these two families could have ended up, and after all that they went through to get here, they end up back together.
*smile*

​~ nina


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© Nina Waddington 2017