open mouth, insert foot

After grumbling about the faculty meeting I had to go to, I was humbled by what occurred there.  Our principal lit a candle, showed a PowerPoint presentation of current scenes from China and then we had a moment of silence.  The moment turned into several moments of unuttered gratitude for the lot we have as we became aware of the devastation that faces so many.  Untold numbers dead.  A million homeless?  Choosing to live outside until the probability of aftershocks pass.  Parents losing their only child who was their whole life.

Our Chinese students have all talked about wanting to quit school, go home and volunteer for the recovery and clean up process, even though all of their families are safe.  They have asked us to work with them to raise money, instead, to send home.  Next week, we will hold an assembly where the Chinese students will speak to the rest of the student body and devise a plan for sending aid. 

So, I end my long week with gratitude for the safety of my children, my health, a roof over my head, work that challenges me, friendships that push me and sustain me and the ability to still be "inspired by beautiful things".