As Fall is upon us, it is time for me to review the first quarter of the school year. As a retired teacher I give myself this treat and choose to share some of the experiences with you. Since the virus, the students have not visited in large groups but they appear at the front door with unique surprises that are fruits of their labors. I take this opportunity to describe some.
The fourth grade girls and boys are our pen pals. They share talents and likes of their lives and always have questions for us. We have had two exchanges so far this year. My young man asked me, “What is it like to be a nun?” I responded, “It’s like having 24 sisters.” In his next letter he wrote, “It sounds like being a nun is like a lot of people loving you.” How very insightful. I am delighted to share this with you.
The first graders and their kindergarten buddies brought three large posters which are proudly displayed in our dining room. The design is similar to a patchwork quilt allowing spaces for each to be creative. Imposed on two of them is the same quote from St. Teresa of Calcutta: “Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come to you without coming away better and happier.” The third poster has a white center surrounded by patchwork. The message is “BE KIND”. The notation is spelled out in capital letters and in sign language. Very impressive.
The second and fifth grades buddied up to create and send fall leaves constructed of paper and tissue paper in beautiful autumn colors. The combination gives the leaves a three-dimensional effect. Pasted on the completed leaves were little white blocks with the words: “Fall for Jesus—he never leaves”. Displayed on a round woodgrain table made them look like the real deal.
A different experience took place before the school year had begun. The girls’ soccer team showed up at 7:30 a.m. in the monastery chapel. The girls and their coaches joined the sisters for a blessing of their season—a wonderful tradition.
Wishing you a happy autumn.
