Contagious Joy
This is the face of happiness. Kaden's smile doesn't need explanation. He shines from the inside out! Loving school, growing in leaps and bounds in his learning, and connecting deeply with his beloved teachers and friends, this exuberant little guy perfectly captures the goodness of school at LWB's Believe in Me Jinjiang School!
What is even more wonderful is that Kaden is now wrapped securely in the arms of his forever family. Adopted in late August, our brave, courageous boy has walked into a whole new life. His intrepid spirit had him immediately embracing the love of his new parents, just as they welcomed him home with hearts wide open.
Kaden is a perfect picture of how a child learns joy and builds trust, bringing those things with him to his new family. Kaden has also had the remarkable opportunity to reunite with an old friend from Jinjiang! Kaden came home to a family who is dear friends with the family of one of his Jinjiang classmates. Wow! We thank our supporters for sharing so generously so that kids like Kaden can thrive!
Thank you from smile to shining smile.
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Dollars for "Likes!"
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Special thanks to Glad Tidings Church of Wilmington, North Carolina, for their continued support of a young boy in LWB's Dingyuan education program. The boys and girls in the church's Vacation Bible School held a friendly competition to raise funds for Ifan's sponsorship. The girls eventually won the competition, but all agreed that the real winner is Ifan!
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Back to School and
"Being the Change"
by Melissa Kramer, Education Director
"Be the change you want to see in the world." -Mahatma Gandhi
I love the quote above, and I know a lot of other people who feel the same. I used to wonder, though, how many of us really try to be that change. I will readily admit that often the thought of really being a defining change in the world is overwhelming. It reminds me of the story "The Boy and the Starfish," about a boy walking along the beach throwing starfish back into the water. A man is walking by and sees that there are thousands of starfish dying on the shore. He says to the boy, "Why bother? You can't possibly save them all... You can't possibly make a difference." The man's words may be considered disappointing, disheartening, and discouraging by many; some would give up, turn away, and agree that it was hopeless. They may want to be the change in the world but never see how they could possibly make a difference, and they may feel "okay" with at least having wished to have made a difference. However, the boy doesn't agree with the man. Instead he smiles, bends down, throws another starfish into the water, and says, "I made a huge difference to that one." I get chills every time I read that story. That, my dear friends, is the same passion, courage, strength, and determination that I love about Love Without Boundaries!
In early August I joined the Education team as Director, after having been blessed to be a part of the LWB family for almost three years now. My most recent position was Associate Director of Finance, helping our executive director, Amy Eldridge, with financial analysis, and for the 2 � years prior, I was the Associate Director of Finance for LWB's Medical team.
I am blessed to be a part of "the change" every day. It is an unbelievable feeling being on this journey with each of you, and for that I give thanks! I feel such excitement each day being able to work with an amazing team of volunteers, who all spend hour after hour tirelessly helping hundreds of children each year to pursue their dreams and achieve more than they ever could without our assistance. At the same time, what a privilege to begin to meet and get to know LWB's faithful sponsors! It is because of you - the wonderful men, women, and families who stand beside us in this great journey of "being the change" - that these precious "starfish" no longer sit on the shore and are instead finding their way through their journey of life.
As you read through this newsletter, I hope that it will touch your heart, and you too may find your starfish to help. Prepare to open yourself to an amazing group of children needing our help!
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Developing Potential
Earlier in the year LWB's Believe in Me Jingzhou School sent their teachers to special training to learn how to incorporate the Montessori method into their classrooms. This approach is dedicated to helping each child achieve his or her potential and develop a lifelong love of learning. This is accomplished through a special way of viewing and teaching children and with hands-on learning materials.
What we typically refer to as child's play is actually an important work of the child and helps to develop an independent and functional individual. When a child is playing, they are creating the person they will become.
Children are eager and spontaneous learners who are curious about the world around them.
Children work in groups and individually to discover and explore knowledge of the world and to develop their maximum potential.
"Education should no longer be mostly imparting of knowledge, but must take a new path, seeking the release of human potentialities."
-Maria Montessori
Because of LWB's devoted sponsors, the children at Jingzhou have this wonderful opportunity to grow and thrive in a hands-on learning environment. We believe the benefits will last a lifetime.
Click here for more information about LWB's Education Program.
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Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School Fundraiser
What do lemonade stands, duct tape, wallets, and garlic mustard weed have in common? Not much, unless you are doing a fundraiser for LWB's Believe In Me Huainan Education program. Children in the Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School of Grand Rapids, Michigan, have been sponsoring six students at the Believe in Me School since the 2008-09 school year. This year fourth grade teachers Mrs. Stegink and Mrs. Lautenbach had ideas that helped their classes reach new levels of giving.
Mrs. Stegink gave her students $5 in "seed" money and told the class to, "make it grow." Her class did just that! Some created and sold feather barrettes, baked goods, and origami; others teamed up with a partner to buy and sell cans of pop for a profit; while other students traded in video games or sat at lemonade stands (one team for seven hours!!). The enthusiasm was intense. One student excitedly reported, "One guy gave us a $7 tip when he knew the money was for orphans in China." Their collective effort raised $800!
Mrs. Lautenbach's class focused on improving the environment, as well as improving the lives of the students in China. They obtained pledges for ridding their city of full bags of the invasive species garlic mustard weed. The class went to Plaster Creek and dug in, ridding the area of this villain. They filled 20 bags and raised $650!
Other third and fourth graders collected donations, bringing the grand total to $2,000! With all their collective efforts, Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School will again be able to sponsor six students at the Believe In Me Huainan School: Danny, Christina, Emma, Julia, Molly, and Megan!
Dr. Mark Krommendyke, principal of the school, states that the opportunity to sponsor the kids in China fits the mission of the students to "reflect their faith," which was the theme for the 2010-11 school year. Students were also challenged to choose one of the students they sponsored and pray for them daily. Specifically the prayer is that each of these sponsored students will not only be given the gift of education, but the gift of a family as well.
It is amazing how the combined effort and enthusiasm of a group of teachers and students working together can impact children a world away! Thank you, Grand Rapids Christian Elementary, for loving and caring for these children. Thank you for your time and efforts. Please be assured that your gift will make a lasting difference in the lives of these kids!
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What Does Devotion Look Like?
Webster's Dictionary tells us that devotion is "love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause."
We see remarkable devotion every day by the teachers caring for the students in LWB's Believe in Me schools. It is evident in the dedication and attention lavished on everything from lesson plans to classroom activities. Even more than that, it is so obvious in the way they love the children in their charge.
The success of our schools isn't just measurable in skills learned, although there are many. It isn't simply defined by busy and engaged students, even as that is amply demonstrated in our classrooms.
What underlies the activity of a school day
are the real truths the children learn:
"I matter."
"I belong."
"People care about me, and I am safe here."
"I have hope."
"I am capable!"
LWB's teachers are the bringers and bearers of these redemptive truths. Our students will hear the echoes of these truths throughout their lives. They are important and lovable. They are smart, curious, and engaging. And, oh, do they ever matter! That is devotion, and it is beautiful!
Would you like to share in this life-changing devotion to our students? You can, by sponsoring a student in one of our Believe in Me Schools for only $20 per month. With this donation you will become an integral part of a child's education experience and will receive quarterly updates and photos of your sponsored student.
Your support makes such a difference!
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