-Charles Spurgeonj
The people I have met on previous journeys with Children's Global Alliance understood this quote. Everyone I encountered understood how important it is to live in the moment. The children who we go to teach have taught me more about life than I could ever hope to teach them. Through observation of their actions I have learned how much I have to be appreciative of.
I have a mother, a father, and a brother who support me in all aspects of my life. I learned to be appreciative for this because many of the children in Cambodia did not have parents in their lives at all. This deprivation did not stop them from doing anything, though. They still decided to live in the moment and focus on everything they did have. They were grateful for the opportunity to go to school. Similarly, the children in Tanzania were so excited to learn each and every day. Their excitement to learn rubbed off on me and made me even more excited to teach. It made me more appreciative for the access I have to great education at Eagle Valley High School.
While I was in Tanzania, the school we worked at had a soccer match against a different school in the area. I was so excited to go watch, although, when I got there I realized no girls were playing. That may seem obvious, but I didn't think about it and seeing all boys on the field put some things into perspective. I understood and saw that people couldn't even try some things I am most passionate about. Sports such as soccer and hockey are such a big part of my life, they both bring me much excitement and I have fun doing them. Seeing that girls could not play sports at all made me more grateful for the opportunities I am presented with in the United States.
This year I am traveling to Morocco help teach at Abde Salan Mid-high school. I want to go to Morocco to learn about what else I should be appreciative of. I am going to give the children hope as well. I will show the children that I believe in them and I care about their learning. I hope that me believing in them will encourage them to believe in themselves too.
In Morocco I will strive to share all of my love and to provide hope. Along the way, I know I will gain more understanding about my world too.
