The black binder frequently catches my eye. Even though I know I should be grading papers or involved in other kinds of teaching preparation, I cannot refrain from reading the stories.
On May 10, the German army invaded the Netherlands. Around 4 AM, Bert and his brother were awakened by their mother. The sound of German planes filled the air above their home. Their father, an active member of the Red Cross, already left. The older boys were ordered to take two teams of horses and wagons to the town where they would transport elderly people out of the firing zone. Bert’s mother was now left with the rest of the children, including one child who had not yet celebrated her first birthday. The answer was evacuation. After a tiresome ten-mile bike trip, we arrived at my uncle’s farm. After we arrived, the total number of people numbered around twenty-five.
Rereading these stories and then comparing them to the events in Ukraine leaves no doubt that I need to help these people. I need to keep reminding others to do the same.
The Service Team at school decided to organize a shoe drive for Ukraine. It’s a unique fundraiser because the shoes will be purchased by funds2orgs.com which will then sell them to impoverished countries. These countries will use the shoes to establish micro-businesses. The challenge? We need 100 bags filled with 25 pairs of shoes by May 25. Phew. Right now, we have 8 bags, but that seems like a huge mountain to climb!
However, when I reread the stories of my father’s family, I must persist. We must remember the hardships they are facing and do whatever it takes to help them during these perilous times.
A Journey Worth Remembering 