Thankful.

It finally happened. After planning for days, requesting and collecting 45 donated kites, tracing kite cut out, organizing 18 high school volunteers, rounding up 20 college volunteers, four batches of cookie dough (three of which I had to remake), two hours of rolling, cutting and baking, several attempts at just the right frosting colors, and a thousand prayers, it finally happened.

Kite day happened.

And, despite the rain and murky day, it was INCREDIBLE. We read a really hilarious book, got some one on one reading time, made a decorative kite, and decorated two delicious sugar cookies for a snack! Then, they received their VERY OWN kite to take home and fly with their families. How cool.

My high school students did a great job interacting with the kids and helping them get everything decorated and assembled. The kids had a really great time with them!

However, my college friends knocked it out of the park. I've never been more proud of my friends. They rose to the occasion and showed up ready to serve and ready to love those kids. And that's exactly what they did.

I saw my two worlds collide. I often catch myself talking with my college friends entirely too much about my students. I often think, "I'm sure they don't want to hear this, but..." But in all honestly, that is my life. School and teaching are my reality. I devote eight hours each day (Who am I kidding? 12+ hours) to my students. When that much of your thought is devoted to one thing, you're bound to talk about it.

I wasn't expecting what happened at dinner, though. I sat with a couple of my best friends who volunteered, and I found them doing the exact same thing I did!

There is something about a child that is infatuating. Their innocence, curiosity and honesty pull us in and intrigue us. They steal our hearts quicker than it can beat.

When we spend any significant time with them, we can't help but reflect aloud and talk about them.

Today, my buzz word is thankful. I am so thankful for the 20+ people who purchased a kite for this special day. I'm thankful for my high school volunteers who instigated this day. I'm thankful for my college friends who loved the kids with such ferocity. I'm thankful that God provided the means and inspiration.

So, instead of another written thank you that can often seem empty. I'll let the kids tell you.

* This is Victor's thank you note. Apparently he views himself and his volunteer as a mixture of Patrick from Spongebob and Pooh. Also note that victors hair flows seamlessly into his rainbow. If only he had drawn skittles.

*This is Dorian's thank you card. I swear children's book authors need to look no further than children's drawings for inspiration. This could be a story about two boys desperately fighting their way through our cruel world with no necks... or torsos...or shoulders...or hips.

Peace, Love and Thank You!

Seth