3/13/11

It's not all Glitter, Play-Doh and Roses, is it?


I started the year with 20 students of varying ability, age and ethnicity.




We’ve worked very hard to build a caring community. We cheer when someone does a great job; we laugh when someone tells a funny story; and we shake our heads when someone forgets the rules.




Last week one of our classmates packed all of her things, and left our school. She and her family moved back to their own country, as her father’s work at the university here was finished. We hugged her, smiled and wished her well on her journey.





Her journey back to Japan.







I’ve spent most of the weekend, as have billions across the world, watching and waiting. Wondering where our darling girl and her family are; and praying with all my might that they are safe.



I am bracing myself for many discussions tomorrow. We will talk about the earthquake, the tsunami, someone's dog, and all kinds of things I can't even begin to imagine.



I don’t know where her family is, but I have emailed anyone who might have an inkling. I am convincing myself that her family told me there were traveling a bit before they headed to Japan, but I’m afraid that might have been wishful thinking. She did, after all, spend a good amount of time at Disney World a month ago.




Tomorrow’s plan for kindergarten?




We’ll sing. We’ll dance. We’ll read. We’ll write. We’ll play. We’ll break some rules.






And we will wrap each of our classmates in love, hugs and comfort; all the while reminding ourselves that each moment is a gift.






And then we will pray for our darling, darling girl.






40 comments:

Liss said...

Hugs to you all. I hope for good news for you soon xxx

Casey Freeland said...

Oh, my heart goes out to you and your classroom community of little darlings. I hope, hope, hope you can find out soon that your little student is just fine.

Cheers,

Casey

Christy said...

Oh my heart stopped reading this. Praying for her and her family. xo

Mary Anne said...

Praying that you get good news and that your darling girl and her family were far away from there. Have you tried the Google people search? Maybe if they have friends and colleagues in the US they've put themselves on there.

Nancy Berk said...

Thinking of you all and praying.

Suzy said...

Have you used Google's People Search for Japan and the aftermath?

http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/?lang=en

flutter said...

prayers and love to so many people in Japan

Cheryl D. said...

I hope you hear something soon and that it's good news!

ChiTown Girl said...

{{{hugs}}}

I hope you hear something soon. I say try the suggestions about about Google.

Vodka Mom said...

I do the name thing every hour or so. I will keep doing it until I hear something.

Ann Imig said...

Holding hope. (Huge hugs)

San Diego Momma/Two Funny Brains said...

"And then we will pray for our darling, darling girl."

...And so will I.

Unknown said...

Closing my eyes,taking a deep breath and then turning around to face those
beautiful faces smiling...as you do :)

Gigi said...

This brings the tragedy and devastation just a little closer to home. Praying for her & her family (and all the people) of Japan.

Macey said...

It's horrible. And it just makes it that much more REAL when you know someone there. I'm so sorry for you and your lil kids.
I've been praying.

Unknown said...

Here's hoping you get good news... I had a sprout move to Japan at the end of last year and JUST got an email from mom that everyone is OK... BEST parent email I've ever received. *hugs*

Phillipia said...

Hugs to you and your students...keep us posted.

Notes From ABroad said...

My sons wife is Japanese , he lived there for 7 years and has friends there as well as her family. We were so very relieved to hear that everyone was alright. He said he did not know anyone who lived where the earthquake/tsunami hit.
So if you know exactly where they were going to be, you might see that they are most likely alright.
My prayers go out for all the people in Japan and their loved ones around the world.

signed...bkm said...

What a beautiful story and many prayers..for this little one and all of the people in Japan...bkm

anymommy said...

Something this big touches so many lives. Keeping her in my thoughts - I so hope that she's safe.

Vodka Mom said...

i am so thankful for the prayers for her. I will let you all know when I hear anything. I am praying, donating, praying and searching for other ways to help. As I am sure you all are, as well.


xx

Brian Miller said...

oh man VM...i pray she and her family are alright...and that tomorrow goes well....

Stacie@hometownperch said...

This brought tears to my eyes. My heart is breaking for all those affected. I hope your sweet girl and her family are safe.

Sodermoto said...

I hope she is alright. :)

Anonymous said...

I have always loved your blog. As a fellow teacher I can relate, but never moreso than now. I don't think that people realize how those little beings become such a part of our lives. We are their teachers but we don't stop thinking about and caring for them after 3 o'clock. They become threads in the tapestry of our lives. Praying for good news soon. May your little one be safe and far from danger. Xxx

G. B. Miller said...

Here's to hoping that there's positive news about your former student and her family.

Froggirl said...

I held my breath when I was reading this. Here's hoping that news comes through for you and your class soon.

Unknown said...

Sending prayers that you'll receive good news VM.

Mrs. E said...

I'll pray too!

Lucia said...

I hope it's good news!

Karen said...

This brought tears to my eyes. Hoping you hear good news soon and adding her and her family to my prayers. We have friends stationed at a military base in Japan and heard Friday (via facebook) they were ok, but haven't heard since. With all the aftershocks and nuclear plant mess, I'm still afraid for them. More and more reasons every day to hug those close to you.

Dawn said...

Oh, VM. Sending prayers...

WeaselMomma said...

This post has sent a chill through my body. I pray that you hear some positive news about her and her family.

BTW, Nice site redesign. I've been MIA for a while and just saw it now for the first time.

SkylersDad said...

I wish for the best outcome, but more, I wish for news of what happened. Because in my book, I need to know, whether it is good or bad news.

Lili said...

Thank you VM for loving all of your students like they're your children.

It is so wonderful and refreshing to see your continued devotion and dedication.

I pray that soon everyone can understand that this world is family-all of us-together.

Blessings

Sharon Rose said...

I have been praying since I read this on twitter. I am wondering how the children in your class are today.

How is your heart? Have you heard anything? I guess that second question may be asking too much as it may be too soon to know.

I am so sad for her, for the family, for all the children, all the families, all those who may not have had families, all those who are lost, who have perished, who will never be the same because of what they have been exposed to mentally and physically in Japan.

Prayer without ceasing. . . that is what we need here.

Lynn said...

I shall be waiting ti hear the outcome of this.

Anonymous said...

I pray that all is well! God bless!

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