20100117-1200

Principal of madrassah -> “Our creator tells us that education is equivalent to worship.” Don’t have a full grasp yet, but the school has been the most moving so far. Maybe because mom and dad are teachers and I hope to be too.

20100117-1300

We watched the national anthem sung/chanted by the students. Reminded me of assemblies at Edgewood, actually. There were so many emotions, spurred by the initial meeting with the principal. Something to do with my folks. One kid, a redhead, was…

...orphaned by the US forces.

Broke my heart. Wish I knew more Arabic, but that’s for another time maybe. I was relieved that the orphans were given priority for choosing from the gifts we brought. He chose a red stuffed bear, like the hair on his head.

We also saw a blown-out door, compliments of the military. I was curious what was inside that they were after, but I knew that it may have just been the only locked door on the premises. Inside was a classroom with chalkboards and desks.

I might get the opportunity to chat with the principal in...

...his home later. I would really enjoy the opportunity to express my “vicarious” grief on behalf of “those soldiers I work with” to the red-headed boy through the principal. Lots of proxies involved and only a slim chance of doing it, but I know it would be very powerful for “the soldiers I work with.”