Better Than A Textbook

They’re great neighbors whom everyone loves.  Their two delightful primary and elementary age daughters are textbook examples of courtesy and a conversation with them reveals intelligent minds filled with knowledge and curiosity beyond their years, while still retaining the innocence of childhood.  They’ve graced the neighborhood with their presence since before the youngest was born so there was an element of surprise when the “for sale” sign went up in front of their house.  Surprise deepened when neighbors learned why — an employment opportunity beckons from another continent.

Their new home is a former communist country and for the older neighbors, it’s still hard to imagine an American family with young children willingly uprooting from the land of the free and the brave to take up residence in what is perceived to be an uncertain environment.  But, fortunately, the family sees beyond the older stereotypes and views it as an excellent career move, but most importantly, as a wonderful educational opportunity for their daughters — one they could NEVER receive from a textbook.  They will be going to school with children from all over the world and learning first-hand about a culture far different from theirs on a daily basis.  

Perhaps, in those classrooms, a community as diverse as the world itself, can grow into a “true community” where differences are foundations for learning and similarities are foundations for global understanding and unity.  Hopefully, the adults of the world will take notice and follow the younger generation’s example.

Peace,

Kathy Marie