My husband and I have been blessed with a retirement where we have been able to do a great deal of traveling. We have traveled extensively in the United States, visiting all 50 States since we retired a decade ago, and also many other countries in our amazing world.
The one common thing we’ve found everywhere we go are lovely people. The news focuses on the difficulties in the world, and my heart breaks for people in those regions. But, I think we sometimes forget that most of the world is full of kind and interesting people, living a life full of heritage, stories, trials and triumphs, and trying to bring sunshine into their part of our world. We all really want the same things. We have so much more in common than our differences. And our differences are what make us interesting.
We have been to many places where supposedly the country is not currently “getting along” with the US and vice versa. Those are the governments of the countries, and they are working out complicated issues that matter on both sides. But, the people continue to be charming and welcoming everywhere we go.
As we near the American celebration of Thanksgiving, it’s my hope that as educators, we can do our little bit to authentically expose our students to the positives of our world and the people everywhere, and to be thankful for what we have. And perhaps reach out to those less fortunate with a message of hope and friendship and some needed help.
