Good Luck, Friends

After Diana's presentation yesterday, we continued the Chinese New Year celebration by making messages that incorporated our Chinese zodiac symbols. We knew Tucker Room children were either born in the year of the Goat or the Horse, and we researched the animals for siblings, friends and family in the course of writing messages. We also practiced out Chinese calligraphy and had a special snack of mandarins for good luck.  

Today we also got an update on our guests downstairs. Not only did they receive our message and bag lunches yesterday, they also wrote their names for us. Since we had made extra lunches, Rachael took a few around to folks in the neighborhood, including the gentleman we’ve seen on Wisconsin. She learned yesterday that his name is Chad and his dog’s name is Scooby.

The children loved this and began to talk about things they could do for Scooby. They suggested we give him food, a bone, or a dog toy. Some had ideas about things we could do to help Chad, like give him a flashlight for the dark. There was a lot of interest in building him a house, but even if we had the materials and the know-how, we don’t know that he would have a place to put it. The children thought a bit about the problem of having no land to place your home—or even your tent. Austin wondered if Chad and Scooby could live on a beach. We explained that that even at the beach it could be cold this time of year and they may not be allowed in any case. Lou Lou suggested we give him money to travel someplace warm. Jossie added that later, someone there could give them money to come back here.
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So many ideas and observations, so much compassion and generosity. Every day we are more amazed at the Tucker Room children’s interest in and concern for the world and the people around them. Though we never met our guests, we will always feel a connection and we are grateful to St. John’s Church for giving us the opportunity. We have been moved by the children’s openness, awareness, and sensitivity toward these members of our community—and by the strength of their desire to help.   Have a wonderful weekend, and Happy New Year!