Markers.

So, I take much delight in the fact that some of my deepest revelations come through the simplest things. Today, it came through markers.

Today was the first day of Guadalupe STAR Program. After days in the office preparing, training days, and preparing the room, we set in today ready to go. When I found out the materials and resources would be limited, I went to my wonderfully amazing support system of friends and family for assistance, and naturally, they came through. My room is becoming more and more full of supplies, and boxes keep coming. I went home for a lunch break today (a luxury, since I live only two minutes away from the school), and awaiting me were two packages.  A bit later, two more packages showed up.  I am SO appreciative of the kindness, generosity and support of all who helped out. Thank you. Thank you. A million times thank you.

Some of the supplies donated were from the school in Ave Maria. I've mentioned before the wonderful family I  have come to know there, and when I was over their house for breakfast one Sunday morning, I told them about the program and lack of supplies, and they were ready and willing to head up a supply drive at the school. I am so thankful for them, and all who donated to this cause. Naturally, as the year wound down, the kids gave a lot of their old supplies, including markers, crayons, glue, pencils, erasers, etc. (Thank you kids!)

When sorting out the boxes, and putting individual supplies into bags, I quickly noticed the amount of markers that were piling up. I realized a lot of them were lighter than others, meaning, they probably didn't work. I then thought back to my childhood, and the disappointment and frustration that came when I went to place my marker on my white paper to create a masterpiece, and it came out light and dull because, well, the marker was running out of juice. I then had the internal debate of: "Do I just take all the markers, because they were donated and that was really nice? The kids can get what they get." or "Do I go through the markers, one by one, test them out, and pitch the ones that don't work?" I thought about my situation. I had asked for help, people had responded. These kids needed supplies, now we had them. But it also made me think: Just because these children come from low-income families living in a low-income area, does that mean they are supposed to have lower quality things, or should they be able to have access to the same quality resources as the other kids? Yes, this even means having markers that work.

It made me think back to when I was younger, and my mom would have me go through my clothes, find things I didn't wear, and put them in a bag for Goodwill or Salvation Army. I remember hating this process, and though I knew I was doing a good thing, I didn't really understand it. I found clothes that I never wore because of a rip or a stain, and I bagged those up. I remember my mom saying that wasn't right, and questioned why I was giving away clothes that were ruined. I obviously wouldn't wear them, why should I expect someone else to? In my naivety, I thought that well, if they needed the clothes so bad, they would take them, stains, holes, and all. Shame on my young self.

I get it now.


Just because people come from a financially disadvantaged place, doesn't mean they should be given the scraps and the leftovers that no one wants. I, by no means,  want this to sound like I am ungrateful for those markers. I AM IMMENSELY GRATEFUL! But the markers made me think much more grand-scale, and about how I have viewed things in the past. People shopping at the thrift stores want nice clothes, too. (I would know, anything I have bought while in Immokalee has been from the local Goodwill. And thankfully, people have been nicer than the younger me, and have donated cute, good-quality clothes). And, well,  kids want good markers! :)

My kids and I are more than willing to take donated supplies. We welcome it. We appreciate it. We love it. But at the same time, I want them to keep their dignity and not feel like they are getting the scraps. So, does this mean I went through over 300 markers and tested each one out??

Of course I did.

I am so grateful for these little lessons I learn each and every day...through the smallest things. I have been having so many of these beautiful "little moments" here...and I love it. The great part about these moments are they happen every day, in all of our lives. We don't need to be doing anything huge. We don't need to be on a volunteer year. We don't need to be away from home. They are happening every day, everywhere. We just have to notice them.

We are SO thankful for all donations, all supplies, and all materials. This poster hangs in our room, in the middle of the kids' "About Me" pages. We are so thankful for all the help we have received.