Wednesday October 15. Classroom on Gabriola

Spent the morning catching up on my internet mail both in and out. Lunch time did not occur as I went to Gabriola Elementary School intending to grab a bite between 12 and 1 with the Principal David Elmore, however he got unexpectedly busy and I ended up in the classroom of Lorne Freedman, a grade 3 class. We told a little of our story and asked the class to participate in the writing of stories for our site. The 1-2 class was a grade six class and we also told a little of our story. One of the exercises we did was to tell the story of Nadia and we all sent white healing light to her. By two o'clock we accomplished a fair amount, although time will tell if we had any impact. At Two I went to the staff room and engaged in conversation with Steven from Kenya. He is on an exchange program through Crossroads International. He told me a little of his story on his life in Kenya as a Principal, and the expected hardships when he returns. Apparently, the teacher student ratio in Kenya is 1 teacher to 67 students. Discipline is allowed, and I imagine quite necessary. It is a privilege to be in school in his country. His Principal salary is approximately $150 monthly and he is likely to loose his position because he has gone on this exchange program. Apparently the IMF has instructed his country to reduce the number of teachers. If this is true, and I have no reason to disbelieve this, we should be outraged with the IMF. I will not explore this further for the moment, suffice it to say that this information should encourage our initiative in the minds and hearts of all who are exposed to it.

After this short meeting, Terry Lynn returned to pick both Brandon and I up from the school, and I got back to the house in time to make my 4:30 call to the meeting taking place back in Toronto. The Royal Canadian National Squash League was having its annual kick off dinner meeting and it is has always been a fun event. Having been recently inducted into the Hall of Fame, I did not want my presence to be lacking, so at the appointed time I called, and expressed my interest in participating again this year as well as apologizing for missing this important event.

After the call Terry Lynn, Brandon and I headed out for the Beach to look for whales, sea otters and the like. We were not accommodated by the wildlife, but enjoyed a beautiful walk and sunset along the log strewn shore of the western point of Gabriola Island.

Home to story time and bed.