Judy
Kleiner, Christel House Supporter
Early in
June, I had the good fortune to visit Christel House Mexico. It was my third trip
to this school and my 11thvisit to a Christel House school. For this
trip, I brought a family member, Vicki, to see what Christel House is all
about.
Sunday was spent exploring the old section
(Zolcalo) of Mexico City, visiting the incredible Museo National de Antropolgia
and having lunch in a beautiful old style restaurant. It was all fantastic, but Monday, June 10th,
was the big day – visiting Christel House! Joined by Cindy, a generous and
passionate supporter of CH, Christel herself, and Joe, CH CFO, we headed out
early to the school. We were greeted warmly by the entire student body, faculty
and staff.
First, there
was a welcoming ceremony with current students of all ages, plus alumni of the
school, who together joined in singing, dancing, reciting poetry and explaining
to us some of the history of their country and city. All of the guests
participated in the ceremony when we got to help hand out CH pins to the
graduating 9th graders.
Next, each
visitor was assigned to student guides from the 6th grade. This was
a chance for these students to practice their English and show off their
school. We toured every room while our guides explained everything and engaged
us in polite conversation asking us about our favorite colors, music and foods
etc.
Throughout
the classrooms learning was taking place. Students were attentive, well behaved
and engaged. There was an energy in every part of the school. The students’
bright and shining faces, clean uniforms and neat hair were in sharp contrast
to the environment in which they live.
In the
afternoon, we visited the homes of three students. It is truly impossible to
understand the hardships and poverty the students and their families endure; however,
visiting with the families gets you a little closer. I understood why when one
of the students was asked what she liked the best about Christel House she said
the computers and the bathrooms. Yet, despite these conditions, you witness the
same feelings of hospitality, pride, hope, love, dignity and sacrifice we all
experience. You feel the commonality that we all share.
When I got
home I did what I always do, I counted my blessings. Chief among them, I
happened to have been born into a family with the resources to provide me with
many opportunities. I want to help those without that fortune to have at least
one of the most important opportunities – an education.
Lastly, I
thought how wonderful that I had the chance to introduce another member of my
family to my Christel House family.
If you care
at all about children, education, teaching or making the world a better place –
you HAVE to visit a CH school. This is one of the few places I have found where
true and lasting change is happening to transform the lives of children born
into poverty.
Please consider
contributing to Christel House. This is an organization of truly amazing people
doing things everyday that break the cycle of poverty not only for their
current students but also for future generations. They deserve our support. And
go visit!!! It will change your life and give you hope - I promise!
