I love to use a keyboard.
I have been accepted to a master program. It is a ESL program and I have a scholarship through a grant that BSU received. I am only planning on getting the endorsement and not finishing the the program. It has been hard to wrap my mind around being in school again, not to mention that it is school on ZOOM. I am probably older than anyone else in the class by a few decades. Oddly enough the instructors all meet while working at Chico State, many years ago.They are all over now and we all sit down and communicate via the internet.They were in Chico about the time I moved to Yuba City. Life is kinda funny.
This week we had an orientation. We talked about race. There are a few things left on my mind:
It is really hard to have a serious conversation about race with a bunch of young, white teachers who have lived their entire life in Idaho. They just don't have much of a perspective.
I really liked this article, I feel like the last month has left many of us with some confused feelings about ourselves and others.
The discussion left me with some memories of things I have seen and experienced in my life. I lived in Houston Texas between 1964 and 1968. I remember trying to find a picnic spot a park and not being able to use a table because my father wasn't going to eat that close to a black family. I have heard the 'N' word multiple times in my life. It was the 1960's, that was a normal way of thinking and talking.
When we lived in Stockton California, I have many experiences in scary parts of town. I have seen poverty at level that is sad.
Do things need to change? Of course, but let's not forget that things have changed. It is slow, it is painful, it is hard to see, but things have changed and will continue to do so.
What has not changed? That I still believe there is a God that loves everyone. Sometimes I wonder if there are people struggling so that those of us who are not can use our heart and advocate for change. In other words, to bring us closer to God.
At the end of the day it our behavior that defines us. Good intentions are great, but speaking to strangers in need, giving funds to uplifting organizations or teaching our children that skin color is not as important as a persons heart, are more important than good intentions.
These thoughts have kept me up at night. I get up and read scriptures in the middle of the night. I find peace and sleep. I think we could all use a little more Jesus in our lives.
One more thing. Today is my Birthday! I was really thinking of a year ago. It was the last time I have seen my Canadian family. The boarder is closed for another month and really, probably until there is a vaccine. I miss the girls. I sent them shoe money. I always buy them new shoes. It's not the same, but it is what you have to do when you are living in a Pandemic.
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