Precious Gifts: Learning and Sharing and Community

Jose brought his flag from Bolivia.

Emma, Duna, Sophia and Jose all brought a gift to a phenomenal little country school in rural America:  their individual stories about themselves, their respective countries and their Christmas traditions.  

In most cases, the four guests from Europe and South America had hardly heard of Idaho while going through the grueling process of becoming foreign exchange students. 

In all cases, the four guests have quickly assimilated and truly love  the community and their individual host families while spending their year abroad.

I have a feeling that their visit to Selle Valley Carden School sealed the deal. 

When I heard Emma say to the teachers, "We'll come back sometime," I knew that everyone in that room---students, staff and guest----more than likely went home with  some lifelong memories and inspiration.

Students at Selle Valley Carden School learned from Emma about St. Nickolaus Day (Dec. 6) where shoes are cleaned, polished, put out, and, if children have been good, the next morning they will find their shoes filled with delightful goodies.

In Catalonia, there's a tradition where a log aka "tio," expells/releases gifts and food. 

Duna tried really hard not to use "course" language in describing what happens have kids hit the tio several times with a stick, then go to another room to allow time for the tio to "release" its contents. 

Well, when she told the students about hearing a "fart" in the other room as a signal that the tio had "expelled" its contents, the audience broke into laughter.

Jose told about the all night parties in Bolivia in anticipation of Christmas goodies and gifts. In Bolivia, many homes will have two Christmas trees--one large and one small---both of which, of course will be surrounded with gifts. 

Meanwhile, Sophia focused on Christmas in her hometown of Rome and the Feast of Epiphany (Jan. 6) where the three Kings bring gifts to the baby Jesus.    

Also, on this day an old woman named L Befana flies in on a broomstick bringing presents to children. 

La Befana is believed to be searching for baby Jesus, hence why she bears gifts for children.

During their visit, the visiting students introduced themselves in their native tongues and then told in English about themselves and their respective paths toward becoming exchange students. 

In return for all that Jose, Emma, Sophia and Duna shared, the younger Selle Valley students broke into song, singing carols in German and Spanish. 

Thanks to Selle Valley Carden School and staff for your enthusiasm and ever-present warmth and welcoming ways AND many thanks to Emma, Jose, Duna and Sophia for sharing your stories.   

The program and its magic sped by, ending all too quickly. 

From this ol' teacher's perspective, it was truly a multi-faceted gift I will never forget. 

Happy Thursday on a day when I never forget the day our house burned down on Dec. 20, 1984, and this blessed and generous community of Sandpoint took care of the Love family. 

We never forget and are forever grateful.