Back To School

I used the think that it was the change in the weather--those crisp fall days--that signaled the start of a new school year. I think that's an image that was always portrayed in advertisements or movies as well. Autumn and school go hand in hand. But around here, schools begin classes long before the leaves turn, long before it gets cold, and long before the summer has ended. We're still having warm, sunny days! What I think signals the oncoming school year are the sales in the stores. Clothes, shoes, supplies, furniture are all on special. Many stores have aisles and bins filled with all the things a child or college student could use to make their transition to this year easier or "cooler". Every color, size and shape of pens, pencils, notebooks and backbacks are out there (or so it seems!) Perhaps you as a parent, grandparent or teacher have been shopping recently and know what I mean! Next Sunday, the church I've been attending is having a Blessing of the Backpacks. Any student or teacher is invited to bring along their bookbags and backpacks and supplies, and those people will be prayed for specifically as they each begin the new session, blessing them as they get started back to school.
But what about all the kiddos in this world that aren't able to buy supplies? That don't have access to some basic tools? Perhaps in a small way they can be blessed as well. Early this year, I learned about a program through the organization World Vision. School Tools is a project that collects the very basics of school supplies that can then be shipped to countries in need (think of places like the countries that were affected by the tsunami!). At the website, I learned what was required for my shopping list, and also where to ship the completed packets. A great project for classrooms or youth groups, but also just an individual like me. Inside a plastic gallon zip bag goes two steno books, 8-10 pencils, pink eraser, pencil sharpener, 10-12 pens, ruler, and crayons (24 count). I was able to find this stuff at discount stores and then made packets for less than $7 each! Sure, I'm not financially able to supply an entire classroom with these packets, but I know that even one could make all the difference to the one child that receives it. It's exciting to think of how far these packets might travel and the hands that touch them, and the special child that will use the contents. And maybe they'll even share with a friend, themselves being a blessing to another.