It's back-to-school time! The teachers in my district returned August 1 and today they're welcoming their new classes. I'm sure there were some children with mixed emotions this morning. While it's exciting to begin a new school year, it's tough to say goodbye to the fun and freedom of summertime. Imagine all the new school supplies that are being transported to classrooms! Today's table is built around new supplies which will soon be making their way to school.
I just had to use my vintage glass apple plates and rested them on "placemats" I fashioned from boxes of colored pencils.
I just had to use my vintage glass apple plates and rested them on "placemats" I fashioned from boxes of colored pencils.
(I tucked the flatware in the napkins.)
Last summer I posted about the carousel animal glasses which had belonged to my grandparents. The brightly colored prints seemed a good fit for this tablescape!
Bowls and a vase of school supplies make an easy centerpiece.
These pencils, colored pencils, crayons, sharpeners, scissors and glue sticks will soon be going to a classroom in Haiti. As you know, extreme poverty exists there. The people live on less than a dollar a day and there isn't any financial assistance available. A local man here in town, Steven Smith, founded H.I.M. (Haitian Island Ministries) and is completely committed to its operation. His ministry meets the physical and spiritual needs of the people by providing medical care, feeding programs and education. A circle group of women at my parents' church generously donate cash. My mother then uses that money to purchase boxes and boxes (cases)of prenatal vitamins, children's vitamins and cold medicines which are dispensed in the H.I.M. clinics and schools. H.I.M. now has five schools and since more than 70% of the adults there are unable to read and write, the need for educating these children is crucial. It's been Randy's and my privilege to help some with their school program for several years and one of the ways we assist is through the gift of supplies. The next time Steve Smith goes to Haiti, he will take these items (and some not pictured) to one of the schools.
If not today, all schools will soon begin. I pray that teachers and children, worldwide, have a smooth and happy first day of school!
If not today, all schools will soon begin. I pray that teachers and children, worldwide, have a smooth and happy first day of school!