“We can only use those 14 years and up.”
This is what we were told when we showed up at the local church where tornado clean up efforts were being coordinated.
I understand why they made that rule…….sort of.
Yes, I know there are dangers of glass, nails, debris and other safety issues that kids aren’t necessarily ready to face, however, we decided to head out to the field on our own and 5 hours later, this is what we learned.
8 and 10 year olds know how to…
pray,
pick up trash,
pick up someone’s garage door,
pick up insulation,
work hard,
and care.
They may not be fourteen yet, but they now understand more about the force of an EF3 tornado.
They see why it’s a big deal to stay informed and have a safety plan during bad weather. They now know better why we don’t stay in cars during a tornado.
They understand how trash and debris can affect our waters and wildlife.
They can especially appreciate God’s protection knowing there were no fatalities and very few injuries.
Hopefully the next time we hear sirens and enter our “safe room”, they will remember that God is bigger than any bad thing that could possibly come our way.
They have a better understanding of how people can help one another…
by passing out bottled water,
receiving free food from community businesses,
and the discovery, saving, and return of somebody’s cherished friends.
No, they aren’t yet fourteen. They aren’t adults. They are eight and ten, and they were very valuable volunteers today. They worked just as hard as any of the 500+ volunteers on site today and I believe they will teach their future children how important it is to help when help is needed.
“8 and 10 going on 14, going on 41, going on 81“, as I see it. One generation teaching another generation to care about people. Learning to be kind, compassionate, and caring toward one another.
This is Christian Homeschooling 101, and we don’t even care that we didn’t get our book work done today!
Julie
