Liberty In North Korea (LINK)

On April 16th Liberty In North Korea did a presentation at BTW for my US Government students.  They came last year, and it was inspiring.  So when I had the opportunity to bring them again this year - I jumped at the opportunity.  Their purpose is this in a nutshell:  Put the focus back on the people.  Most Americans when you say North Korea we think about them wanting to Nuke America.  But LINK reminds us that there are 24 million people living under an oppressive government.  That is who they are trying to help. 

The stories will shock you about the living conditions in North Korea.  Ultimately my hope for my students are to appreciate the life we have in America!  There is a lot wrong with this country.  We all know that - we all could go around and say something that is wrong with America.  But there is a lot right, and when you compare America to other countries it is amazing!  Boy we live in a great country, where we are fee and have rights!

Last year in the video they showed us, a man was speaking about why he escaped North Korea.  He was blacked out, and his voice changed.  Because he had family still in North Korea and if he was found out they would be punished.  In North Korea if you do something illegal they punish not just you, but three generations.  Isn't that unbelievable?  But this guy said he escaped because he wanted to live life as a human being.  Because in North Korea you are not a human being.  When he said that it broke me heart!

This is what LINK wants to do - make a shift in people's thoughts about North Korea.  They are also lobbying the media to report about the people!

This is the documentary we saw!

 

What will you remember?

Last week was the anniversary of the OKC Bombing.

OKC Bombing

 It was my JFK Moment.  I remember where I was, what I was wearing when I heard the news about the bombing.  They call it the JFK Moment because people remember where they were when they heard the news about JFK.

Moments before JFK was assassinated

So I wanted to know what 9th graders will always remember.  Here are the top answers:

9/11 Attacks

Election of 2008 - President Obama

Boston Marathon Bombing







Sandy Hook Shooting

Colorado Movie Theater Shooting





Power of One

Food Bank

On Saturday April 6th 11 of my students and myself went to volunteer at the NE Oklahoma Food Bank right behind Carver Middle School.  It was the most amazing experience!  I want to go back on my own, and I heard students say that which is great because they got it.  I really want my students to give back to their community, and fall in love with the process!

We were there from 1 to 4 and made "Backpacks for Kids."  Which was just a plastic bag filled with 12 food items.  It was things like apple juice, milk, can of chili, sunflower seeds, corn nuts, and etc.  We made an assembly line and assembled the bags.  It went pretty fast.  That is all we did, and they needed a lot.  Eight went into a box, and we put 24 boxes on a palette.  We made six palletes.  So that is 1,152 "Backpacks for Kids."

What is sad is that is not enough.  They give away 7,000  of them each WEEK to TPS students.  I can not imagine!  After volunteering there I was so grateful that I get to go to the grocery store every week and buy food.  It is something to be so thankful for, and I think most people forget what a gift it is.

I talked to a Mom whose children get a "Backpack" every week, and she said they depend on them!  They don't make enough money to get all the groceries they need, and this program hold them over.  How wonderful there are organizations like this that help out.  That is what I believe now - I want a compassionate and caring government. 

So if you ever have a free morning or afternoon go to the Food Bank.  You won't regret it!

This really gets the point across.  This breaks my heart every time - we live in the greatest country in the world!  No one should be starving!

 

A completed "Backpack" before it was tied off and put in the box

 

The Assembly Line putting the bags together

 

Assembly Line

 

 

 

The box they go into - 8.

 

I could not get the picture to go right side up.  I tried so many times, but finally gave up.  I wanted you to see this.  This is one corner of their warehouse!  It is 13,000 SqFt, and full of food!

 

 

My classes collected over 100 can foods.  We brought it as a donation.

 

Everyone who came at the end

 

 

 

 

Thoughts about Government

I saw this image and quote this weekend and I had to post it.  This quote encompasses my feelings about government perfectly!  I've decided when it comes to government I will always side with kindness and compassion!  Life is hard and sometimes life can throw you a curve ball.  I want a government that will help people!  Because you never know who will need help - it might be you.  I love the part where Roger Ebert says "we must try to contribute joy to the world.."  Think what our world would be like if we all tried!